Watermelon is a popular food among humans, and it’s nutrient rich. It’s also low-cost, which is why many Shih Tzu owners wonder if they can feed watermelons to their Shih Tzus.
The short answer is “Yes! You can feed watermelons for your Shih Tzus.” But there are lots of questions about watermelon safety for Shih Tzus, and we’ll answer every one of them in this post. Let’s start with the most common question:
Are watermelons safe for Shih Tzus?
Watermelon is a fruit that Shih Tzus can safely eat. However, there are some things to consider before feeding your Shih Tzu watermelon.
The flesh of the watermelon is safe and nutritious, but not the other parts of the watermelon. You should never feed your Shih Tzu the rind or seeds, as they can cause intestinal blockage if eaten in large quantities.
The best way to introduce your Shih Tzu to watermelon is to start by feeding them small amounts of it regularly, gradually increasing the amount over time until they can eat as much as you want them too (this should take about 2 weeks). If you are feeding for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs such as diarrhea or vomiting which could show food intolerance or an allergic reaction–if you observe anything like this, call your vet immediately.
Benefits of watermelons in Shih Tzus
Moisture: Watermelons are very juicy and provide a lot of moisture to your Shih Tzu’s diet. This is especially important during the summer months when they can easily become dehydrated.
Vitamin A: Watermelon contains vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient for Shih Tzus and humans alike. It supports their immune system, helps maintain healthy vision, and promotes skin and coat health.
Vitamin B Complex: Watermelon contains vitamin B complex, which includes Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6) and Cyanocobalamin (B12). These vitamins help your Shih Tzu’s metabolism function properly; therefore, they promote healthy skin, hair growth, and wound healing.
Vitamin C: Watermelon contains vitamin C, which helps build strong bones, muscles and teeth in Shih Tzus by supporting collagen production within their bodies.
Lycopene: Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment that gives watermelons their red color; it also has antioxidant properties that are beneficial for Shih Tzus’ cardiovascular health and eye health by preventing macular degeneration.
Potassium: Watermelons contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function (including the heart). It also helps regulate fluid balance in the body so it can be especially important during times of stress or illness when your pet may need extra support.
Do all Shih Tzus like watermelons?
Unfortunately, no, not all Shih Tzus like watermelon. Shih Tzus have food preferences just like humans do, and it’s possible that your Shih Tzu may not like watermelon.
Some Shih Tzus can be allergic to watermelon, so if you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction, like rashes or hives on their skin or in their mouths, stop feeding them watermelon immediately.
If your Shih Tzu does not seem to enjoy the taste of watermelon (or other fruits), don’t force it on them—they may not enjoy eating it as much as you do! Instead, try other Shih Tzu-friendly fruits like bananas, apples or even carrots. If you’re going to introduce a new food to your Shih Tzu’s diet, consult with your vet first so they can advise you on what is best for your pet’s health and well-being.
Can my Shih Tzus have watermelons every day?
There’s no rule on how often Shih Tzus can eat watermelon.
Yes, you can feed your Shih Tzu the recommended amount of watermelon every day if they like it. But we recommend you to vary the treats because your Shih Tzus can get bored. Also, different treats contain different nutrients and are better for your Shih Tzu’s health in different ways.
Can Shih Tzu puppies eat watermelons?
Yes, Shih Tzu puppies can eat watermelons. However, they should be on a specialized puppy diet during the first two months. After that, you can start introducing small amounts of watermelon to their diet once or twice a week.
It’s important to keep in mind that puppies have a delicate digestive system, so you should consult with your vet before introducing any new food into their diet.
How much watermelon can Shih Tzus eat?
Watermelon is a healthy treat for Shih Tzus, but it’s important to watch out for the serving size.
The general rule of thumb is that smaller pup breeds (<20 lbs) can have 1/2 cup diced watermelon, and larger pup breeds (>20 lbs) can have 1 cup diced watermelon.
It’s important to consult with your vet first for the best serving size for your Shih Tzu.
Portion control is important for your Shih Tzu’s diet and treats. Start small and if there are no problems, you can offer more.
Always follow the rule: your Shih Tzus need a completely balanced diet. All treats should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve watermelons to your Shih Tzus?
We love our Shih Tzus as much as we love our kids, and we want to make sure they’re getting the best nutrition possible. But how can we serve watermelons to our Shih Tzus?
The first thing to do is check with your vet. Make sure there’s no allergy or intolerance to watermelons before you start feeding them this summer fruit.
If the answer is “yes,” then the next step is to make sure your Shih Tzu gets only organic watermelons, and then clean them properly before serving them. If you’re not sure how to do that, there are plenty of tutorials online. Just Google “how do I clean a watermelon?”
Once you’ve cleaned your watermelon, here are some serving ideas:
-In chunk: Let your Shih Tzu have a big chunk of the fruit (minus seeds and rind) right off the melon. This might be messy, so be prepared with lots of paper towels!
-Frozen chunk: Slice up a big chunk of frozen watermelon into smaller pieces for easy chewing—your Shih Tzu won’t need any ice cream if he has his own frozen treat!
-Puree the flesh: Toss in some watermelon flesh into your Shih Tzu’s food bowl for an extra burst of flavor.
-Dehydrate: If you want to give your Shih Tzu something fun to chew on, try dehydrating slices of watermelon and then cutting them into strips for a chewy treat.
When are watermelons bad for Shih Tzus?
Watermelons are bad for Shih Tzus if they have underlying health issues. For example, if your Shih Tzu has allergies or diabetes, watermelon can be harmful to them.
Watermelons are bad for Shih Tzus if you overindulge them in the fruit. Watermelon is high in sugar, which can make Shih Tzus sick if they eat too much of it.
Seeds from watermelon can also be harmful to Shih Tzus because they contain cyanide and oxalate, which can be toxic to Shih Tzus.
Rinds from watermelons are not good for Shih Tzus because they are fibrous and can cause intestinal blockage.
Skin from watermelons is also harmful for your pooch that can make your Shih Tzu ill if ingested or eaten by licking.
What happens when your Shih Tzus eat too much watermelon?
Watermelon is a delicious summer treat for humans, but it can be dangerous for Shih Tzus.
If your Shih Tzu eats too much watermelon, there are several symptoms to look out for:
Diarrhea: Diarrhea can happen when your Shih Tzu has eaten too much watermelon. If you notice frequent, loose stools and your Shih Tzu seems uncomfortable, call your vet right away.
Constipation: If you notice your Shih Tzu is having trouble going to the bathroom or has difficulty eliminating waste, call their vet right away! They may need an enema or laxative to help them pass their stool more easily.
Abdominal pain: If you notice your Shih Tzu seems uncomfortable in the abdomen area and they refuse to eat or drink water, call the vet immediately! They may suffer from intestinal blockages caused by eating too much watermelon or other foods with similar effects on digestion, like corn husks or pine cones.
Choking hazard: This one goes without saying – if you see pieces of melon lodged in your Shih Tzu’s throat or mouth, call a vet 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 watermelons?
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat watermelons. Watermelons are rich in water, minerals and vitamins, making it an excellent treat for Shih Tzus. Remove seeds and rinds before feeding your Shih Tzu, however, as these parts of the fruit can be toxic to your Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzus love the taste of watermelon, so be careful not to overfeed them! Follow the 90/10 rule: feed your Shih Tzu 90 percent standard food and only 10 percent watermelon (or other fruit).