What Human Foods Are Safe for Shih Tzus? (USA List)

Shih Tzus are charming, affectionate little dogs with big personalities and even bigger appetites. Anyone who has lived with one knows the look: those wide, hopeful eyes staring up from under the table while you eat. It is tempting to share a bite of your food, especially when your dog feels like part of the family. But not every human food is safe for dogs, and small breeds like Shih Tzus can be especially sensitive to rich, salty, sugary, or toxic ingredients.

That is why it is important to know which human foods are actually safe, which ones should only be given in moderation, and which foods should never go anywhere near your dog’s bowl.

In this guide, you will find a practical USA-focused 2025 list of human foods that are generally safe for Shih Tzus when prepared properly. You will also learn what foods to avoid, how much to give, and how to introduce new foods safely.

Why Shih Tzus Need Extra Care With Human Food

Shih Tzus are a toy breed, which means their bodies are much smaller than medium or large dogs. A piece of food that may seem harmless to us can be too rich, too fatty, too sweet, or simply too much for a small dog to handle well. Their digestive systems can react quickly to inappropriate food, and because they are small, even a little bit of a toxic food can be dangerous.

Shih Tzus can also be prone to weight gain if they are overfed. Since many human foods are higher in calories than dog food, frequent table scraps can lead to obesity over time. Extra weight can put stress on their joints, heart, and overall health. Some Shih Tzus also have sensitive stomachs, food allergies, or dental issues, so softer and simpler foods are often the safest choice.

The good news is that many fresh foods from your kitchen can be safe and healthy treats when offered the right way.

General Rules Before Feeding Human Food to Your Shih Tzu

Before looking at the safe food list, keep these simple rules in mind:

Only offer plain, unseasoned food. Dogs should not eat foods prepared with garlic, onion, heavy salt, butter, spicy sauces, or artificial sweeteners.

Avoid fried food. Fried foods are too greasy and may upset your Shih Tzu’s stomach.

Remove bones, seeds, pits, and peels where necessary. These can create choking hazards or digestive problems.

Introduce one new food at a time. This helps you notice any allergy or stomach issue.

Use human food as a treat, not a meal replacement. Most of your Shih Tzu’s diet should still come from a complete, balanced dog food.

Give very small portions. Shih Tzus do not need much.

If your dog has a medical condition such as pancreatitis, kidney disease, diabetes, or food allergies, ask your veterinarian before adding new foods.

Safe Human Foods for Shih Tzus

Here are many human foods that are generally considered safe for healthy Shih Tzus when served properly.

1. Cooked Chicken

Plain, boneless, skinless cooked chicken is one of the best human foods you can give a Shih Tzu. It is a lean source of protein and easy to digest for many dogs.

Best way to serve:
Boiled, baked, or steamed with no seasoning

Benefits:
Protein supports muscle health and energy

Avoid:
Fried chicken, seasoned chicken, chicken with skin, or bones

2. Turkey

Plain cooked turkey can also be a safe and tasty treat. Many dogs enjoy it, and it provides protein similar to chicken.

Best way to serve:
Cooked, plain, no skin, no bones

Benefits:
Lean protein

Avoid:
Deli turkey, smoked turkey, seasoned holiday turkey, turkey with stuffing or gravy

3. Lean Beef

Cooked lean beef in small amounts can be a good occasional treat for Shih Tzus.

Best way to serve:
Plain, fully cooked, small pieces

Benefits:
Protein, iron, and essential nutrients

Avoid:
Fatty cuts, seasoned beef, burger patties with onion or garlic, processed meats

4. Salmon

Cooked salmon is safe for many dogs and contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids that may support skin and coat health.

Best way to serve:
Fully cooked, boneless, plain

Benefits:
Omega-3s, protein

Avoid:
Raw salmon, smoked salmon, heavily seasoned salmon

5. Eggs

Cooked eggs are safe for most Shih Tzus and can be a nutritious protein-rich snack.

