Shih Tzu Food to Avoid and the Importance of Proper Nutrition

Shih Tzus require a balanced diet to maintain their small but sturdy build. A diet lacking essential nutrients can lead to health problems.

Feeding your Shih Tzu table scraps can be detrimental to their health. Table scraps often contain high amounts of fat and salt, which can lead to obesity and other health issues.

Shih Tzus are prone to obesity, so monitoring their food intake is crucial. They need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

Shih Tzus have specific dietary needs due to their brachycephalic skull structure. This means they can be prone to dental problems if their diet doesn't provide enough calcium and phosphorus.

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As a Shih Tzu owner, it's essential to know what human foods to keep out of reach. Chocolate is a strict no-no, as it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, loss of coordination, labored breathing, pleural effusion, and even death.

Some vegetables and fruits are safe for Shih Tzus, but it's crucial to identify which ones to avoid. For example, certain foods can cause muscle spasms and a lack of coordination.

Be cautious with foods that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as these symptoms can quickly escalate into more severe issues.

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Shih Tzus can eat many human foods like yogurt, eggs, rice, and vegetables, but chocolate, onions, grapes, macadamia nuts, and foods containing xylitol are a no-go.

Dairy products should be given in moderation because most adult dogs are lactose intolerant. This means plain yogurt and milk are okay, but ice cream is a definite no due to sugar and dairy.

Some human foods that should never be given to Shih Tzus include chocolate, onions, avocados, macadamia nuts, alcohol, grapes/raisins, apple seeds, and moldy or spoiled foods.

Fast-foods like pizza and burgers are full of dead calories that can lead to malnutrition and being overweight in Shih Tzus. This can have serious long-term impacts on their health.

Chocolate contains a toxic ingredient called theobromine, which can cause a toxic reaction. Bakers chocolate is the most dangerous, followed by semisweet chocolate, and milk chocolate is the least hazardous.

Avocado contains a poisonous ingredient called persin, which is found in the fruit, skin, and leaves. Be careful of products that contain avocado oil.

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Grapes or raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. This means it's best to avoid foods like fruitcake.

Bones can splinter and cause severe harm to a Shih Tzu's intestinal tract, so it's best to avoid chicken bones and all other bones that can splinter.

Most dogs, including Shih Tzus, are lactose intolerant, which means dairy products should be avoided. Milk products are also a common cause of allergies in dogs.

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Some human foods are poisonous to dogs, and it's essential to know what they are to keep your furry friend safe. Chocolate is a well-known no-no for dogs, as it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Xylitol, a sweetener found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and sugarless gum, is also toxic to dogs. It can lead to hypoglycemia, causing symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and poor coordination.

Eating toxic foods can have severe consequences for dogs, including seizures, liver failure, and even death.

Some human foods that are poisonous to dogs include chocolate, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and lead to more severe symptoms such as muscle spasms, lack of coordination, or collapse.

Chocolate is a no-fly zone for dog parents, and for good reason. It's a strict no-no.

Garlic has been listed as one of the foods poisonous to dogs, but some researchers believe it may not be as bad as previously thought. The key is moderation.

An occasional low dose of garlic, such as those found in most commercial pet foods or treats, would not likely cause problems.

However, garlic should not be given to dogs if they are anemic, or if having surgery. They also have to have good digestion.

Xylitol, a common ingredient in baked goods, toothpastes, and sugarless gum, is definitely not recommended for dogs. It causes a rapid rise in insulin levels which leads to hypoglycemia.

Symptoms in dogs can range from vomiting, lethargy, and poor coordination to seizures possibly leading to liver failure.

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Dogs love fat and bones, but it's not good for them. Fat trimmings, especially cooked ones, can lead to pancreatitis if given in excess.

Cooked bones are a major choking hazard due to fragments that can break off and cause internal lacerations. They can also become lodged in the digestive tract, posing obstruction risks.

Uncooked bones, on the other hand, seem to be less problematic. Fish bones, however, are especially troublesome and should be avoided.

You should never feed your dog cooked bones, as they can cause severe internal damage. Even if they don't contain poison, cooked bones are still a risk to your dog's health.

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