Oranges are like a little bit of sunshine on your plate. The sweet goodness of this fruit is always a treat either on its own or squeezed into juice. But can Shih Tzus eat oranges? You might be surprised by the answer.
Can Shih Tzus Eat Oranges
In general, yes, Shih Tzus can eat oranges.
But before you toss an orange slice to your Shih Tzu, you will want a bit more information.
Here’s what you need to know when it comes to Shih Tzus and oranges.
The Benefits of Oranges
Oranges have many health benefits.
Oranges are a great source of vitamin C and also contain B6.
These little balls of goodness also provide magnesium, iron, and potassium.
Oranges are also good sources of fiber.
They can help improve your Shih Tzu’s immune system.
And they are low in sodium and fat content which makes them a healthy treat for most dogs.
Downfalls of Oranges for Shih Tzus
While oranges certainly make a nice snack for dogs, there are some downsides to giving your Shih Tzu them.
Like most citrus fruits, oranges have a lot of citric acid.
This can be tough on your little dog’s teeth.
Considering Shih Tzus don’t have the best teeth in the world, to begin with, this acid can cause even more damage over time.
Oranges have very high sugar content. That’s why they are so sweet.
Too much sugar can lead to an upset stomach and abdominal pain for your Shih Tzu.
If your Shih Tzu is diabetic, all that sugar can be an issue as well and raise their blood sugar levels.
How Much to Feed Your Shih Tzu
So if you decide to give an orange as a treat for dogs, do so in moderation.
For an adult Shih Tzu don’t give them more than two orange segments.
For puppies no more than one segment.
Keep in mind that the sugar in the orange can be used as a source of energy for your pup, but any leftover and not used up can cause weight gain.
The average orange slice has about eight calories, so it makes for a great low-calorie snack as long as you only give your Shih Tzu one or two slices.
Your dog’s treats shouldn’t be more than 10 percent of their total daily calories.
If they have too many treats then they may not eat their dog food and their nutrition can suffer.
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The Orange Peel
An orange peel isn’t toxic to dogs like other fruit rinds, but it can be difficult for your Shih Tzu to chew and digest.
It is best to remove the peel as it can cause stomach upset.
Most likely your Shih Tzu won’t like the taste of the peel, but you never know.
My little Truman (learn more about Truman here) will eat just about anything.
What About Orange Juice?
Orange juice you buy in the store has tons of sugar. They even add sugar to it in some cases.
If you ever pick up a container check out the sugar content and ingredients.
Even the juice that is 100% orange juice is still just too high in sugar.
There is no real reason to ever give your Shih Tzu orange juice.
Stick with solid foods for your pup.
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To Sum it All Up:
It’s not a bad thing to give your Shih Tzu human foods from time to time, and if you limit the number of orange slices you give to your pup to one or two everything should be fine. Just keep in mind the digestive health of your dog and their current health conditions before you add oranges to their diet.
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.
