What meat can I feed my Shih Tzu

What Can Shih Tzu Eat? 15 Safe Foods!

According to legend, there was a Tibetan Buddhist who traveled with a small lion dog that could transform into a full-sized lion. In Mandarin, Shih Tzu refers to a little lion. It is probably where our adorable little friend gets its name from.

Generally, it is pretty simple to look after a Shih Tzu when it comes to animal care. With a mix of comfort, love, and care, they light up the lives of their owners. Although, certain dietary requirements have to be met to sustain a healthy lifestyle for your Shih Tzu.

What Can Shih Tzu Eat?

You can create a perfect balance of meals for your pup with the following items:

• Organs such as the liver or heart
• Fish
• White chicken meat
• Lamb
• Blueberries
• Sweet potato
• Green beans
• Sweet peas
• Cottage cheese
• Baby carrots
• Whole yogurt
• Raspberries
• Plain white or brown rice
• Pasta

If we were to compare the amount of food a Shih Tzu consumes with other dogs of the same breed. A Shih Tzus diet is quite large in contrast.

Dogs do prefer wet food and find it more appealing. Although, it may be more beneficial for their teeth for them to have dry food.

Furthermore, arranging for wet food can get costly, and you cannot use it to fill treat-release toys.

A diet with wet commercial foods as its chief component can cause runny stools.

While dry food options are generally gentler on the stomach and result in healthier stools.

With all these factors in consideration, a diet of dry kibble may be the most suitable choice for your Shih Tzu.

If you notice your dogs preference for wet food, you can dribble some chicken broth over it.

However, take note that the broth is low-sodium.

The primary aspect of being extremely careful about the meals quality.

It is crucial that you feed your dog good standard food.

It will ensure that your Shih Tzu remains in shape and give them a long, healthy life with you.

The basic thing to remember is that any meal you provide to your pet should have a good nutritional balance of protein and carbohydrates. An adequate example of such as meal would be plain chicken served over plain brown rice in about a half-half ratio.

The Ideal Food List For A Shih Tzu Puppy

While measuring how much food is being fed to your pet. It is also imperative to keep an eye on how often you are feeding them.

A Shih Tzu dog is susceptible to becoming obese, and this does not give them access to food all day long.

Sticking to the rule of quality over quantity, lets break down the best food items for your Shih Tzu. As the likelihood of a Shih Tzu gaining weight as they grow older is high, it is better to limit their carbohydrate intake.

The component to have in abundance, however, is protein. For a healthy growth pattern, include these major sources of lean protein for a Tzu in the meal plan:

Focus on integrating healthy fats into their diet with a combination of nutritious carbs such as sweet potatoes, oats, rice, and barley.

Also, lets not forget about our plant friends. You can give veggies to fulfill the demand for minerals and vitamins.

1 Month Old Shih Tzu Food

The endearing month-old Shih Tzu is at the age where tiny teeth are beginning to appear in the gums. It is the moment when the transition from moms milk should begin.

You should start supplementing dog food to the little champ.

Options for this diet include using canned food, soaked dry kibbles in warm water, or a mixture of them. These soft items will motivate the pup to eat on its own.

2 Months Old Shih Tzu Food

A Shih Tzu puppy at this age should eat four meals a day, divided into a portion of 0.75 cups.

At this stage, start introducing lean proteins to them.

Chicken meals, turkey, fish, and eggs are all viable alternatives.

Best Foods For A Shih Tzu Puppy

It is a quick and easy fix to whip up with the ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator.

Taking 2-3 scrambled eggs and serving them over vegetables with cooked grain is another suitable meal for your dog. Fruits can also be a good option if you want to give your dog something sweet to munch on.

If you choose inferior elements for your Shih Tzu diet, it might end up causing you immense trouble in the future. Subpar food options consist of additives and low-quality ingredients. These can cause a range of issues and reactions.

These often include itching or upset digestive systems. If you find your Shih Tzu chewing on the paws, having a rash, hot spots, or hives, become conscious.

