As they say, pork is the other white meat, and it is pretty delicious if you like that sort of thing. But, should you be sharing it with your little furry friend? Is it safe? Can Shih Tzus eat pork? Read on to find out.
Can Shih Tzus Eat Pork
While your Shih Tzu can eat pork in general, there is a lot you need to know before you offer this yummy treat to your dog.
Read on to learn what pork is okay to share and which kinds of pork you need to keep to yourself.
Cooked Pork
If you have cooked a pork roast or pork chops, you can feel okay about giving your pup a small bite or two depending on what seasonings you have added to your cuts of pork.
Some seasoning such as garlic and onions are toxic to dogs and can cause your pup a lot of issues including an upset tummy or something worse.
Most other pork you will want to keep away from your Shih Tzu.
Raw Pork
You don’t want to give your Shih Tzu any raw pork ever.
Just like raw pork isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for dogs either.
Raw and even pork that has been undercooked, can have parasites and bacteria.
The most common parasites found in pork are trichinella spiralis larvae.
These parasites can cause trichinosis.
This is more common in humans that eat undercooked pork, but dogs can get it as well.
If you have fed your Shih Tzu undercooked or raw pork and are concerned that they may develop trichinosis, you should watch for the following signs:
- Lethargy
- Pain
- Muscle inflammation
- Stiffness
Do contact your vet immediately if any of these symptoms appear.
Less serious but still a concern is the fatty part of the pork. You don’t want to give your Shih Tzu this part of the meat.
It can be difficult for your Shih Tzu to digest.
Too much fat will cause indigestion and their pancreas to inflame which will lead to upset stomach and diarrhea.
So, if you plan on giving your pooch a little leftover pork, be sure it is well cooked, has no seasoning on it, and doesn’t have too much fat on it.
You don’t want your table scraps to lead to a stomach upset, or worse, for your sweet, little Shih Tzu.
Ham
Ham can be a nice treat during the holidays but refrain from sharing with your Shih Tzu.
Ham tends to be overly processed and has a very high salt content.
It also is pretty fatty.
You really want to avoid giving your Shih Tzu any ham, but if you decide to do so, make sure it is just one or two really small bites.
It should be a very occasional treat and not something you give them daily or even often.
Sausage
Who doesn’t love sausage?
You know your little pup would love a nice sausage link or two, but don’t give in.
Sausage can be bad for your Shih Tzu due to the amount of processing and salt that it contains.
Also, most sausage typically has all sorts of seasonings added to make it taste as good as it does.
Many of these seasonings are toxic for your Shih Tzu.
Just make it a hard pass when it comes to giving your Shih Tzu sausage.
You might also enjoy:
Bacon
When you’re talking about yummy breakfast foods, or really anytime foods, bacon has to be right at the top of the list.
Even so, it is bad for your Shih Tzu and you should avoid giving them any.
Due to how it is processed, bacon is way too salty for your dog.
It is also on the top of the list for fatty foods.
As mentioned above, too much fat can lead to abdominal pain and bathroom issues for your Shih Tzu.
Really, any salty foods are going to be bad for your dog and could cause gastrointestinal issues.
Pork Bones
If you’re having a nice pork chop you might want to give the bone to your Shih Tzu, but you really shouldn’t.
Once pork bones have been cooked they become brittle and can splinter.
This can lead to choking and intestinal blockage or worse.
If you really want to share and there is a little pork meat left on the bone, you can let your Shih Tzu eat the meat and then take the bone away from them.
You don’t want to give them raw bones either. Most likely, there will be a little raw meat left on them and you don’t want them eating that.
Not to mention, your Shih Tzu could damage their teeth on the bone.
You might also enjoy:
To Sum it Up:
Plain, unseasoned, cooked pork is a fine treat for you Shih Tzu once in a while. However, uncooked bones, undercooked meat, and seasoned pork are bad for your dog and shouldn’t be given to them, and can cause serious issues in dogs. Also, keep in mind the fat content in the pork you give your pup an issue Pork fat can lead to stomach issues.
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.
