I don’t think there is anything better than the smell of freshly baked bread. There’s just something about it that makes you stop in your tracks and take a deep whiff. Not to mention throwing some butter on it and eating a big slice as soon as it comes out of the oven. Even so, should you share it with your pup? Can Shih Tzus eat bread?
Can Shih Tzus Eat Bread
In general, yes, Shih Tzus can eat bread. There is nothing in white or wheat bread that will cause them harm but keep them away from raw bread dough.
However, you want to use caution when giving your dog bread.
Issues With Giving Your Shih Tzu Bread
As you may know, bread has a lot of carbohydrates. Your body and your Shih Tzu’s body uses these carbohydrates for energy.
That’s not a bad thing.
However, if they eat too much bread, some of these carbohydrates won’t be used up and they will turn into fat.
It is pretty easy for Shih Tzus to gain weight and giving them a lot of bread is an easy way for this to happen.
Chances are bread won’t cause an upset stomach for your pup, but do be on the lookout for side effects after they have eaten a bite or two.
Not to mention, the dog food you feed your Shih Tzu already has all the carbohydrates your dog needs in a day, so you don’t want to add too many more.
Keep in mind that both white bread and wheat bread have a very low nutritional benefit for your dog.
Bread can also have high sugar content, so if your Shih Tzu has diabetes, check with your vet before giving it bread. You don’t want their blood sugar levels to get too high.
Also, if your dog has food allergies you might want to be careful giving them bread. They could be allergic to wheat. Again, your vet will be able to tell you if it is safe for your pup.
Serious Issues That Can Come Up When Feeding Your Shih Tzu Bread
One thing you need to pay close attention to when giving your Shih Tzu bread is what else is in the bread.
Typical white bread you get at the store or even make at home is fine.
If you are getting or making a little fancier bread and adding things such as raisins, garlic, or onions it can cause serious health issues.
You wouldn’t think a little Macadamia nut could cause much damage, but for dogs, they are very toxic.
They can lead to pancreatitis and even be fatal.
And while banana bread is a special treat, if it happens to have chocolate chips in it, it can be dangerous for your Shih Tzu.
Dops can’t digest chocolate the same way humans do.
Who doesn’t love raisin toast for breakfast?
Raisins, as well as grapes, are extremely toxic for your dog.
Kidney failure can happen very quickly after your Shih Tzu eats raisins or grapes.
In fact, if your furry friend eats any, be sure to call your vet immediately.
All Good Things in Moderation
If you do plan on giving your Shih Tzu bread as a treat, be sure to do so in moderation. Human foods, in general, should be a once in a while treat and not something they get daily. That’s true of bread as well.
I used to have a Bouvier named Claude. He was a great dog and a big dog.
One day I came home from work and found that he had eaten an entire loaf of bread that had been on the kitchen table.
He was really tall, so he could reach it easily.
I certainly learned a lesson. No more bread within his reach.
Luckily, he didn’t have any negative side effects, but if it had been my little Shih Tzu, who knows.
The bottom line when it comes to bread is most likely it won’t hurt your dog, but it won’t do anything good for them either.
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Bread Dough and Your Shih Tzu
While most white bread is pretty harmless for your dog, bread dough is another matter and should never be given to a dog.
As you know if you make bread from scratch, the dough has to rise. Typically, you put it in a moist and warm place. I use the microwave with a cup of hot, steamy water.
Well, your dog’s stomach is a similar environment.
So, when your Shih Tzu eats raw bread dough, the dough will continue to rise.
This will lead to your dog’s stomach distending and then ethanol is released into your Shih Tzu’s bloodstream at toxic levels.
This alcohol toxicosis can be fatal.
If your dog has eaten bread dough watch for the following symptoms of alcohol toxicosis and call your vet immediately:
- Depression
- Weakness
- Unsteady gait
- Depressed central nervous system
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To Sum it All Up:
Plain bread as an occasional treat is fine as long as it doesn’t contain anything that is toxic to dogs and it doesn’t cause your Shih Tzu a stomach upset. But keep them away from raisin bread, and keep in mind that bread can cause weight gain. There are no real health benefits to giving your Shih Tzu bread, and most commercial dog foods are going to have all the carbs your dog needs.
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.
