Can Shih Tzu Eat Apples: 5 Ways to Feed & Benefits

Can Shih Tzu Eat Apples
Can Shih Tzu Eat Apples

Can Shih Tzu eat apples is an interesting question and that is exactly what this post is all about.

In this post, we will outline and discuss some possible benefits of giving your Shih Tzu apples.

We will also outline and discuss some common ways you can give apples to your Shih Tzu.

Before we proceed any further, bear in mind that apples are not a meal and should not be substituted for dog food; they are merely a high-quality appetizer, not food.

Apples should be served as treats or as a snack rather than as a main meal. Let me answer your question Can Shih Tzu Eat apples before we continue.

Can Shih Tzu eat apples

Shih Tzus can eat apples because they are high in vitamin A and C, which are important for tissue repair and development.

Apples are also low in protein and fat and high in fiber, which eases digestion, making them ideal snacks and workout treats for Shih Tzus.

Can Shih Tzu eat apple skin

Shih Tzus can eat apple skin, however owing to the complexity of apple skin, it is recommended that you peel the apple skin before providing the apple meat to Shih Tzus since apple flesh is easier for Shih Tzus to digest than apple skin or stems.

Are Shih Tzus allergic to apples

I always recommend speaking with your veterinarian before feeding your dog a regular human diet because it differs.

Certain dogs may be allergic to apples. Call your veterinarian immediately away if you detect any changes in your Shih Tzu.

Despite the fact that Shih Tzus are prone to gastrointestinal sensitivity, apple allergies are unusual in Shih Tzus.

Diarrhea, itching, or vomiting are all signs that your Shih Tzu is allergic to apples.

How much apple can Shih Tzus eat

Apples should be seen as a treat rather than a complete meal, thus apples should not make up more than 10% of a Shih Tzu’s daily or weekly calorie intake.

Apples are a fruit, not a food, so don’t use them to substitute high-quality dog food for any reason.

Instead, use them to add snacks, appetizers, or treats to your Shih Tzu’s feeding or training schedule.

How to prepare Apples for Shih Tzus

To begin, wash and rinse the apples under running water to remove any dirt, as well as your table knife and cutting board.

Take your time and remove the apple peel before dividing the apple into five equal sections.

To minimize needless choking and health risks linked with these components, remove the seeds, stems, sepals, and stamens.

Then cut the apples into very little pieces, about the same size as the object or meal you give your Shih Tzu.

How to feed Shih Tzus with Apples

You may feed your Shih Tzu apples in a variety of ways that are both safe and high-quality:

1. Use Apples in food mix for Shih Tzus

This will grab your interest if you enjoy having fun and learning new things.

Apples may be sliced into small pieces and put to dry or wet food for your Shih Tzu.

This is not something you should do every day; once or twice a week should plenty for the health of your Shih Tzu.

When it comes to apple chunks in your Shih Tzu’s food, don’t go overboard; moderation is crucial.

2. Use Apples as treats for your Shih Tzu

Giving Shih Tzu’s apple is a considerably more intriguing element.

During Shih Tzu training, apples can also be divided into little pieces and presented as a reward, gift, or award.

Remove the apple’s skins and chop them into little pieces; these should be served as snacks rather than meals.

You may chop the apples into little pieces and serve them as a reward while keeping them hydrated, as Shih Tzu’s love treats.

3. Add apples to other edible fruits salad

Every now and again, give your Shih Tzu a fruit salad.

Apples may also be blended with other healthy fruits to make a delicious smoothie or fruit salad for your Shih Tzu.

Combine peeled and sliced bananas with diced melon, carrots, watermelon, and strawberries for a wonderful, dog-friendly salad garnish.

Because of their tiny faces, these fruits should be sliced into extremely little pieces before feeding them to your Shih Tzu.

4. Use apple cuts as hydrants

Shih Tzus are little dogs that can become overheated or suffer from heat exhaustion if they exercise for lengthy periods of time.

Due to the structure of their nose, Shih Tzus may suffer breathing problems when they are nervous or active.

Apples, chopped into very little pieces, can be given to your Shih Tzu before or after an exercise to keep them hydrated.

Apples may be used as a low-calorie workout if chopped into little pieces. This will keep your Shih Tzu hydrated after an exercise and prevent dehydration.

5. Use apples to make a purée

Apple purée is one of the most frequent methods to give Shih Tzu apples without adding any spicy or adulterated.

You may produce apple purée for your Shih Tzu in a blender, making it easier to avoid choking in your Shih Tzu puppy or adult.

Purée your apple if you like, but don’t give your Shih Tzus anything that isn’t edible by adding spicy to the purée.

Shih Tzus should be rewarded with apple purée rather than using apples as food.

