Is chicken bad for Shih Tzu

Is Chicken Good For Shih Tzu: A Comprehensive Guide

Its no secret that Shih Tzus are beloved pets worldwide. But when it comes to their health and nutrition, pet owners must be sure they are doing the best they can for their furry companions. One of the most common questions Shih Tzu owners ask is, Is chicken good for Shih Tzu?

In this comprehensive guide, well look at how to determine if the chicken is right for your pup, how much is too much, and the potential risks associated with feeding Shih Tzu chicken.

This article will provide an in-depth look at everything you need to know about feeding your Shih Tzu chicken, from safety to benefits and even special considerations. We hope it helps you make an informed decision about whether or not to include this protein in your pups diet.

The Benefits of Feeding Chicken to Shih Tzus

Adding chicken could be a great choice if youre considering incorporating lean proteins into your pets diet! Is chicken good for Shih Tzu? It provides essential vitamins and minerals necessary for overall health and offers easy digestion and cost savings compared with other types of meat available today. Plus, who doesnt love feeding their dog tasty treats?

1. Nutritional Benefits

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein and essential fatty acids forhealthy coat growth. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron, phosphorus, and B vitamins that are important for overall health. It is also low in fat and amino acids, which can help support muscle growth and development. Lets check in detail:

1.1. Protein Powerhouse

Chicken is one of the best protein sources for dogs, offering an abundance of essential amino acids that help maintain healthy muscles and organs. Protein helps keep your pups energy levels up and can improve their coat health by providing essential fatty acids. When shopping for chicken for your pup, look for organic, free-range options raised without any hormones or antibiotics.

1.2. Vitamin-Rich

Chicken is also a great source of vitamins, including B vitamins like thiamin and niacin, and vitamins A and E. Vitamin A is important for maintaininggood vision, while vitamin E helps protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. B vitamins help with digestion and metabolism while also helping keep the nervous system functioning properly.

1.3. Minerals Galore

In addition to its vitamin wealth, chicken contains several minerals that can benefit your Shih Tzus health. These include iron, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, zinc, copper, and manganese. Iron helps form hemoglobin which carries oxygen around the body, while phosphorus strengthens bones andteeth; magnesium boosts energy production; selenium improves thyroid function; zinc boosts immunity; copper helps form red blood cells; and manganese aids in tissue repair.

2. Easy to Digest

Another benefit of feeding your Shih Tzu chicken is that it is very easy to digest. It makes it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues since the protein in chicken is easily broken down by their bodies. Additionally, because it has fewer calories than other proteins like beef or pork, it can be a great option for dogs trying to lose weight ormaintain their current weight level.

3. Cost Effective

Chicken tends to be one of the least expensive options when buying meat for your pup and can stretch further than other options like beef or lamb due to its lower calorie content per serving size. It makes it an ideal choice if youre looking to keep costs down while still providing quality nutrition for your furry friend.

So next time youre at the store picking up food items for your pups daily meal plan, consider adding some boneless skinless chicken breast. Your little buddy will thank you with lots of tail wags!

The Drawbacks of Feeding Chicken to Shih Tzus?

While there are many benefits to feeding your pup chicken, there are also some potential drawbacks that you should consider before making this decision.

1. Allergies

One of the potential cons of feeding chicken to Shih Tzus is that some dogs may be allergic to it. Symptoms of a chicken allergy in dogs can include itching, redness, and swelling. If your dog has any of these symptoms, its important to take them to the vet to rule out an allergy.

2. Digestive Issues

Some dogs may have difficulty digesting chicken, leading tovomitingor diarrhea. If your dog has any digestive issues after eating chicken, its important to take them to the vet to rule out any other underlying health problems.

3. Obesity

If your Shih Tzu eats too much chicken, it may start to gain weight. If your dog starts to gain weight, its important to talk to your vet about changing its diet.

4. Excess Protein

While protein is essential for dogs, too much can lead to health problems. Too much protein in a dogs diet can cause liver and kidney problems, so its important to ensure your dogs diet contains the right balance of nutrients.

