Can Shih Tzu eat strawberries? Definitely yes! Shih tzu are a small, toy dog that is known for its playful nature. However, like all dogs, shih tzus can and will consume a variety of foods, including strawberries.
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In fact, according to one study, shih tzus actually prefer strawberries over other foods. So if you’re worried about your dog eating strawberries, don’t be!
The Benefits of Feeding Your Shih Tzu Strawberries
- Rich in antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for preserving the health of your dog’s skin and warding off cell damage in the process
- Fiber is beneficial to digestion and helps to keep it regular
- Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for the skin and coat of your dog
- Vitamins C, B1, B6, and K are derived from this food source
- Potassium, folic acid, magnesium, and iodine are some of the minerals that can be found in this food source
- Low in calories making it an excellent choice for those trying to lose weight
Strawberry consumption by your Shih Tzu carries with it a plethora of positive health effects. They have a relatively low calorie count, are high in fiber content, and are packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. You may add some nutritious nutrients to your Shih Tzu’s diet and help them stay healthy if you give them the occasional strawberry as a treat.
What to Watch Out For When Providing Strawberries to Your Dog
- Over-feeding
- Strawberries that have been canned
- Strawberries that have been processed
As is the case with the vast majority of meals, including those that are considered to be healthy, consuming an excessive amount can have negative effects.
Even though strawberries contain a lot of natural sugar that is good for dogs, there are some breeds that have trouble digesting a lot of sugar.
If you overfeed your Shih Tzu, they may have gastrointestinal disorders as well as an upset stomach.
It is usually advisable to feed them in moderation as treats since even though these symptoms can be small, they can cause a lot of discomfort for your dog, thus it is always better to do so.
Avoid eating strawberries that have been canned or processed. This is very important.
There is a good chance that certain varieties of strawberries contain harmful amounts of sugars, flavorings, preservatives, and chemicals.
Also Read: Raw Eggs for Dogs! Benefits & Precautions While Feeding Raw Eggs
They may also have a natural sweetener called xylitol in them, which, despite being a better sugar alternative for humans, is lethal for dogs to consume.
If your dog consumes any of these varieties, they may require a trip to the veterinarian; therefore, it is advisable to stick to the natural and healthy varieties.
Even though strawberries are not harmful to or poisonous for dogs, it is possible that your Shih Tzu could experience an allergic reaction after consuming some of them. This is something that should be taken into consideration.
It is highly uncommon for it to create any major health concerns, but if you observe any form of allergic reaction, you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
How to Feed Strawberries to Your Shih Tzu
You may give strawberries to your Shih Tzu in a few different ways, and it won’t take long for you to figure out which method your dog enjoys the most. First and foremost, you need to make sure that you are providing them with organic, freshly picked strawberries that have not been subjected to any kind of chemical treatment. Despite this, you should still give them a thorough washing with water just in case.
- If your Shih Tzu enjoys strawberries, you can feed them to him by themselves or with a little bit of yogurt or ice cream
- You can also feed them to your dog as part of a diet plan. A good way to do this is to give him a small piece of strawberry every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- If you want to make sure your dog gets the most out of his strawberries, try freezing them for a few hours before giving them to him so that they are easier for him to eat
- If you have an older dog that might not be able to chew on something hard like a strawberry, try crushing them and giving them to him in that form instead
Other Fruit-Based Snacks for Your Dog to Enjoy
Treats, of whatever variety, should not account for more than roughly 10 percent of your dog’s daily food intake, as recommended by veterinarians. There are a variety of other fruits that are suitable for consumption by your canine companion that do not provide any health risks. Here are some more examples:
- Frozen bananas
- Melon, Watermelon (remove the seeds)
- Apples (remove the seeds and the core)
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Mango (peel and remove the pit)
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your Shih Tzu’s diet. Though strawberries may not be harmful to a Shih Tzu, there is no guarantee that he will enjoy them or that they will be beneficial to his overall health. If you decide to give strawberries a try, be sure to slowly introduce them into your dog’s diet and always supervise him while he eats.
