Strawberries are a popular food among humans, but they’re also available easily at low cost. That’s why many Shih Tzu owners have given their Shih Tzus strawberries as part of their diet.
But can you feed strawberries for your Shih Tzus? The short answer is “Yes,” you can feed strawberries to your Shih Tzus. But there are lots of things you should know before doing so! We’ll answer every question regarding this topic in this blog post. Let’s start with the most obvious question:
Are strawberries safe for Shih Tzus?
Yes, strawberries are safe for Shih Tzus. They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and folic acid.
Strawberries can be given to Shih Tzus as a treat in small amounts. Remove the stem and cut them into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. It is best not to feed too much strawberry at once as it can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
If you are feeding strawberries for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs like diarrhea, vomiting or excessive flatulence in case your Shih Tzu has a food intolerance or allergic reaction. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop feeding the fruit immediately and consult your vet.
Benefits of strawberries in Shih Tzus
Antioxidants: help to slow down the aging process, protect against cancer and heart disease, and aid in the prevention of arthritis.
Vitamins: Vitamin C is an antioxidant which aids in the healing of wounds and helps to boost immunity. It also aids in brain function.
Minerals: Maintains healthy bones, teeth, muscles and other tissues.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain a healthy skin, coat and immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids also aid in reducing inflammation of joints or muscle tissue, which may result from arthritis or injury.
Fibers: Fibers are important for maintaining a healthy digestive system and may reduce the risk of colon cancer by helping to keep things moving smoothly through your digestive tract.
Do all Shih Tzus like strawberries?
Unfortunately, no, not all Shih Tzus like strawberries.
Your Shih Tzus may not like it because they have food preferences that are like humans. Some people don’t like strawberries, but they would still eat them. Other people love strawberries so much they’ll eat them by the pint.
Some Shih Tzus can be allergic to strawberry or any other berry fruit. If your Shih Tzu has an allergy to a certain food, then he or she will probably have allergies to all similar foods as well. It’s best to consult with your vet before introducing a new food into your Shih Tzu’s diet for the first time—especially if you think he or she might be allergic.
Can my Shih Tzus have strawberries every day?
The answer is “Yes, you can feed Shih Tzus the recommended amount of strawberry every day if they like it.”
There’s no rule on how often Shih Tzus can eat strawberries, but we recommend you to vary the treat because your Shih Tzus can get bored.
Also, different treats contain different nutrients, and nutrients are important for their health.
Can Shih Tzu puppies eat strawberries?
Yes, Shih Tzu puppies can eat strawberries. But it’s important to introduce them to new foods slowly and carefully.
Puppy’s digestive systems are delicate and sensitive, so it’s best not to give your puppy anything new until they’re at least two months old.
Once they turn two months old, start by giving them just a small bite of strawberry once or twice a week. Wait a few days before giving them another small bite and then wait a few more days after that before giving them another small bite. If your puppy doesn’t show any signs of digestive distress or diarrhea, you can continue to increase the amount of strawberry given each day until the puppy is eating about a quarter cup per day.
It’s also important to talk with your vet before introducing any new food into their diet, especially if your puppy has any known allergies or sensitivities.
How much strawberry can Shih Tzus eat?
The answer depends on the age, size, and activity level of your Shih Tzu. It also depends on what kind of strawberries you’re feeding them—some varieties are sweeter than others and contain more sugar, so it’s important to read labels carefully to make sure you’re giving your pup the right amount of fruit. And even then, consult with your vet first to make sure that you’re giving them an appropriate serving size.
If you have a small pup breed (<20 pounds) like Shih Tzus, one strawberry is probably fine for them.
If you have a large pup breed (>20 pounds) with lots of energy, give them a few more strawberries—if they seem to like them! It’s always good to cut them into smaller pieces before feeding so that there’s less chance of choking on any pits or stems.
Keep in mind that portion control is important for your Shih Tzu’s diet and treats—treats should not make up over 10% of their total diet.
How to serve strawberries to your Shih Tzus?
First, get approval from your vet. Then, you can start serving strawberries to your Shih Tzu. As a general rule, Shih Tzus shouldn’t eat too many fruits because they’re high in sugar and other natural chemicals that can be harmful to them. However, strawberries are one of the few fruits that are safe for Shih Tzus to eat in moderation—and they’re pretty yummy.
Feed organic only: Ideally, you’ll want to feed your Shih Tzu organic strawberries (or any other fruit). This will ensure that you’re giving them the healthiest food possible and not adding unnecessary chemicals or pesticides into their diet.
Clean it properly: You should always wash produce thoroughly before feeding it to your Shih Tzu. This is especially true for berries like strawberries or raspberries because they’re juicy and messy.
Remove stems: It’s best if you remove the leaves and stems before feeding your Shih Tzu so that nothing gets stuck in their teeth or gums while eating the fruit itself later on down the road (which could lead to infection).
Then cut them into small pieces. You can also mash them or puree them and mix with other healthy treats.
When are strawberries bad for Shih Tzus?
Strawberries are bad for Shih Tzus when they have underlying health issues, such as allergy or diabetes.
Strawberries can also be toxic if they are overindulged in, especially if they’re consumed in large quantities and the Shih Tzu doesn’t drink enough water.
Strawberry stems are not digestible easily, so Shih Tzus can experience digestive issues when they eat them.
Strawberries leave leaves containing tannin, which causes digestive distress in Shih Tzus.
Processed strawberries may also pose problems for Shih Tzus because they’re often high in sugar and salt.
What happens if your Shih Tzu eats too many strawberries?
Vomiting: If your Shih Tzu eats too many strawberries at once, they might vomit. This is a sign that they’ve ingested something that doesn’t agree with them, and it can be very dangerous if they’re unable to keep it down. With vomiting, call your vet immediately.
Diarrhea: Eating too many strawberries can cause diarrhea in Shih Tzus. Vomiting usually accompanies this, and it’s not just an inconvenience—it can also be dangerous to your Shih Tzu’s health if they continue to ingest food while experiencing diarrhea. If your Shih Tzu has diarrhea after eating too many strawberries, call your vet immediately.
Abdominal pain: Shih Tzus can experience abdominal pain when they eat too many strawberries at once—this is a symptom of the digestive system being overwhelmed by something that isn’t meant for it. Call your vet immediately if you notice this symptom in your Shih Tzu after eating too many strawberries.
Choking hazard: Eating too many berries may make your Shih Tzu choke on them, which could cause death if left untreated! If you see signs of choking (gasping for air, difficulty breathing), stay calm and call 911 immediately.
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 strawberries?
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat strawberries! They’re packed with antioxidants that help keep their immune system in tip-top shape. Not only that, but strawberries are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber.
Strawberries are also low in calories and high in water content, so they won’t make your pup feel full too quickly—just make sure you remove the stems before feeding them to your Shih Tzu. And don’t feed them too many strawberries: follow the 90/10 rule (90% good food and 10% treats).