Cucumber is a popular food among humans. It’s nutrient rich, low in calories and cost. That’s why many Shih Tzu owners like to feed cucumbers to their Shih Tzus. But can you feed cucumbers to your Shih Tzus?
The short answer is ‘’Yes’’, you can feed cucumbers to your Shih Tzus. But there are lots of questions and concerns about feeding cucumbers to Shih Tzus. Here I will answer every question regarding feeding cucumbers to your Shih Tzus. Let’s start with the most important question:
Is cucumber safe for Shih Tzus?
Yes, cucumbers are safe for Shih Tzus to eat. However, if you’re feeding your Shih Tzu cucumber for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs. It is also best not to feed your Shih Tzu too much cucumber at once as it can cause stomach issues sometimes. And if you are feeding your Shih Tzu a cucumber, try to use seedless and skinless cucumbers as they are easier for Shih Tzus to digest.
If you do observe any symptoms that show a food intolerance or allergic reaction (such as vomiting, diarrhea or upset stomach) it is advised that you contact your vet immediately and not feed your Shih Tzu any more cucumbers.
Benefits of cucumber in Shih Tzus
96% moisture: Cucumbers are a great way to keep your Shih Tzu hydrated if they’re not drinking enough water.
Fiber: Cucumbers can help aid digestion and help prevent constipation.
Vitamins: Cucumbers are high in Vitamin A, B vitamins, Vitamin C and potassium. This can help boost a Shih Tzu’s immune system and promote healthier skin and coat.
Minerals: Cucumbers contain minerals such as magnesium, calcium and silicon, which are all important for proper bone development and growth.
Breath freshener: Contains phytochemicals that can eliminate bad breath by neutralizing odors in the mouth before they enter the bloodstream.
Do all Shih Tzus like cucumbers?
Unfortunately, not all Shih Tzus like cucumbers. Some Shih Tzus may not be fond of the taste and will toss it straight to the ground. Shih Tzus have food preferences just like humans and may turn their nose up at a cucumber.
Some Shih Tzus can be allergic to cucumbers. If your Shih Tzu is showing signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, vomiting, or diarrhea, stop feeding your Shih Tzu cucumbers immediately. Don’t force your Shih Tzu to eat the cucumber if they are not interested in it. Instead, try giving your Shih Tzu another vegetable treat that they might enjoy more. Consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your Shih Tzu’s diet.
Can my Shih Tzus have cucumbers every day?
There’s no rule on how often Shih Tzus can eat cucumbers, and yes, you can feed Shih Tzus the recommended amount of cucumber every day if they like it. We do recommend varying the treats because your Shih Tzus can get bored. Different treats also contain different nutrients, and you want to make sure your Shih Tzu is getting the variety of nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Can Shih Tzu puppies eat cucumbers?
Yes, Shih Tzu puppies can eat cucumbers—but not until they’re at least two months old. In fact, it’s best not to introduce any new food to a puppy’s diet until they reach this age. Puppies have very delicate digestive systems, and the nutrients they need are best met by a specialized puppy diet.
If your puppy is over two months old, you can start by introducing a small bite of cucumber once or twice a week. If your puppy doesn’t have any adverse reactions (like diarrhea), you can slowly increase the amount of cucumber you feed them. It’s always best to consult with your vet before changing your puppy’s diet.
How much cucumber can Shih Tzus eat?
Cucumber is a healthy treat for your Shih Tzu, as it is a good source of vitamin K and vitamin C. However, it is important to know how much cucumber you should give to your Shih Tzu.
The amount of cucumber you should give your Shih Tzu depends on the age, size and activity level of your Shih Tzu. It’s always best to consult with your vet first before giving a new treat to your Shih Tzu. A good rule of thumb is: if you have a smaller pup breed (less than 20 pounds) like Shih Tzus, you can give your Shih Tzu one or two slices of cucumber, but for larger pup breeds (over 20 pounds), you can give them a few more slices.
However, portion control is important for your Shih Tzus’ diet and treats. Start small and if there are no signs of diarrhea or upset stomachs after eating the cucumber, you can offer more. Always follow the rule that your Shih Tzus need a completely balanced diet; all treats combinedly should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve cucumbers to your Shih Tzus?
If you’re wondering whether it’s safe for your Shih Tzu to eat cucumbers—or how to serve them to them—you’ve come to the right place.
