Shih Tzus love eggs just as much as we do, so it’s only natural to think about sharing some with your furry friend. Here’s what you need to know about feeding eggs to your Shih Tzu and the benefits of doing so.
Eggs are a nutrient-rich food that can be a natural part of your Shih Tzu’s diet. But there are some precautions you need to take when serving eggs to your Shih Tzu. And there are some questions that you may have about eggs and Shih Tzus, such as whether cooked or raw is better for Shih Tzus, how many eggs a Shih Tzu can eat, and whether Shih Tzus can eat eggshells. This article will answer all of those questions and more.
Let’s begin with the most burning question:
Are eggs safe for Shih Tzus?
Yes, eggs are safe for Shih Tzus to eat. However, it is best not to feed your Shih Tzu too much egg at once, as this could cause an upset stomach. Eggs have a high fat content and contain a substance called avidin, which can be toxic to Shih Tzus in large enough quantities.
Cooked egg is a better option because it is easier for your Shih Tzu to digest than raw, and it doesn’t contain any salmonella bacteria.
If you are feeding eggs to your Shih Tzu for the first time, watch out for any abnormal signs such as vomiting or diarrhea as some Shih Tzus can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction after eating eggs. If you notice your Shih Tzu has diarrhea, stop feeding your Shih Tzu eggs and consult a vet if the symptoms persist.
Benefits of eggs in Shih Tzus
Benefits of Eggs in Shih Tzus:
Protein: Eggs are packed with protein, which is essential to your Shih Tzu’s health and development. Protein helps build and maintain muscle and can even help in the loss of excess body fat.
Vitamin B-complex: Vitamin B-complex vitamins are vital for many functions in the body, including energy metabolism and cognitive function.
Selenium: Selenium helps support immune system function, cardiovascular health, and thyroid function. It also contributes to healthy skin, coat, and nails.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is essential for eye health, bone growth, reproduction, cell division, and cell differentiation (in which cells become specialized).
Iron: Iron helps your Shih Tzu produce red blood cells to distribute oxygen throughout its body. It also assists in the development of immunities.
Oleic acid: Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that helps promote heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels.
Do all Shih Tzus like eggs?
Unfortunately, not all Shih Tzus like eggs. Just like people, Shih Tzus have their own food preferences and dislikes. If you’ve tried feeding your Shih Tzu eggs and he turns his nose up at them, don’t force the issue. Doing so may cause your Shih Tzu to develop an aversion to eggs that can be hard to overcome in the future.
Instead, try other Shih Tzu-friendly protein sources such as chicken, turkey or fish. You can also consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your Shih Tzu’s diet.
Can my Shih Tzus have eggs every day?
No, don’t let your Shih Tzus have eggs every day. They should be able to have them a couple times a week, so the yolk makes up about 10% of their diet—it’s not a good idea to give them more than that.
Can puppies eat eggs?
Yes, puppies can eat eggs, but you should wait until they are at least two months old. Because their digestive systems are so delicate, puppies should be on a specialized puppy food diet for the first two months of their lives.
After that, you can start with just a small bite of cooked egg once or twice a week. Make sure the egg is well-cooked—scrambled is fine, but you want to avoid raw egg whites and undercooked eggs because they may contain bacteria that can make your puppy sick. You also want to avoid adding salt or other seasonings to the eggs, since puppies have very sensitive stomachs and some spices can cause digestive upset or even lead to long-term health issues.
Remember that your puppy should never be fed an entire egg as a meal replacement and it’s important to consult your veterinarian prior to introducing any new food into your puppy’s diet. If you have any concerns about whether your pet is getting enough protein in her diet, you might give her eggs as an occasional treat or supplement her food with scrambled eggs now and then.
How much egg can Shih Tzus eat?
The amount of egg your Shih Tzu can eat depends on his age, size, and activity level.
Start by consulting with your vet, who can give you a more personalized recommendation for your Shih Tzu’s diet, but here’s a general rule of thumb:
- Smaller pup breed (<20 lbs) like Shih Tzu, one cooked egg per week
- Medium-sized pup breed (21-50lbs lbs) two cooked eggs per week
- Large pup breed (>50 lbs) three cooked eggs per week
When introducing eggs to the diet, start small and gradually increase the serving size if there are no digestive issues.
How to serve eggs to your Shih Tzus?
Eggs have a ton of protein, and lots of Shih Tzus love the taste. But before you give your Shih Tzu eggs to eat, make sure you check with a vet first.
Once you get the green light, you’re good to go! Eggs are safe for most Shih Tzus if they’re fed in moderation. But if your Shih Tzu has any allergies, or if they’ve had issues digesting fats, eggs may not be a good choice.
If your pet doesn’t have any restrictions, here are some guidelines on how to serve them up:
Only feed organic eggs—the more natural the better.
Clean them properly—wash the egg thoroughly before cracking it open.
You can cook an egg simply by boiling it or poaching it, but there are other options too. You can steam hard-boiled eggs; make an omelet or frittata; or turn them into a topping for dry food by scrambling them with some veggies.
If your pet is having trouble digesting egg yolks, try using just the whites instead of the whole egg. Or you can grind up the shells and sprinkle them onto their food—they’re loaded with calcium.
When are eggs bad for Shih Tzus?
Eggs aren’t very good for Shih Tzus—but only in certain circumstances.
First, if your Shih Tzu has any underlying health issues like allergies, pancreatitis, or low-grade infections, it’s best to keep them away from eggs.
Second, overindulgence can cause problems for your pup. While there is no hard number that Shih Tzus should not exceed in egg consumption (it varies between breeds and sizes), be sure to watch out for signs of discomfort or illness after they eat an egg; if you see these symptoms, consult your veterinarian and cut back on the eggs.
Third, raw egg is a Bad Idea. Raw eggs are more likely to contain bacteria that can make your Shih Tzu sick, and they also contain an enzyme that interferes with the absorption of biotin—which can lead to skin problems and other issues.
Lastly, be sure to not feed your Shih Tzu the shells, as they have been known to cause intestinal obstruction or even perforation in Shih Tzus who ingest them.
What happens when your Shih Tzus eat too many eggs?
Vomiting: Shih Tzus that have eaten too much egg may vomit. If you notice your Shih Tzu vomiting, contact your vet immediately to see what the next steps should be.
Diarrhea: If a Shih Tzu has eaten too much egg, they may experience diarrhea. If you notice this, consult with a vet as soon as possible.
Bloat: Shih Tzus who eat too many eggs in one sitting, can end up with bloat. This is when their stomach expands from gas and can become painful. It can also lead to torsion and death if not treated quickly enough. Contact your vet for advice on how to proceed if this happens.
Obesity: Too many eggs can lead to obesity in Shih Tzus, which can cause many problems for them down the road. Contact your vet to learn about the best way forward if you suspect your Shih Tzu might get obese from eating too much egg.
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 eggs?
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat eggs. Eggs are rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins A and B12, making them an excellent treat for your Shih Tzu. Just be sure to cook the eggs thoroughly before feeding them to your Shih Tzu. Also, avoid feeding your Shih Tzu raw eggs as they contain avidin, an enzyme that interferes with the absorption of biotin. If this enzyme is consumed regularly, it can lead to biotin deficiency.