Can Shih Tzu Eat Tomatoes: 5 Ways To Feed & Benefits

Can Shih Tzu eat tomatoes is an interesting question due to the acidic content of tomatoes, people have different opinions about this.

In this post, we will outline and discuss some possible benefits of giving ripe tomatoes to your Shih Tzu in moderation as treats only, not a full meal.

You will also learn the most common safe ways you can offer ripe tomatoes to your Shih Tzu, finally, we will outline some dangers of overfeeding your Shih Tzu with tomatoes.

Let me quickly answer your question can Shih Tzu eat tomatoes before we proceed to other things I have for you.

Can Shih Tzu Eat Tomatoes

Yes, Shih Tzu may eat tomatoes, since ripe tomatoes are harmless to Shih Tzu. However, they should be offered in moderation as a treat. Tomato plants and unripe tomatoes should be avoided since they might induce gastric problems in Shih Tzus. 

Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, which means they include a few compounds that are toxic to some animals, such as solanine.

In a significant amount, solanine, a chemical present in the stem and leaves of tomato and similar plants, is toxic to Shih Tzus. The green sections of the tomato plant contain the greatest solanine.

Because solanine levels in the leaves, stems, and immature, green tomatoes are higher than in the ripe fruit, ripe tomatoes are typically safe to offer to Shih Tzus.

Tomatoes should be given to Shih Tzus in moderation as treats, not as whole meals.

Are Shih Tzus allergic to tomatoes

While Shih Tzus are not allergic to tomatoes, keep in mind that each Shih Tzu is unique and may be sensitive to foods that are typically considered safe for other dogs.

As a result, dog owners must gradually introduce small amounts of tomatoes as rewards while keeping an eye on their Shih Tzu’s reaction.

If your Shih Tzu feels unwell after eating tomatoes, contact your veterinarian.

The following are Shih Tzu indicators of tomato allergy:

1. Lethargy
2. Coughing
3. Vomiting
4. Diarrhea
5. Excessive scratching
6. Farting
7. Bloating of stomach.

How much tomatoes is safe for Shih Tzus to eat

Tomatoes should not make up more than 10% of Shih Tzu’s daily or weekly calorie or diet intake, which means tomatoes should be considered a treat rather than a full meal.

Tomatoes are abundant in vitamins A, B6, and C, among others; these nutrients are beneficial, but should only be given to Shih Tzus in miniscule amounts, as a treat or a snack.

Disadvantages of overfeeding your Shih Tzu with tomatoes

There are several disadvantages of overfeeding your Shih Tzu tomatoes which are as follows:

1. Acid reflux can develop in Shih Tzus if they eat too much tomatoes.
2. Loss of coordination.
3. It’s possible that overfeeding your Shih Tzu tomatoes can cause diarrhea.
4. Shih Tzus who consume too much tomatoes may experience intestinal problems.
5. Muscle weakness
6. If you overfeed your Shih Tzu tomatoes, you should expect stomach problems and nausea.

Can Shih Tzu eat canned tomatoes

Artificial tomato flavors and preservatives can hurt Shih Tzu, thus any canned or processed tomatoes are not safe for your Shih Tzu to eat and can create avoidable health problems.

Almost all canned tomatoes include preservatives, which are both detrimental to Shih Tzus.

If you must feed or give tomatoes to your Shih Tzu, make sure they are fresh and ripe, not canned or processed.

Ways to feed tomatoes to Shih Tzus

Here are some common ways you can offer tomatoes to Shih Tzus that are safe:

1. Give tomatoes as treats to Shih Tzus during workout

Giving Shih Tzus tomato slices as rewards is a much more interesting aspect.

A tomato can also be cut into little pieces and delivered as a reward or gift during Shih Tzu training.

To serve as a snack rather than a meal, remove the seed from the tomatoes and slice them into little pieces.

You may cut the tomatoes into little pieces and feed them as a treat to your Shih Tzu while keeping them hydrated.

2. Using tomatoes to prevent dehydration during exercise

Shih Tzus are little dogs that might overheat or get heat exhaustion if they exercise for long periods of time.

Shih Tzus may have breathing issues when they are anxious or energetic due to the anatomy of their nose.

Tomatoes, sliced into very small pieces, can be given to your Shih Tzu to keep them hydrated before or after an exercise.

When sliced into little bits, tomatoes can be utilized as a low-calorie workout.

This will keep your Shih Tzu hydrated and avoid dehydration after a workout.

3. Mixing tomatoes to other fruit salad

Give your Shih Tzu a fruit salad every now and then to keep them healthy and happy.

Tomatoes may also be mixed with other nutritious fruits to produce a tasty smoothie or fruit salad for your Shih Tzu.

