Shih Tzus can be prone to digestive issues, so it's essential to introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts.
Cherries are a good source of fiber, but they're also a choking hazard for small dogs like Shih Tzus.
While cherries are not toxic to Shih Tzus, the pits, stems, and leaves can be harmful if ingested.
A single cherry pit can cause intestinal blockage or even lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
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Can Shih Tzus Eat Cherries?
Dried cherries in small portions are fine for a healthy Shih Tzu to eat. However, it's best to make them at home with your dehydrator to avoid preservatives and extra sugar.
Feeding Fruit to Dogs
Feeding fruit to dogs can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown. Some fruits are superfoods and safe for dogs to eat, while others are toxic or carry unwanted risks.
Many fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for dogs, but it's essential to choose the right ones. For example, dried cherries in small portions are fine for a healthy dog to eat, but it's best to make them at home with your dehydrator to avoid preservatives and extra sugar.
If you're planning to feed your Shih Tzu cherries, make sure to cut them into small pieces, with pits, stems, or leaves removed. And remember, only feed fresh, unprocessed cherries to your dog.
To give you a better idea of the safe number of cherries to feed your dog, here's a quick guide:
If your Shih Tzu eats too many cherries, watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, and a painful or distended stomach. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to consult with your veterinarian.
Dogs and Fruits
Dogs can eat some fruits, but not all of them are safe. While many fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals, some are toxic or carry unwanted risks.
Fruits like cherries can be a nutritious treat for dogs if fed properly. Fresh, unprocessed cherries with pits, stems, and leaves removed are a good source of antioxidants, melatonin, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber.
To safely feed your dog cherries, cut them into small pieces and only give them in small amounts according to your dog's size. For a Shih Tzu, which is a small dog (21-30 pounds), you can give up to two cherries.
Here's a quick guide to the safe number of cherries to feed your dog based on their size:
Fruits and Vegetables Toxic to Dogs
Dogs can't eat avocados because they contain persin, a substance that's toxic to them. Symptoms of persin toxicity include diarrhea and vomiting.
The pits, leaves, and stems of cherries are toxic to dogs, containing cyanide that can cause respiratory failure and even death. If your dog ingests these parts, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Apple seeds contain cyanide, so it's best to avoid giving your dog the apple core or seeds.
Avocado, cherries, and grapes are just a few of the fruits that are toxic to dogs. Here's a list of some other fruits and vegetables that could harm your dog:
If your dog ingests any of these fruits or vegetables, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Good for Dogs?
Dogs and fruits can be a great combination, but it's essential to choose the right ones. Cherries, for example, are a safe fruit for dogs if fed properly.
Cherries are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your dog from free radicals and oxidative stress. This is especially important for older dogs or those with certain health conditions.
Make sure to give your dog only fresh, unprocessed, and washed cherries, and always remove the pit, stems, and leaves. These parts can be toxic to dogs.
Some of the key nutrients found in cherries include melatonin, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. These nutrients can help support your dog's overall health and well-being.
Here's a quick guide to giving cherries to your dog:
Remember to always introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts to ensure your dog can tolerate them.
How Many Dogs Eat?
If you're considering sharing cherries with your furry friend, it's essential to know how many are safe for them to eat. For extra-small dogs (2-20 pounds), one cherry is the recommended maximum amount.
Smaller-breed dogs can handle a bit more, with up to two cherries being okay for them. However, it's crucial to cut cherries into halves or quarters to avoid any potential choking hazards.
Medium-sized dogs (31-50 pounds) can have up to four cherries, while larger dogs (51-90 pounds) can have up to five. For extra-large dogs (91+ pounds), a handful of cherries is the general guideline.
Keep an eye out for signs of an upset stomach if your dog eats too many cherries, such as diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, or a painful or distended stomach.
Here's a quick reference guide to help you determine the safe amount of cherries for your dog:
Dogs and Cherries
Dogs can eat cherries in small portions, but it's essential to remove the pits, stems, and leaves, as they can be toxic.
Cherries are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but they can cause an upset stomach if eaten in excess.
For a Shih Tzu, it's best to cut cherries into halves or quarters to prevent choking hazards.
The safe number of cherries to feed your dog depends on their size, with extra-small dogs (2-20 pounds) getting only one cherry, and extra-large dogs (91+ pounds) getting a handful.
Here's a guide to the safe number of cherries for your Shih Tzu:
If your Shih Tzu eats too many cherries, watch out for symptoms of an upset stomach, such as diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, and a painful or distended stomach.
Only feed fresh, unprocessed cherries to your Shih Tzu, and make sure to wash them thoroughly before cutting them into small pieces.
Your Dog's Health
If you're considering sharing cherries with your Shih Tzu, it's essential to know the risks and guidelines. Some fruits are toxic to dogs, and cherries are no exception.
Dried cherries can be fine in small portions, but it's best to make them at home with your dehydrator to avoid preservatives and extra sugar. Store-bought dried fruit often contains unwanted additives.
For a healthy Shih Tzu, it's safest to cut cherries into halves or quarters before feeding them, especially for smaller-breed dogs. This will help prevent choking hazards.
Here's a general guideline for the safe number of cherries to feed your Shih Tzu:
Only feed fresh, unprocessed cherries to your Shih Tzu that have been washed and cut into small pieces, with pits, stems, or leaves removed. This will help prevent any potential harm.
Sources
- What Fruits Can Dogs Eat? A List of Good & Bad Fruits For ... (pawlicy.com)
- Which Fruits are Safe for Dogs to Eat: Benefits & Pitfalls (petcube.com)
- Can Dogs Eat Cherries? Everything You Need ... (dogchild.co)
- Can Dogs Eat Cherries? (petmd.com)
- very toxic to pets (petpoisonhelpline.com)
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