11 Human Foods - Safe For Shih Tzus To Eat - Page 2 of 2

5. Carrots

Carrots are a good choice for treats because they have low calories and barely affect your dog’s weight.

It also contains fibre that’s great for your little furball. It is also beneficial to their oral health as it makes their teeth healthy.

6. Eggs

Would you like to give your Shih Tzu an additional boost of protein? Well, you can count on eggs for that. Chicken eggs are good for dogs, mainly due to their high protein levels.

With a lot of macro and micronutrients, they are quite nutritious foods. They also contain essential amino acids that are essential for your Shih Tzu’s survival.

These are amino acids that dogs cannot synthesize on their own.

Eggs also include healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins.

Egg yolks also contain choline, which helps to maintain the central nervous system, your Shih Tzu’s memory centres, and they provide antioxidants beneficial for visual health.

Do not give them too much to snack on, though, as they are high in fat. They can be served raw or cooked.

If you serve it raw, serve it with the shell crushed. But if you are cooking it, do not season it at all.

7. Apples

Apples are a great treat that your Shih Tzus are going to enjoy. Give apple without the seeds, as the seeds contain cyanide and may cause problems over time.

Its skin is said to protect humans from cancer and could likewise protect your dog from certain cancers.

8. Green beans

Do you want a low-calorie food substitute for your overweight Shih Tzu? Then fresh green beans are the best choice for them.

They are high in fibre and vitamins, but low in calories so that your pups can enjoy them in any form.

Plus, it is filling and satisfying. You may serve canned beans or unseasoned raw beans. If you are too worried about their well-being, you can cook and serve them without seasoning.

9. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potato is another great alternative. It contains fibre, vitamins, and iron and can be given to your Shih Tzu baked or steamed. It can be easily digested, too.

Sweet potatoes should be given to your dog in small pieces after they have been cooked.

10. Cheese

Cheese is a worldwide staple food made from fermented milk, with over 1,000 different types of cheese primarily invented to keep milk eatable for longer.

It’s a favourite part of a lot of diets, and if we love to eat it, we want to offer it to our Shih Tzu as well.

Cheese includes a great variety of vitamins and minerals that is great for your Shih Tzu, but moderation is still important.

Cheese can be given as a reward or treat, or a great addition to your Shih Tzu’s diet.

Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin b12, vitamin A, phosphorus, and zinc; all of these nutrients are essential to your dog’s health and well-being.

Cheese also contains fat and sodium, which is vital for your Shih Tzu’s health, but too much of either can cause issues.

Provided your Shih Tzu is not lactose intolerant; cheese is an excellent option for them to nibble on. Cottage cheese among the others is favoured by dog owners as it is a very high source of protein.

11. Pumpkin

Full of fiber and vitamin A, the pumpkin will make a great treat or add it to every meal. You can serve it raw, cooked, or canned if you do not add anything else to it.

It is a nutritious food, no matter how you choose to serve it. Still, always make sure the pumpkin you serve is free of sugar and spices.

Because this veggie is high in fiber, it can reduce constipation.

Now that you know what foods you can share with your Shih Tzu friend, treat them well and keep them healthy!

FAQ’s

How big are Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically proportional all over, not too short or too small, but a true miniature breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient royal bloodline.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from, and why was the breed developed?
The Shih Tzu lineage is hotly debated; however, one theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. This cross breed that would eventually become Shih Tzus, were favourites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away.

The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

How is Shih Tzu pronounced, and what does it mean?
The most common and incorrect pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: Sh*t Zoo however, that isn’t actually how the little lion breed is supposed to be announced. According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the official and publicly confirmed pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: “Sheed-zoo."

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art". Interestingly they are also known by another name tied to their European introduction. The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

For more than one Shih Tzu, do you say Shih Tzus?
The age-old question, it is Shih Tzu or Shih Tzus? When writing or saying the plural of Shih Tzu, it is a common mistake for a person to write or say Shih Tzus, as one would think this is the normal way to put the dog in their plural form, and in fact, it is so common that I wouldn’t be surprised if we have even made such a slip up in this very article. However, the correct way to say Shih Tzus is Shih Tzu, due it being an irregular noun, allowing the plural of Shih Tzu can be Shih Tzu, just like ‘fish and fish’. With two or more Shih Tzu, there does not need to be an ‘s’.

What colours do Shih Tzus come in?
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be found in an array of colours and with a variety of markings. It's common for owners to not know for sure what colour their Shih Tzu is. Sometimes a puppy may be referred to as an unofficial colour that is not recognized by the AKC, or another kennel club, through which the pup is registered. And in other cases, there can be some confusion when the colour listed on the papers does not seem to match what is seen. In addition to this, it's common for Shih Tzu dogs to change colour as they grow and mature, meaning that your little snowball of joy may turn sooty in their old age.

How much attention does a Shih Tzu need?
Despite their small stature, Shih Tzu are relatively active dogs. Puppies can be extremely hyper and adults are most content when given opportunities to release stored-up energy and be out and about. Without regular moderate exercise, a Shih Tzu can start to feel pent up and frustrated. This can manifest as behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Aim to take your little guy or gal for a minimum of two 20 to 30-minute walks per day, along with sessions of play like fetch to meet exercise requirements for this breed. If so, this will allow your Shih Tzu to enjoy being inside at home, able to relax beside you (or at your feet) and with a calmer disposition.

Do Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
In general, the Shih Tzu gets along quite well with other dogs, large and small. Shih Tzu rarely suffer from the ‘short leg syndrome’ common in small dogs, and more often than not, are simply little bundle of love.

However, every dog has their own personality, and it will depend on how well your dog as well as the other dogs have been socialized. Overall the Shih Tzu breed is calm and very playful and enjoys a variety of canine friends. But keep in mind each dog has their unique personality and circumstances. To say they will all behave exactly the same isn’t very realistic.

How do I provide the best care for a Shih Tzu?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch their diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, regularly brush their teeth and coat, and call a veterinary clinic or pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual.

It is also a good idea to create a routine for your Shih Tzu to lessen their anxiety and ensure they live a happy and calm life. Build their routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. Most importantly a proper diet and exercise routine is key to the long-term health of your pet.