For a delicious, dog-friendly salad garnish, combine sliced tomatoes with diced melon, watermelon, and strawberries.

These fruits should be chopped into extremely little pieces before giving to your Shih Tzu due to their small faces.

Shih Tzus may eat the following fruits and vegetables:

1. Can Shih Tzus Eat Strawberries
2. Can Shih Tzu Eat Watermelon
3. Can Shih Tzus Eat Bananas
4. Can Shih Tzu Eat Carrots
5. Can Shih Tzu Eat Apples.
6. Can Shih Tzu Eat Blueberries.
7. Can Shih Tzu Eat Mango.
8. Can Shih Tzu Eat Oranges.
9. Can Shih Tzu Eat Potato.
10. Can Shih Tzu Eat Pineapple.
11. Can Shih Tzu Eat Peaches.
12. Can Shih Tzu Eat Cantaloupe.
13. Can Shih Tzu Eat Broccoli.

4. You can produce a tomato purée

You may make tomato purée for your Shih Tzu in a blender, making it simpler for your Shih Tzu puppy or adult to avoid choking.

Purée the tomatoes if you like, but avoid giving your Shih Tzus anything that isn’t easily digested, such as spicy foods.

Shih Tzus should only be given tomatoes purée as treats instead of food. With a spoon, serve the tomatoes purée to your Shih Tzu.

5. Adding tomato cuts to Shih Tzus food

Tomatoes may be chopped into small pieces and added to your Shih Tzu’s dry or wet diet.

This isn’t something you should do every day; once or twice a week will suffice for your Shih Tzu’s health.

Don’t overdo it when it comes to tomato pieces in your dog’s food; moderation is key.

Benefits of tomatoes to Shih Tzus

Here are some common benefits of tomatoes your Shih Tzu can get from eating ripped tomatoes:

1. Tomatoes can support healthy sight in Shih Tzus

Because of its high quantities of antioxidants and vitamin C, tomatoes reduce the risk of macular degeneration, an eye disease that causes vision loss.

Tomatoes are also high in beta-carotene, a vital ingredient for excellent vision that should be consumed at least once a week.

2. Tomatoes can speed up healing and recovery after exercise in Shih Tzus

Because tomatoes contain vitamin C, which assists in the synthesis of collagen, they can be a medicinal fruit for all animals.

Collagen is a protein that is required for the correct functioning of organs, bones, skin, and blood vessel walls.

If your Shih Tzu gets a wound as a result of too much exercise, increasing their tomato purée diet may help them recover faster, but do so in moderation.

Due to antioxidants, it can help fight against any illness or sickness that may develop as a result of an injury.

3. Tomatoes can help boost Shih Tzu immunity

Tomatoes are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help your Shih Tzu’s blood cells fight harmful byproducts like free radicals and oxidative stress.

These radicals can damage and disrupt the function of your Shih Tzu organs, as well as cause cancer in the cells of your Shih Tzu.

Increase the amount of tomatoes in your Shih Tzu’s food once a week to boost his or her immune system.

4. Tomatoes can support healthy gums and teeth in Shih Tzus

Tomatoes can help keep your Shih Tzu’s teeth and gums healthy because they include vitamin C and zinc, which are both helpful to your Shih Tzu’s teeth and gums.

Ripped tomatoes are also high in antioxidants and vitamins, which help to prevent tooth decay.

It also helps your Shih Tzu’s immune system by strengthening and supporting it.

5. Tomatoes can provide extra antioxidants for Shih Tzus

Free radicals are unstable substances that can harm the cells of your Shih Tzu and cause aging and illnesses like cancer.

Antioxidants prevent them from your Shih Tzu’s body.

Tomatoes are thought to have one of the highest quantities of antioxidants of any fruit or vegetable.

The principal antioxidant components in tomatoes are flavonoids, a kind of polyphenol antioxidant.

Anthocyanins, a kind of flavonoids, are considered to be responsible for many of tomatoe’s health benefits.

Tomatoes appears to have the highest strong antioxidant flavonoids of almost any fruit or vegetable.

Giving your Shih Tzu tomatoes on a weekly basis is never a bad idea, but remember to keep it in proportion and moderation. 

Effects of too much tomatine in Shih Tzus meal include:

According to AKC, here are some signs of too much tomatine:

1. Tremors
2. Seizures
3. Gastrointestinal (GI) upset
4. Loss of coordination
5. Muscle weakness
6. Cardiac effects

I hope your question Can Shih Tzu Eat Tomatoes was answered to your understanding!

Finally, always give your Shih Tzu a little piece of tomatoes to see if his allergic to it, this because all Shih Tzus are not the same.

Cheers!!! Am outta!