It is highly likely they may be responding negatively to an ingredient in their food.

No one will argue the significance of the nutritional value of the food. However, it is also equally vital, if not more, that the food you give your pet is safe for them to consume.

Our pets blindly trust us to provide for them the best of everything.

We have to ensure that their well-being is at the top of our minds. Some everyday safe options for Shih Tzu comprise peanut butter, yogurt, salmon, pumpkin and sweet potatoes, rice and pasta, apples, peas, and green beans.

Knowing the preferences of your Shih Tzu will make the entire process easier for you.

The diet regimen for your dog does not need to be too complicated.

A fun fact is that even plain popcorn is safe for your Shih Tzu to nibble on. Just be consistent with regular checkups and try to include healthy alternatives as a part of their meals.

How Much Food Should A Shih Tzu Eat Per Day?

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Keep in mind that animals find it difficult to align their actions with what is good for them. For instance, they might continue to eat well past their requirement when it comes to food. They might not realize when to stop.

They have unpredictable behaviors, which can make the entire process of figuring out their diet plan quite daunting.

To give you an idea, feeding a Shih Tzu four times a day for the first six months should be fine. After the initial period, two meals per day will be perfect.

A core factor to include when deciding the quantity of food that you can give to a Shih Tzu is their age.

The older your dog gets, the slower its metabolism becomes. Your Shih Tzus build and activity level will largely impact the quantity of food they can digest properly.

The suggested amount of dry food categories for a Shih Tzu is 1 cup every day.

However, there is a distinction in calories in multiple foods that are fed to a dog.

Before making these decisions, it is important to weigh your dog. A Shih Tzu dog anywhere between the weight of 10 to16 pounds is considered fit as a flea.

Commonly, a puppy Shih Tzu must be given an ounce of food per pound of their body weight. For an adult Shih Tzu, we make it half and give them ounce of food per pound of body weight.

The quantity of food deviates due to the higher levels of activity which in return requires more calories for growing.

What Not To Feed A Shih Tzu?

Just as we do detailed homework for ourselves when working on a diet plan, we should do the same for our pets.

Certain foods could be bad for the digestive system of your Shih Tzu. As the accountability for their health falls on your shoulders, be vigilant that your dog does not intake any of the following food items:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and Raisins
• Onions
• Tea and coffee
• Salt
• Soda
• Fruit pits and seeds

Given the number of dog foods out there that consist of chicken as one of the main ingredients. It is a safe option to feed your dog. It is even a good source of protein, and cooked chicken can be traded with or put into your dogs daily meal.

Additionally, it is perfectly okay for your dog to have a piece of bread every now and then.

Staying within moderate limits, dogs can consume it pretty much in a similar manner as us humans. Plain white and wheat bread are generally safe choices for dogs to eat.

Certain food groups have been identified as being toxic to canines. For instance, fruit seeds and puts can create breathing complications and fill the dogs abdomen and heart. Caffeine can result in seizures, coma, and ultimately death.

It is better to steer clear of these ingredients altogether. To sum it up, the potentially poisonous food items for a Shih Tzu include the following:

• Grapes and Raisins
• Chocolate
• Onions
• Coffee, Tea, and Soda
• Salt
• Macadamia nuts
• Fruit pits and seeds
• Xylitol

There has been some speculation about how grain food may be dangerous to a Shih Tzus health.

There have been numerous cases where dogs have exhibited signs of having grain allergy and issues with gluten.

Shih Tzu Eating Problems

A major concern that some Shih Tzu dog owners have is how fussy their dog is when it comes to eating.

A select few people become proud owners of Shih Tzus who are fussy eaters, while others can eat with an open heart.

When your Shih Tzu gets older, their dietary requirements have to be adjusted accordingly. We have to avoid excessive weight gain in older pets strictly.

Obesity can become the cause of numerous other medical conditions and make your dog sick.

