Broccoli is a popular food among humans. It’s nutrient-rich, low in calories and cost, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. That’s why many Shih Tzu owners wonder if they can feed broccoli to their Shih Tzus as well.
But can you feed broccoli to your Shih Tzus? The short answer is yes, you can feed broccoli to your Shih Tzus. But there are lots of caveats—so let’s answer them one by one:
Is broccoli safe for Shih Tzus?
Yes, broccoli is safe for Shih Tzus. However, you should feed your Shih Tzu broccoli in moderation and introduce it slowly if you are feeding it for the first time. There is a possibility that your Shih Tzu might show an allergic reaction or food intolerance. Feeding a small amount of broccoli initially and observing any abnormal signs will help avoid any complications. If you observe any abnormal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea or rash in your Shih Tzu, then contact your vet immediately.
Benefits of broccoli in Shih Tzus
Benefits of broccoli in Shih Tzus
-Fiber: Fiber helps in digestion and prevents constipation.
-Vitamin K: Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps with blood clotting, bone metabolism, and prevention of kidney stones.
-Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It also helps the immune system, adrenal glands, and the skin.
-Minerals: Broccoli contains magnesium, sodium, chromium potassium, and several others. These are essential minerals for your Shih Tzu’s diet.
-Folic Acid: Treat or prevent folate deficiency anemia. Help in the development of the nervous system in puppies.
Do all Shih Tzus like broccoli?
Unfortunately, not all Shih Tzus love broccoli. They have their own preferences, and if your Shih Tzu doesn’t like broccoli, that’s okay.
While some Shih Tzus may not like the taste of broccoli at first, many Shih Tzus who are reluctant to eat it will come around and develop a taste for it, given time. If you’re concerned about your Shih Tzu’s distaste for broccoli, schedule a check-up with your vet before changing their diet. The vet will advise you on how best to introduce new foods into your Shih Tzu’s life in a way that keeps them healthy and happy.
Can my Shih Tzus have broccoli every day?
There’s no specific rule for how often you should give your Shih Tzu broccoli, but we recommend varying their treats and their main food, so consider putting broccoli on the treat rotation.
You can feed Shih Tzus the recommended amount of broccoli every day if they like it, but they may get bored with the same thing every day, or just not be that into it.
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, but it also contains substances that can cause stomach upset in some Shih Tzus. However, this is only an issue if they eat large amounts of broccoli regularly. If you feed your Shih Tzu broccoli every day or even several times a week, monitor them to make sure they are not having any adverse effects.
Also, different treats contain different nutrients that are good for your Shih Tzu’s overall health–so offering a variety is the best approach. It’s also worth noting that large pieces of broccoli can pose a choking hazard for Shih Tzus.
Can Shih Tzu puppies eat broccoli?
Yes, Shih Tzu puppies can eat broccoli! In fact, it’s a great source of vitamins and minerals that they need. Just make sure you wait until they’re at least two months old, because before then they should be on a specialized puppy diet.
Once your pup has hit the two-month mark, start out with just a small piece of broccoli. Puppies have delicate digestive systems and lots of new foods can be hard on their tummies—so it’s best to go slow.
How much broccoli can Shih Tzus eat?
You should always consult with your vet first to find out how much broccoli is healthy for your Shih Tzu. Generally, we recommend you give it in moderation and follow a rule of thumb: if the treat is safe for your Shih Tzu, start by giving him a small piece. If he doesn’t react negatively to it, you can offer more.
Your Shih Tzus need a completely balanced diet, so all treats combined should not be over 10% of the total diet. You can feed your Shih Tzu pieces of raw or cooked broccoli or add it to his regular food.
How to serve broccoli to your Shih Tzus?
First, you want to check with your vet before serving broccoli to your Shih Tzu. Shih Tzus can have trouble digesting certain vegetables like broccoli, so it’s important that you get the go-ahead from a professional.
