This post is about the common and popular question of What Can Shih Tzus Not Eat, which is a very interesting question for most Shih Tzu owners.
In this post, we will outline and discuss some of the most common human foods you should never share with your Shih Tzu.
I will also point out some effects of why you shouldn’t share this food with your Shih Tzu as the after-effects outweigh the benefits of feeding them.
Begging is one of the behavior problems Shih Tzus have, with their funny-looking eyes, always do you to resist them when they beg for these foods.
Let’s quickly get to work. And don’t forget to check What Can Shih Tzu Eat: 22 Safe Foods and how to feed them.
What Can Shih Tzus Not Eat
Here is the list of food that is not safe for Shih Tzus, which are as follows:
1. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are among the most toxic and dangerous human food for Shih Tzus.
They are a poisonous meal for Shih Tzus that, if consumed in high amounts, can cause renal failure.
When a Shih Tzu takes grape or raisins juice, it will likely have stomach bloating, weakness, and diarrhea, and will need to be taken to the veterinarian.
As a result, Shih Tzu cannot eat grapes or raisins for any reason since they contain salicylate and mycotoxin, both of which are linked to renal failure when consumed in excessive numbers.
Effects of giving grapes and raisin to Shih Tzus
- Muscular problems
- Kidney failure
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Coughs
- Sore throat
2. Onions and garlic
Despite the fact that both garlic and onion are used as human components and are beneficial for people, you should not include them in your Shih’s food.
Anemia and a shortage of red blood cells in dogs can be caused by even a modest quantity of this food in raw form.
So, can Shih Tzu consume garlic and onions?
No, Shih Tzu should never consume garlic or onions, dry, raw, or cooked, since they contain disulfides and sulfoxides, which Shih Tzu cannot digest and can produce a burning feeling in the mouth or stomach.
Onions may be quite toxic to Shih Tzus in excessive quantities, so it’s better to avoid feeding them any at all.
It is possible that gastrointestinal irritation will ensue, resulting in red blood cell destruction.
Effects of feeding Shih Tzus with onion and garlic
- Anemia
- Lethargy
- Heartburn
- Rapid heart rate
- Allergic reactions
- Vomiting
3. Alcohol
Shih Tzus are extremely sensitive to alcohol, and because they are a smaller breed of dog, even a sip from an unsecured drink or a slice of unmanaged rum cake might enter your Shih Tzu’s system.
Shih Tzus should never drink alcohol since it is hazardous for them and can induce dehydration and vomiting.
In severe situations, alcohol use can result in death if consumed in excessive quantities.
As a result, your Shih Tzu should never ingest huge amounts of alcohol.
Effects of giving Shih Tzu alcohol
- Lethargy
- Constipation
- Acute dehydration
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- muscular breakdown
- Constant vomiting
- dizziness
4. Caffeine products
Caffeine is an alkaloid found in many plant species, including cocoa beans, kola nuts, tea leaves, yerba maté, guarana berries, yaupon holly, and coffee beans.
Caffeine is found in many popular soft drinks, as well as a variety of pharmaceutical preparations and over-the-counter drugs such as analgesics, diet aids, and cold/flu cures.
Examples of caffeine products to keep away from Shih Tzus
- Black Tea
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Energy Drinks
- Coffee
- Decaf coffee
- Sodas
- Green Tea
- Coffee Liqueur
- Chocolate milk
Effects of giving Shih Tzus caffeine products
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Insomnia
- Digestive issues
- Muscular breakdown
- Anxiety
- Dehydration
5. Avocado
Avocado poisoning in Shih Tzus occurs when a Shih Tzu consumes a big amount of associated avocado.
The avocado pit contains a dangerous toxin known as persin, which causes Shih Tzus to get very ill if consumed.
Although the avocado is highly poisonous, the leaf, which is a component of it, is the most harmful.
Avocados are known to be poisonous due to the high concentration of persin found in their leaves, seeds, bark, and fruit.
