Can Shih Tzu Eat Cucumber (5 Pros, Cons & More)
Cucumber is a great treat for dogs due to its high water content, so can Shih Tzu eat cucumber let’s take a look together!
I will be discussing some common benefits of giving cucumbers to Shih Tzus and some cons.
I will also discuss ways you can offer cucumbers to Shih Tzus and answer some questions regarding Shih Tzus and cucumbers.
Can Shih Tzu Eat Cucumber
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat cucumbers since they are a great complement for Shih Tzu’s diet because they are non-toxic, safe, and a high-water-content meal that contains a lot of nutrients, that can serve as low-calorie snacks.
Cucumbers are okay for your Shih Tzu, but they shouldn’t be fed to him as a meal. Cucumbers should be served solely as a treat.
Cucumbers are a healthy complement to any diet since they are low in calories but abundant in water and vitamins and minerals.
They contain 90% water, which will keep your Shih Tzu hydrated.
Cucumbers are high in antioxidants (flavonoids and tannins), which help to keep damaging free radicals at bay.
Cucumbers are good for your Shih Tzu since they contain around 90% water and are a deliciously crisp method to keep your Shih Tzu hydrated on a hot day.
Vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium are also included, all of which are essential components of a healthy Shih Tzu diet.
Can Shih Tzus eat cucumber leaves
While cucumber leaves may not be harmful to Shih Tzus, they do contain a high molecular weight cellulose composition that is difficult to digest for Shih Tzus and can cause blockages, creating needless health concerns.
Cucumber leaves are fragile and difficult to digest, so avoid giving them to your Shih Tzu.
Can Shih Tzus eat immature cucumbers
Immature cucumbers should never be provided to Shih Tzus for any reason due to the high quantity of citric acid in them, which can cause intestinal upset and dehydration in Shih Tzus.
People don’t like immature cucumbers, so why try it on your adorable Shih Tzu.
How much cucumber is safe for Shih Tzus to eat
Cucumbers should not make up more than 10% of Shih Tzu’s daily or weekly calorie intake, as they contain lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, and should be treated as treats rather than a complete meal.
Are Shih Tzus allergic to cucumbers
While most Shih Tzus aren’t allergic to cucumbers, each Shih Tzu is unique, and some Shih Tzus are sensitive to foods that are often thought to be safe for dogs.
Therefore, Shih Tzu owners must introduce little amounts of cucumber as treats gradually while keeping a close eye on their Shih Tzu behavior.
Can Shih Tzus eat cucumber seeds
Cucumber seeds are non-toxic and fully healthy for Shih Tzus; immature cucumber seeds are also easy to digest, so you won’t have to worry about your dog’s digestive system.
However, feeding a Shih Tzu mature cucumber seeds is not suggested since they might cause stomach problems.
Potential benefits of giving cucumbers to Shih Tzus
Here are some potential benefits of giving cucumbers to Shih Tzus as treats and now full meal:
- Cucumber supplies loads of vitamins to Shih Tzus.
- Cucumbers can help flush toxins in Shih Tzus.
- Cucumber can help keep Shih Tzus hydrated.
- Cucumbers can help support healthy kidneys in Shih Tzus.
- Cucumber can help support smooth hair in Shih Tzus.
Disadvantages of overfeeding Shih Tzus with cucumber
Here are a few disadvantages of over-feeding cucumbers to Shih Tzus:
- Risk of bloating.
- Risk of diarrhea.
- Potential risk of choking.
- Potential risk of acids reflux.
- Risk of increase flatulence.
- Risk of digestive issues
How to feed cucumbers to Shih Tzus
Here are some of the most common and safe ways to feed cucumbers to Shih Tzus:
1. Add cucumber slices to other fruit mix
Because your Shih Tzu may eat a variety of fruit combinations, this is where things get interesting.
To prepare a dog-friendly fruit garnish, combine sliced cucumber, broccoli, and apples. This is an activity that should be done once a week.
The variety of fruits will supply your Shih Tzu with a diverse spectrum of nutrients. The key to success is moderation.
Cut up some nutritious fruits and vegetables into thin slices and give them to your Shih Tzu in moderation.
2. Give cucumber slices as rewards
We all know that even with adequate socialization and training, Shih Tzu may be difficult to manage.
Shih Tzus, like humans, likes doing things for the sake of being rewarded.
Wash and cut a cucumber into five equal halves, then choose one and slice it up into snack-size pieces as a reward.
These cucumber slices may be used to teach your Shih Tzu a new trick or to praise him for a job well done, such as stopping barking excessively.
The majority of Shih Tzu behavior issues may be resolved with adequate obedience training with cucumber slices as rewards.
3. Add cucumber slices to Shih Tzu food
To begin, feed your Shih Tzu goodies in moderation, no more than twice a week, and always remember the 10% rule when doing so.
If done correctly, adding cucumber slices to your Shih Tzu’s meal is a pleasant and healthful habit.
Remove the cucumber’s seeds and core before slicing it into four equal pieces.
Depending on the size of the cucumber you bought, one of the equal halves should suffice for your Shih Tzu.
For easier ingestion, chop one of the cucumber halves to the size of your Shih Tzu dry food on the cutting board.
