You probably already know that blueberries are one of the most popular foods among humans. They’re low cost, nutrient rich, and easy to eat. That’s why many Shih Tzu owners assume that they’re safe for their canine companions as well.
But can you feed blueberries to your Shih Tzus? The short answer is ‘’Yes’’, you can feed blueberries to your Shih Tzus. But there are lots of things about different kinds of berries that you should know in order to keep your Shih Tzu healthy and happy. This guide will answer every question regarding this topic.
Let’s start with the most important question:
Are blueberries safe for Shih Tzus?
Yes, blueberries are safe for Shih Tzus to eat.
You can feed your Shih Tzu fresh, frozen, dried, or mashed blueberries. If you’re going to feed them dried or mashed, monitor the amount of sugar and preservatives that are part of the fruit. We recommend sticking to fresh or frozen simply because that’s what’s most natural and healthy for your pup.
You should always introduce any sort of new food slowly to your Shih Tzu and in small portions. Blueberries are a great way to do this because you can feed them as a treat!
Shih Tzus can have adverse reactions to new foods just like humans can, so be on the lookout for symptoms like hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or swelling around the face/eyes. Other potential symptoms of an allergic reaction are skin irritations like redness/itching or excessive chewing/licking of their paws. If your Shih Tzu is showing any abnormal symptoms after eating blueberries (or anything new), discontinue feeding immediately and consult with your vet.
Benefits of blueberries in Shih Tzus
Blueberries are a superfood for Shih Tzus. The benefits of blueberries include:
* Antioxidants that help fight free-radicals and can also reduce the risk of cancer
* Phytochemical substances that help with digestion and may protect against cancer and heart disease
* Vitamin K, which can help in blood clotting
* Manganese, which supports the body to form connective tissue, blood clotting factors and sex hormones.
* Potassium, which supports heart health and proper fluid balance
* Calcium, which promotes bone health and helps regulate blood pressure
* Phosphorus, which helps build bones and produces energy in cells
* Anthocyanins, which work with antioxidants to protect blood vessels from damage and fight heart disease
Do all Shih Tzus like blueberries?
Unfortunately, no. Some Shih Tzus just aren’t into blueberries.
Your Shih Tzu may not like blueberries for several reasons. First, Shih Tzus have food preferences, just like humans do. So even if you think your pooch would love the taste of blueberries, maybe she actually doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth. But it could also be that your Shih Tzu has a specific food allergy or sensitivity—in which case you should consult with your vet before introducing a new food to her diet.
Though, it’s not a good idea to force human foods on your Shih Tzu, as they can cause tummy troubles and other issues. So if you’re trying to get your Shih Tzu to eat something new and she’s giving you the cold shoulder (or in this case, just not eating the food), We’d advise to let it go and move on to something else. It’s possible she’ll change her mind later on down the line.
Can my Shih Tzus have blueberries every day?
There’s no rule on how often Shih Tzus can eat blueberries.
If your Shih Tzu enjoys eating them, you can feed him or her the recommended amount every day. But remember—if you’re giving your Shih Tzu treats, they should make up no more than 10% of their daily intake.
And honestly, it’s also good to vary their food and treats. Different treats contain different nutrients and have different effects on your Shih Tzu’s digestive system, so it’s best to mix things up for them.
Can Shih Tzu puppies eat blueberries?
As a general rule, we don’t recommend feeding your Shih Tzu puppies blueberries unless your vet has approved it.
Puppies have delicate little digestive systems. Mixing up their diet with something that wasn’t made specifically to help them grow can be a recipe for disaster, so instead of worrying about whether your puppy will love or hate the taste of blueberry, stick to the food that was formulated for this exact purpose.
Your puppy should be on a specialized puppy diet for the first two months of his life in order to ensure that he gets enough nutrients to help him grow into a strong and healthy adult. Switching up their food too early can lead to problems later on.
How many blueberries can Shih Tzus eat?
You should always consult your vet before introducing anything new to your Shih Tzu’s diet, but most small pup breeds like Shih Tzus can safely handle up to 10 blueberries per day. The key is moderation—make sure you’re keeping track of how many blueberries your Shih Tzu has eaten in a given day when you’re using them as treats, and always follow the 10% rule: no single treat source should account for over 10% of your Shih Tzu’s daily calories.
The reason it’s important to monitor how much food your Shih Tzu is eating overall is because they don’t need all the extra vitamins and minerals that may come from fruits like blueberries. In fact, giving them too many could throw off their nutrient balance and cause problems down the line.