Pits can cause gastrointestinal obstructions, and different types of avocados have varying amounts of person.
Effects of giving Shih Tzus avocado in large quantities
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Latex intolerance
- Pancreatitis upset
- Myocardial damage
- Allergies
- Liver issues
- Obesity
- Vomiting
- Itchy skin
6. Candies
The artificial sweetener used in our sweets is known as xylitol, this xylitol is not hazardous to humans, however, it may induce dogs to produce more insulin.
High insulin levels cause excessive sugar absorption from the blood and hypoglycemia.
Low blood sugar levels result in weakness, incoordination, and, finally, seizures and liver failure.
Some kinds of toothpaste include xylitol as well.
Effects of giving candies to Shih Tzus
- Increase in blood sugar levels
- Fatigue
- Liver issues
- Abdominal pain
- Pancreatitis upset
7. Undercooked meat or stale food
Undercooked meat or stale food is extremely harmful to Shih Tzus, both in terms of digestion and hygiene.
Salmonella and E. coli, which can be present in undercooked meat or stale food, provide a significant risk of bacterial infection in your Shih Tzu.
Effects of undercooked meat poisoning in Shih Tzus
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Cramps
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain
8. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are chemicals that are added as food additives to some foods and beverages to give a syrupy sweet flavor.
They are calorie-free or low-calorie sweeteners because they contain much less nutritional energy than sugar-based sweeteners.
Shih Tzus should not eat anything with artificial sweeteners for no reason since most of them include xylitol, which is very poisonous and detrimental to Shih Tzus.
When Shih Tzus consume substantial amounts of artificial sweeteners, their blood sugar levels drop considerably.
Examples of Artificial Sweeteners
- Saccharin
- Acesulfame
- Aspartame
- Neotame
- Sucralose
- Neohesperidin
- Cyclamate
- Advantame
Effects of artificial sweeteners poisoning in Shih Tzus
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
- High blood sugar
- Heart disease
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Hives
- Weakened immune system
- Metabolic syndromes
- Stomach microbes
- Rashes
Examples of foods that contain artificial sweeteners;
- Cereals Canned food
- Sweets
- Baked goods
- Sugar-free puddings and Jello
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Sugar-free candy
- Sugar-free breath mints
- Candy
- Fruit drinks
- Jellies and jams
9. Moldy foods
This is the most harmful diet you can give your Shih Tzu; even so-called industrially produced kibbles can get moldy.
Mycotoxins grow on moldy food and make Shih Tzus sick if they eat it, especially dry dog food.
Always keep an eye out for mold in the food you give your Shih Tzu, especially if you offer kibbles and industrial treats.
Effects of giving Moldy food to Shih Tzus
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Diarrhea
- Weakened immune system
- Stomach microbes
- Fever
- Rashes
10. Salty food
Shih Tzu should not consume any salty foods. Not only does this raise their blood pressure, but it also causes renal failure. Salty snacks are not permitted.
They include a lot of artificial colors and other substances that might make your Shih Tzu allergic.
Just as in people, excessive salt consumption can result in dehydration, which may lead to unwanted health problems, so do not offer your Shih Tzu salty food, regardless of how he seems.
Effects of giving salty food Shih Tzus
- Kidney failure
- Chronic dehydration
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- High body temperature
- Seizures
- Depression
11. Unripe Tomatoes
This may be simpler for people to stomach, but the primary organic acids in fresh unripe tomatoes are citric and malic acid, which may not agree with Shih Tzus stomach.
It is not recommended feeding your Shih Tzu with unripe raw tomatoes since it will absolutely injure your Shih Tzu depending on the volume of unripe tomatoes you feed your Shih Tzu.
Effects of giving unripe tomatoes to Shih Tzus
- Urinary problems
- Acid Reflux
- Heartburn
- Throat irritation
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Respiratory issues
- Kidney issues
- Diarrhea
12. Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most harmful foods for Shih Tzus because it includes theobromine, a poisonous element that may cause a variety of health problems in Shih Tzus if consumed in high quantities.
