8 Yorkie Feeding Mistakes To Avoid

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their cute looks and playful personalities. They make fantastic pets, but like all dogs, they require proper care, particularly when it comes to nutrition. Understanding the ins and outs of Yorkie feeding can help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

To ensure your Yorkie thrives, it’s crucial to avoid common feeding mistakes. These errors can lead to various health problems, impacting your dog’s energy levels, behavior, and overall well-being. This article will explore eight key mistakes to avoid when feeding your Yorkie.

We’ll delve into topics like feeding schedules, choosing the right food, understanding portion control, and avoiding harmful treats. By understanding these mistakes and implementing the right strategies, you can provide your Yorkie with the nourishment they need to lead a long and healthy life.

Feeding Your Yorkie Too Much or Too Little

One of the most common mistakes dog owners make is overfeeding or underfeeding their Yorkies. Yorkies are small dogs with high metabolisms, so they need a carefully balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can lead to malnutrition and health problems.

To determine the right amount of food for your Yorkie, consult with your veterinarian. They can advise you on the appropriate daily caloric intake based on your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and breed.

It’s important to understand that every Yorkie is different, and their needs may vary. Some may require more food than others, depending on their activity level. For example, a Yorkie that is very active may need more food than a Yorkie that spends most of the day lounging around.

Here are some tips to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your Yorkie:

• Follow your veterinarian’s feeding recommendations.
• Measure your Yorkie’s food carefully, using a measuring cup or food scale.
• Monitor your Yorkie’s weight and adjust their food intake as needed.
• Offer your Yorkie two meals per day, morning and evening.

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to feeding your Yorkie. Sticking to a regular feeding schedule will help keep their metabolism balanced and prevent digestive issues.

Feeding Your Yorkie The Wrong Food

Choosing the right food for your Yorkie is crucial to their health and well-being. You’ll need to consider factors like age, activity level, and any dietary restrictions.

It’s essential to avoid foods specifically harmful to Yorkies. Foods high in fat or calories can lead to obesity, while those lacking essential nutrients can cause deficiencies.

One common mistake is feeding your Yorkie human food. While some human foods are safe for dogs, others can be harmful. Foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, and grapes can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs.

When choosing dog food, opt for a high-quality, complete and balanced diet formulated for small breeds. This ensures that your Yorkie receives all the nutrients they need to thrive.

Here are some things to look for when choosing dog food for your Yorkie:

• Look for a dog food that is specifically formulated for small breeds, as these are often tailored to meet their unique nutritional needs.
• Ensure the food is high in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and development.
• Choose a food with a balanced ratio of carbohydrates and fats.
• Look for foods with added vitamins and minerals to help support your Yorkie’s overall health.

The ingredients listed on the dog food label can provide valuable insights into its quality. Look for high-quality protein sources like meat, poultry, or fish. Avoid dog foods with a high percentage of grains, fillers, and artificial ingredients, as these can be detrimental to your Yorkie’s health.

If you’re unsure about the best food for your Yorkie, consult your veterinarian. They can recommend a food tailored to your dog’s specific needs and help you navigate the vast world of dog food options.

Not Providing Fresh Water

Just as important as food, water is essential for your Yorkie’s health. Dehydration can cause various health problems, including kidney issues, constipation, and lethargy.

Ensure your Yorkie has constant access to fresh, clean water. Change the water daily, and make sure the water bowl is large enough for your Yorkie to drink comfortably.

You should provide your Yorkie with multiple water bowls, especially if you have a multi-pet household. It’s also good practice to refill the water bowls throughout the day, as dogs can easily contaminate the water, making it less appealing to drink.

Here are some additional tips for providing your Yorkie with fresh water:

• Use a water bowl made of stainless steel or ceramic, as these materials are less prone to harboring bacteria.
• Place the water bowl in a location where it is easily accessible to your Yorkie but not prone to getting knocked over.
• Monitor your Yorkie’s water intake and contact your veterinarian if you notice any unusual changes.

It’s crucial to keep an eye on your Yorkie’s water intake. If they’re drinking more than usual, it could be a sign of a medical condition. On the other hand, if they’re drinking less, it could be a sign of dehydration. Consulting with your veterinarian can help you determine the cause and ensure your Yorkie stays hydrated.

Feeding Your Yorkie Too Many Treats

Treats can be a great way to reward your Yorkie and strengthen your bond, but too many treats can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalances. Treats should be given sparingly and should not exceed 10% of your Yorkie’s daily calorie intake.

It’s crucial to choose healthy treats that are low in fat and calories. Look for treats formulated for small breeds, as these are typically smaller and have a lower calorie count. Avoid giving your Yorkie table scraps or human food as treats. These often contain high amounts of fat, sugar, and salt, which can be detrimental to your Yorkie’s health.

Here are some tips for using treats responsibly with your Yorkie:

• Use treats as a training tool or for positive reinforcement, rather than just for rewarding them for being cute.
• Break treats into smaller pieces to spread out the calorie intake.
• Consider using healthy, homemade treats as a lower-calorie alternative to store-bought treats.
• Don’t over-reward your Yorkie with treats. Give them a treat for a job well done, but don’t use them as a primary source of affection.

You can also look for treats that are low in calories and high in protein. This will ensure your Yorkie is getting a nutritious treat without the added calories. It’s also a good idea to incorporate treats into your Yorkie’s daily feeding schedule, rather than giving them treats randomly throughout the day.

Feeding Your Yorkie Table Scraps

Feeding your Yorkie table scraps is a common mistake that can lead to various health issues. It’s important to remember that human food is often too rich and salty for dogs, and it can cause digestive upset, obesity, and pancreatitis.