A few health issues can make a Shih Tzu picky about what they choose to eat. Decreased appetite is one of the main symptoms that manifest due to dental issues such as painful tooth decay, tooth infections, or loose teeth.

Make sure to get your dog tested for food allergies if you notice any symptoms, such as skin outbreaks, chronic itching, or stomach troubles.

A Shih Tzu is a relatively small dog that tends to exhibit variable eating behavior.

How your pet eats is just as important as how much they eat. Properly chewing the food is significant, and swallowing food whole is a habit that dogs fundamentally possess.

Numerous things can initiate this instinct in them.

If your Shih Tzu is giving you trouble eating, there are a few strategies that you can try.

You must avoid providing them any kind of treats or snacks in the middle of their meal for twenty-four hours; it also includes foods that Greenies or any other edible material.

It is definitely not the safest option for your dog to eat their food quickly and not chew. It can result in an upset stomach and might even cause your Shih Tzu to choke.

As a dog owner, ensure that you arm yourself with any knowledge of your dogs special diet.

Final Thoughts: What Can Shih Tzu Eat?

Diet contributes significantly to the standard of life that any living being spends. Being conscious about your dogs diet and hygiene is vital. Using the right bowls is important, along with feeding accessories.

The correct dish will assist you with everything ranging from preventing facial hair staining to relieving any stomach distress. Look for stainless steel and non-skid-bottomed bowls, and keep away from plastic at all costs.

It will guarantee that there are no problems later on linked to digestion. It is always better to err on the side of caution. Take your Shih Tzu to the vet if they refuse to eat their food or display abnormal feeding patterns.

Comment below your recommendations of what should a Shih Tzu eat and if this article was helpful.

More Shih Tuz questions are answered below:

37 Fruits, Vegetables & Snacks Shih Tzus Can (And Cant) Eat

As a Shih Tzu owner, you often share your favorite foods with your furry friend. But Shih Tzus have different metabolic systems and therefore, whats safe for you might not be safe for your Shih Tzu. Thats why we created a list of 37 common fruits, vegetables and snacks Shih Tzus can or cannot eat. So lets get started.

List of fruits Shih Tzus can or cant eat

Wondering which fruits your Shih Tzu can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Shih Tzu can or cant eat:

Apples

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat apples.

Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your Shih Tzu. Theyre also low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior Shih Tzus. If you want to give apples to your Shih Tzu, make sure you remove any seeds or core first.

You should also avoid processed apples like applesauce and apple pie filling if possible; they often contain added sugar that can be harmful to your Shih Tzus health.

Avocado

Avocados are not safe for your Shih Tzu to consume.

The fruit, pits, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin, so these parts are potentially poisonous to your Shih Tzu. Avocado oil is safe in small amounts, but you should never feed your pet avocado fruit or any other kind of avocado product.

Bananas

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat bananas. But they should be given as an occasional treat.

Bananas are high in potassium and vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are also low in cholesterol and sodium. The sugar content of bananas is higher than other fruits, so we should give them as an occasional treat. The peel of the banana is difficult for Shih Tzus to digest, so you should remove it before feeding to your Shih Tzu. Processed bananas like banana chips or banana puddings may contain toxic ingredients that could be harmful to your Shih Tzus health.

Blackberry

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat blackberries. Blackberries are low in calories and sugar, but theyre high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can feed your Shih Tzu fresh or frozen blackberrieseither is fine.

However, avoid feeding your Shih Tzu blackberries that have been processed into other foods like jam, jelly, or ice cream. These products may contain harmful additives or preservatives. Feeding two blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight is fine for your Shih Tzus.

Blueberry

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat blueberries.

Blueberries are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Theyre also high in sugar, so you should feed them in moderation (about 4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of your Shih Tzus body weight). Frozen, fresh, dried, or mashedit doesnt matter! Just make sure the berries arent processed into something like blueberry muffins or blueberry yogurt. These may contain added harmful ingredients.

Cantaloupe

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat cantaloupe.

