Who doesn’t love a blueberry? They are a superfood, taste great, and are really cute. Even so, can Shih Tzus eat blueberries and should you give them to them as a treat? The quick answer is yes…and yes.
Can Shih Tzus Eat Blueberries
Blueberries are good for humans and dogs alike.
So, don’t worry about giving your Shih Tzu a couple of blueberries now and then.
Just like with all human food, you don’t want to overdo it.
The Edible, Incredible, Blueberry
As mentioned above, blueberries are a superfood. That means it is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
In fact, blueberries are one of the most, if not the most healthy fruits around.
They have a high vitamin C content and the antioxidants will help boost your and your Shih Tzu’s immune system.
This will help keep your dog healthy throughout its lifetime.
Another great thing about blueberries is that they are fairly low in sugar where other fruits tend to have higher sugar content.
This means that even if your dog has diabetes you might be able to give them blueberries on occasion, but be sure to talk to your vet before you do.
Your vet may want to look at your dog’s blood sugar levels before deciding whether or not they can have blueberries.
You will also find that blueberries don’t have a lot of calories, so you can give them to your Shih Tzu and not have to worry about them gaining weight.
Overall, there are many health benefits to blueberries.
And they make a great treat for dogs.
Moderation is Key When it Comes to Blueberries
Like with most things in life, moderation is key when you are giving your Shih Tzu human food.
Even though blueberries make for a healthy treat, it should be an occasional treat and not something you feed your dog on a daily basis.
Too much of a good thing is still too much.
If you feed your Shih Tzu too many blueberries it can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea.
This is due to the high fiber that is found in blueberries.
Neither you nor your pup wants to have to deal with loose stools and stomach upsets, and abdominal pain.
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How to Feed Your Shih Tzu Blueberries
There are a lot of ways you can give your Shih Tzu this sweet treat.
It can be as simple as giving them two or three blueberries, or you can add them to their food in their food bowl.
Even some commercial dog foods add blueberries to their mix.
You can also add them to a small amount of yogurt for a real treat.
It is best not to give your dog frozen blueberries.
Once frozen, they are hard and can be difficult to chew.
This can lead to choking.
Also, stay away from anything that has artificial blueberry flavor. With the flavor comes lots of chemicals and preservatives which can be harmful to your Shih Tzu.
If you are lucky enough to have a few blueberry bushes in your backyard, do keep an eye on your dog when they are outside.
Once they find the blueberries they may decide to help themselves and eat too many.
And as mentioned, while they are a good source of fiber, too many will lead to an upset stomach and bathroom issues.
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To Sum it All Up:
Blueberries are a great source of vitamins and make for a sweet treat for your Shih Tzu without causing any health issues as long as they are given in moderation. So, feel free to indulge your favorite little pup from time to time.
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.