5. Salmonella Poisoning

Salmonellais a bacteria found in raw chicken, and if your Shih Tzu eats raw chicken, it could become sick with salmonella poisoning. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. If your dog has any of these symptoms, its important to take them to the vet immediately for treatment.

What is the Best Meat for Shih Tzu?

Choosing the right meat for your beloved Shih Tzu can be difficult. A diet rich in quality proteins is essential to your pups health and well-being, so you want to choose the best meats available. Lets look at some of the best meat protein sources that are perfect for your Shih Tzu.

1. Chicken

Chicken is one of the most popular and nutritious meats for dogs, including Shih Tzus. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids necessary for growing puppies and adult dogs. Chicken is also low in fat, making it a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs orfood allergies. However, chicken needs to be cooked thoroughly to avoid potential bacterial contamination.

2. Beef

Beef is another great option for your pups daily diet. Beef contains essential vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron, vitamin B12, and selenium that are important for all areas of canine health, including coat, skin, muscles, bones, and teeth. Beef also provides a good source of healthy fats, which can help keep your pup full longer between meals. As with chicken, beef should always be cooked thoroughly before feeding your pup to avoid potential bacteria or parasites that could cause dog illness.

3. Fish

Fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, or mackerelare a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain in older pups or those with arthritis. Fish also contains vitamins B6 & D, which are important for keeping skin healthy and aiding in brain development in puppies. Make sure you cook fish thoroughly before feeding it to your pup!

4. Turkey

Turkey is a leaner alternative to beef since it contains less fat than other types of red meat. It also has high levels of selenium, which helps boost immunity and fight off disease in dogs. Plus, turkey has many essential vitamins like B12, which help keep your dogs energy levels up throughout the day! The downside with turkey is that it can be tough to digest, so introduce it gradually into their diet.

All in all, there are plenty of alternatives to feeding your Shih Tzu something other than chicken! Beef, fish, and turkey are all good options as they contain lots of nutrients and minerals that will benefit your pups health in the long run. Introducing these new meats slowly into their diet gives them time to adjust.

Conclusion

Chicken is a great meat for Shih Tzus. It is packed with protein and essential nutrients for a healthy pup. You can feed your Shih Tzu chicken every day, and they will love you for it! However, cook the chicken thoroughly to avoid any potential health problems. And as always, consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about whats best for your beloved pet. Thanks for reading, and we hope this article was helpful. Remember to share with your friends blessed to have a Shih Tzu!

FAQs

Can Shih Tzu Eat Chicken Daily?

Yes, Shih Tzu can eat chicken daily in moderation. However, it is important to keep other sources of protein in the diet and consult with a veterinarian before making any major dietary changes. Too much chicken could lead to digestive issues and potentially other health concerns, so it is important to ensure that the pups diet is balanced and nutritious.

How much Chicken can a Shih Tzu Eat?

For optimal nutrition, the amount of chicken a Shih Tzu can eat should be determined according to their age and weight. Puppies should have more protein in their diets than adults, but portion sizes should still be kept manageable. Generally, no more than 15-20% of their daily caloric intake should consist of cooked and unseasoned chicken. It is important to consult your veterinarian for advice on the best diet for your pup.

Can Shih Tzu eat raw chicken?

While some experts say that raw chicken is safe for Shih Tzu, it isnt recommended as a regular diet. Raw chicken can contain bacteria and parasites, which increases the risk of foodborne illness and malnutrition in these small dogs. Its best to feed Shih Tzu cooked chicken in moderation and keep him/her on a balanced diet of premium dog food specifically designed for their size and breed.

Can Shih Tzu eat Chicken bones?

No, Shih Tzu should not eat chicken bones. Chicken bones can splinter and damage a dogs digestive system, causing infections and other health issues. It is best to feed your Shih Tzu a nutritionally balanced diet that does not include chicken bones.

At what age Shih Tzu puppy can eat Chicken?

