Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
Can Shih Tzus Eat Strawberries? Nutritional Facts & FAQ
In this article
Are you looking for more snack ideas for your Shih Tzu? Strawberries are sweet and sour fruits that are cultivated worldwide. The best part? They’re 100% safe to feed your dog.
You’ll be happy to know that strawberries are not only safe to offer, but they’re also a healthy snack, full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So, toss a strawberry down to your Shih Tzu, and let’s take a closer look at this delicious summertime fruit.
Health Benefits of Feeding Strawberries
Its scarlet skin, green leafy tops, and heart-shaped body cause your mouth to water before you’ve popped a juicy strawberry in your mouth. But there’s more happening inside a strawberry than you’d think.
The strawberry is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants to help you and your pooch fight off illness. They’re also low-calorie and make some of the best weight management snacks.
Most people don’t know that strawberries contain a healthy amount of fiber which helps regulate your bowel movements. So, by giving your Shih Tzu some strawberries, you’re doing its long-term health a favor.
How Much Fruit Should I Offer?
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “too much of a good thing is a bad thing?” Well, it’s true, especially when it comes to treats.
How many strawberries you offer depends on your dog, but a good rule of thumb is to offer no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. This is true for all treats, so you’ll need to adjust your Shih Tzu’s diet if you’re offering other treats besides strawberries.
If you don’t know what 10% of your dog’s diet is, don’t fret. Measure how many calories your dog eats daily, then factor 10% of that number.
Other Delicious Fruits to Offer
Strawberries are not the only healthy snack you can offer your Shih Tzu. Other fruits can be added to the bowl occasionally.
Here are some other fruity treats to try:
Check that you’ve removed the seeds, pits, and cores before offering any fruit to your dog. Fruits like apples, mangos, peaches, and watermelons are healthy, but the seeds and pits can cause health complications.
Fruits You Should Avoid
Generally, fruit is good to feed a dog, but there are a few you want to avoid.
- Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage and should never be offered as a treat.
- Avocado: The bark, leaves, pit, and skin all contain persin, a chemical that causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Some dogs experience gastrointestinal upset when they eat the flesh. The flesh is okay to offer, but only in moderation.
- Tomatoes: The flesh of the tomato is acceptable to offer as a treat in moderation, but don’t feed your Shih Tzu the leaves. The green parts of the tomato contain solanine.
In Conclusion
Some fruits you should never offer your Shih Tzu, but the strawberry is not one of them. The strawberry is a fruit you and your Shih Tzu can enjoy together. Remember, strawberries are a treat, so don’t go overboard!
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Engin_Akyurt, Pixabay
Get Hepper In Your Inbox
Pet care tips from our vets and experts, straight to your inbox.
You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
Cassidy is a vet tech and pet sitter who has more recently become a pet writer. She loves cats and dogs and has had dozens of pets over the years. Her specialty is the human-animal bond.
Cassidy and her husband currently live in Kansas with a German Shepherd named Raven, two cats named Lucy and Streudel, and several backyard chickens.
Join the conversation
Ask a question, share your story, or send private feedback.