First—and most importantly—check with your vet. They’ll know your Shih Tzu better than we do, and they’ll be able to answer questions you have.
Then, make sure that what you feed your Shih Tzu is organic, and clean it thoroughly before serving.
Now, for the fun part! Here are some serving ideas:
– Use small pieces of cucumber as training treats during obedience or agility training. This will help teach them basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” or just “come here!”
– Add a little extra crunch by topping regular food with cucumber slices. This is a great way to add fiber and vitamins to your Shih Tzu’s diet!
– Stuff cucumber slices with peanut butter or cheese for a fun twist on an old favorite (but remember to keep it healthy).
– Use frozen cucumber slices as cool summary treats in the middle of the summer.
When is cucumber bad for Shih Tzus?
Cucumbers aren’t inherently dangerous to Shih Tzus, but they do have the potential to cause problems. Your Shih Tzu should not eat cucumber if it’s allergic to the vegetable or if the cucumber has been treated with any pesticides or harmful chemicals.
If your Shih Tzu eats too many cucumbers, it will probably experience diarrhea and other gastric symptoms like nausea and vomiting because of the high water content of the vegetable. Cucumbers are not toxic for Shih Tzus, but if your Shih Tzu is experiencing any problems after eating them—including scratchiness, hives, or difficulty breathing—call your veterinarian immediately.
If you want to treat your Shih Tzu to some cucumber, make sure that you remove the skin first and wash off any residue with a damp towel. You should also cut off both ends of the cucumber and remove any seeds you find in it. You can feed sliced cucumber to your Shih Tzu directly, or add it to their food as a treat.
What happens when your Shih Tzus eat too much cucumber?
Here are some symptoms you’ll want to watch out for:
Abdominal pain: Cucumbers are a natural laxative, so if your pooch eats too many, they may experience abdominal discomfort. If you notice them acting restless or straining to go to the bathroom, they may have eaten more cucumbers than they can handle.
Vomiting: Most Shih Tzus will vomit if they eat too much, but unlike humans, it’s not always because they ate something bad. They may just be getting rid of excess food.
Diarrhea: Cucumbers are full of good vitamins and minerals, but if your Shih Tzu eats too much, they’re going to see it come out the other end in short order. If your pup has diarrhea from eating too many cucumbers, you can expect it to pass in a few hours.
Bloat: It is possible for Shih Tzus to get bloated from eating too many cucumbers at once. Bloat can be very dangerous—if you see any symptoms of bloat, contact the vet immediately.
What to do if your Shih Tzus eat too much cucumber?
If your Shih Tzus eat too much cucumber, it is important not to panic. Cucumbers are unlikely to cause serious harm to your Shih Tzu, but they can cause some discomfort. Take away any remaining cucumbers and monitor your Shih Tzu for any abnormal signs, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Contact your vet if you see any of these signs or if you’re worried about your Shih Tzu’s health.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that your Shih Tzu doesn’t have access to the rest of the cucumber. The seeds can irritate a Shih Tzu’s digestive system, and so can the plant itself, so it is best to prevent further consumption by removing the source from their environment.
Can Shih Tzus eat pickled cucumbers?
You shouldn’t give your Shih Tzu pickled cucumbers.
While pickles are just cucumbers that have been fermented and pickling liquid, it’s the liquid itself that is harmful to your Shih Tzu. Pickling liquid typically contains salts, spices, and other ingredients like garlic or onions that are toxic to Shih Tzus. These ingredients can make your Shih Tzu extremely sick, especially if they have eaten a large amount of them.
If your Shih Tzu somehow finds their way into your stash of pickled cucumbers, contact your vet immediately! They will tell you how much of the pickling liquid was consumed and how much damage it may have done.
And in the future? Keep those jars out of reach of curious noses! Stick with fresh cucumbers instead—plain or with a little peanut butter for taste.
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 cucumbers?
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are rich in fibers, moisture, minerals and vitamins, making them an excellent treat for Shih Tzus. Just remove the seeds and peel before feeding cucumber to your Shih Tzu, as they may cause choking or gastrointestinal distress. Don’t overfeed your Shih Tzu—while cucumbers are healthy, it’s important to keep treats like this away from the 90/10 rule, which holds that 90% of a Shih Tzu’s nutrition should come from its diet, with 10% allowed for treats.