7 Foods That Harm Yorkies

What foods can hurt Yorkies?

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are known for their charming
personalities and tiny stature. These adorable dogs make wonderful
companions, but it’s important to understand the nuances of their dietary
needs to ensure their health and well-being. While a balanced diet is
essential for all dogs, certain foods can be particularly harmful to
Yorkies. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential hazards and
take proactive measures to protect your furry friend.

One of the most common concerns is the potential for choking. Due to their
small size, Yorkies are susceptible to choking on large pieces of food.
It’s essential to cut food into bite-sized pieces and avoid giving them
anything that could easily become lodged in their throats.

Another important consideration is the risk of digestive issues.
Yorkies have sensitive stomachs and may experience upset if they consume
foods that are difficult to digest or contain ingredients that are
allergenic to them. Always introduce new foods gradually and observe
their reactions.

Beyond these general considerations, there are a number of specific foods
that should be avoided entirely. These include:

• Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, a
  chemical that is toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea,
  hyperactivity, and even death.
• Onions and Garlic: These vegetables contain
  compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
• Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts can cause
  muscle weakness, tremors, and even paralysis in dogs.
• Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins can
  cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar substitute often
  found in chewing gum and candy. It is extremely toxic to dogs,
  leading to low blood sugar, liver failure, and even death.

Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid giving Yorkies any table scraps
or human foods that are not specifically designed for dogs. These
foods often contain high amounts of salt, sugar, and fat, which
can be detrimental to their health.

By being aware of these potential dangers and taking precautions,
you can ensure your Yorkie enjoys a long and healthy life. Remember to
always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice on
your dog’s diet.

Is rawhide safe for Yorkies?

Rawhide is a popular chew toy for dogs, but there are some
controversies surrounding its safety. While rawhide can provide
mental stimulation and help keep dogs occupied, it can also pose
potential hazards, particularly for small breeds like Yorkies.

One major concern is the risk of choking. Rawhide can be very tough
and difficult to chew, especially for small dogs. If a piece breaks
off and is swallowed, it could become lodged in the throat or
digestive tract, causing choking or intestinal blockage.

Another risk associated with rawhide is its tendency to splinter.
The sharp edges of splintered rawhide can cut the dog’s mouth,
throat, or digestive tract. This can lead to painful injuries,
infection, and even internal bleeding.

Additionally, rawhide can be difficult to digest. The body cannot
fully break down the material, so it can remain in the digestive
tract for extended periods, potentially causing constipation or
intestinal blockage.

While some proponents argue that rawhide is a natural product and
safe for dogs, it’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits
carefully, especially for small breeds like Yorkies.

If you decide to offer rawhide to your Yorkie, it’s important to
choose a product that is specifically designed for small dogs.
Look for rawhide chews that are made from high-quality,
unbleached rawhide and are free from artificial colors, flavors,
and preservatives.

Always supervise your dog when they are chewing on rawhide.
Remove the chew as soon as it starts to show signs of being
worn down or broken. If you notice any signs of choking,
digestive upset, or injury, seek immediate veterinary care.

Can Yorkies eat chicken bones?

Chicken bones, like many other types of bones, are a no-go for
Yorkies and other small dogs. While you might see your dog happily
gnawing on a bone, it’s a dangerous practice that can lead to
serious health complications.

Chicken bones are notoriously brittle and splinter easily. These
splinters can become lodged in the dog’s throat, digestive tract,
or even puncture internal organs, causing severe damage.

Even if the bone is chewed into smaller pieces, it’s still not
safe for Yorkies. Their small size makes them more susceptible
to choking and intestinal blockage from even small bone fragments.

If your Yorkie has ingested chicken bones, it’s crucial to
monitor them closely for signs of choking, vomiting, or
digestive issues. If you suspect they have swallowed a bone,
seek immediate veterinary care.

Instead of offering chicken bones, provide your Yorkie with
safe alternatives, such as:

• Hard rubber toys: These toys are designed
  to withstand chewing and are unlikely to splinter.
• Nylabones: Nylabones are durable and come
  in a variety of shapes and sizes, providing mental stimulation
  and satisfying your dog’s chewing instinct.
• Dental chews: Dental chews are designed
  to help clean your dog’s teeth and gums. They often contain
  ingredients that are good for their oral health.
• Kong toys: Kong toys can be stuffed with
  treats or peanut butter, providing your dog with a fun and
  challenging activity.