Best way to serve:
Boiled or scrambled plain with no oil or seasoning

Benefits:
Protein, vitamins, healthy fats

Avoid:
Raw eggs, eggs cooked with butter, salt, cheese, or onions

6. Rice

Plain cooked white rice is commonly used for dogs with upset stomachs. Brown rice may also be safe for some dogs, but white rice is often easier to digest.

Best way to serve:
Plain, soft, cooked

Benefits:
Gentle on the stomach, simple carbohydrate source

Avoid:
Fried rice, seasoned rice, rice mixed with onion or sauces

7. Oatmeal

Plain cooked oatmeal can be safe in small portions and may be useful for dogs who tolerate grains well.

Best way to serve:
Cooked with water, plain

Benefits:
Fiber and gentle energy

Avoid:
Instant oatmeal with sugar, flavorings, raisins, or artificial sweeteners

8. Sweet Potatoes

Cooked sweet potatoes are a popular dog-friendly food because they are soft, naturally sweet, and rich in nutrients.

Best way to serve:
Boiled, steamed, or baked plain

Benefits:
Fiber, vitamin A, easy texture for small dogs

Avoid:
Sweet potato casserole, fries, chips, sugary versions

9. Carrots

Carrots are a great crunchy or soft treat depending on how they are prepared.

Best way to serve:
Raw in tiny pieces or cooked until soft

Benefits:
Fiber, beta-carotene, low calorie

Avoid:
Large hard chunks that may be difficult for a small dog to chew

10. Green Beans

Plain green beans are low in calories and can be a smart treat for dogs who need help controlling weight.

Best way to serve:
Fresh, steamed, or plain canned with no salt added

Benefits:
Fiber, vitamins, low calorie snack

Avoid:
Green bean casserole or beans cooked with butter and seasoning

11. Pumpkin

Plain pumpkin is one of the best human foods for dogs in moderation. It is often used to help with digestion.

Best way to serve:
Plain canned pumpkin or cooked fresh pumpkin

Benefits:
Fiber, digestive support

Avoid:
Pumpkin pie filling with sugar and spices

12. Apples

Apples can be a refreshing treat for Shih Tzus when served correctly.

Best way to serve:
Small slices with seeds and core removed

Benefits:
Fiber, vitamins, crisp texture

Avoid:
Apple seeds, sugary apple desserts

13. Blueberries

Blueberries are a favorite healthy treat for many dogs and are easy to serve.

Best way to serve:
Fresh, washed, a few at a time

Benefits:
Antioxidants, low calorie

Avoid:
Blueberry muffins, blueberry pie, sugary canned fruit

14. Bananas

Bananas are safe in small amounts and many dogs enjoy their sweet, soft texture.

Best way to serve:
Small slices

Benefits:
Potassium, vitamins, easy to chew

Avoid:
Too much at once because of sugar content

15. Strawberries

Fresh strawberries can be safe for Shih Tzus as an occasional treat.

Best way to serve:
Washed, chopped into tiny pieces

Benefits:
Vitamin C, fiber

Avoid:
Strawberry syrup, jam, desserts

16. Watermelon

Watermelon can be a hydrating snack, especially in warm weather.

Best way to serve:
Seedless, rind removed, small cubes

Benefits:
Hydration, low calorie

Avoid:
Seeds and rind

17. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are light, crunchy, and low in calories.

Best way to serve:
Small peeled or unpeeled slices depending on tolerance

Benefits:
Hydration, low calorie

Avoid:
Pickles or seasoned cucumbers

18. Plain Yogurt

Some Shih Tzus can enjoy a little plain unsweetened yogurt if they tolerate dairy.

Best way to serve:
A small spoonful of plain yogurt

Benefits:
Calcium and probiotics

Avoid:
Flavored yogurt, yogurt with xylitol, high sugar options

19. Cheese

Cheese is safe for some dogs in tiny amounts and works well as a training treat.

Best way to serve:
Very small cubes of plain mild cheese

Benefits:
Protein and calcium

Avoid:
Too much cheese, spicy cheese, cheese with herbs or garlic

20. Peanut Butter

Many dogs love peanut butter, and it can be safe if you choose the right kind.