What you’ll want to do is make sure that the broccoli is organic, and that you clean it properly. You can give your Shih Tzu raw broccoli by cutting it up into small pieces or chunks—but not too small, as this could be a choking hazard.
You can also cook the broccoli for your Shih Tzu by steaming or roasting it with no seasoning. You can even add broccoli to smoothies for Shih Tzus!
Puree some fresh fruits and vegetables that are safe for your Shih Tzu like apples, bananas, blueberries, and carrots along with some low-sodium chicken broth and serve in a bowl or on a spoon.
When is broccoli bad for Shih Tzus?
So you’re not sure if Shih Tzus can eat broccoli? We know that can be a confusing question. First, let us set your mind at ease: yes, Shih Tzus CAN eat broccoli.
However, there are some exceptions to the rule. If you’re feeding your Shih Tzu broccoli and he or she has an underlying health issue like allergies, be sure to talk with your vet about whether it’s appropriate for your pet. Allergies affect different Shih Tzus in different ways.
Also, it’s important to be thoughtful about how you feed broccoli to your furry family member. You probably don’t want to overdo it because of the fiber content and gas-producing properties in this vegetable. Broccoli has a lot of health benefits (more on that later), but serving too much can cause stomach upset and other digestive issues—and we all know how unpleasant those can be.
While many people feed their Shih Tzus florets only, there are potential problems with even the edible parts of broccoli. The stems on broccoli plants are very fibrous and hard to digest. It’s also possible for a Shih Tzu to choke on them, so you should remove stems before feeding this veggie to your pup.
Another thing you’ll want to avoid is feeding your Shih Tzu the leaves of a broccoli plant as they are hard to digest too.
What happens when your Shih Tzus eat too much broccoli?
Symptoms of Broccoli Poisoning in Shih Tzus
– Nausea: If your Shih Tzu is feeling nauseous, they may be very sluggish and reluctant to move around or eat. This can sometimes lead to vomiting.
– Abdominal pain: Shih Tzus who are experiencing abdominal pain, will probably have a distended abdomen. They may also be reluctant to move around and show signs of discomfort if you touch them.
– Diarrhea: When your Shih Tzu has diarrhea, you can expect them to pass watery stools more frequently than normal. Sometimes, significant amounts of gas might accompany this.
– Bloat: If your Shih Tzu is experiencing bloat, they will have a distended stomach that sounds hollow when thumped—this is because of the gas that builds up inside their stomachs as it fills with fluid (rather than food). Bloating can sometimes cause discomfort for the Shih Tzu and even be fatal if not treated quickly.
-Choking hazards: Some Shih Tzus might have trouble swallowing large chunks of raw broccoli, especially if they have smaller throats.
What to do if your Shih Tzus eat too much broccoli?
Broccoli is not toxic to Shih Tzus, but they could still experience some unpleasant side effects—like an upset stomach and diarrhea. Still, there are a few things you should keep in mind if your Shih Tzus eat too much broccoli:
First, don’t panic. Most signs of discomfort will go away on their own after a day or two. Just monitor them to make sure they don’t start showing signs of anything more serious down the line.
Next, try to get any remaining broccoli out of your Shih Tzu’s reach. As long as they don’t eat too much all at once, they should be okay, but you want to make sure they don’t accidentally chow down on more later!
Finally, monitor your Shih Tzus for any abnormal signs. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, like excessive vomiting or bloody diarrhea, contact your vet immediately.
What about frozen broccoli for your Shih Tzu?
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat broccoli, but it’s best to cook it first. When you feed your Shih Tzu broccoli, make sure that you have removed the stem, and it’s best to cut the broccoli into small pieces.
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 broccoli?
The short answer is YES.
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients that support your Shih Tzu’s immune system. It’s also high in fiber, making it an excellent treat for Shih Tzus who have loose stools.
However, too much broccoli can cause gas or even stomach upset. So, you should only give your Shih Tzu broccoli as a treat in moderation—once or twice a week at most.