Can Shih Tzu Eat Tomatoes (5 Pros, Cons & How To Offer)
Are tomatoes actually good for dogs, if yes can Shih Tzu eat tomatoes and how do you offer tomatoes to Shih Tzus, let’s find out together.
In this post, we will cover the most common questions regarding Shih Tzus and tomatoes, we will outline some potential pros and cons.
Finally, we will discuss the common ways to offer tomatoes to Shih Tzus that are considered safe.
So, keep reading…
Can Shih Tzu Eat Tomatoes
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat mature and ripe tomatoes since they are harmless to dogs and may be offered in moderation as a treat; however, unripe tomatoes and tomato plants should be avoided because they can create preventable stomach problems.
Solanine is largely concentrated in the green sections of the tomato plant, which is not good news for Shih Tzus that love to eat tomatoes.
Because solanine levels in the leaves, stems, and immature, green tomatoes are higher than in the ripe fruit, ripe tomatoes are typically safe to offer to Shih Tzus.
This is still a concern for those of us who have a tomato plant in the garden since we have to worry about our Shih Tzus eating the green tomatoes or nibbling on the stem and leaves.
It’s question time…
Can Shih Tzus eat processed or canned tomatoes
Because Shih Tzus are allergic to artificial tomato tastes and preservatives, any canned or processed tomatoes are not suitable for him and may pose additional health hazards.
Almost all canned tomatoes include chemicals and tastes that are harmful to Shih Tzus.
If you have to offer Shih Tzus tomatoes, make sure they are fresh and ripe, not canned or processed.
Can Shih Tzu eat tomato leaves and stems
Tomato leaves and stems should be avoided by Shih Tzus because they may contain compounds like solanine, which can cause gastrointestinal problems and make digestion more difficult.
Remove the leaves and stems from the fresh tomatoes before feeding them to the Shih Tzu.
Can Shih Tzus eat unripe tomatoes
No, Shih Tzus should not eat unripe tomatoes since they contain acids and other substances that might cause gastrointestinal issues.
If you have to offer tomatoes to your Shih Tzu, make sure they are ripe, fresh, and free of preservatives.
How much tomatoes is safe for Shih Tzus to eat
An average-sized Shih Tzu can eat one to two tomato balls each time you want to offer tomatoes, but they should be chopped up into smaller pieces if they choose to eat them whole to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
Tomatoes, like any other item that isn’t part of your dog’s usual diet, should be given in small amounts.
Tomatoes should be given as a treat rather than a whole meal, and they should account for no more than 10% of Shih Tzu’s daily or weekly calorie consumption.
Is Shih Tzu allergic to tomatoes
Despite the fact that Shih Tzus are not allergic to tomatoes, each Shih Tzu is different and may have allergies to foods that other Shih Tzus do not.
Therefore, owners of Shih Tzu must gradually introduce small amounts of tomatoes as rewards while keeping a close check on their dogs’ behavior.
Your Shih Tzu’s diarrhea, itching, and vomiting are all symptoms of a tomato allergy.
Contact your doctor if your Shih Tzu looks to be in discomfort after eating tomatoes.
Potential benefits of offering tomatoes to Shih Tzus
Here are a few of the most typical tomato advantages that your Shih Tzu may experience after eating ripe tomatoes:
- Tomatoes can help Shih Tzus maintain a healthy immune system.
- Shih Tzu can benefit from antioxidants found in tomatoes.
- Tomatoes are good for Shih Tzu’s teeth.
- Tomatoes can help Shih Tzus maintain a healthy vision.
- Tomatoes can help Shih Tzus recuperate after exercise.
Cons of offering too much tomatoes to Shih Tzus
Overfeeding your Shih Tzu tomatoes has a lot of negative consequences, including:
- If Shih Tzus eat too many tomatoes, they may get acid reflux.
- Overfeeding your Shih Tzu tomatoes may cause diarrhea in your Shih Tzu.
- Shih Tzus who eat too much tomatoes may get gastrointestinal troubles.
- If Shih Tzus eat too many tomatoes, they may develop physical weakness.
- You may experience stomach discomfort and nausea if you overfeed your Shih Tzu tomatoes.
How to offer tomatoes to Shih Tzus
For Shih Tzus, here are a few typical and safe tomato feeding options:
1. Offer tomato slices alongside other fruits
To keep your Shih Tzu healthy and happy, feed them a fruit salad every now and then.
Tomatoes may also be mixed with other fruits to make a delicious fruit smoothie or salad for your Shih Tzu.
Combine sliced tomatoes, diced melon, watermelon, apple, and strawberries in a salad for a delicious, dog-friendly garnish.
These fruits should be sliced into extremely little pieces before offering them to your Shih Tzu.
2. Offer tomato slices as rewards for positive behavior
Giving Shih Tzu tomato slices as a gift is a lot more fun. Moderation is the key to success.
Tomatoes can also be sliced into little pieces and given to Shih Tzus as a reward or present during training.
Remove the vines from the tomatoes and chop them into little pieces to serve as a snack rather than a meal.
Slice the tomatoes into little pieces and offer them to your Shih Tzu as a treat to keep them hydrated.