Best way to serve:
A very small amount of plain peanut butter

Benefits:
Tasty treat, can help with training or medication

Avoid:
Any peanut butter containing xylitol, added sugar, or too much salt

Foods Shih Tzus Should Never Eat

Some human foods are dangerous or toxic to dogs and should always be avoided.

These include:

Chocolate

Grapes and raisins

Onions

Garlic

Avocado in large amounts

Macadamia nuts

Alcohol

Caffeine

Xylitol sweetener

Cooked bones

Raw dough with yeast

Highly salty foods

Very spicy foods

Fried foods

Fat trimmings

Even a small amount of some of these foods can be harmful to a Shih Tzu. If your dog accidentally eats something toxic, contact a veterinarian or emergency pet poison service right away.

Best Human Foods for Shih Tzu Puppies

Puppies need even more care than adult dogs. Their stomachs are sensitive, and they require balanced nutrition for growth. Safe choices for occasional puppy treats may include plain cooked chicken, soft cooked egg, plain pumpkin, or a little white rice.

However, puppies should not be given lots of random human foods. It is best to keep treats very simple and focus mostly on high-quality puppy food.

How Much Human Food Can a Shih Tzu Eat?

Human food should only make up a small part of your dog’s overall diet. Treats should generally stay around 10 percent or less of daily calories. Since Shih Tzus are small, their treat portions should also be very small.

For example:
A few blueberries
One or two tiny apple pieces
A spoonful of pumpkin
A bite-sized piece of cooked chicken

Too much human food can upset digestion and add too many calories. It is better to give a tiny amount than too much.

Signs a Food Does Not Agree With Your Shih Tzu

Even safe foods may not suit every dog. Watch your Shih Tzu after trying something new.

Possible signs of trouble include:

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Gas

Itching

Ear irritation

Low energy

Refusing food later

If you notice these signs, stop feeding that food and speak with your vet if symptoms continue.

Tips for Feeding Human Food Safely

To keep your Shih Tzu healthy, make human food treats as simple as possible. Plain cooked meats, soft vegetables, and fresh fruits are much safer than processed snack foods. Always cut food into tiny pieces because Shih Tzus have small mouths and can choke on large chunks.

Also, do not let your dog build a habit of begging at the table. It may seem cute at first, but it often leads to overfeeding and unhealthy food choices. Giving treats in a bowl or during training is a better routine.

A Simple Safe Treat Plate Idea

If you want to make a special homemade treat plate for your Shih Tzu, you can try this:

A few pieces of plain cooked chicken
One teaspoon of plain pumpkin
A few cucumber slices
Two or three blueberries

This kind of small, balanced treat feels special without overloading your dog with unhealthy ingredients.

Final Thoughts

So, what human foods are safe for Shih Tzus? The safest options are plain, fresh, unseasoned foods like cooked chicken, turkey, eggs, pumpkin, carrots, blueberries, apples, green beans, and sweet potatoes. These foods can make excellent occasional treats when given in small portions.

The key is to keep things simple. Your Shih Tzu does not need rich meals, sauces, fried foods, or sugary snacks. What they really need is a balanced dog diet, careful treat portions, and an owner who knows the difference between a safe snack and a risky one.

When in doubt, choose caution. A tiny healthy bite is always better than a dangerous treat. With the right approach, you can share food moments with your Shih Tzu safely and keep that little companion happy, healthy, and wagging.

FAQ

Can Shih Tzus eat eggs?

Yes, cooked eggs are generally safe for Shih Tzus when served plain and in small amounts.

Can Shih Tzus eat rice?

Yes, plain cooked rice is usually safe and is often given when a dog has a mild upset stomach.

Can Shih Tzus eat bananas?

Yes, bananas are safe in moderation because they contain natural sugar.

Can Shih Tzus drink milk?

Some dogs do not digest milk well. A little may be tolerated, but many dogs do better without it.

Can Shih Tzus eat bread?

Plain bread is not toxic, but it is not especially healthy and should only be offered rarely, if at all.

What is the safest human food for a Shih Tzu?

Plain cooked chicken, pumpkin, carrots, and blueberries are among the safest common options.