Can Shih Tzus Eat Human Food? Safe and Toxic Foods List

How we researched this article: This guide is based on guidance from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Kennel Club (AKC), and veterinary references from VCA Animal Hospitals and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Every source is listed at the end. Last reviewed: September 2026.

If your Shih Tzu ate something toxic: Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away. You can also call Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661, which serves both Canada and the US (a fee applies), or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (a fee may apply). Do not make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to.

The Short Answer

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat some human foods. Many fruits, vegetables, and plain cooked meats are safe in small amounts. But some common foods are toxic, even in tiny amounts.

Size matters here. Most adult Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds. A small amount of a toxic food can be a large dose for a dog this size.

Keep treats, including human food, to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The rest should come from a complete and balanced dog food.

Foods Your Shih Tzu Should Never Eat

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists these as dangerous for dogs:

• Grapes and raisins. They can cause kidney failure. The ASPCA points to tartaric acid as the likely cause. No amount has been proven safe.
• Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
• Onions, garlic, and chives. Raw, cooked, or powdered. They can damage red blood cells.
• Xylitol. A sweetener in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, some peanut butters, and toothpaste. It can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver damage. Always check the label.
• Macadamia nuts. They can cause weakness, tremors, and vomiting. Other nuts are high in fat and can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.
• Alcohol and raw yeast dough. Never give these to any pet.
• Avocado. The ASPCA lists avocado as a food to keep away from pets. The pit is also a choking hazard.
• Salty snacks. Too much salt can cause serious illness.
• Bones. Cooked bones can splinter. The ASPCA also warns that raw bones can cause choking or injury.

Safe Foods, and How to Serve Them

These foods are generally safe for Shih Tzus when they are plain, unseasoned, and cut into small pieces. Small pieces matter for this breed. Shih Tzus have short muzzles, so bite-size portions are safer.

Fruits

• Apples: yes. Remove the core and seeds.
• Bananas: yes, in small pieces. They are high in sugar.
• Strawberries: yes. Cut them into small pieces.
• Watermelon: yes. Remove all seeds and the rind, which can cause a blockage.
• Mango: yes, as an occasional treat. Remove the skin and the pit. The pit is a choking hazard.
• Pineapple: yes, fresh only, in small amounts. Remove the skin and core. Avoid canned pineapple in syrup.
• Oranges: yes, a small amount of the flesh only. Remove the peel and seeds. Many dogs do not like the taste.

Vegetables

• Carrots, green beans, and peas: yes. These are low-calorie treats.
• Broccoli: yes, in small amounts only.
• Sweet potatoes: yes, if plain and cooked.
• Onions, garlic, and chives: never. See the list above.

Grains

• Rice: yes. Plain cooked white rice is easy to digest. Vets sometimes suggest it for short-term stomach upset. Ask your vet first.

Meat, Fish, and Eggs

• Chicken: yes, if plain, cooked, boneless, and skinless. No seasoning. Some dogs are allergic to chicken. See our guide to chicken allergies in Shih Tzus.
• Fish and salmon: yes, if fully cooked and boneless. Never feed raw fish. See the warning below.
• Eggs: yes, if fully cooked. Raw eggs can carry Salmonella. They also contain avidin, an enzyme that can block the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin.

A Warning About Raw Salmon in Canada and the Pacific Northwest

Raw or undercooked salmon and trout can cause salmon poisoning disease. This infection is found in the Pacific Northwest. VCA Animal Hospitals reports it is most common in Washington, Oregon, northern California, and southern Vancouver Island in Canada.

Signs usually appear about a week after a dog eats infected fish. They include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. The disease is treatable if caught early, but it is often fatal without treatment. If your dog eats raw fish in this region, call your vet.

Milk and Cheese

Dogs do not have much lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar. The ASPCA notes that milk and dairy can cause diarrhea and stomach upset. A small cube of plain cheese is fine for many dogs. Skip milk.

What About Raw Meat Diets?

The American Veterinary Medical Association discourages feeding raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or milk to dogs. Raw animal protein can carry germs such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. These can make your dog sick. They can also spread to people in your home, especially children, older adults, and anyone with a weak immune system.

If you are thinking about a raw diet, talk to your veterinarian first.

Tips for Sharing Food Safely

• Introduce one new food at a time, in a tiny amount.
• Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or itching over the next day.
• Never share food that has sauce, butter, oil, salt, or spices.
• Keep all human treats under 10% of daily calories.
• Tell your vet about any food your dog eats regularly.

For daily feeding amounts, see how much a Shih Tzu should eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• ASPCA. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
• ASPCApro. People Foods Pets Should Never Eat. 2024.
• American Veterinary Medical Association. Raw or Undercooked Animal-Source Protein in Cat and Dog Diets.
• American Kennel Club. Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Cannot Eat. 2026.
• VCA Animal Hospitals. Salmon Poisoning. 2026.
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Salmon Poisoning Disease in Dogs. 2026.
• Pet Poison Helpline. 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center.
• Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Poisoning Prevention for Your Pet.

This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.