Can Shih Tzu Eat Blueberries (8 Pros, Ways To Feed & Cons)
Shih Tzu owners always ask can Shih Tzu eat blueberries, this is because blueberries are safe for other dogs to eat.
I will be discussing some common questions regarding Shih Tzus and blueberries.
I will also highlight some potential pros and cons of feeding Shih Tzus with blueberries.
Finally, I will explain some common ways to offer blueberries to Shih Tzus, if all these interests you then continue reading.
Can Shih Tzu Eat Blueberries
Yes, Shih Tzus can safely eat blueberries as healthy snacks in moderation because blueberries are low in calories and contain high amounts of vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals helpful to Shih Tzus.
Blueberries may be fed to your Shih Tzu both fresh and frozen. As with any treats, only give this fruit to your Shih Tzu in moderation.
Because blueberries are little, there’s no need to chop them up.
However, there are hazards, like choking, that can occur, especially in Shih Tzus, so you can chop them.
All treats should account for no more than 10% of your Shih Tzu’s daily calories.
Before offering blueberries to your Shih Tzu, make sure they’ve been carefully cleaned to eliminate any pesticides or dirt, just like any other fruit or vegetable.
Let’s answer some common questions regarding Shih Tzus eating blueberries…
Can Shih Tzus eat canned blueberries
No, Shih Tzus should not be fed canned or processed blueberries since they contain an artificial blueberry flavor that might harm your Shih Tzu.
Sugar, syrup, sweeteners, and preservatives are all harmful to Shih Tzus and are found in almost all canned blueberries.
If you must give your Shih Tzu a blueberry, make sure it’s fresh rather than canned or processed.
Can Shih Tzus eat unripe blueberries
The high quantities of malic and citric acids in unripe blueberries can cause Shih Tzus to vomit and get dehydrated, because of this, Shih Tzus should never be given unripe blueberries.
Can Shih Tzus have blueberry juice
Yes, Shih Tzus may enjoy homemade plain blueberry juice or purée in moderation without any added sugar or additives; however, commercial blueberry juice may cause gastrointestinal troubles in your Shih Tzu; thus, only offer homemade plain blueberry juice.
Can Shih Tzus eat blueberry leaf
Shih Tzus should never eat blueberry leaves since they may contain toxic compounds that create gastrointestinal blockages and make digestion difficult.
Shih Tzus should avoid blueberry leaves, and if they ingest even a tiny amount, they should seek medical help straight once.
Before serving, always remove the leaves and stems from your Shih Tzu blueberries.
Are Shih Tzus allergic to blueberries
Although Shih Tzus are not allergic to blueberries, each one is unique, and some Shih Tzus may be sensitive to foods that are often thought to be healthy for dogs.
As a result, Shih Tzu owners must introduce tiny amounts of blueberries as a reward gradually to see how their dogs respond.
If your Shih Tzu exhibits any indications of distress after eating blueberries, see your veterinarian.
Despite their proclivity for gastrointestinal sensitivity, blueberry allergies are unusual in Shih Tzu.
Your Shih Tzu may have diarrhea, itching, and vomiting if he or she is allergic to blueberries.
Can Shih Tzu puppies eat blueberries
No, Shih Tzu pups under the age of six months are not allowed to consume blueberries since their stomachs are still maturing.
Because blueberries might create preventable gastrointestinal disorders in Shih Tzu pups, keep them away from them until they are at least 6 months old.
How much blueberries is safe for Shih Tzus to eat
Blueberries should be given as a treat rather than a complete meal, and no more than 10% of Shih Tzu’s daily or weekly calorie intake should come from them.
Blueberries should never be substituted for high-quality dog food since they are a fruit rather than food.
It is perfectly fine and safe to give your Shih Tzu 4 to 6 blueberry balls.
Instead, use them to add snacks, appetizers, or rewards to your Shih Tzu’s feeding or training schedule.
Are all berries safe for Shih Tzus to eat
Some berries are toxic to Shih Tzus because they contain phytochemicals that they can’t digest, causing gastrointestinal problems.
Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are all good for the health of your Shih Tzu.
Avoid juniper berries, bane berries, holly berries, and mistletoe berries if you have a Shih Tzu.
Potential benefits of giving blueberries to Shih Tzus
Some of the advantages of giving blueberries to Shih Tzus as snacks or appetizers include:
- Inflammation in Shih Tzus can be reduced by eating blueberries.
- Blueberries can help Shih Tzus have healthy skin.
- Shih Tzus benefit from blueberries since they are high in minerals.
- Blueberries provide more antioxidants to Shih Tzus.
- Due to its high fiber content, blueberries help Shih Tzus digest their food.
- Blueberries can help Shih Tzus get more nutrition.
- Blueberries are high in fiber, which can aid Shih Tzus with constipation.
- Blueberries can help Shih Tzu maintain a healthy immune system.
Disadvantages of overfeeding Shih Tzus with blueberries
You may notice the following typical adverse effects if you overfeed your Shih Tzu blueberries:
- Because blueberries contain sugar, overfeeding your Shih Tzu blueberries may cause his blood sugar to spike.
- Blueberries should not be overfed to Shih Tzus since they might cause gastrointestinal problems.
- Overfeeding Shih Tzus may result in weight gain due to the sugar content of blueberries.
- If you feed your Shih Tzu too many blueberries, he or she may become ill.
- If you give your Shih Tzu too many blueberries, he or she can get nauseated and have gastrointestinal problems.
- Because of its high sugar content, this fruit may not be a healthy choice for diabetic Shih Tzus if overfed.
How to feed blueberries to Shih Tzus
To give your Shih Tzu blueberries in moderation, choose one of the following methods:
1. Offer blueberries as rewards or treats
When it comes to dog treats, a blueberry slice can be used as a reward for good behavior, but don’t go overboard and keep to the 10% guideline.
Even with adequate socialization and training, Shih Tzus may be difficult to manage. Shih Tzus like completing chores for a reward.
Blueberries should be washed and cut into small, equal pieces before being chopped into small pieces and served as a snack.
You may use blueberry slices to teach your Shih Tzu new tasks or to praise him for good behavior, like not barking too much.
2. Fill Kong with frozen blueberries
Fill Kong with frozen blueberries to keep them safe for your Shih Tzu. Keep in mind that this is not something you should do every day.
Trying to get the frozen blueberry slices out of the stuffed Kong will occupy your Shih Tzu for hours.
To avoid overfeeding Kong, keep the number of blueberries to a minimum.
To keep your dog occupied while you are doing something else, just put frozen blueberry slices to his Kong toy.
You may freeze a little portion of your Shih Tzu chow after moistening it and adding the blueberry slices.
3. Offer blueberries with other fruits
No single diet has it all, regardless of what people know and eat; this also applies to dog food, however, you might argue that wet dog food is better than dry dog food.
Because wet dog food is more expensive than dry dog food, why not make your Shih Tzu’s dry dog food more valuable?
A typical approach for increasing your Shih Tzu’s value is to treat him with fruits and vegetables.
You may give your Shih Tzu a nutritious fruit mix such as a few pieces of bananas, melons, apples, and strawberries as long as you follow the 10% guideline.
Chop up these nutritious fruits and give them on a tray to your Shih Tzu; however, keep the amounts in mind.
With the information provided on this page, I hope your question can Shih Tzu eat blueberries was answered.