Carrots are one of my favorite veggies, but even though they are good for your eyesight, there are some downsides to them such as the high sugar content. So, you have to wonder if they will be good or bad for your dog. The question becomes, can Shih Tzus eat carrots?
Can Shih Tzus Eat Carrots
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat carrots. They are healthy and a great snack for the little pups.
Dogs tend to enjoy the taste as well.
There are a few things you should know, however, before you start giving your dog carrots.
Health Benefits of Carrots
Carrots are a good source of vitamin A which is great for your Shih Tzu’s eye health.
They also are a good source of fiber and potassium.
If you give them to your dog raw, they can help clean your pup’s teeth and remove bacteria which is a great thing.
Also, carrots are low in calories, so they won’t cause any weight issues for your Shih Tzu and makes for a healthy treat, and can be part of a healthy diet for your dog.
Carrots make low-cost treats and are typically healthier for your Shih Tzu than most commercial processed treats that you buy in at the store.
If you have a puppy or puppies, then a frozen carrot is not only a good treat for dogs, it can be helpful when your puppies are teething.
You can also use carrots to reward your Shih Tzu’s good behavior.
This is a lower-calorie crunchy treat than biscuits or other commercial treats.
If your Shih Tzu is overweight, then carrots can be a great low-cal treat when they are begging for food.
The fiber in the carrots will help fill them up without putting on weight.
Raw or Cooked Carrots?
You can give your Shih Tzu either raw or cooked carrots.
Just keep in mind a couple of things.
First, if you are giving your Shih Tzu raw carrots you want to make sure the pieces are small enough that they can chew them and that they won’t choke on them.
Secondly, if your Shih Tzu is older and has bad teeth or missing teeth, then you will want to stick to cooked carrots.
You can even check out the baby food section of your grocery store and get the pureed baby food carrots if you are concerned about choking or your Shih Tzus ability to chew up raw carrots.
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The Down Side of Carrots for Shih Tzus
There are really only a couple of things you need to worry about when it comes to giving your Shih Tzu carrots.
1. High Sugar Content – Carrots do have a lot of sugar in them, so if your Shih Tzu is diabetic, then you may not want to give them carrots. Just check with your vet to make sure it is okay and that it won’t affect their blood sugar levels.
2. Too much vitamin A – If you give your Shih Tzu too many carrots, they might get too much vitamin A. This can be toxic for your dog.
Even though carrots have a lot of health benefits for your dog, don’t overdo it. A couple of carrot pieces a day is fine. Just don’t go crazy.
Because of how dogs digest their food, raw carrots need to be grated or steamed so they can digest them in a way that they receive health benefits.
It will also make sure that your Shih Tzu doesn’t get any stomach upsets.
Carrots as Training Treats
Baby carrots or small pieces of carrots make great training treats.
Your Shih Tzu will enjoy the sweet taste and you won’t have to worry about giving them too many calories.
If you’ve had a Shih Tzu very long you will know that they can be a bit stubborn and hard to train.
Carrots just might be the answer.
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To Sum it All Up:
Carrots are great for your Shih Tzu unless it has health issues such as diabetes. They have a low-fat content and low salt content and are full of vitamin A. This is one veggie that you can comfortably give your dog on a regular basis.
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.