Blueberries are also high in fiber, which can cause upset stomachs if eaten in excess (just like it does with humans!). A few here or there won’t hurt, but make sure you’re not giving your furry friend too many treats.
How to serve blueberries to your Shih Tzus?
If you’re looking for a healthy, tasty treat for your pup, look no further than blueberries. Not only are they good for your Shih Tzu’s health, but they’re also delicious!
First things first: make sure to check with your vet to see how many blueberries you can give your Shih Tzu at one time. Once you know how much is safe, you can start feeding them to Fido. Here are a few ways to feed them:
-Feed one at a time as a snack or sprinkle them on their regular food as a tasty treat.
-Blend some blueberries and plain yogurt together for a homemade Shih Tzu ice cream that’s low in sugar and high in calcium.
-You can also add some other Shih Tzu-friendly fruits, like apples, to the mix and create an even tastier treat.
When are blueberries bad for Shih Tzus?
The short answer is: it depends on your Shih Tzu. Fresh blueberries are harmless to Shih Tzus in small amounts, but you should keep a close eye on your pup if they’re eating them.
Shih Tzus without underlying health issues can generally eat blueberries without problems. But if you have a Shih Tzu with any of the following conditions, it’s possible that blueberries could cause a serious reaction: diabetes, cancer (particularly liver or pancreatic cancer), kidney disease, or Addison’s Disease. These conditions all require special attention to diet and nutrition. If your Shih Tzu has any of these conditions, talk to your vet before you give them blueberries or other fruits and vegetables.
Blueberries can also be dangerous for Shih Tzus if they have overindulged in them or have been eating store-bought blueberries that have been treated with sulfur dioxide as a preservative—which is pretty common, unfortunately. This chemical can be toxic to pets in large doses and can cause anemia or even death.
What happens when your Shih Tzus eat too many blueberries?
-Vomiting: the most common symptom of a blueberry overdose is vomiting. This can range from mild discomfort to full-on projectile vomiting.
-Diarrhea: sometimes diarrhea will accompany vomiting, and sometimes it won’t. But if your Shih Tzu has been eating blueberries, watch out for this symptom as well.
-Bloat: blueberries are very filling, so your Shih Tzu might bloat up after eating too many of them. While this is not usually an emergency, it is uncomfortable and can lead to other issues like abdominal pain and difficulty breathing.
-Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain varies in intensity but can be a sign that something is wrong with your Shih Tzu’s stomach or intestines. If you notice abdominal pain besides the other symptoms on this list, take your Shih Tzu to the vet immediately.
-Choking: Because blueberries are small and round, they can become lodged in your Shih Tzu’s throat. If you see your Shih Tzu choking on a blueberry (or any other food), go to the vet immediately.
What to do if your Shih Tzus eat too many blueberries?
If your Shih Tzu’s in the middle of eating blueberries and you’re worried he’s ingested too many, rush him to the vet immediately.
If your Shih Tzu ate the blueberries a while ago, and your Shih Tzu is showing no signs of diarrhea or vomiting, then monitor your Shih Tzu for 24 hours.
If his behavior is normal, he shouldn’t have any problems.
If you see that your Shih Tzu is having diarrhea or vomiting, then you should definitely take him to the vet immediately. You can also call your vet and ask if they think it would be better to come in or not.
Can my Shih Tzu eat blueberry muffins?
No.
Blueberries are safe for Shih Tzus. Blueberry muffins are not.
They may contain toxic ingredients that can cause gastrointestinal upset in Shih Tzus, like chocolate chips, or raisins and chocolate, which are both toxic to Shih Tzus.
Even if you can find a blueberry muffin that contains only blueberries, avoid it anyway—because you’ve got to keep in mind that Shih Tzus don’t do well with processed foods of any kind. It’s best to stick with fresh fruits and vegetables as much as possible when feeding your Shih Tzu.
Other human foods Shih Tzus can eat
What other human foods can Shih Tzus eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Shih Tzus can eat.
So, can Shih Tzus eat blueberries?
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat blueberries in moderation. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that can help support a healthy immune system. In addition, they are high in fiber and low in fat—making them an excellent treat for Shih Tzus.
However, giving your Shih Tzu too many blueberries can lead to an upset stomach or diarrhea. To avoid this issue, always give your Shih Tzu blueberries in moderation as opposed to feeding them an entire container of the berries at once.
If you’re not sure how many blueberries are too many for your Shih Tzu, talk to your vet about the appropriate amount for their weight and age.