Cantaloupe is low in calories but high in other nutrients. It contains fiber and moisture, which are important for Shih Tzu health. However, it also has a high sugar content, so give your Shih Tzu this fruit only in moderationand remove the rinds and seeds before giving it to your Shih Tzu as they can be a choking hazard.

Cherry

Can Shih Tzus eat cherries? The answer is no, because Shih Tzus cant eat cherries!

Although the fleshy part around the seed of a cherry is safe for your Shih Tzu to eat, it contains cyanidea toxic chemical that destroys cellular oxygen transport. If your Shih Tzu eats enough cherry, it will cause lethargy, weakness, dilated pupils, red gums, seizures and eventually death.

If you think your Shih Tzu has eaten a lot of cherry leaves or seeds, contact a vet immediately.

Grapes

Grapes are toxic to Shih Tzus. Even a small amount of grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in your Shih Tzu.

Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and excessive thirst. If you suspect your Shih Tzu ate grapes, seek veterinary help immediately.

Mango

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat mango.

Mango is a delicious fruit thats safe for Shih Tzus to eat in moderation. Mango contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C and E that are important for your Shih Tzus growth and development. Mangoes also have potassium and fiber which are great for keeping your Shih Tzu healthy. It also has antioxidants that fight off disease-causing free radicals.

To avoid choking or stomach upset, remove the skin and pit before feeding it to your Shih Tzu. Also avoid processed mango products like mango sorbet, mango popsicles, or mango ice cream as they may contain harmful chemicals or additives that could make your Shih Tzu sick if eaten in large amounts.

It depends on how much you feed your Shih Tzu individually but one-quarter cup of fresh ripe mango once a week should be fine as an occasional treat.

Oranges

Yes, a Shih Tzu can eat oranges in moderation. Oranges provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moistureall of which are good for your pup. However, if you choose to give your Shih Tzu oranges as a treat, remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds.

One or two sections as an occasional treat are enough for most Shih Tzus.

Peaches

Can Shih Tzus eat peaches?

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat peaches. However, you must remove the pit before serving it to your Shih Tzu as it contains cyanide.

Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A, which makes them an excellent addition to your Shih Tzus diet. Additionally, theyre low on the glycemic indexmeaning they wont spike your Shih Tzus blood sugar levels. This makes them a great snack option for Shih Tzus with diabetes or pancreatitis.

Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are safe for your Shih Tzus. However, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful preservatives or additives that could make your Shih Tzu sick.

Pears

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat pears. Pears are a great snack because theyre high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants, which help protect your Shih Tzus cells from damage.

Eating the fruit can reduce the risk of having a stroke significantly. Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks, remove the pit and seeds firstthe seeds contain traces of cyanideand skip processed pears like canned pears as it may contain sugar syrups and other additives that are unhealthy for Shih Tzus.

One small slice is ok for most Shih Tzus as pears contain sugar, but too much sugar can cause weight gain and other health problems in Shih Tzus.

Pineapples

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat pineapple.

Pineapple is a tasty snack for your Shih Tzu. Its full of vitamins, minerals, and bromelain that help keep your pups tummy healthy. Just make sure you dont feed them too muchabout 2/3 small bites of raw pineapple are enough for a Shih Tzu their size.

And be sure to remove the spiky skin and hard inner pineapple core before giving it to your pup. Processed pineapples like canned pineapple or pineapple cake should be avoided because they contain added harmful chemicals that could make your Shih Tzu sick.

Pumpkin

Yes, pumpkin is a great choice for your Shih Tzu. A pure form of pumpkin can help with your Shih Tzus skin and coat, as well as digestion. It can also help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Shih Tzu.

Never feed your Shih Tzu pumpkin pie mix. Canned pumpkin is ok for your Shih Tzu but make sure its 100% pure pumpkin. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market in case youre not sure what to get. The amount varies with your Shih Tzus size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day until you know how much theyll need.

Strawberry

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat strawberries. Strawberries contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are good for your Shih Tzus health.

