Most everyone enjoys an apple now and then, and as they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Now, I have no idea if that is true or not, but apples are a nice treat for us humans. But, can Shih Tzus eat apples? Yes…and no…
Can Shih Tzus Eat Apples
For the most part, Shih Tzus can eat apples and there are some health benefits that come with eating apples, but not all parts of the apple make a good snack for dogs.
The Apple Core
You will want to keep the apple core away from your Shih Tzu.
This is where all the apple seeds are located.
The seeds contain amygdalin which is actually a form of cyanide.
So, you never want to give your Shih Tzu a whole apple or the core or seeds of an apple.
And actually, those seeds are poisonous to humans as well, so you shouldn’t eat them either.
A few aren’t going to be an issue for you, but they could be for your dog.
Studies show that five or more seeds can be toxic for your Shih Tzu.
The Fruit of the Apple
Now, when it comes to the rest of the apple, it is a healthy treat for your Shih Tzu.
It contains a lot of vitamins such as C and A and B Complex.
Apples also contain antioxidants and fiber.
Apples can help your Shih Tzu resist infection.
For most dogs, apples can be part of a healthy diet and a great treat for dogs as long as they are only an occasional treat.
Also, apples can help to keep your Shih Tzu’s teeth in good shape as they are beneficial in eliminating bacteria.
When Apples Can Cause Issues
There are times that an apple may cause issues for your Shih Tzu.
If your dog is older and their teeth aren’t in the best shape or they are missing teeth then they may not be able to chew an apple and especially the skin of an apple.
If you still want to give them some of the health benefits of an apple, then you can always give them a little applesauce.
If you feed your Shih Tzu too many apples, they can end up with an upset stomach.
And while an apple is a good source of fiber, too much can lead to abdominal pain, digestive issues, and diarrhea.
So, make slices of apple as an occasional sweet treat and not something you give your dog on a daily basis.
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Also, if your dog has diabetes, talk to your vet before giving it apples.
Even though apples are a good source of vitamins, they do have a lot of sugar in them.
The last thing you want is for your Shih Tzu’s blood sugar levels to go up.
Finally, if your Shih Tzu has kidney issues, you don’t want to feed them apples either.
How Much Apple Should You Give Your Shih Tzu
If you do decide to give your Shih Tzu apples as a sweet treat, then you want to make sure you limit the amounts of apple to avoid them getting stomach upset.
About half a cup is a good serving size for most Shih Tzus.
Slices or chunks of apple are the best way to serve this treat.
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To Sum it All Up:
There is never a simple answer when it comes to giving Shih Tzus human foods. While fresh foods and fruits seem like a good option, there can be downsides. Check with your vet first, and if you get the go-ahead, let your Shih Tzu enjoy a few apple slices now and then.
Please Note:
This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu’s nutritional needs and issues. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.
