Cabbage is a popular food among humans because it is nutrient-rich and low cost. That’s why many Shih Tzu owners wonder whether it’s okay to feed cabbage to their Shih Tzus.
The short answer is yes, you can feed cabbage to your Shih Tzus. But there are lots of caveats and considerations that must be made before doing so. In this article, we’ll answer every question regarding feeding cabbage to your Shih Tzu, from the “Can I?” to the “How much?”
Let’s start with the most basic question:
Is cabbage safe for Shih Tzus?
Yes, cabbage is safe for Shih Tzus but introduce it slowly.
It is best not to feed your Shih Tzu too much cabbage at once as it can cause gas and bloating because of the high fiber content. Cooked cabbage is a better option because it will be more digestible and easier on your Shih Tzu’s stomach.
Start slowly if you are feeding first time and watch for any abnormal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea or other digestive issues.
Rare but some Shih Tzus can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction so if you observe any abnormal symptoms such as itchiness, hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or gastrointestinal issues after eating cabbage, stop feeding immediately and contact your vet.
Benefits of cabbage in Shih Tzus
-Cabbage is rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent damage to your Shih Tzu’s cells.
-Vitamin C plays an essential role in growth and repair of tissues, bone strength and gum health.
-The B vitamins play a variety of roles in your Shih Tzu’s body, including breaking down carbohydrates and transporting nutrients, helping with nerve function, and blood clotting.
-Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signals.
-Calcium is a mineral that is important to your Shih Tzu’s skeletal system; it also has other important functions like blood clotting and nerve signaling.
-Phosphorus plays a role in keeping bones strong; it also helps muscles contract, keeps the kidneys working properly, and manages the body’s energy stores.
-Fiber supports healthy digestion by helping to ensure proper digestion of food and proper elimination.
-Moisture is critical for healthy skin and coat conditions
Do all Shih Tzus like cabbage?
Unfortunately, no, all Shih Tzus do not like cabbage. Just like humans have food preferences, so do Shih Tzus. Some Shih Tzus are picky eaters and will turn their noses up at cabbage no matter what you do. Other Shih Tzus are more adventurous, and will be happy to try new foods. If your Shih Tzu is the former, don’t force the issue; you’ll just end up disappointing yourself and your Shih Tzu. If your Shih Tzu is the latter, however, introducing new foods can be a fun bonding experience for the two of you. Just consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food to your Shih Tzu’s diet, so that you don’t upset his stomach or cause any other health problems.
Can my Shih Tzus have cabbage every day?
There’s no rule on how often Shih Tzus can eat cabbage; however, we recommend you vary the treats you give your Shih Tzu because your Shih Tzu can get bored with one treat if you feed it too often. Different treats also contain different vitamins and minerals, so adding variety to your Shih Tzu’s diet is a good way to add more nutrients. You should consult your veterinarian about which types of treats are best for your pup if you’re worried about its health.
Can Shih Tzu puppies eat cabbage?
Yes, but only after they’re two months old! Shih Tzu puppies should be on a specialized puppy diet for their first two months, and then you can slowly introduce new foods into their diets once or twice a week. When feeding your puppy cabbage, make sure it’s cooked moderately and cut it into small bites—you won’t want to give your pup over one bite at a time. And remember—even though puppies are little, they have delicate digestive systems that can be easily upset by too much new food.
Before introducing any new food to your puppy’s diet, talk to your vet about the best way to do so.
How much cabbage can Shih Tzus eat?
Although cabbage is a safe and healthy food for most Shih Tzus to eat, it’s important to consider your Shih Tzu’s size, age and activity level when feeding them cabbage. Cabbage is high in fiber and water, which can cause digestive issues like bloating in some Shih Tzus, so it’s best to consult with your vet about the best serving size for your Shih Tzu. As a general rule of thumb, smaller breeds (<20lbs) can have a bite or two of cooked cabbage, while larger breeds (>20 lbs) can have a few more cooked morsels or bites.
