Why I made soft, natural dog treats (after my Shih Tzu kept getting sick). One allergy test later...

I got my first Shih-tzu, Sylvie, and very quickly realized something was wrong.

She wouldn’t eat. Or she’d vomit after meals and become lethargic. She was my first dog ever, and I felt like a failure after every snubbed snack.

Then her siblings Loki and Gator started having the same digestive issues. (yes, we named them after the Loki variants… we are big Marvel fans) 

So I did what every anxious new dog owner does — I went down a late-night research rabbit hole trying to figure out:

• Why is my small dog so picky?

• Why does my dog throw up after treats?

• Are treats harder for small dogs to digest?

• Are chicken treats actually causing allergies?

That’s when I started learning a few things many Shih Tzu owners eventually discover.

Plus, I learned that Shih tzus can just be difficult and picky when they just want something new 😂

Getting my Shih Tzus tested for allergies

First, we got all 3 dogs allergy tested (warning: it cost a fortune because insurance didn’t consider it necessary).

Sure enough, they tested as extra sensitive to chicken and beef. Any score 80–299 is considered a potential allergen and Sylvie scored a 238 for chicken!

What I learned about Shih Tzus, picky dogs, and treats

1. Chicken sensitivity is extremely common (especially in small breeds).
I didn’t realize how many dogs react poorly to chicken until I saw it mentioned over and over again. As shown in the pictures above, Sylvie scored a 238 sensitivity to chicken (anything above 80 is considered a potential allergen).

2. Many treats are physically hard for small dogs to digest.
Sylvie vomited after those “rawhide alternative” kebab chews.
It turned out the issue wasn’t necessarily ingredients. It was size and density.

Small dogs and senior dogs often:

• swallow pieces instead of chewing

• can’t break down dense chews

• struggle with tough jerky or tendons

3. Picky dogs aren’t just dramatic (though Shih Tzus definitely are).
A lot of picky eating is actually:

• texture sensitivity

• smell aversion

• novelty seeking

• or mild stomach upset after previous treats

So they start associating treats with feeling bad.

For a while we stuck to single-ingredient freeze-dried snacks. But they crumble, they’re dusty, and they don’t satisfy a dog that wants to chew something.

I wanted a treat that was:

• gentle on digestion

• still chewy

• small-dog friendly

• not a giant bully stick

• and not rock-hard jerky

What makes a treat easier for small dogs and seniors to digest?

After working with a manufacturer, a vet nutrition consultant, and a lot of trial and error with my own dogs, I learned the most important factor owners overlook:

Texture matters as much as ingredients.

Dogs like mine didn’t need just “natural treats.” They needed a soft chewy texture.

Here’s what tends to work best for sensitive or picky dogs:

 

Why freeze-dried wasn’t the full solution

So I worked with my co-partner in an FDA-registered facility to make Barkfast Waffles, a soft, chewy lamb jerky for picky sensitive dogs like mine:

• Lamb is the first ingredient and the only protein (no chicken or beef)

• Only 4 ingredients total (sweet potato, blueberry, vegetable glycerin)

• Soft enough for small Shih Tzu jaws or senior dogs. Positive reviews on Amazon say that the texture is like a cookie or protein bar.

• All natural, made in the USA

Note: Each Waffle is about 1.5 inches wide, so it's still a substantial chew for bigger dogs in multi-dog households.

Here's a discount if anyone wants to try us out.

• Here on our website: use code 15OFF for 15% off + free shipping.

• We’re also on Amazon (4.9 star reviews). Jeff Bezos does take a huge cut, and we can’t offer a discount there, but I understand the convenience.

What if my dog doesn’t like it?

Look, I have three Shih Tzus. I understand how their tastes can change by the hour.

If you purchase Waffles on our website using code REDDIT, just email us for a refund. No need to send the bag back. Donate it to a shelter or a less picky dog lol.

Mostly, I just hope this helps someone else who’s staring at a bowl at 1 a.m. wondering what they’re doing wrong.

You’re probably not doing anything wrong; some dogs just need a different kind of treat.