Can Shih Tzu Eat Cantaloupe (3 Ways To Feed)
Most dogs can eat cantaloupe as healthy snacks, this brings the question can Shih Tzu eat cantaloupe among Shih Tzu owners.
Cantaloupe is a delicious treat for dogs, but can Shih Tzus eat it? Are there any advantages or disadvantages? Let’s find out together!
We’ll go through some of the most frequently asked questions about Shih Tzus and cantaloupes.
I’ll also go over the pros and downsides of offering cantaloupe to Shih Tzus, as well as some of the most typical ways to feed cantaloupe to Shih Tzus.
Can Shih Tzu Eat Cantaloupe
Yes, Shih Tzus may eat cantaloupe since it provides dietary fiber, vitamins, and potassium, all of which are beneficial to Shih Tzus’ health and make melon a tasty and fun treat on a hot day.
Cantaloupe is a low-calorie, high-water-content fruit that keeps Shih Tzus hydrated and refreshed without causing them to gain weight.
Can Shih Tzu eat cantaloupe skin
Although the peel of the cantaloupe is not harmful to Shih Tzus, it is advised that the skin be removed before feeding the cantaloupe meat to Shih Tzus owing to its intricacy, which can cause digestive clogs.
The flesh of the cantaloupe is simpler to digest for Shih Tzu than the peel, seed, or stems, therefore keep the skin away from Shih Tzu.
Can Shih Tzus eat cantaloupe seeds
Cantaloupe seeds are not toxic to Shih Tzus, but they are difficult to digest and might create gastrointestinal blockages if fed to them.
Can Shih Tzus eat canned or processed cantaloupe
No, you should not feed canned or processed cantaloupe to your Shih Tzu since it includes an artificial melon flavor that might hurt your dog.
Sugar, syrup, sweeteners, and preservatives are all toxic to Shih Tzus and are included in nearly all processed or canned cantaloupe.
If you must give your Shih Tzu canned or processed cantaloupe, make sure it is fresh.
Can Shih Tzus eat cantaloupe leaf
Cantaloupe leaves should never be eaten by Shih Tzus because they contain substances that induce gastrointestinal obstructions and make digestion difficult.
Cantaloupe leaves should be avoided by Shih Tzus, and if they eat even a small amount, they should seek medical attention right once.
Remove the leaves and stems from your fresh cantaloupe before serving.
Can Shih Tzus eat unripe cantaloupe
Unripe cantaloupe has high levels of folic, malic, and citric acids, which can cause Shih Tzu to vomit and get dehydrated. As a result, Shih Tzus should never be given unripe cantaloupe.
When a cantaloupe is allowed to ripen, these acids are diminished or changed. As a result, only give Shih Tzus mature and ripe cantaloupe.
How much cantaloupes are safe for Shih Tzus
Cantaloupe should be given as a treat rather than a whole meal, and it should account for no more than 10% of Shih Tzu’s daily or weekly calorie consumption.
Can Shih Tzus puppies eat cantaloupe
Because their stomachs are still maturing, Shih Tzu puppies under the age of six months are not permitted to eat cantaloupe.
Keep cantaloupe away from Shih Tzu puppies until they are at least 6 months old since it can cause avoidable gastrointestinal problems.
Are Shih Tzus allergic to cantaloupe
Shih Tzus are not allergic to cantaloupe, but each one is different, and some Shih Tzus may be allergic to foods that are typically regarded as safe for dogs.
As a result, owners of Shih Tzus must gradually introduce small slices of cantaloupe as a reward to see how their dogs react.
Contact your veterinarian if your Shih Tzu shows signs of trouble after eating cantaloupe.
Shih Tzus rarely experience melon allergies, despite their tendency for gastrointestinal sensitivity.
If your Shih Tzu is allergic to cantaloupe, he or she may have diarrhea, itching, and vomiting.
Can Shih Tzus have cantaloupe juice or purée
Yes, Shih Tzus may eat plain melon juice or purée cooked at home without extra sugar or additives in moderation.
Commercial cantaloupe juice, on the other hand, may create gastrointestinal problems in your Shih Tzu; thus, only give your Shih Tzu homemade plain cantaloupe juice.
How to feed cantaloupe to Shih Tzus
To offer your Shih Tzu cantaloupes in moderation, use the following methods:
1. Give cantaloupe slices as rewards or treats
Cantaloupe may be used as a reward for good behavior when it comes to dog treats, but don’t go crazy and stick to the 10% rule.
Shih Tzus may be tough to control even with proper socialization and training.
Shih Tzu enjoys chores that are completed just for the goal of earning a reward.
Cantaloupe should be washed and sliced into small, equal pieces, then chopped into common snack-size pieces and presented as a treat.
You may use these cantaloupe slices to teach your Shih Tzu a new trick or to praise him for good behavior, like not barking excessively.
2. Add cantaloupe slices to other fruit mixes
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 food more valuable?
Snacks of fruits and vegetables are a popular method to boost your Shih Tzu diet.
You may give your Shih Tzu a nutritious fruit combination like a few slices of watermelon, apples, mango, blueberries, and bananas as long as you follow the 10% guideline.
Serve these healthy fruits to your Shih Tzu on a tray, but make sure it’s well-balanced.
3. Add a little cantaloupe slice to the Shih Tzu diet
If done in moderation, adding melon slices to your Shih Tzu’s diet improves the meal.
Cut the cantaloupe to the same size as the dry dog food and thoroughly mix it in to avoid your Shih Tzu selecting only the melon and disregarding the meal.
Vitamins may be added to your dog’s diet in a similar way, but only in little amounts.
If necessary, chop the cantaloupe into very small pieces and feed it kibbles once a week (dry food).
Before feeding your Shih Tzu, remember the 10% rule and add 3 to 6 cut cantaloupe slices to his dry diet.
Potential benefits of feeding cantaloupe to Shih Tzus
Here are some of the most common benefits of providing Shih Tzus cantaloupe in moderation:
- Cantaloupes have a lot of fiber, which has been proved to help in constipation.
- Vitamin C and antioxidants are abundant in cantaloupes.
- Cantaloupe may aid a Shih Tzu’s vision since it includes beta-carotene (Vitamin A).
- The anti-inflammatory properties of cantaloupe may assist to strengthen active Shih Tzus.
- Cantaloupes are high in fiber, which aids digestion and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal problems.
- Cantaloupe can help Shih Tzu get more nutrition.
- For Shih Tzus, cantaloupes are a wonderful source of minerals.
Disadvantages of overfeeding Shih Tzu with cantaloupes
If you overfeed your Shih Tzu cantaloupe, you may notice the following common side effects:
- Giving Shih Tzus too many Cantaloupes might cause acid reflux.
- Cantaloupes eaten in excess by Shih Tzu might induce diarrhea.
- Giving too many Cantaloupes to Shih Tzu might cause stomach bloating.
- Shih Tzu should not be overfed cantaloupes since they might cause stomach issues.
- Due to the sugar content of cantaloupes, overfeeding Shih Tzus may result in weight gain.
- Shih Tzus who consume too much cantaloupes may experience intestinal problems.