Shih Tzu should never consume chocolate owing to the toxicity of chocolate.
The symptoms that a canine may exhibit after consuming chocolate are directly related to the weight and length of such canine, as Shih Tzus are a much smaller breed.
Only a few bits of chocolate can be harmful, causing allergic sinus and skin responses, constipation, and migraine headaches.
Effects of giving Chocolate to Shih Tzus
- Heart failure
- Stomach rumbling
- Lethargy
- Seizure
- Fatalities
- Abnormal heartbeats
- Increased thirst
- Intestinal discomfort
- Restlessness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Allergic skin reactions
- Panting
- Muscle Tremors
13. Macadamia nuts
Although macadamia nuts are beneficial to humans, they are not suitable for your Shih Tzu.
These nuts contain a toxin that can induce weakness, tremors, depression, heat, and kidney stones.
14. Cooked bones
Cooked bones are not a suitable item to feed to your shih tzu, but it’s not because they’re harmful.
Cooked bones are harmful for dogs because shards can break off and cause choking, or the splintered bone might become trapped lower down the digestive track and cause an obstruction.
Sharp, pointed edges of broken off pieces are prone to cause serious interior lacerations since bones are sharp by nature. The most harmful bones are chicken and fish bones.
If you’re offering your Shih Tzu fresh cooked chicken or fish for lunch, double-check that all of the bones have been removed before placing it in his bowl.
15. Yeast dough
When yeast dough is consumed, it heats up and begins to rise and produce gas.
This is extremely troublesome for a Shih Tzu’s digestive tract, causing excruciating discomfort, bloating, and perhaps stomach twisting.
It’s potentially lethal, so take your Shih Tzu to the vet right away if he or she consumes yeast bread.
Ethanol, an extremely strong alcohol, may also be produced by yeast.
16. Cinnamon
Although cinnamon is not poisonous to dogs, it can create a few issues that will make your Shih Tzu sick.
Cinnamon and cinnamon oils can irritate the skin, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract.
Cinnamon powder can cause coughing, choking, and difficulty breathing.
This can only happen if a big quantity has been consumed, as additional symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, low blood sugar, and liver illness may ensue.
17. Fat trimmings
Do not feed fat trimmings to your shih tzu if you care about his health. Trim any fat from newly cooked meats before offering them to your dog.
Too much fat in your shih tzu’s food may eventually lead to pancreatitis, a potentially deadly condition.
18. Wild mushrooms
Toxic and wild mushrooms may be encountered by Shih Tzus who spend a lot of time outside alone without their owners.
It’s critical that your Shih Tzu never consumes them, as the consequences might vary from a little sickness to death.
Excessive salivation, stomach discomfort, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver and kidney damage are among the symptoms, depending on which group the mushroom belongs to.
19. Raw or undercooked eggs
When giving an uncooked or raw egg to a Shih Tzu, one of the most serious risks is salmonella exposure from a rotten egg.
Although eggs are abundant in protein, they are also conducive to bacterial development.
Raw eggs may also reduce biotin absorption, resulting in skin and coat issues that make your pet unhappy.
Eggs can be served to your pet, but they must be cooked or fried to avoid negative consequences.
No, you should not serve raw eggs to your Shih Tzu since eating raw eggs increases your chance of contracting salmonella, a harmful bacterium that may cause stomach pains, diarrhea, nausea, and fever.
20. Nutmeg and all spicy seasonings
The poison “myristicin” is found in nutmeg. It’s better to keep your shih tzu away from any nutmeg, but if he ate a tiny quantity, it wouldn’t hurt him, but he could suffer a slight tummy upset.
However, keep your nutmeg storage or seasonings out of reach of your shih tzu since plundering your supply is the only way he could consume enough nutmeg to induce significant disease.
I hope your question about What Can Shih Tzus Not Eat was answered to your understanding!
Read more: 11 Shih Tzu Eating Problems & Solutions.
