What food can Shih Tzu eat?

Let’s take a look at our top picks after we have discussed what to avoid and how to feed your Shih Tzu.

These ingredients meet all requirements for high-quality dog food and go beyond the ordinary. You can be 100% sure that your dog is receiving top-quality food with any of these.

 

 

With grains

Merrick Classic Recipe for Small dog Breeds.

Chicken meat is the #1 ingredient. Other ingredients include chicken meat, turkey, salmon (great omega-3 and 6-), blueberries, carrots, blueberries (great sources of antioxidants), chia seeds, oatmeal, and other foods. It contains a unique combination of healthy grains, including brown rice, barley, and quinoa, which are all very well tolerated.

This product is free of soy and corn, contains all the recommended vitamins, and minerals, and has zero artificial coloring or chemical preservatives. This brand is high-quality, small-sized, and made in the USA.

 

Wellness Complete Healthcare for Small Breeds.

This is also an excellent choice. You can use turkey, chicken, or oatmeal as an ingredient. All other ingredients are used to preserve or flavor food naturally or add vitamins or minerals.

No fillers, wheat, soy, corn, or other by-products are used. No artificial flavoring or coloring nor chemical preservatives are used. DHA, a special omega-3 fatty acid that supports healthy cognition development, has been added to the puppy formula. Moreover, Shih Tzu, 8 years and older, will love the senior formula. It has glucosamine, chondroitin, and other nutrients. This kibble is made specifically for small dogs. Also, the kibble pieces are perfect in size. This kibble is made in the USA.

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Halo Natural For Small Breeds – Chickens and Liver.

This is our latest recommendation, and it is our favorite for many reasons. Organic formulas mean animals are free from antibiotics and hormones, poultry are cage-free, and vegetables and fruits are not genetically modified (not genetically engineered). No artificial colors or flavors are used. All preservatives (vitamins, plants) are natural. Halo is proud to offer easy-to-digest food, which is great news for Shih Tzu’s stomach.

Ingredients include chicken liver, eggs, salmon, peas and vegetable broth. Flaxseed, flaxseed and sweet potato are also included. Moreover, this brand offers a great mix of fruits and vegetables. Other ingredients include vitamins and minerals, or plant-based all natural preservatives.

Although they don’t over-promote Halo, it is made in the USA using a few vegetables from Canada and New Zealand. These countries have very safe regulations.

 

 

Grain-free:

Wellness Core for Small Breeds.

This recipe is excellent if you want to make it grain-free. A CORE is a basic recipe that uses traditional meats and only contains wholesome foods such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, spinach, peas, or potatoes. It also includes salmon oil, fish, vegetables, fruits, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. All other ingredients are used to preserve and flavor the food or add vitamins or minerals.

There are no fillers or by-products of corn, soy, wheat, or other grains. There are no artificial flavors, colorings, or chemical preservatives.

The added benefits of healthy omega fatty acid, antioxidants, and botanicals, glucosamine, chondroitin, and glucosamine, are unbeatable. This container is perfect for pleasant eating experiences and is made in the USA.

 

Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Small Breed.

This is an excellent option if you have a limited budget and your Shih Tzu prefers a diet that doesn’t contain grains. Also, avoid 16 brands listed by FDA as being connected to DCM.

You can make many delicious recipes, including Salmon & Whitefish, Chicken & Turkey, Pork, Beef & Lamb. For the small number of dogs allergic to chicken, Pork, Beef & Lamb, it can be made without any poultry.

It is all-natural and contains no artificial preservatives or additives. There are no fillers, corn, or wheat. Although it doesn’t include the fruits and vegetables of the Wellness CORE, this product is still made in the USA and contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

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What food can’t Shih Tzu breed can eat?

Poisonous foods to Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are like all dogs and will eat anything you give them. Also. they will eat anything you drop on the ground if it is not too much. Some foods are toxic to Shih Tzus and should not be ingested, even in small quantities. Knowing what foods Shih Tzus can’t eat is important to keep your dog safe. These are the most deadly foods for Shih Tzus. Then there are those that they eat but are still dangerous.

 

 

Chocolate

This is the most commonly misunderstood food Shih Tzus can’t eat and the one that most people have to call a vet. Chocolate is one of the most poisonous foods for Shih Tzus. It was licensed from StoryBlocks.com. This is due to toxic theobromine in chocolate. Even small amounts of chocolate can make your Shih Tzu sick. If you see chocolate on the ground, grab it immediately. Dogs that are given large amounts of chocolate will vomit. In more severe cases, they may develop seizures, abnormal heartbeats, or even death. Because it contains more theobromine, dark chocolate is the most poisonous and dangerous for Shih Tzus.

 

Onions, garlic, and leeks, as well as chives.

All of these foods belong to the Allium family. Any food in this group is poisonous for Shih Tzus. It doesn’t matter if it’s been cooked or boiled. These foods can make dogs feel sick and cause red blood cell damage. It may take several days before toxic effects take effect. You might not feel symptoms immediately.

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Gum and mints containing artificial sweeteners (xylitol).

