Anyone who’s lived with a Shih Tzu can attest to the fact that it’s really hard to resist feeding them when they’re giving you the sad, puppy dog eyes. These toy breed dogs have big personalities, and they’re exceptionally talented at getting their own way.
In addition to their regular dog food, Shih Tzus are able to eat a variety of foods that humans eat, particularly fruits and vegetables, so, you can certainly share some healthy snacks together. However, there are some exceptions, and some foods that are safe for humans can be toxic to Shih Tzus.
We’ll go over the basics of a healthy diet for Shih Tzus. We also have a list of common foods that are safe for Shih Tzus to eat, along with common foods that are harmful to them.
Healthy Diet for Shih Tzus
High-quality dog food should take up the majority of your Shih Tzu’s diet. Dog food is formulated to meet the basic nutritional requirements for dogs and provides a complete and well-balanced meal every day.
These days, you can find a wide variety of dog food that’s suitable for Shih Tzus. Depending on your Shih Tzu’s individual tastes, you can choose from kibble, canned food, fresh food, or a raw diet. There are also all kinds of special formulas, such as grain-free diets, limited-ingredient diets, as well as recipes for sensitive skin and stomachs.
With all the options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and have difficulty choosing the right food for your Shih Tzu. In general, it’s a good idea to look for a diet that has been formulated for their size and lifestyle. Toy dog breeds often require eating more calories per pound than large dog breeds, and finding a dog food made just for toy breeds can take the guesswork out of meeting your Shih Tzu’s nutritional needs.
It’s also helpful to consult your veterinarian before purchasing a new type of dog food, especially if your dog has special dietary needs or health conditions. Your veterinarian can put food allergies, sensitivities, and other dietary restrictions into consideration and help you find food that’s safe and nutritious for your dog to eat.
A Note on Homemade Dog Food
Homemade dog food became trendy because dog owners would know exactly what’s going into their dog’s meals. However, homemade dog food isn’t generally recommended for most dogs because it’s easy to exclude the appropriate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals that dogs need to eat every day for healthy daily functioning. While it’s not impossible to formulate the right balance of foods at home, it is more complex than many people realize. Commercial dog food must adhere to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) dog food guidelines to ensure dogs are getting their nutritional needs met. Since homemade dog food isn’t regulated, it can actually end up being risky for dogs to eat.
In rare cases, homemade dog food may be necessary for a dog, but this is usually due to extreme food allergies, gastrointestinal issues, and other significant health concerns. Therefore, it’s important not to start your dog on a homemade dog food diet without the guidance of your veterinarian.
Other Foods That Shih Tzus Can Eat
Of course, your Shih Tzu isn’t restricted to only eating dog food for the rest of their life. They can enjoy a variety of treats and can eat many natural foods that humans also eat. Shih Tzus can safely eat many kinds of fruits and vegetables.
Here’s just a short, non-exhaustive list of common fruits and vegetables that Shih Tzus enjoy eating:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Strawberries
- Pineapples
- Pears
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potatoes (fully cooked)
- Watermelon (with rind removed)
You can also feed your Shih Tzu different kinds of meat, including beef, chicken, turkey, and pork. Just make sure that the meat is unseasoned and fully cooked before serving. Refrain from feeding your dog deli meats, jerky, and cured meat, as they have a high salt content and may contain herbs and spices that are harmful to dogs.
Dangerous Foods for Shih Tzus
Make sure to familiarize yourself with foods that are dangerous to Shih Tzus. There are many common foods that are safe for humans while being toxic to dogs. Here are examples of foods that are unsafe or toxic to Shih Tzus:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Avocados
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Energy drinks
- Garlic
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Onions
- Overly salty foods
- Overly sugary foods
- Greasy and fatty foods
- Xylitol – an artificial sweetener
If in doubt, check the ASPCA’s website, as they have lists and articles about food and plants that are toxic to dogs.
How to Feed Food to Your Shih Tzus Safely
There are several things to consider when it comes to your Shih Tzu’s diet and nutrition. First, it’s important to find dog food that fits their nutritional needs. It should contain appropriate amounts of protein, fats, and carbohydrates and use high-quality, natural ingredients. Your Shih Tzu’s tastes must also be put into consideration because when dogs are enthusiastic about eating their food, it’s easier to stick to feeding them healthy portion sizes. When it comes to portion sizes, you can consult your veterinarian to determine an appropriate amount and weigh your Shih Tzu regularly for signs of weight gain or weight loss.
If you want to introduce a new snack to your Shih Tzu, make sure to start by giving them small amounts. Shih Tzus can have sensitive stomachs and experience gastrointestinal upset if they eat too much of a new food. If your Shih Tzu doesn’t feel sick from eating a new food, you can gradually increase the amount that you feed them.
How to Avoid Creating a Picky Eater
One of the biggest mistakes a dog owner can make is offering a dog something more tempting or tasty when they refuse to eat their regular food. Dogs are smart, and they quickly learn how to manipulate the system, and once they realize there are more tempting options available, they can become very stubborn about going back to their normal food.
It’s not uncommon for dogs – particularly small breeds or dogs that are not overly active – to skip the occasional meal, but it is common for us to worry when they leave their food untouched. If your Shih Tzu turns their nose up at their breakfast, but is otherwise completely well, don’t panic. Take up the bowl after about 20 minutes, and they should be hungry at their next meal time. If not, it may be worth phoning your vet for advice.
Offering your dog something new and tempting as soon as they refuse a meal teaches them not only to hold out for better options, but it can also teach them to eat when they’re not hungry, which is a huge contributor to obesity in pets.
Conclusion
Shih Tzus can eat a wide variety of foods outside of commercial dog food. They can enjoy plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other natural foods. Just keep in mind that their dog food should take up the majority of their diet, and other types of food should be fed as snacks and occasional treats. Monitoring how much your Shih Tzu eats will ensure they maintain their ideal weight and help them stay happy and healthy for a long time.
Featured Image Credit: Rasulov, Shutterstock