Can Shih Tzu Eat Potato (6 Pros, Cons & Tips)

Potato is a popular food among humans which some people say dogs can eat, but can Shih Tzu eat potato?

In this article, we’ll look at how to give potatoes to your Shih Tzu and which portions of potatoes you shouldn’t feed your Shih Tzu.

We’ll also go over some of the usual advantages and drawbacks of feeding your Shih Tzu potatoes.

Can Shih Tzu Eat Potato

Cooked potatoes are healthy for Shih Tzus to eat since they provide vitamins C, B6, iron, magnesium, and other nutrients that Shih Tzus require.

However, if you don’t cook them correctly or serve them to your Shih Tzu in large quantities, you risk causing harm to your Shih Tzu’s health.

Potatoes will provide your Shih Tzu with a lot of vitamins and fiber. They are also easy to digest and can assist in the treatment of digestive problems.

Are raw potatoes safe for Shih Tzus to eat

You should never give your Shih Tzu raw potatoes because they contain solanine, a toxin that is found in raw potatoes and can cause avoidable gastrointestinal issues in Shih Tzus.

Heat or boil your potatoes instead before serving them to your Shih Tzu.

Is mashed potato good for Shih Tzu

Yes, plain mashed potatoes are safe for Shih Tzus; however, avoid adding spices or other hazardous compounds that Shih Tzus cannot digest when mashing the potatoes.

Potatoes should be mashed on their own, you should offer mashed potatoes to Shih Tzus in small amounts to avoid digestive blockages.

Can Shih Tzus eat sweet potatoes

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat sweet potatoes because boiled sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative to conventional cooked potatoes since they contain more nutrients, and Shih Tzus are allowed to eat them.

To mention a few minerals, cooked sweet potatoes include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Start with a small amount of sweet potato to check that your Shih Tzu can digest it, as each Shih Tzu is distinct and unique.

Always consult your veterinarian before introducing additional food to your puppy’s diet.

Note:

1. Potatoes are abundant in nutrients that are beneficial to your dog’s health, but they should not be consumed on a daily basis.
2. Shih Tzu can be poisoned by solanine, a toxin present in uncooked potatoes.
3. Cooked potatoes, not raw potatoes, should always be offered to your Shih Tzu.
4. Raw potatoes, among other things, can produce gastrointestinal irritation, fatigue, and tiredness. 
5. Make careful to consult your veterinarian before adding any new foods to your Shih Tzu’s diet.

Potential benefits of giving potatoes to Shih Tzus

Here are some common potential benefits of giving potatoes to Shih Tzus:

1. Because potatoes are high in vitamin A, giving them to your Shih Tzu might help prevent vitamin A deficiency.
2. Potatoes are abundant in fiber and antioxidants, which contribute to a healthy digestive tract.
3. Potatoes can improve the appearance of your Shih Tzu’s hair and skin.
4. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in your dog’s body. 
5. Potatoes can provide extra minerals for Shih Tzus.
6. More vitamins can be supplied to Shih Tzus from potatoes.

Disadvantages of overfeeding Shih Tzus with potatoes

Here are some common drawbacks of overfeeding Shih Tzus with potatoes:

1. Risk of increased abdominal pain.
2. Potential lethargy
3. Increased risk of diarrhea
4. Constant vomiting
5. Risk of general gastrointestinal distress.
6. Weight gain.

How to feed potatoes to Shih Tzus

Here are some common ways to prepare potatoes for Shih Tzus that are safe:

1. Mashing up boiled potatoes

Regular mashed potatoes or professionally cooked potatoes should not be fed to your Shih Tzu.

Make your own mashed potatoes since commercial mashed potatoes contain ingredients like heavy cream, nutmeg, and salt, which are not healthy for Shih Tzus.

Follow the steps below to get started with mashing up boiled potatoes for your Shih Tzu:

Step 1: Peel the raw potatoes

For optimal results, soak them in vinegar before washing them entirely.

This method removes dirt more effectively than just using water.

Using a potato peeler or a knife, peel the potatoes.

Give them another wash and chop them into cubes once they’ve been peeled.

Step 2: Slice and boil the raw potatoes

The simplest way to do this is to bring some water to a boil in a pot. The water should, in general, completely cover the potatoes.

When the water comes to a boil, add the potatoes and simmer for 30 minutes on medium heat.

Bruise one cube with a fork or knife to test whether it’s ready. If it glides through easily, the potatoes are done.

If not, cover the pot and boil until fork-tender and done about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mash up to boiled potatoes

The last step is to mash the sweet potatoes. Before continuing, drain the water from the saucepan using a sieve.

Then mash it all together with a potato masher, please refrain from adding any hot or salty ingredients.

Work the mashed potatoes until they are smooth. Allow for a cooling time before serving the potatoes to your Shih Tzu.

Here are other fruit and veggies Shih Tzus can eat in moderation:

1. Cucumber
2. Pineapple
3. Eggs
4. Peaches
5. Broccoli

2. Bake potatoes slices and use as treats

Potato cookies are simple to make and require only a few ingredients.

They’re also really easy to produce, so follow these instructions:

Step 1: Peel the raw potatoes

To begin, thoroughly wash your potatoes. To get rid of all the filth, soak them in vinegar for a few minutes before washing them.

To make sure they’re completely clean, scrub them with a kitchen brush.

Peel a few potatoes that you want to use for the potato snacks with your potato peeler or knife.

Step 2: Reduce the potato balls to the desired size

The next thing on your to-do list is to slice the sweet potatoes.

Instead of cubes, thin slices that will become chewy or crispy when cooked would suffice.

If the slice is narrower, the treat will be crunchier; if the slice is larger, the treat will be chewier.

Second, the same measurements may be cut lengthwise in the same way.

Step 3: Bake to a crunch texture and serve

Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toss the food with no salt, oil, or seasonings. The snacks should be as natural as possible.

One huge potato may fill an entire baking sheet. You could need extra baking trays if you have more people.

After the baking pan is ready, bake it for 1 to 2 hours at 200-2200F. You might want to check on them after an hour and a half.

Flip them over every time you check them during the baking phase to ensure that they are evenly cooked.

The length of time depends on the thickness of your slices and the overall result you want to achieve.

As they spend more time in the oven, they get crunchier. If you only want them to be chewy, don’t let them sit for more than 2 to 3 hours.

Allow them to cool completely before serving them to your Shih Tzu.