By choosing safe and appropriate chew toys, you can ensure
your Yorkie enjoys a happy and healthy life without the risk
of choking or digestive complications.

Can Yorkies eat avocado?

Avocado is a popular fruit for humans, but it can be harmful
to dogs, including Yorkies. The problem lies in its content
of persin, a toxin found in the avocado’s skin, leaves,
and seed.

Persin can cause various digestive issues in dogs, including
vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases,
it can lead to respiratory distress, fluid buildup in the
lungs, and even death.

While the flesh of the avocado is considered the least
toxic part, it’s best to avoid giving it to your Yorkie
entirely. Even small amounts can cause digestive upset,
and the risk is not worth the potential harm.

It’s important to keep avocados out of reach of your
Yorkie and ensure that any avocado waste is disposed of
properly, as even small amounts can be harmful if ingested.

There are plenty of other safe and nutritious fruits
and vegetables that you can share with your Yorkie, such
as apples (without the core or seeds), bananas, carrots,
and broccoli. Always check with your veterinarian for
personalized advice on your dog’s diet and appropriate
treats.

Are peanuts bad for Yorkies?

Peanuts, like many other nuts, can be harmful to dogs,
including Yorkies. While the occasional peanut may not
cause serious problems, large quantities or regular
consumption can lead to various health issues.

One major concern is the risk of choking. Peanuts can
be a choking hazard for small dogs like Yorkies, as
they can easily become lodged in their throats.

Peanuts are also high in fat, which can lead to
pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas.
Additionally, peanuts are often salted, which can
contribute to high blood pressure and other health
problems.

Moreover, some dogs are allergic to peanuts, which
can cause allergic reactions ranging from mild skin
irritations to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

To err on the side of caution, it’s best to avoid
giving peanuts to your Yorkie. There are plenty
of other safe and healthy treats that you can
offer them, such as dog-specific biscuits, jerky,
and cooked vegetables.

If you’re unsure about a particular food, it’s always
best to consult with your veterinarian. They can
provide personalized advice on what foods are safe
and appropriate for your Yorkie’s diet.

Can Yorkies eat bacon?

Bacon, while a delicious treat for humans, is not safe
for Yorkies or any other dogs. This salty and fatty
food can cause various health problems, even in small
quantities.

The high fat content in bacon can lead to
pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas.
It can also contribute to obesity, which can lead
to other health problems such as joint pain and
diabetes.

The salt content in bacon is also harmful to dogs.
Too much salt can cause dehydration, electrolyte
imbalance, and even kidney problems.

Additionally, bacon can be a choking hazard for
small dogs like Yorkies. The fat content can also
cause digestive upset, leading to vomiting and
diarrhea.

For these reasons, it’s best to avoid giving
bacon to your Yorkie. Instead, opt for safe and
healthy treats specifically designed for dogs.

Remember, a healthy diet is essential for your
Yorkie’s well-being. Always consult with your
veterinarian for personalized advice on your
dog’s diet and appropriate treats.

Can Yorkies eat blueberries?

Blueberries are a nutritious and delicious treat for
humans, and luckily, they are also safe for Yorkies
in moderation.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins,
making them a healthy snack for dogs. They are also
low in calories and fat, making them a good choice
for weight-conscious Yorkies.

However, like with any treat, it’s important to
give blueberries in moderation. Too many blueberries
can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Always remove the stem and leaves before giving
blueberries to your Yorkie. These parts can be
difficult to digest and may cause choking or
digestive upset.

If you’re unsure about how many blueberries are
safe for your Yorkie, it’s always best to consult
with your veterinarian. They can provide
personalized advice on appropriate treat
sizes and frequencies.

Can Yorkies eat apples?

Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamins
and can be a healthy treat for Yorkies, but with
some important caveats.

The flesh of the apple is perfectly safe and
nutritious for Yorkies. It’s a good source of
vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. However,
the seeds and core of the apple contain
cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.