Fresh or frozen strawberries are both healthy choices for your Shih Tzu. Just make sure you cut them into small pieces before feeding them to your Shih Tzu.

Remove the strawberry stems before feeding them to your Shih Tzu as well. Avoid processed strawberries as much as possible because they contain sugar and other additives that arent good for Shih Tzus.

Watermelon

Shih Tzus can eat watermelon, but only the flesh of a watermelon is safe and nutritious. The rind, seeds and skin are harmful to Shih Tzus.

Cut it in small chunks and remove the seeds, rinds and skin before feeding your Shih Tzu. Half a cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon is enough per 10 pounds of body weight.

List of vegetable Shih Tzus can or cant eat

Wondering which vegetables your Shih Tzu can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Shih Tzu can or cant eat:

Broccoli

Broccoli is safe for Shih Tzus to eat. It contains vitamins A, C and K, folate and potassium. Broccoli stems and florets, both are safe to eat, either cooked or raw. However, always cut them into small pieces since they can be a choking hazard. Offer 1/4 (0.25) cup broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight of a pup.

Cabbage

Can Shih Tzus eat cabbage? The answer is a resounding yes. Shih Tzus can eat cabbage.

Cabbage contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is also rich in fiber and moisture. All colors of cabbage are safe and healthy for your Shih Tzu, but red cabbage has 10 times more vitamins than green cabbage. Lightly cooked or roasted cabbage is the best choice for your pup. Make sure to not season it with oil or salt, as it may upset their stomachs. Offer one bite of roasted cabbage per 10 pounds of body weight every day.

Carrots

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat carrots.

Carrots are a great low calorie treat your Shih Tzu will love. Carrots contain vitamins, minerals and fiber, which will help keep your Shih Tzu healthy and happy. Shih Tzus also love to crunch on carrots as they help clean their teeth.

Raw or frozen carrots are fine for your Shih Tzu, but cooked carrots are better since they are easy to digest. For raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces so they dont get stuck in your Shih Tzus throat if they swallow too much at once.

If youre making carrot cake for a special occasion (or just because its delicious), add no harmful additives like chocolate or raisins that could be harmful to Shih Tzus. One or two baby carrots per day is enough for an average sized pup.

Celery

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat celery. In fact, celery is an excellent low-calorie treat for your pup. It contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are great for their overall health, as well as being high in moisture and fiber.

You can use it in a variety of ways to feed your Shih Tzu: you can top it with small peanut butter or mix it with their regular food. You can also pair up celery sticks with other treats so they get used to the taste of it.

However, always cut the celery into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking hazards. Start by giving your Shih Tzu one or two bite-sized pieces per day (depending on their size) and work your way up from there if they seem interested in trying more.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are a great snack for your Shih Tzu. Theyre loaded with vitamins, minerals, moisture, and fiberand they also contain phytochemicals that can help freshen your pups breath.

The seeds and peels/skin of cucumbers are safe for Shih Tzus to eat as long as they are organic. Processed cucumbers like pickles may contain harmful additives like salt, sugar, or vinegar, so its best to avoid those if you can.

The amount of cucumbers you give your Shih Tzu will depend on the size of their tummy. One or two pieces per day is fine for most pups, but always check with your vet before giving your Shih Tzu anything new to make sure its safe for them.

Garlic

The answer is no. Garlic is toxic to Shih Tzus.

Its true that garlic has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments and is considered an antioxidant, but its harmful for your Shih Tzu.

Garlic contains N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and excessive thirst or urination.

Raw and cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic are toxic to your Shih Tzu. A toxic dose is 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight. Contact the vet immediately if your Shih Tzu ate garlic.

Onions

Can a Shih Tzu eat onions? No.

All parts of the onion plant are toxic to Shih Tzus, including the flesh, ring, leaves, juice, and processed powders.

If your Shih Tzu eats any amount of onion, or anything that may have had onion mixed in it (like processed foods), contact your vet immediately!

Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia in Shih Tzus. If enough is ingested, your Shih Tzu can die from anemia caused by onion consumption.

A toxic dose is 15 gm/kg of the body weight of your Shih Tzu. This means that if your Shih Tzu weighs 10 kgs (22 lbs), he could eat just 150 gm of raw onion without dyingbut only if he wasnt already suffering from some other condition that made him more susceptible to damage from N-propyl disulfide.

Zucchini

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat zucchini.

Zucchini is a low calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants. Its also high in fiber and moisture that your Shih Tzu needs to stay healthy. Plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini is safe for Shih Tzus to eat.

However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones. The amount depends on the size of your Shih Tzu, but start with just one or two small bites at first.

List of some other snacks Shih Tzus can or cant eat

Wondering which snacks your Shih Tzu can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Shih Tzu can or cant eat:

Bacon

The answer to can Shih Tzus eat bacon is no.

Bacon is a fatty, salty food thats just too rich for a Shih Tzus stomach to handle. Shih Tzus have different nutritional needs than humans do, and they cant eat the same foods we do without risking pancreatitis. While it might not be a big deal if you eat cooked bacon as part of your balanced diet every once in a while, its not good for your Shih Tzu to eat too often.

Beef

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat cooked, unseasoned lean beefbut it should be in moderation.

Beef is a great source of protein and many vitamins and minerals, including zinc, iron, vitamin B12 and selenium. It also contains an amino acid called taurine, which helps maintain the health of your Shih Tzus heart and eyesight.

If your Shih Tzu is allergic to beef, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy. If you suspect your Shih Tzu has an allergy to beef, talk to your vet before feeding him any more beef products.

To avoid any potential problems with raw meat, cook the meat thoroughly before feeding it to your Shih Tzu. But never feed cooked bone to your Shih Tzu because it can splinter into sharp pieces when chewed on. But larger raw bones (such as rib bones) can be used as chew toys for extended periods of timejust make sure theyre big enough for your pooch!

As a rule of thumb, for a 10-pound pup whos on a raw diet (kibble or ground up), half cup of kibble or 0.15 pound of ground beef should be enough.

Bread

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat breadprovided your Shih Tzu is not allergic to it.

However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Shih Tzus to eat. We do not recommend processed bread like bread with yeast, as it can cause diarrhea or constipation.

Bread doesnt provide that much nutrients in your Shih Tzu, so offer them in moderation. A small crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Shih Tzu. Too much bread can cause bloating and gas.

Cheese

Yes, a small amount of cheese is alright for Shih Tzus.

Cheese contains vitamins, fatty acids and proteins that are good for your Shih Tzu. A few small bites are fine to give your Shih Tzu now and then, but be careful about what type of cheese you give them. Mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar cheese are safer than other types such as cheesecake, blue cheese and goat cheese, parmesan or cream cheese.

Chicken

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat chicken. Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are good for your Shih Tzus health. Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option. Avoid chicken skin as it contains a high amount of fat that can cause weight gain and other health issues.

Amount depends on the size of the Shih Tzu, but as a rule of thumb, give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your pup is on a raw meat diet.

Chocolate

Can Shih Tzus eat chocolate? No.

Chocolate is a toxic substance for Shih Tzus. It contains both theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to pups. The darker the chocolate and the more cocoa it contains, the more dangerous it is for your Shih Tzu.

Theobromine causes Shih Tzus hearts to race, their blood pressure to drop, and their bodies to go into cardiac arrest. The higher the dose they receive, the faster these effects will occur. If a Shih Tzu eats enough chocolate, they can die because of these side effects within an hour or two.

Cocoa powder (most toxic), Unsweetened bakers chocolate, Semisweet chocolate, Dark chocolate, Milk chocolate- all are toxic! If your Shih Tzu ate any of these types of chocolates, contact your vet immediately! Educate your family about the danger of chocolate in Shih Tzus to prevent accidental ingestion.

Eggs

Yes, your Shih Tzu can eat eggs.