Remember to practice portion control when feeding your Shih Tzu cabbage—start out with a small piece and if there are no negative reactions, you can offer more. It’s also important to remember that treats should make up less than 10% of your Shih Tzu’s total diet. If you’re unsure about how much cabbage you can feed your Shih Tzu, or if they might experience adverse symptoms after consuming cabbage, contact your veterinarian.
How to serve cabbage to your Shih Tzus?
Before adding any new food to your Shih Tzu’s diet, always talk to your veterinarian first. Once you get the green light from your vet, consider these ideas on how to serve cabbage to your Shih Tzu:
Feed organic only: Much like humans, Shih Tzus are sensitive to pesticides and insecticides; so make sure you choose organic cabbage whenever possible.
Clean it properly: Always thoroughly wash cabbage under cool running water. This will help remove dirt and debris while also keeping bacteria at bay.
Cooked moderately without seasoning with harmful ingredients like garlic or onion (instead of raw): It’s easier for your Shih Tzu to digest cooked cabbage. Add it to a homemade meal that’s balanced with a good source of protein like lean chicken breast or ground beef along with some brown rice or sweet potato for carbs. Or sprinkle cooked cabbage as a topping.
When is cabbage bad for Shih Tzus?
Cabbage can be great for your Shih Tzu’s digestion, as long as you don’t go overboard with it.
If your Shih Tzu has underlying health issues, like allergies, you might want to skip feeding him cabbage. You should also keep an eye on how much cabbage you give him. Too much can cause loose stool and diarrhea.
Another thing to be aware of is that cabbage contains a small amount of thiocyanate. Thus, overindulgence can cause hypothyroidism in your pet.
What happens when your Shih Tzus eat too much cabbage?
Ingesting too many cabbage leaves can cause a Shih Tzu to experience:
– Nausea. Cabbage is hard to digest, especially in large quantities. The digestive system might have trouble breaking down the plant fibers, which can cause discomfort and pain.
– Abdominal pain. Painful bloating might occur as gasses build up in the digestive system.
– Flatulence. Gas may be released, as the bacteria in the gut work to break down the cabbage.
– Diarrhea and vomiting. The body may work to get rid of the cabbage by vomiting or using diarrhea to expel it from the body, which can lead to dehydration and other serious health issues if not treated properly.
– Choking hazards. When Shih Tzus eat raw cabbage leaves, they tend to swallow them whole without chewing, leaving pieces that are too large for them to digest correctly and creating a choking hazard.
What to do if your Shih Tzus eat too much cabbage?
If your Shih Tzu eats too much cabbage, don’t panic. Cabbage is typically safe for Shih Tzus to eat, but you want to make sure that they do not suffer from any adverse effects if they have eaten too much of it. The first thing you should do is stop feeding them cabbage and remove any leftovers from their reach. If your Shih Tzu has eaten too much cabbage, then it can result in a case of bloat (i.e. when the stomach fills with gas and fluid, causing painful distention). Keep monitoring your Shih Tzu for any signs of unusual behavior such as vomiting or a lack of appetite. Contact your vet if you notice anything abnormal.
Can Shih Tzus eat red cabbage?
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat red cabbage! While most people would think of green cabbage when thinking about this vegetable, red cabbage is actually better for your pup. Red cabbage contains 10 times more vitamins than green cabbage, so it’s a great way to help your Shih Tzu stay healthy. However, a little of it can go a long way, and you should use moderation when feeding this to your furry friend.
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 cabbage?
The short answer is yes, Shih Tzus can eat cabbage in moderation.
Cabbage is loaded with nutrients like potassium, calcium and vitamins C and K—making it an excellent treat for Shih Tzus. But, as with any food, you should do some research before giving your Shih Tzu a nibble of that raw cabbage leaf.
Moderately cooked cabbage is better for your pup than raw or over-cooked cabbage. Raw cabbage may be hard to chew and digest, and over-cooked cabbage can cause stomach upset in some Shih Tzus. You should also take care not to overfeed your Shih Tzu on this vegetable, since some Shih Tzus have a sensitive stomach. If you’re looking to include more veggies in your Shih Tzu’s diet, follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of the food your Shih Tzu eats should be their normal food, while 10% can be treats or add-ons like vegetables.