Can Shih Tzu Eat Apples (9 Pros, Cons & How To Feed)
Dogs love treats like apple slices and can work to get rewarded with treats, so can Shih Tzu eat apples, let’s take a look together!
In this post, I will be discussing some common questions regarding Shih Tzus and apples, after which I highlight the potential pros and cons of offering apples to Shih Tzus.
Finally, I will discuss some common and safe ways of offering apples to Shih Tzus, if all these interests you then continue reading.
I will keep things very simple… So, let’s roll!
Can Shih Tzu Eat Apples
Yes, apples are safe for Shih Tzus to eat in moderation since they contain antioxidants and vitamins that can help Shih Tzus, however, due to the content of apple seeds, Shih Tzus must not eat apples with the seeds.
Shih Tzus should not also eat apple core to avoid unnecessary and avoidable gastrointestinal blockages.
Therefore, if you must offer apples to Shih Tzus, you should only offer mature apple flesh or meat with or without the apple skin.
If provided in moderation as part of a healthy snack, apples may be very helpful to Shih Tzus.
Apples, especially apple peels, are high in fiber, which assists digestion and helps Shih Tzus maintain a healthy weight.
Let’s answer some questions regarding apples and Shih Tzus…
Can Shih Tzus eat apple flavors
Apple flavors include preservatives or substances that might cause gastrointestinal difficulties or agitation in Shih Tzus; thus, apple flavors should not be fed to Shih Tzus.
It is suggested that Shih Tzus not be given apples at all and instead be given fake apple flavors or canned apple flavors.
Canned meals that are high in sugar or chemicals might induce indigestion in the short term, as well as diabetes or obesity in the long run.
Can Shih Tzus eat apple skin
Although Shih Tzus may eat apple skin because it has no hazardous chemicals, it is preferable to offer your Shih Tzus apple meat rather than apple skin because apple peel might be difficult to digest.
If you must offer your Shih Tzu both the flesh and the skin of an apple, chop the fruit into extremely little pieces to avoid stomach obstructions.
Apples should be sliced or split into little pieces so that your dog may easily eat them.
If you peel the apple, it will be easier for your dog to digest, and the amount of fiber will be reduced.
Can Shih Tzus eat apple seeds
Apple seeds and core should not be served to Shih Tzus because they contain a small amount of cyanide and might cause choking. Apple meat is a better option than apple seeds for Shih Tzus.
Apple seeds should not be eaten by Shih Tzus since they might cause gastrointestinal obstructions and injure the Shih Tzus.
Shih Tzu should never be fed apple seeds or core since they are difficult to digest.
It’s better not to give your Shih Tzu any apple at all than to give him a whole apple with seed and core.
Can Shih Tzus eat applesauce
Pure applesauce is OK for Shih Tzus, but because it usually has additional sugars, pick unsweetened applesauce and use it sparingly.
After a long walk or on a hot summer day, freeze the applesauce in ice cube trays to enjoy with your Shih Tzu.
Never ever give your Shih Tzu anything artificial flavors.
Can Shih Tzus eat green apples
Green apples given in moderation are safe for Shih Tzu to eat and are a better alternative to red apples.
Green apples are lower in carbohydrates than red apples and have somewhat more vitamin A, which is essential for your dog’s health.
How many apples can Shih Tzus eat
Due to their size, Shih Tzu should only eat 3 to 5 slices (25 to 45 grams) of apple at any given time, which is a reasonable amount since apples should only contribute for 10% of their daily calories.
Because apples are a fruit and not a meal, they should never be used as a substitute for high-quality dog food.
Can Shih Tzus be allergic to apples
Even though Shih Tzus aren’t allergic to apples, each Shih Tzu is different, and some Shih Tzus may be allergic to foods that other Shih Tzus consider to be safe.
Therefore, just give your Shih Tzu a small slice of apple at a time and observe his behavior throughout the day.