A Shih Tzu puppy can start eating chicken when it is 8 to 10 weeks old and has been weaned from its mothers milk. It is important to always check with your vet first before introducing any new food. Make sure the chicken has been cooked thoroughly and cut into small pieces for the puppy to eat safely.

What Foods Are Bad, Poisonous, & Toxic to Shih Tzus? 25 Bad Foods!

As a Shih Tzu owner, you will know only too well how delicate their little stomachs can be. They are renowned for being sick after certain foods, and far more than other breeds might be. Its not always possible to keep your dog from reacting badly to certain foods, but you can eliminate a lot of sickness by not letting them eat foods that are bad for Shih Tzus.

I recommend you print this list off and stick it your refrigerator some of the foods I list that your dog should avoid, arent just bad for your Shih Tzu, they could even be fatal. Some will poison your dog and are foods that are toxic to Shih Tzus.

Because of this, Ive put the most poisonous foods to Shih Tzus first on the list. It explains why they are toxic and even how much they might eat before you call a vet.

Bottom line though; if your Shih Tzu eats anything they shouldnt, dont wait to read notes like this on the Internet call your vet!

So, if you want to find out what food Shih Tzus cant eat, plus some plants that are poisonous to them too read on.

Poisonous foods for Shih Tzus

Like most dogs, Shih Tzus will eat whatever you put in front of them. If you happen to drop something on the floor and they gobble it up, in most cases, they should be fine with eating things in moderation.

However, there are some foods that are extremely toxic and not safe for Shih Tzus to eat, even in small amounts. Knowing what Shih Tzus cannot eat is really important in keeping your dog safe.

Heres the most dangerous foods for Shih Tzus, followed by things that they eat that are not poisonous as such, but are still bad.

1. Chocolate

This is most commonly misunderstood food that Shih Tzus cannot eat, and the one that leads to most people having to call a vet.

Its all due to the toxic theobromine substance in chocolate. Just small amounts can make your Shih Tzu sick, so if chocolate drops on the floor, pick it up immediately. In large quanties your dog will vomit, and in more serious cases develop an abnormal heartbeat, tremors, seizure, and even death.

Dark chocolate is the most dangerous and poisonous to Shih Tzus as it contains more of the theobromine.

2. Onions, garlic, leeks and chives

All of these foods are in the Allium family. Anything in this bracket is a poisonous food for Shih Tzus, whether its been boiled, cooked, or whatever its not something your Shih Tzu should eat ever.

These foods are said to makes dogs feel poorly and in larger amounts can lead to red blood cell damage. You wont always see symptoms of poisoning straight away as it can take a few days for the toxic effects to take effect.

3. Artificial sweetener (xylitol) in gum and mints

Xylitol is one of the most toxic things a Shih Tzu can eat, and is commonly found in some mints and sugar-free gums.

According to research (see research published on MSU.edu), xylitol is 100 times more toxic than chocolate is for dogs. If they just eat one stick of gum with xylitol, a small dog could see their blood sugar levels dip considerably.

If the small dog went onto to eat a whole pack of gum with 10 sticks containing toxic xylitol, it could damage their liver irreparably and possibly even kill them.

Other foods and household items that can contain xylitol include:

• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Peanut butter
• Sugar-free candy
• Sugar free breath mints
• Fruit drinks
• Jellies and jams
• Cereals
• Baked goods
• Sugar-free puddings and Jello
• Over the counter vitamin supplements

4. Candy and sweets

Its not just the foods above that come with toxic xylitol. Some candy brands do too, so always check the labelling.

To be frank, you shouldnt be letting your dog eat candy anyway, even if its free of poisonous xylitol. Why? Its due to the sugar levels plus theres also the risk of choking or blockages in your Shih Tzus digestive tract or tooth fractures.

5. Certain peanut butter brands

Our Shih Tzu loves peanut butter. Its one of his favorite treats, especially when we put it in a Kong Toy.