Xylitol, the most dangerous thing a Shih Tzu can consume, is often found in mints and sugar-free gums. In fact, research has shown that xylitol for dogs is 100 times more harmful than chocolate. A small dog might have its blood sugar levels drop significantly if they only eat one stick of xylitol-containing gum.

A whole pack of gum containing ten toxic xylitol sticks could cause irreparable liver damage and even death for a small dog.

You can also find xylitol in other foods and household products like:

  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Peanut butter
  • sugar-free Candy
  • Sugar-free mints
  • Fruit drinks
  • Jams and jelly
  • Cereals
  • Baked goods
  • Jello and sugar-free puddings
  • Vitamin supplements available over the counter

Sweets and candy

Not only the food listed above contains toxic xylitol. Candy brands may also contain toxic xylitol, so check the label. You shouldn’t let your dog eat candy, even if it isn’t poisonous. Why? This is due to the high sugar levels and the possibility of tooth fractures or choking in Shih Tzu’s stomach.

 

Certain peanut butter brands

Peanut butter is a favorite of our Shih Tzu. Peanut butter is a favorite treat of our Shih Tzu, especially when it’s in a Kong Toy. Some brands of peanut butter can be dangerous.  Some peanut butter brands contain xylitol. This ingredient is poisonous to dogs and should be avoided.

 

 

Corn on the cob

Although corn on the cob does not harm Shih Tzus’ health, it is a dangerous food. They can get lodged in your dog’s throat and intestines so you should avoid them at all costs. It is okay to eat sweetcorn, but it will take more work to digest.

 

Boil bones

Dogs love bones. Dogs love bones. However, they can be dangerous. Bowels can become brittle when they are cooked and may break apart. When Shih Tzus consume cooked bones, tiny slivers can puncture their internal organs. This poses a serious risk to their health and could lead to fatal outcomes.

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Avocado

Shih Tzus loves fruit, but not all fruits. Avocado is one example. It can be harmful to Shih Tzus if it’s not prepared properly.

Persin, a poisonous toxin found in avocados, can cause vomiting and diarrhea if consumed in large amounts. Also, persin is found mostly in the avocado skin, pit, and fleshy portion. There are no problems if your Shih Tzu eats an avocado. It’s worth avoiding the skin and stones, though.

 

Grapes and raisins

Grapes and raisins are other fruits that could be dangerous for your Shih Tzu. Also, Grapes and raisins are toxic foods for Shih Tzus and can cause kidney failure if consumed in large amounts.

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Cherry, plum, and peach pits

Because of the small size of seeds and pips like these, they can get lodged in the intestines of smaller dogs such as Shih Tzus. However, Blockages can be dangerous, so keep things like this out of your dog’s face. Some fruits, such as plum and peaches, also contain trace amounts of cyanide. Although it would be terrible to poison your Shih Tzu with this food, it is still good.

 

 

Mustard seeds

Mustard can cause vomiting in Shih Tzus, so vets often use it to make their dogs sick. Because they contain poisonous ingredients, the seeds are particularly toxic.

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Alcohol

It’s a good time to discuss alcohol dangers and the potential dangers for dogs. However, Alcohol is the most toxic drink that would be bad for a Shih Tzu. Moreover, drinking alcohol can cause Shih Tzu to have diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, coordination problems, abnormal blood acids, central nervous system depression, and even death. It is not funny to give your dog alcohol.

 

Caffeine, tea, and coffee

Drinks within can be dangerous for Shih Tzus. The methylxanthines found in caffeine cause similar adverse reactions in dogs to chocolate. Your Shih Tzu should be fine if he has taken a few coffee granules. However, if you give your Shih Tzu large quantities of loose tea or coffee beans, it can be quite harmful and may require vet help.

Eggs and meat that haven’t been properly cooked

Many Shih Tzu owners feed their pets a raw diet. This is fine as long as they are getting all the necessary nutrients. Evidence suggests that dogs who eat raw meat can contract bacterial infections like Salmonella or E.coli.

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High-sugar foods and drinks

Snacks and sugary foods are not good for us. This is one of the most harmful foods for Shih Tzus and can cause various health problems. Too many sugary snacks can lead to diabetes, weight gain, and even gum disease in dogs. Sugar can also cause stomach upset in Shih Tzus, so it is important to avoid sugar.

 

High salt and sodium foods

Salt content is the same as sugar. High-sodium foods can poison Shih Tzus but are more likely to cause extreme thirst and increased urine volume than food that’s been dropped.

Salt can be deadly to dogs when eaten in large amounts. Licensed from StoryBlocks.com. Warning signs for Shih Tzus, who eat a lot of salt, include vomiting, diarrhea and depression, tremors, and seizures.

 

 

Fatty foods

Fatty foods like burgers, bacon, and fried foods can cause stomach upset. Your Shih Tzu can develop pancreatitis if they are allowed to consume these delicious snacks for a long time. It’s difficult to refuse their begging eyes, but sometimes the best food for Shih Tzus is the most delicious.

Author

I’m a long-time animal lover and owner of two dogs and three cats. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior.

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