Can Shih Tzus Eat Eggs? Find Out How Safe Are They
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Eggs make up a nutritional breakfast, with the average person consuming roughly 279 eggs per year. Eggs offer many nutritional benefits, such as protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy choice on a breakfast menu. Eggs are also nutritious for dogs, including Shih Tzus.
While eggs are healthy for Shih Tzus, it’s important to only feed in moderation because these little affectionate dogs can become obese, and never feed raw eggs to your Shih Tzu to avoid salmonella poisoning. In this article, we’ll examine the specifics of how to feed your Shih Tzu eggs safely and what to avoid.
Can Shih Tzus Eat Raw Eggs?
While eggs hold nutritional value, raw eggs do not, and you should avoid feeding raw eggs to your Shih Tzu to avoid the risk of salmonella poisoning. Salmonella poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and other unpleasant symptoms. It’s safest to cook the eggs without any seasonings for your Shih Tzu, so avoid salt or other harmful ingredients.
Cutting up the eggs into small, bite-sized portions also makes eggs easier for your Shih Tzu to eat. You can also boil the egg for your Shih Tzu, but avoid seasonings, such as salt and pepper. Also, ensure the eggs have cooled and are not too hot.
Can My Shih Tzu Be Allergic to Eggs?
While rare, Shih Tzus can be allergic to eggs. Eggs contain protein, which can be an allergen to some dogs. If you decide to feed your Shih Tzu eggs, you’ll want to monitor and look for any signs your Shih Tzu is allergic, which could include coughing, chronic gas, bald patches in the coat, hives, chronic ear infections, face rubbing, and obsessive licking.
Contact your veterinarian for an evaluation if you notice any such signs in your Shih Tzu after feeding eggs.
How Often Can I Feed Eggs to My Shih Tzu?
Conflicting advice is imminent throughout the Internet regarding how often you can feed your Shih Tzu eggs. Some advice says it’s fine to feed one egg per day, but we feel that could be too much.
Eggs should only be given to your Shih Tzu in moderation and as a healthy treat or snack. That said, feed your Shih Tzu a cooked or boiled egg once or twice a week.
It’s imperative to feed your Shih Tzu a high-quality dog food so that he gets all the nutrients he requires, and eggs should never make up the bulk of your dog’s diet. Remember, moderation is key.
Can I Feed Eggshells to My Shih Tzu?
There’s really no need to feed eggshells to your Shih Tzu. Eggshells have sharp edges and could cut your Shih Tzu’s tongue, and a dog’s digestive tract is not meant to break down eggshells. Eggshells contain calcium, but other methods of providing calcium to your Shih Tzu are much easier.
You should consult your veterinarian before providing your Shih Tzu with extra calcium to ensure it’s even needed, as too much calcium can cause hypercalcemia, a condition that can cause bladder stones, digestive issues, lethargy, and excessive thirst.
Tips for a Healthy Diet
Your Shih Tzu requires a complete and balanced dog food that provides all the necessary proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. A high-quality protein, such as chicken, fish, or turkey, should be the first ingredient, followed by fruits and vegetables.
Your veterinarian is an excellent resource to use when deciding on a dog food. Your Shih Tzu’s diet should be consistent with his age (puppy, adult, or senior), and beware of grain-free diets.
The FDA has an ongoing investigation regarding a possible link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious and often fatal heart condition. Most dogs benefit from grains, and the only time your dog needs grain-free is if he has a grain allergy.
In Conclusion
Shih Tzus are adorable, playful, and affectionate little dogs that offer companionship to us humans. They rely on us to feed them quality nutrition, and if your Shih Tzu likes cooked eggs, go ahead and let him have them in moderation.
Avoid feeding eggshells, and only feed eggs up to twice a week as a healthy snack or treat. Avoid a grain-free diet if possible, and always consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns.
See Also:
- Can Shih Tzus Eat Watermelon? How Safe Is It?
- Can Shih Tzus Eat Peanut Butter? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Guide
Featured Image Credit: Olexandr Panchenko, Shutterstock