However, some peanut butter brands include xylitol. This substance is toxic to dogs and needs to be avoided at all costs due to poisoning.

6. Corn on the cob

Corn on the cob is not among the poisonous foods for Shih Tzus, but it is dangerous due to the cob part. These can lodge in the throat of your dog and intestines, so should be avoided at all costs.

Sweetcorn is fine, as this will be easily digestible though.

7. Cooked bones

Dogs love to eat bones. Everyone knows dogs love bones, but they are dangers with this food type.

When bones are cooked, they become brittle and can break apart. This means that when Shih Tzus eat cooked bones, small slithers can perforate their internal organs, leading to big risks to their health with possible fatal consequences.

8. Avocado

Fruit is a great food for Shih Tzus, but not all fruit! Avocado is one such, as it can be bad for Shih Tzus but only when prepared in a particular way.

Avocados contain a poisonous toxin called persin which when eaten in large quantities can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. However, persin is mostly concentrated in the avocado skin and pit, rather than the fleshy part.

So, should your Shih Tzu eat an avocado, chances are you wont have any problems. But, its still worth avoiding, especially the toxic parts the skin and stone.

9. Grapes and raisins

Another group of fruits that can be poisonous to your Shih Tzu are grapes and raisins. They are a toxic food for Shih Tzus and can lead to kidney failure when eaten in large quantities.

10. Macadamia nuts and walnuts

All nuts should really be avoided in a Shih Tzus diet, as they are just the right size and texture that lead to choking. However, these two nuts which are potentially toxic to dogs.

When eaten at volume, both can result in diarrhea, sickness, and the possibility of canine pancreatitis.

The side effects of Macadamia nuts are very nasty and rank high on the list of poisonous foods for Shih Tzus the poisoning can result in hyperthermia, tremors, vomiting, and lethargy.

11. Cherry, peach, and plum pits

Due to the size of pips and seeds like this, they can become lodged in the intestines of smaller dogs like Shih Tzus. Blockages are a very real risk, so dont let things like this anywhere near your dogs mouth.

There are also trace elements of cyanide in the pits of some fruits like peach and plum. It would take a heck of a lot to poison your Shih Tzu, but its a bad food either way.

12. Mustard seeds

Mustard is so vomit-inducing to Shih Tzus that vets sometimes use it to make dogs sick up for medical purposes. The seeds in particular are very toxic as they contain poisonous elements to dogs.

13. Coconuts and coconut oil

A little bit of coconut is unlikely to harm your Shih Tzu, but the milk and white flesh of a coconut is known to cause stomach upsets in dogs.

The reasons coconut water should be avoided is due to the potassium in it, at high levels too.

14. Yeast dough

When ingested, yeast dough will heat up and then start to rise and create gas. This is very problematic in a Shih Tzus digestive system, leading to extreme pain, bloating, and possibly the twisting of their gut.

Its potentially fatal, so if your Shih Tzu eats yeast dough, visit a vet immediately the yeast can also change into ethanol, a highly potent alcohol.

15. Alcohol

This is good time to talk about alcohol dangers and how dangerous this drink can be for dogs.

Alcohol consumption can make your Shih Tzu have diarrhea, vomit, difficulty in breathing, tremors, a lack of coordination, abnormal blood acidity, central nervous system depression, and even a possible coma or death.

Giving your dog alcohol isnt funny and can kill them.

16. Hops

On a similar topic, the hops that are used in home brewing kits are also a dangerous ingredient for Shih Tzus to eat. There are compounds in the hops that lead to malignant hyperthermia.

That means your Shih Tzus temperature can rise rapidly, possibly causing permanent damage to the organs and brain or even death.

17. Coffee, caffeine, and tea

Drinks with in are bad for Shih Tzus. Its all down to the methylxanthines in the caffeine which causes similar bad reactions in dogs to chocolate.

If your Shih Tzu has licked up a couple of coffee granules, chances are he will be fine. But in large amounts such as loose tea and coffee beans, it could be very harmful and require vets help.