Therefore, it’s crucial to remove the seeds and
core before giving apples to your Yorkie. You
can either slice the apple into small pieces
or cut it into wedges and remove the core.

Additionally, some Yorkies may have difficulty
digesting the skin of the apple. It’s best to
peel the apple before giving it to your dog,
especially if they have a sensitive stomach.

Apples should be given in moderation, as too
many can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Can Yorkies eat grapes?

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs,
including Yorkies, and should be avoided at
all costs.

Even a small amount of grapes or raisins can
cause kidney failure in dogs. The exact
toxic substance in grapes is unknown, but
it’s believed to be something in the skin
or seeds.

Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity can
appear within hours of ingestion and include
vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of
appetite, and increased thirst.

If you suspect your Yorkie has ingested
grapes or raisins, seek immediate veterinary
care. Early intervention can increase the
chances of a full recovery.

It’s important to keep grapes and raisins
out of reach of your Yorkie and ensure
that any grape or raisin waste is
disposed of properly.

Foods That Harm Yorkies: A Summary

Food	Toxicity Level	Symptoms	Precautions
Chocolate	Highly toxic	Vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, death	Avoid giving chocolate to your dog at all costs.
Onions and Garlic	Toxic	Anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy	Avoid giving onions and garlic to your dog.
Macadamia Nuts	Moderately toxic	Weakness, tremors, paralysis, vomiting, hyperthermia, increased thirst	Avoid giving macadamia nuts to your dog.
Grapes and Raisins	Highly toxic	Kidney failure, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst	Avoid giving grapes and raisins to your dog at all costs.
Xylitol	Highly toxic	Low blood sugar, liver failure, seizures, death	Avoid giving any products containing xylitol to your dog.
Avocado	Moderately toxic	Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, fluid buildup in the lungs	Avoid giving avocado to your dog.
Peanuts	Moderately toxic	Choking, pancreatitis, obesity, allergic reactions	Avoid giving peanuts to your dog.
Bacon	Moderately toxic	Pancreatitis, obesity, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, kidney problems, choking, digestive upset	Avoid giving bacon to your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my Yorkie eats something harmful?

If you suspect your Yorkie has ingested something harmful, it’s
essential to seek immediate veterinary care. Contact your
veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
The sooner you seek help, the better the chances of a full
recovery.

How can I keep my Yorkie safe from harmful foods?

To keep your Yorkie safe from harmful foods, it’s important to
be aware of the potential dangers and take the following
precautions:

• Keep all harmful foods out of reach of your Yorkie.
• Never give your Yorkie table scraps or human foods that are not
  specifically designed for dogs.
• Always supervise your Yorkie when they are eating or chewing.
• Dispose of any food waste properly, ensuring that your Yorkie
  cannot access it.
• Consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice on
  your dog’s diet and appropriate treats.

What are some safe and healthy treats for Yorkies?

There are many safe and healthy treats that you can offer
your Yorkie, such as:

• Dog-specific biscuits
• Jerky
• Cooked vegetables
• Fruits like apples (without the core or seeds) and blueberries

Are all bones bad for Yorkies?

While cooked bones, such as chicken bones, are a no-go for Yorkies,
some raw bones, like those from beef or lamb, can be safe and
beneficial if given under supervision. However, always consult
with your veterinarian before offering any bones to your
Yorkie.

What should I do if my Yorkie is vomiting or having diarrhea?

If your Yorkie is vomiting or having diarrhea, it’s important
to monitor their condition closely. If the symptoms are
severe or persistent, seek veterinary care. Your veterinarian
can determine the cause of the vomiting or diarrhea and
provide appropriate treatment.

Is it okay to give my Yorkie a little bit of my food?

It’s generally not recommended to give your Yorkie table scraps
or human foods. These foods often contain high amounts of salt,
sugar, and fat, which can be detrimental to their health. Stick
to dog-specific foods and treats.

How can I ensure my Yorkie gets all the nutrients they need?

To ensure your Yorkie gets all the nutrients they need, feed
them a balanced diet specifically designed for dogs. Consult
with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your
Yorkie’s age, size, and activity level. You can also supplement
their diet with dog-specific treats and supplements as
recommended by your veterinarian.