You may feed the apple purée to your Shih Tzu with a spoon or anything that makes it easier for your Shih Tzu to lick the purée. 

Read more about the 11 Shih Tzu Eating Problems & Solutions

Parts of Apple to keep away from Shih Tzus

Don’t assume that just because everyone claims apples are excellent for dogs means you can offer your Shih Tzu the entire apple.

Because some pieces of an apple might cause small health issues in your Shih Tzu, and we all know that even people wouldn’t eat an entire apple without tossing away some.

To begin, we recommend removing the apple peel and solely feeding the soft mesocarp or pulp.

This isn’t because it’s indigestible; rather, because it’s not as mushy as oatmeal, it can support your dog’s weight.

Second, remove the endocarp or nucleus entirely, since they contain high-molecular-weight compounds that can make digestion difficult for your Shih Tzu.

Third, remove the stalk, calyx, and stamen, since they are dangerous for your Shih Tzu; some of these pieces are indigestible and might cause suffocation.

Finally, the seeds should be removed since they contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside made up of cyanide and sugar.

This chemical is converted down into very harmful hydrocyanic acid in your Shih Tzu’s digestive tract when it is digested (HCN).

Benefits of Apples to Shih Tzus

The following are some of the main reasons why you should feed apples to your Shih Tzu:

1. Apples can provide extra calcium for Shih Tzus

Calcium has a role in muscular contraction, neuron function, and blood coagulation.

Apples are also high in calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong teeth and bones.

As a result, by giving your Shih Tzu a slice of apple, you are guaranteeing that your puppy receives additional calcium in addition to what premium dog food provides.

2. Apples can provide extra bone health in Shih Tzus

Fruits’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to animal studies, can aid boost bone density and strength.

Always keep in mind that apples are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, which can help to promote bone health.

3. Apples can provide extra phosphorus for Shih Tzus

Phosphorus is an essential mineral that aids in the preservation of DNA and RNA as well as the formation of strong, energy-absorbing barrier membranes in cells.

It’s also known to help your puppy’s kidney function stay stable and improve.

We know that phosphorus may interact with calcium or bond to it to keep bones and teeth healthy.

It’s a good idea to give your Shih Tzu apples in moderation to help him obtain more phosphorus.

4. Apples supply extra vitamins to Shih Tzus

Apples are high in vitamin A, which is necessary for your Shih Tzu’s skin, coat, nerves, and muscles to develop and maintain their health.

Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C, both of which are known to aid with digestive issues.

Apples also contain polyphenols, which are beneficial to your Shih Tzu’s health.

5. Apples supply extra Antioxidants to Shih Tzu

Apples include antioxidants, which are naturally occurring antioxidants that have been related to cancer prevention and free radical scavenging.

So, to add extra antioxidants to your Shih Tzu diet and avoid needless cellular oxidation, consider feeding them apples.

6. Apples support a healthy immune system in Shih Tzus

Animal studies demonstrate that eating a diet high in soluble fiber helps pro-inflammatory immune cells become anti-inflammatory and immuno-supportive.

Despite the fact that apples are high in soluble fiber, you should not overfeed your Shih Tzu with them.

Keep artificial apple flavors away from your Shih Tzu

Because there are dangerous preservatives, it’s best not to give your Shih Tzu apples than to flavor them with artificial apples or canned apples.

Always keep in mind that too much sugar or chemicals in canned foods can induce indigestion in the short term, as well as diabetes or obesity in the long run.

Dogs can be poisoned by artificial sweeteners like xylitol. As a result, offer your Shih Tzu a basic apple that you’ve made yourself.

Read more: 10 Shih Tzu Behavior Problems & Solutions.

More…

More fruits Shih Tzus can eat:

  1. Can Shih Tzus Eat Strawberries
  2. Can Shih Tzu Eat Watermelon
  3. Can Shih Tzus Eat Bananas
  4. Can Shih Tzu Eat Carrots

Wrap up

Although apples offer several advantages, they should never be substituted for high-quality dog food, and you should always eat in moderation and avoid including too many apples in your puppy’s diet.

If you wish to offer an apple to your Shih Tzu, see your veterinarian, to ensure that your puppy is capable of handling it.

Apple slices are tasty and healthful snacks or appetizers for your Shih Tzu, and they may help keep their teeth clean and fresh.

However, your Shih Tzu must eat apples in moderation, not as a full meal.

I hope your question can Shih Tzus eat apples was answered, read more about fruits Shih Tzus can eat.

Read more about What Makes Shih Tzus Happy: 17 Things To Know

Categorized as Dogs

By Jackson Duke

I'm Jackson Duke the founder of allpetspot. I grew up with lots of pets with 15 years of experience living with pets. My love for pets made me start allpetspot, am here to share his experiences with pets.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *