Can Shih Tzu Eat Potato: 5 Ways To Feed & More

Can Shih Tzu eat potato is a popular and interesting question among Shih Tzu owners, this is exactly what this post is all about!

In this post, we will explore ways you can feed your Shih Tzu with potatoes and parts of potatoes you should not feed your Shih Tzu.

We will also run through the common possible benefits of feeding your Shih Tzu with potatoes.

Let me quickly answer your question Can Shih Tzu Eat Potato before we continue to other things.

Can Shih Tzu Eat Potato

Potatoes are safe for Shih Tzus to consume since they provide vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, and a variety of other minerals that dogs require.

However, if you don’t cook them properly or feed them to your dog in excess, there may be negative health consequences.

Your Shih Tzu will get lots of vitamins and fiber from potatoes. Furthermore, they are simple to digest and can aid in the treatment of digestive issues.

In feeding Shih Tzu with potatoes, MODERATION is the key.

Can Shih Tzus eat sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative than other potatoes since they are considerably more nutritionally, therefore, Shih Tzus can eat them. Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron are just a few of the minerals found in them.

Because each Shih Tzu is different and unique, start with a modest quantity of sweet potato to ensure that your Shih Tzu can digest it.

Before adding new food to your puppy’s diet, always discuss it with your veterinarian.

According to the AKC website, sweet potato is much better for dogs than other types of potatoes.

Can Shih Tzu eat cooked sweet potato

Cooked sweet potatoes are a healthier option than regular cooked potatoes since they are higher in nutrients, and Shih Tzus may eat them. They include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron, to name a few minerals.

Can Shih Tzus eat raw potatoes

Because raw potatoes contain solanine, a chemical that is poisonous to some Shih Tzus, you should never feed your Shih Tzu raw potatoes. Instead, heat or boil your potatoes before offering them to your Shih Tzu.

Can Shih Tzu eat mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are good for Shih Tzus; however, when mashing the potatoes, avoid adding spices or other toxic substances that Shih Tzus cannot digest. The potatoes should be mashed alone.

Vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and magnesium are all abundant in mashed potatoes. When you prepare and mash potatoes, you supply these vitamins and minerals, which help your dog’s immune system, neurological system, and nutrition absorption.

How to prepare potatoes for Shih Tzus

There are many ways you can prepare potatoes for Shih Tzus be it white potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Let’s look at some safe tips:

Potatoes are high in nutrients that are good for your dog, but they should not be a regular part of their diet.
Solanine, a chemical found in raw potatoes, is harmful to dogs.
Cooked potatoes should always be served to your Shih Tzu and not raw potatoes.

Raw potatoes can cause gastrointestinal distress, weakness, and lethargy, as well as weight gain, among other things.
Before introducing any new food to your Shih Tzu’s diet, make sure to contact with your veterinarian.

Here is how to prepare potatoes for Shih Tzus:

1. Homemade potato treats

Potato treats are simple to create using only one ingredient: sweet potatoes. They’re also super simple to make, so follow these steps:

1. Peel and wash the potatoes

To begin, wash your potatoes thoroughly. If possible, soak them in vinegar for a bit before rinsing them to remove all the grime.

You may also scrub them with a kitchen brush to ensure that they are totally clean.

Then, using your potato peeler or knife, peel a few potatoes that you wish to utilize for the potato treats.

2. Cut the potatoes to a desired size

Slice the sweet potatoes is the next item on your to-do list.

This time, instead of cubes, you’ll want thin slices that will turn chewy or crispy when baked.

The treat will be crunchier if the slice is thinner, and chewier if the slice is thicker.

Second, roughly the same measures may be sliced lengthwise.

3. Bake the potatoes to a desired texture

Spread the slices out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Add no salt, oil, or spices to the dish. It’s best if the treats are as natural as possible.

One baking sheet may be covered by one large size potato. If you have more, you may want more baking trays.

Place the baking pan in a 200-2200F oven for 1 to 2 hours after it’s ready. After one and a half hours, you might wish to check on them.

To ensure that they are equally cooked, flip them over each time you check during the baking process.

The amount of time it takes is determined by the thickness of your slices and the overall outcome you want to attain.

They become crunchier as they spend more time in the oven. Allow them to sit for no more than 2 to 3 hours if you simply want them to be chewy.

Let them cool, and your potato treats are ready for your Shih Tzu.

2. Mashed potatoes

Do not feed your Shih Tzu regular mashed potatoes or commercially prepared potatoes.

Because commercial mashed potatoes contain items like butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, nutmeg, and salt, which are not included in the healthy dog diet, make your own mashed potatoes.

Using the following steps:

1. Peel and wash the potatoes

Soak them in vinegar beforehand before washing them completely for best results. This process aids in the removal of dirt more effectively than water alone.

Peel the potatoes with a potato peeler or a knife. After they’ve been peeled, give them another wash and slice them into cubes.

2. Boil the potato cubes or slice

Bringing some water to a boil in a saucepan is the easiest method to achieve this. As a general rule, the water should completely cover the potatoes.

When it comes to a boil, add the potatoes, decrease the heat to medium, and cook for 30 minutes.

Using a fork or knife, puncture one cube to see whether it’s ready. The potatoes are done if it slides through easily.

If not, cover the saucepan and cook for a few minutes until fork-tender and done.

3. Mash the potatoes

The sweet potatoes must be mashed as the last step. Drain the water in the saucepan using a sieve before proceeding.

After that, mix it up with a potato masher. This is the most enjoyable part.

Work the mash until it reaches a smooth consistency. Allow time for the potatoes to cool before offering to your Shih Tzu.

Please do not be tempted to add any spicy or salt.

3. Make potato purée

All you have to do is boil and mash potatoes to produce a simple puree that can be added to your Shih Tzu’s diet or given as a treat.

Add enough water to form a mash-like consistency, then keep in a bowl or a piping tube until ready to use.

4. Boiled potatoes

Cut the sweet potatoes into 1 inch cubes after peeling them.
When preparing potatoes for Shih Tzus, place the cubes in a saucepan of boiling water and cook them without salt.
Cook for 15-20 minutes over medium heat, or until they are cooked.

Remove the sweet potatoes from the water and set them in a saucepan.
Allow it to cool before mixing with your Shih Tzu’s usual food, depending on your Shih Tzu’s age, you should feed between a spoonful and 1/4 cup at a time.

5. Dehydrated potatoes

Cut your potatoes into cubes or spread them out on a flat surface.

Make sure your potatoes are no thinner than 1/4 inch thick, since any thinner may damage the texture of your goodies and make them overly crispy.
Place them in a single layer in a dehydrator and set the temperature to gradual drying.
After a few hours, examine the texture; if your Shih Tzu prefers a chewier texture, remove them sooner; if they prefer a crispier texture, leave them longer. After that, serve.

What are the risks of potatoes to Shih Tzus

As previously stated, while your Shih Tzu may love the occasional potato, if eaten uncooked, this poses specific concerns to Shih Tzus which will lead you to a vet.

Because a substantial amount of solanine must be consumed, it seldom causes toxicity in Shih Tzus which is why a little amount may not hurt.

The following symptoms should be on the watch for if you overfeed your Shih Tzu potatoes or feed uncooked potatoes to your Shih Tzu:

Lethargy
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea

Constant vomiting
Weakness
General gastrointestinal distress.

Note: potatoes contain carbs, so your pups should only have a small quantity of them and not a full meal.

More fruits and veggies Shih Tzus can eat:

Can Shih Tzus Eat Strawberries

Can Shih Tzu Eat Oranges.

Benefits of potatoes to Shih Tzus

Here are some common benefits of potatoes to Shih Tzus;

Potatoes are abundant in vitamin A, so feeding them to your Shih Tzu may help avoid vitamin A deficiency.

It’s crucial to note that potatoes are high in fiber and antioxidants, which may help your Shih Tzu’s gut flora flourish and contribute to a healthy digestive system.
Potatoes can make your Shih Tzu’s hair and skin look better.
In your dog’s body, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A, which is then utilized to build light-detecting receptors in the eyes.

I hope your question Can Shih Tzu Eat Potato was answered!

Read more about Shih Tzu eating issues and things that makes Shih Tzus happy.