Don’t Feed Me These [10 Food Items Your Shih Tzus Shouldn’t be Eating]

Shih Tzus are the type of dogs that are known to be loving and warm house dogs. They usually like to follow you around and sit on your lap. If trained properly, they can be great companions and an excellent addition to your family. Some even said that these dogs are part lion, rabbit, and a small dash of a baby seal; they are irresistible dogs that could melt any heart with their wagging tail.

 

Their personality will surely make you want to cuddle them. Although, as an owner, it’s all fun and games until you hear about the things you should know about how to care for a dog. Just like any other dog, Shih Tzus are prone to many diseases and conditions. That is why, as an owner, you should be informed and have the initiative to research caring for your dog, i.e., their health, care, grooming, and diet.

 

Speaking of diet, you should know certain foods that Shih Tzus should steer clear of. There are poisonous, toxic, and bad foods for them out there that you should be aware of. In this article, we will be revealing a list of food Shih Tzus should not be consuming.

1. Food High in Salt and Sodium Content -Shih Tzus should not be fed food that is high in sodium. They will most likely be suffering from extreme thirst and excessive urination if they ever consume it. Remember, Shih Tzus have a very vulnerable digestive system, so they may have difficulty coping with salty food.
2. Yeast – Yeast dough tends to heat, rise and create gas, so it is dangerous for your dog if they ever consume it. For Shih Tzus, considering they have such a sensitive digestive system, they may experience pain and bloating. It is dangerous, and we advise you to go to your nearest veterinarian. You can visit https://vitapet.com/au/ for your pet’s dietary needs as well.
3. Chocolate –Chocolates are considered to be one of the most toxic foods for Shih Tzus. It is due to the existing substance in chocolate called theobromine, which is not metabolized quickly by dogs. It is best to monitor your dogs if they accidentally eat a few pieces of chocolate to see if they ever show any symptoms.
4. Milk and Dairy – Most Shih Tzus are lactose intolerant. For a dog to break down lactose, they need to have an enzyme (lactase) that is only present for some animals and humans. If you want to feed your dog some milk, dogs can consume certain types of milk, such as goat milk.
5. Avocado – A small amount of the actual avocado won’t harm your Shih Tzu, but we can’t say the same to its seed. It is incredibly harmful to dogs because the seed houses a fungicide called “persin.” Another thing that might be a danger for your dogs is that they might choke on the seed, considering it is particularly large and might block their throat. Although if your dog ever eats a large sum of avocado, your dog might suffer from conditions such as pancreatitis in the future.
6. Corn on the Cob –If the whole cob of corn is lodged into your dog’s throat or intestine, this might lead to problems. Getting out the actual corn is okay as long as it can be digested well by your dog.
7. Grapes or Raisins – When eaten with large portions, your Shih Tzu’s kidneys might be compromised. Especially to a small dog, the effects of eating it might come sooner than you think, so you should be careful about what to feed your dog.
8. Coconut and Coconut Oil – One thing’s for sure; if you happen to feed your dog the flesh of the coconut, your dog might experience stomach aches right after. It is high in potassium that is why even coconut water is dangerous for your pet to consume.
9. Caffeine – If gobbled up in large quantities, your dog might be in grave danger. Caffeine products sometimes have dietary stimulants. After ingestion, your dog might suffer from abnormal heart rate, vomiting, muscle tremors, hyperactivity, seizures, collapse, and more. You may have to take your dog to the doctor if they are suffering from one or more of the said symptoms.
10. Cherries – Some parts of the cherry contain cyanide. It might not be life-threatening if your Shih Tzu gets a hold of a few pieces, but he might go through a tummy ache. The best thing to do if you want them to try out the fruit, you need to cut off the pit, leaves, and stems. It is generally a fruit filled with nutritional value as long as you only feed them the actual fruit.

Takeaway

As a dog owner, you have the responsibility of maintaining a care routine for your dogs. If you own a Shih Tzu, you must understand that there’s a lot you should know. If you want your spunky, loyal, and warm doggo to stick by your side, you must learn first how to take care of them properly!