18. Nutmeg

Myristicin us a toxic substance with trace amounts found in nutmeg. When dogs eat it in large amounts it can lead to various problems including abdominal pain, increased heart rate, seizures, and even the possibility of hallucinations.

19. Moldy food

If your dog has access to trash, be very careful. Moldy food is bad for Shih Tzus as it can contain mycotoxins. Mycotoxins grow on moldy food and make it poisonous when ingested.

Bad food for Shih Tzus

In addition to the foods that are bad for Shih Tzus, there are others. Whilst they are not strictly considered poisonous and toxic, you should avoid them due to the potential negative side effects. For example, weight gain.

20. Milk and dairy products

Many Shih Tzus will be lactose intolerant, meaning dairy products can make them sick. Dogs dont have the same digestive system as us and can find it hard to break down lactose in milk, meaning runny diarrhea issues!

21. Blue cheese

Given that you know dairy is bad option for dogs, it should come as no surprise that some cheeses can be dangerous. Avoid the blue cheeses, Roquefort, and Stilton. They have roquefortine C which is known to cause very bad reactions in dogs.

This can include symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. In more extreme cases your Shih Tzu could develop seizures and tremors if they eat a lot of blue cheese.

22. Meat and eggs that have not been cooked properly

Many owners now feed their Shih Tzu a raw diet, and theres nothing wrong with that providing they get all the nutrients and goodness required.

However, there is some research to suggest that bacterial infections such as Salmonella and E. coli can be contracted by dogs eating raw meat.

23. Food and drinks with high sugar content

Sugary food and snacks arent good for us, so they certainly arent for your dog. In fact, this is one of the worst foods for Shih Tzus, and can result in a range of health problems.

Dogs that have too many snacks with sugar content are at risk of developing diabetes, weight gain, and even decayed teeth and gums. Sugar can also upset delicate Shih Tzu tummies too, so something to avoid at all costs.

24. Food high in salt and sodium content

Just like lots of sugar, the same applies to salt content. Food that is high in sodium can potentially poison your Shih Tzu but is most likely to lead to them getting extreme thirst and increased urination in the volume it would be in dropped food.

If your Shih Tzu does eat lots of salt, the warning signs are very severe and include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, high body temperature, and seizures.

25. Fatty foods

Fatty foods such sausage, bacon, burgers, and fried food can result in upset stomachs. If your Shih Tzu gets to eat these tasty snacks over a prolonged period of time, it could even result in pancreatitis.

Yes, its hard to say no to those pleading eyes when they beg for your food, but often the tastiest food is the worst for Shih Tzus.

What plants are poisonous to Shih Tzus?

There are also things your Shih Tzu should not eat outdoors including the following toxic plants.

• Aconitum
• Amaryllis bulbs
• Asparagus fern
• Azalea
• Citrus
• Cyclamen
• Daffodil bulbs
• Day lilies
• Delphiniums
• Dogs Mercury (Mercurialis perennis)
• Foxgloves
• Hemlock
• Hibiscus
• Hostas
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Ivy
• Laburnum
• Lily of the valley
• Lupins
• Morning glory
• Mushroom plants
• Nightshade
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Rhubarb leaves
• Sweet pea
• Tomato leaves and stems
• Tulip bulbs
• Umbrella plant
• Wisteria
• Yew

This list contains just the most common plants that are poisonous to Shih Tzus. For a more comprehensive list, please download this print out from the Dogs Trust.

Conclusion

The reality is, most of the time if your Shih Tzu has just eaten a very small amount of any of the bad foods listed here, they should be ok.

But, please never leave anything to chance and also consult with a professional veterinarian for advice.

I am not a vet, just a dog owner so all I have written here today is what I have personally learned and research myself. It should not replace veterinarian advice.

You might also like

In addition to this list of foods toxic to Shih Tzus, I also write individual guides about other things they can eat, and the health implications. Heres a small sample of recent content.

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-shih-tzu-pet-cute-dog-look-1490913/