If you have a Shih Tzu you might be wondering can Shih Tzus eat bananas? In general, it is fine to feed your Shih Tzu bananas, but doing so comes with some warnings as well.
Can Shih Tzus Eat Bananas?
While a banana might seem completely harmless, there can be issues for some dogs when it comes to eating them.
The answer to whether or not your Shih Tzu can eat bananas will depend on your individual dog and his or her diet, medical condition(s), medical history, breed mix, age, activity level, etc.
Of course, there are some benefits as well.
Let’s take a look at both of them…
What are the Benefits of Bananas for Shih Tzus?
Bananas are a good treat for your Shih Tzu because they come with lots of healthy vitamins and minerals for dogs.
They are full of potassium which is needed to balance out the sodium that is bad for your dog.
Bananas are also a good source of fiber, which is needed for digestive health, and eating the right amount of fiber ensures your dog will poop regularly.
Bananas also have calcium in them which helps strengthen bones and teeth in dogs.
What are the Risks of Bananas for Shih Tzus?
Bananas are not a bad treat for your Shih Tzu, but you do need to be careful about how many you feed your dog.
Bananas are high in sugar, and feeding too many bananas can mess with your Shih Tzu’s blood sugar levels, so they should be fed sparingly.
Also, feeding a banana on an empty stomach can also cause some digestive issues so it is important to feed bananas with other food or put the banana in peanut butter to help fill up your dog’s stomach.
If your Shih Tzu is having trouble chewing on the banana, you may need to adjust your feeding pattern so that the banana is broken down into smaller pieces.
Keeping the slices of bananas small will also help keep your Shih Tzu’s face clean. If you can, slice the banana pieces into quarters and feed them to your dog by hand.
Finally, if your Shih Tzu has a tendency to get impacted anal sacs, do not feed it a banana.
According to Pet Health Network and Canine Journal, the high levels of starch contained in bananas can worsen impacted anal sacs in dogs that have them.
I know that both of my Shih Tzus love bananas. Truman will eat anything and everything, but Sammy is super picky.
It is hard to get her to eat anything at all, but she does enjoy the sweetness of bananas, so I do give them both an occasional treat.
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Will the Potassium in Bananas Hurt Your Shih Tzu?
Potassium is a mineral that has to do with nerves and muscles.
It is used in the production of ATP, which is the body’s energy source.
The problem with higher levels of potassium for dogs comes when it interferes with heart function and blood pressure.
The biggest health risk at hand is Diabetes.
This condition is associated with high-carbohydrate diets and, in fact, often develops in response to them especially if your dog is overweight.
When dogs eat high amounts of carbohydrates, the pancreas releases more insulin than normal in an effort to control blood sugar levels.
Over time, this can lead to damage and even the eventual failure of pancreatic cells.
If your Shih Tzu has diabetes, then you should avoid feeding your dog bananas. Both the high potassium and sugar levels in the fruit can cause damage to your Shih Tzu’s health.
If in doubt, ask your vet before giving your Shih Tzu bananas.
Do Not Overfeed Banana to Your Shih Tzu
As mentioned above, bananas are a common food that is given as a treat to dogs but use good judgment if you decide to give your Shih Tzu bananas.
Keep the portion size small and just give them a bit of banana such as a slice or two.
Don’t give the whole banana to your dog.
You might also want to consider making bananas an occasional treat from time to time and not part of their regular diet.
Too much banana could cause your Shih Tzu stomach upset and even vomiting.
Other Ways to Give Your Shih Tzu Bananas
If your dog really loves bananas but you want to limit the amount you give them, then you should consider baking your own banana dog treats.
They can enjoy the banana flavor without digesting a lot of actual bananas. Besides, homemade dog treats are always better than commercial dog food or treats.
Not to mention, they would be a great addition to your Shih Tzu’s diet.
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What Fruits Can a Shih Tzu Eat?
What Vegetables Can My Shih Tzu Eat?
To Sum it All Up:
In general, you want to avoid giving your Shih Tzu human foods, but a little fruit like a banana can make a great occasional treat if your dog doesn’t have health issues that can make giving them a banana a bad idea.