An apple allergy in a Shih Tzu causes sudden diarrhea, vomiting, increased paw licking, restlessness, itching, and tearing.
If you see any of these symptoms in your Shih Tzu, call your veterinarian straight once and stop giving him apples.
Let’s quickly highlight some potential pros and cons of giving apples to Shih Tzus…
Potential benefits of apples to Shih Tzus
Here are some of the most well-known benefits of feeding Shih Tzus apples in moderation:
- Apples, with their high fiber content, can help Shih Tzus digest their food.
- Shih Tzus can benefit extra phosphorus from apples.
- Giving Shih Tzus apples will supply them with more antioxidants.
- Shih Tzus might benefit from an extra vitamin boost from apples.
- Apples, when consumed in moderation, can supply additional nutrients to Shih Tzus.
- Apples can aid in the maintenance of a Shih Tzu’s teeth and gums.
- Shih Tzus’ immune systems can be aided by giving them apples in moderation.
- Apples contain vitamin A, which can help Shih Tzus see better.
- Apples, with their high fiber content, can help Shih Tzu lose weight.
Cons of overfeeding apples to Shih Tzus
Some of the most prevalent side effects of overfeeding your Shih Tzu with apples include:
- Shih Tzu that eat too many apples may have acid reflux.
- Shih Tzus who consume an excessive amount of apples may have digestive troubles.
- If you give your Shih Tzu too many apples, he will get diarrhea.
- You may experience stomach discomfort and vomiting if you overfeed your Shih Tzu apples.
- If Shih Tzus are overfed apples, their blood sugar levels may rise.
- Obesity can develop in Shih Tzus if they consume too many apples.
Time to discuss how to offer apples to Shih Tzus…
How to offer apples to Shih Tzus
To remove any pesticide residue from the apple peel, wash it under running water.
Before moving to the common techniques to present, remember to wash your hands and the knife you’ll be using to chop the apple.
Here are a few basic techniques for providing apple slices to your Shih Tzu to make things simple and safe:
1. Give Shih Tzus apples as rewards or treats
We all know that Shih Tzu may be challenging to cope with, even with proper socialization and training. Shih Tzus like doing things for the sake of being rewarded as well.
Wash and cut an apple into five equal halves, pick one, chop it up into ordinary snack-size pieces, and use it as a reward.
You may use these apple slices to teach your Shih Tzu a new trick or to congratulate him on a job well done, such as not barking excessively.
The majority of Shih Tzu behavior concerns may be remedied with proper obedience training that includes rewards like apple slices.
2. Offer apple slices with other fruit mix
However, because wet dog food is more expensive than dry dog food, why not try to increase the value of your Shih Tzu’s dry dog food?
Giving your Shih Tzus fruits and vegetables as treats is a common way to add value to their diet.
As long as you stick to the 10% rule, you may offer your Shih Tzu a nutritious fruit combination like a few slices of watermelon, apples, and strawberries.
Put these nutritious fruits on a plate for your Shih Tzu, but keep everything in balance.
You may chop up certain healthful fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, strawberries, and mango, in little portions. Also, offer your Shih Tzu in moderation every now and again.
3. Add apple slices to Shih Tzu food
To begin with, do it in moderation, no more than twice a week, and always remember the 10% rule when feeding your Shih Tzu treats.
Adding apple slices to your Shih Tzu’s diet is a fun and healthy habit if done appropriately.
Remove the seeds and core from the apple before chopping it into four equal pieces.
One of the equal halves should be plenty for your Shih Tzu, depending on the size of the apple you purchased.
On the cutting board, chop one of the apple halves to the size of your Shih Tzu dry food for simpler consumption.
You may remove the apple peel and serve only the apple meat if you like, as this will make it easier for your pug to chew with the dry food (kibbles).
Naturally, this isn’t something you should do every day; properly blend the apple slices with your pug’s food so that it doesn’t pick up and consume the apples.
I hope the information provided on this page, answers your question Can Shih Tzu Eat Apples.
