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Can Shih Tzus Eat Strawberries? Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Cassidy Sutton

By Cassidy Sutton

strawberry-pixabay (2)

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.

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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.

owner giving a treat to shih tzu dog
Image Credit: Hulabear, Shutterstock

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.

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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:
  • Bananas
  • Watermelons (no seeds)
  • Cranberries
  • Honeydew
  • Cantaloupe
  • Mangos (no pit)
  • Oranges
  • Apples (no seeds or core)
  • Peaches (no pit)
  • Pears (no seeds or core)
  • Pineapple
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Raspberries

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.

shih tzu eat banana
Image Credit: BoBoMuMu, Shutterstock

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.

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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!


Featured Image Credit: Engin_Akyurt, Pixabay

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