Plain, fresh or frozen blueberries are a safe, low-calorie, antioxidant-rich treat for Shih Tzus. Because of their small size, the serving size is much smaller than what larger breeds can have: think a small handful, not a bowlful.
Can Shih Tzus eat blueberries? According to the American Kennel Club, blueberries are a genuinely healthy snack for dogs of every size, delivering vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in a low-calorie package. PetMD agrees, noting that most dogs can safely eat blueberries when they’re served plain and in moderation.
For a small breed like the Shih Tzu, “moderation” means something different than it does for a Labrador. Let’s get into the specifics: the benefits, the science, and exactly how many berries Cooper actually gets.
Why Blueberries Are Good for Shih Tzus
Blueberries pack a lot of nutrition into a very small, very low-calorie package. Here’s what a Shih Tzu stands to gain from a few berries here and there:
The deep blue-purple pigment in blueberries comes from anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that help fight the free radicals responsible for cellular damage in dogs.
The AKC notes that adding antioxidants to a dog’s diet has been shown to reduce the effects of brain aging, which can matter for senior Shih Tzus.
Supports immune function and helps the body fight inflammation. Dogs make some of their own vitamin C, but extra dietary sources don’t hurt.
Plays a key role in normal blood clotting and bone metabolism, both relevant to a small, active toy breed.
Supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, though too much at once can have the opposite effect (more on that below).
Blueberries are roughly 85% water and only about one calorie per berry, making them one of the lightest treats you can offer a weight-conscious small breed.
Can Shih Tzus Eat Blueberries Safely? What the Science Says
A note specific to Shih Tzus
Embrace Pet Insurance specifically calls out small breeds like Shih Tzus and Yorkies, recommending just 1 to 3 blueberries as a snack per day, compared to 5 to 8 for a larger dog like a Labrador. Given that adult Shih Tzus need only around 340 calories a day and are prone to weight gain, staying on the low end of that range is the safer default.
Fresh and unsweetened frozen blueberries are the two forms vets consistently recommend, per PetMD and a veterinarian interviewed by Chewy’s pet health team. Frozen berries are firmer and can pose more of a choking risk for small dogs, so they’re best given thawed or supervised closely. Canned, sweetened, syrup-packed, or dried blueberries should be avoided: the drying and canning process concentrates sugar and often introduces additives that aren’t necessary or safe for a dog this size.
How to Safely Prepare Blueberries for a Shih Tzu
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Wash thoroughly Blueberries are commonly grown with pesticide use, so rinse them well under running water, just as you would for yourself. Organic berries are a nice-to-have, not a requirement.
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Choose fresh or plain frozen Skip anything canned, sweetened, dried, or packed in syrup or juice.
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Cut larger berries in half Shih Tzus have small mouths and can gulp treats quickly. Halving each berry reduces the choking risk, especially for puppies and fast eaters.
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Thaw frozen berries first Frozen berries are harder and colder, which raises the choking risk for a toy breed. Let them soften for a few minutes before serving.
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Introduce one or two at a time The first time offering blueberries, start small and wait 24 hours to check for any digestive upset before making them a regular treat.
How Many Blueberries Can a Shih Tzu Eat? (Portion Guide)
Blueberries are low-calorie, but a Shih Tzu’s entire daily treat allowance is small to begin with. The AKC and most veterinary nutritionists recommend keeping all treats combined to no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories, which for a 340-calorie Shih Tzu is just 34 calories.
| Shih Tzu Life Stage | Recommended Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 1 to 2 berries, halved or mashed | Occasionally, not daily |
| Adult | 2 to 4 berries | Up to daily, factored into the 10% treat rule |
| Senior | 2 to 3 berries | A few times a week, or as recommended by a vet |
In practice, Cooper gets a small handful (3 or 4 berries) mixed into his food or used as a training treat a couple of times a week. It’s enough for him to enjoy them without the sugar content becoming a habit-forming issue.
Risks of Feeding Blueberries to Shih Tzus
Blueberries are one of the safer fruits for dogs, but a few things are worth keeping in mind for a small breed:
Choking: Whole blueberries, especially frozen ones, are round and roughly bite-sized for a large dog but can still be a hazard for a toy breed’s small airway. Halving or mashing reduces this risk.
Digestive upset: The fiber content that makes blueberries good for digestion in small amounts can cause loose stool or gas if a dog eats too many at once.
Sugar content: Blueberries are lower in sugar than many fruits, but dogs with diabetes or a history of pancreatitis should only have them with a vet’s approval.
Pesticide residue: Blueberries regularly appear on lists of produce with higher pesticide residue, which is why washing them thoroughly (or buying organic when convenient) matters more here than it does for some other fruits.
Allergies: Uncommon, but possible. Watch for itching, swelling, hives, vomiting, or diarrhea the first time a Shih Tzu tries blueberries, and stop if any of these appear.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Blueberries for Shih Tzus
✅ Do’s
- Wash thoroughly before serving
- Serve fresh or plain frozen (thawed)
- Cut or mash larger berries
- Start with 1 to 2 berries the first time
- Stick to 2 to 4 berries per day for adults
- Use as a low-calorie training treat
❌ Don’ts
- Never serve canned or syrup-packed blueberries
- No blueberry muffins, pies, or baked goods
- Avoid sweetened dried or freeze-dried varieties
- Don’t feed a whole bowlful in one sitting
- Skip if your Shih Tzu has diabetes, without vet guidance
- Don’t skip the first-time 24-hour watch period
So, Can Shih Tzus Eat Blueberries? The Bottom Line
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat blueberries, and in small, sensible amounts, they’re one of the healthiest treats you can offer this breed. Low in calories, high in antioxidants, and genuinely enjoyed by most dogs, blueberries check a lot of boxes as long as portions stay small and the berries stay plain.
Cooper gets his few berries a couple of times a week, usually mixed into his bowl or handed over one at a time as a training reward. He treats each one like it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him, which honestly, for one calorie, is a pretty good return. 🐾
Sources & References
- American Kennel Club: Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
- PetMD: Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Benefits and Risks
- Embrace Pet Insurance: Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
- Chewy: Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? (Dr. Deborah Bayazit, Brilliant Veterinary Care)
- Hepper: Can Shih Tzus Eat Strawberries? (Vet-Verified, Portion Guidance)
- American Natural Premium: Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus
- Petsecure: Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? (Veterinary Clinic Guidance)
