Can Shih Tzus Eat Potatoes and Live Healthy

Shih Tzus can be quite finicky eaters, but when it comes to potatoes, there are some things to consider.

Shih Tzus can eat potatoes in moderation, but they should be cooked and not raw.

Raw potatoes contain a compound called solanine, which can be toxic to dogs.

While cooked potatoes are safe for Shih Tzus, they should be given in small amounts, as they are high in starch and can cause digestive issues if eaten excessively.

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Potatoes are a nutrient-rich food for dogs, containing vitamins C and B6, iron, and magnesium.

These nutrients are beneficial for a dog's immune and nervous systems, and overall health.

However, potatoes also contain potentially harmful substances like solanine and oxalates.

If you want to feed your dog potatoes, be aware of these substances and only offer cooked, plain potatoes in moderation.

Potatoes are not as nutritious as other whole foods, so it's essential to maintain a balanced diet for your dog.

Take a look at this: Pomeranian Dog Diet

Here are some beneficial nutrients found in potatoes:

To ensure potato safety for your Shih Tzu, remember to:

Shih Tzus can safely enjoy plain, unseasoned mashed potatoes as a special treat, but make sure to remove any salt, garlic, or onion powder.

You can also share a small portion of your baked potato with your Shih Tzu, as long as it's peeled, cooked thoroughly, and unseasoned.

Mashed potatoes are a healthy snack for your Shih Tzu if they're prepared correctly, without butter, gravy, fats, salts, or seasonings.

Frozen, dehydrated, or instant mashed potatoes are fine to offer to your Shih Tzu in small amounts, as they typically consist of just potato with added milk, salt, butter, or water later in the cooking process.

Some Shih Tzus may be lactose intolerant, so it's best to offer plain, unseasoned potatoes to avoid any tummy trouble or diarrhea.

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Remember, a small dollop of mashed potatoes with dairy will not hurt your Shih Tzu as long as it doesn't contain onion or garlic seasoning.

To ensure safety, potatoes should be thoroughly cooked and unseasoned, avoiding ingredients like salt, garlic, and onion powder, which are toxic to dogs.

A good rule of thumb is to keep treats to 10% of your Shih Tzu's daily calories, including vegetables, commercial treats, and morsels of your food.

Shih Tzus can enjoy mashed potatoes as a healthy snack, but only if they are prepared correctly.

Mashed potatoes without butter, gravy, fats, salts, or seasonings are the right way to offer them to your Shih Tzu.

Frozen, dehydrated, or instant mashed potatoes are fine to offer in small amounts, as they usually consist of just potato with added milk, salt, butter, or water later in the cooking process.

Dogs don't like spices, so plain, unseasoned potatoes are a great treat for them.

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Some Shih Tzus may be lactose intolerant and can develop tummy trouble or diarrhea if dairy products like milk or sour cream are added.

A small dollop of mashed potatoes with dairy won't hurt your Shih Tzu as long as it doesn't contain onion or garlic seasoning.

Remember to keep treats like mashed potatoes to a minimum, as they should only make up 10% of your Shih Tzu's daily calories.

If your Shih Tzu's going to enjoy mashed potatoes, keep it plain and simple. Serving mashed potatoes plain will eliminate the risk of tummy upset, salt toxicity, or pancreatitis caused by large quantities of human food ingredients.

A small amount of plain mashed potatoes can be a yummy treat for your Shih Tzu.