Eggs are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Theyre also a great source of biotin, which helps promote healthy skin and coat.

Well-cooked eggs with no seasonings or harmful ingredients are fine for your Shih Tzu to eat. Avoid raw eggs, as avidin prevents absorption of biotin. This can lead to hair loss and other skin problems for your pup. Raw eggs may also contain bacteria that could make your Shih Tzu sick if he eats them.

Eggshells are fine as long as you grind them up into small pieces and they dont have any sharp edges that could hurt your Shih Tzus mouth or stomach lining while hes chewing on them.

Fish

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat fish.

Fish is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It is also digestible and easy to digest compared to other meats. However, not all fish are safe for your Shih Tzu.

Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon, shrimp, tilapia are safe for your Shih Tzu. Avoid longer-lived fish species, like tuna, shark and swordfish, as they can contain heavy metals like mercury.

Always clean them properly before feeding it to your Shih Tzu. Debone them then cook them, adding no harmful additives. Feeding your Shih Tzu one or two times per week in small controlled amounts is recommended.

Icecream

Shih Tzus cant eat ice cream.

Ice cream contains high amounts of dairy products and sugar, which is not only unhealthy for Shih Tzus but can be toxic. Symptoms of ice cream toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you suspect your Shih Tzu has accidentally eaten ice cream, seek veterinary help immediately.

Peanut butter

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat peanut butter in moderation.

Peanut butter provides protein, vitamins and healthy fats. It is an excellent source of vitamins E, B2 and B3 and minerals like zinc and selenium. The fat content in it will help your Shih Tzu to maintain a healthy weight and aid in digestion.

However, ensure that the peanut butter you give your Shih Tzu is pup safe. This means that it should not contain xylitol or chocolate. Check the label for these ingredients before buying anything! Also, avoid peanut butter pretzels, which contain 3 times more sodium than regular pretzels. Amount depends on the size of your Shih Tzu, but start with half a teaspoon per day and increase slowly.

Popcorn

Can Shih Tzus eat popcorn?

The short answer is yes. But there are a few things you should know before feeding your Shih Tzu this treat.

First, plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Shih Tzus to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. The popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Shih Tzus, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins A and E.

Also avoid processed popcorn: dont buy microwave bags of popcorn at the grocery store or use prepackaged microwave popcorn as treats for your Shih Tzu. These products have anise flavoring added, which can be toxic if ingested by Shih Tzus. And un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Shih Tzus teeth when chewed on.

Turkey

The short answer is yes, Shih Tzus can eat turkey.

The long answer is that you need to make sure youre feeding your Shih Tzu lean turkey meat, and not just a random piece of turkey. Turkey breast meat is the best option, as it provides not only more protein but also fatty acids and minerals.

Turkey skin, however, should be avoided because it can cause GI upset and pancreatitis. And processed turkey may contain harmful ingredients like sodium nitrite, so its best to avoid that as well.

The recommended amount of white meat turkey or dark meat turkey per 6 pounds body weight for your pooch is 10 grams of white meat turkey or 7.50 grams of dark meat per day.

Yogurt

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat yogurt! Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Shih Tzus. However, some Shih Tzus may have trouble digesting dairy products.

If your Shih Tzu can digest it, the beneficial bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system. Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Shih Tzu.

Avoid any yogurts with added sugar and also skip all yogurt with artificial sweeteners as it can cause gastrointestinal issues in some Shih Tzus. One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most pups but avoid giving too much at once, as it could cause diarrhea or other digestive problems.

Conclusion

The list of fruits, vegetables and snacks that Shih Tzus can or cannot eat is long. However, we have compiled a list of the most common foods that are safe for our Shih Tzus to eat.

Here you can find out which ones are safe to give your Shih Tzu, as well as which ones should be avoided altogether.

We recommend you stay away from the unsafe ones and feed safe ones only. However, with any safe food follow the 90/10 rule: 90% calories should come from their normal food and only 10% from treats like these.