As a Shih Tzu owner, you often share your favorite foods with your furry friend. But Shih Tzus have different metabolic systems and therefore, what’s safe for you might not be safe for your Shih Tzu. That’s why we created a list of 37 common fruits, vegetables and snacks Shih Tzus can or cannot eat. So let’s get started.
List of fruits Shih Tzus can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Shih Tzu can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Shih Tzu can or can’t 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. They’re 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 Tzu’s 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 Tzu’s health.
Blackberry
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat blackberries. Blackberries are low in calories and sugar, but they’re high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can feed your Shih Tzu fresh or frozen blackberries—either 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. They’re also high in sugar, so you should feed them in moderation (about 4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of your Shih Tzu’s body weight). Frozen, fresh, dried, or mashed—it doesn’t matter! Just make sure the berries aren’t 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 moderation—and 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 can’t eat cherries!
Although the fleshy part around the seed of a cherry is safe for your Shih Tzu to eat, it contains cyanide—a 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 that’s safe for Shih Tzus to eat in moderation. Mango contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C and E that are important for your Shih Tzu’s 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 moisture—all 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 Tzu’s diet. Additionally, they’re low on the glycemic index—meaning they won’t spike your Shih Tzu’s 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 they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants, which help protect your Shih Tzu’s 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 first—the seeds contain traces of cyanide—and 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. It’s full of vitamins, minerals, and bromelain that help keep your pup’s tummy healthy. Just make sure you don’t feed them too much–about 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 Tzu’s 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 it’s 100% pure pumpkin. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market in case you’re not sure what to get. The amount varies with your Shih Tzu’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day until you know how much they’ll need.
Strawberry
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat strawberries. Strawberries contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are good for your Shih Tzu’s 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 aren’t 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 can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Shih Tzu can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Shih Tzu can or can’t 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 don’t get stuck in your Shih Tzu’s throat if they swallow too much at once.
If you’re making carrot cake for a special occasion (or just because it’s 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. They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, moisture, and fiber—and they also contain phytochemicals that can help freshen your pup’s 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 it’s 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 it’s safe for them.
Garlic
The answer is no. Garlic is toxic to Shih Tzus.
It’s true that garlic has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments and is considered an antioxidant, but it’s 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 dying—but only if he wasn’t 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. It’s 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 can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Shih Tzu can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Shih Tzu can or can’t eat:
Bacon
The answer to “can Shih Tzus eat bacon” is… no.
Bacon is a fatty, salty food that’s just too rich for a Shih Tzu’s stomach to handle. Shih Tzus have different nutritional needs than humans do, and they can’t 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, it’s not good for your Shih Tzu to eat too often.
Beef
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat cooked, unseasoned lean beef—but 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 Tzu’s 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 time—just make sure they’re big enough for your pooch!
As a rule of thumb, for a 10-pound pup who’s 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 bread—provided 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 doesn’t 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 Tzu’s 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 baker’s 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. They’re 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 don’t have any sharp edges that could hurt your Shih Tzu’s mouth or stomach lining while he’s 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 can’t 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: don’t 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 Tzu’s 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 you’re 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 it’s 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.