Many human foods are toxic to dogs, including chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and avocado. Even seemingly harmless foods like cooked bones can be dangerous for your Yorkie, as they can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.

Avoid giving your Yorkie any food that is not specifically intended for dogs. Stick to a high-quality dog food and treats formulated for small breeds. This will ensure your Yorkie receives all the nutrients they need without any harmful ingredients.

Here are some tips for avoiding feeding your Yorkie table scraps:

• Keep all food out of reach of your Yorkie.
• Don’t give your Yorkie any scraps from the table, even if it’s just a small bite.
• Teach your Yorkie to “leave it” and “stay” to prevent them from begging for food.
• Don’t encourage your Yorkie to eat table scraps by giving them treats after a meal.

Training your Yorkie to “leave it” and “stay” can be a helpful strategy for avoiding table scraps. It’s important to be consistent with your training and never give in to your Yorkie’s begging, even if they look adorable with their puppy eyes.

Feeding Your Yorkie Raw Meat

While some people believe feeding raw meat to their dogs is healthier, it’s not always the case. Raw meat can contain bacteria that can be harmful to your Yorkie, including Salmonella and E. coli.

Unless you are carefully following a raw food diet under the guidance of your veterinarian, it’s best to avoid feeding raw meat to your Yorkie. There are risks associated with raw meat, such as the possibility of your Yorkie getting sick.

If you choose to feed your Yorkie a raw food diet, it’s crucial to work with your veterinarian to ensure you’re providing a balanced and safe diet. They can help you determine the right ratio of meat, bones, and other ingredients for your Yorkie’s age, weight, and activity level. They can also advise you on proper food handling and storage to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.

Here are some tips for avoiding feeding your Yorkie raw meat:

• Stick to cooked meat, poultry, and fish for your Yorkie’s diet.
• Avoid giving your Yorkie raw bones, as these can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
• If you choose to feed your Yorkie a raw food diet, work with your veterinarian to ensure you’re providing a balanced and safe diet.

It’s essential to prioritize your Yorkie’s safety and health. Always choose a food that is safe and nutritious and that you’re comfortable feeding.

Not Feeding Your Yorkie a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is crucial for your Yorkie’s health. It should contain the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

A balanced diet helps to support your Yorkie’s growth, development, and overall well-being. It can help prevent nutritional deficiencies and support a healthy immune system.

Here are some tips for ensuring your Yorkie’s diet is balanced:

• Choose a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for small breeds.
• Consult with your veterinarian to determine the right amount of food for your Yorkie.
• Offer your Yorkie two meals per day, morning and evening.
• Avoid feeding your Yorkie table scraps or human food.

If you’re unsure about your Yorkie’s diet, consult with your veterinarian. They can help you create a feeding plan that meets your Yorkie’s individual needs and helps them thrive.

Not Feeding Your Yorkie According to Their Age

As your Yorkie ages, their nutritional needs change. Puppies require a diet higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. Senior Yorkies, on the other hand, need a lower calorie diet to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.

Here are some tips for feeding your Yorkie according to their age:

• Feed puppies a high-quality puppy food that is specifically formulated for small breeds.
• Feed senior Yorkies a high-quality senior dog food that is lower in calories and higher in fiber.
• Consult with your veterinarian to determine the right feeding schedule and food amount for your Yorkie’s age.

It’s crucial to work with your veterinarian to determine the right food and feeding schedule for your Yorkie’s age. They can help you select a food that meets your Yorkie’s specific needs and helps them stay healthy and happy throughout their life.

Table Summarizing Key Points

Here’s a summary of the key mistakes to avoid when feeding your Yorkie:

Mistake	Explanation	Solution
Overfeeding or underfeeding	Can lead to obesity or malnutrition	Consult with your veterinarian to determine the right food amount. Monitor your Yorkie’s weight and adjust their food intake as needed.
Feeding the wrong food	Can lead to health problems such as obesity and nutritional deficiencies	Choose a high-quality, complete and balanced diet formulated for small breeds. Avoid foods specifically harmful to Yorkies.
Not providing fresh water	Can lead to dehydration, kidney issues, constipation, and lethargy	Ensure your Yorkie has constant access to fresh, clean water. Change the water daily and make sure the water bowl is large enough for your Yorkie to drink comfortably.
Feeding too many treats	Can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalances	Treats should be given sparingly and should not exceed 10% of your Yorkie’s daily calorie intake. Choose healthy treats that are low in fat and calories.
Feeding table scraps	Can lead to digestive upset, obesity, and pancreatitis. Many human foods are toxic to dogs.	Avoid giving your Yorkie any food that is not specifically intended for dogs. Stick to a high-quality dog food and treats formulated for small breeds.
Feeding raw meat	Can contain bacteria that can be harmful to your Yorkie.	Stick to cooked meat, poultry, and fish for your Yorkie’s diet. Avoid giving your Yorkie raw bones.
Not feeding a balanced diet	Can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems	Choose a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for small breeds. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the right amount of food for your Yorkie.
Not feeding according to age	Puppies need a diet higher in calories and protein. Senior Yorkies need a lower calorie diet.	Feed puppies a high-quality puppy food. Feed senior Yorkies a high-quality senior dog food. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the right feeding schedule and food amount for your Yorkie’s age.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about feeding Yorkies:

How Much Should I Feed My Yorkie Puppy?

The amount of food you need to feed your Yorkie puppy depends on their age, breed, and activity level. It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian, who can provide personalized recommendations based on your puppy’s individual needs.

How Often Should I Feed My Yorkie Puppy?

You should feed your Yorkie puppy multiple times a day, depending on their age. Puppies up to 6 months old need to be fed 3-4 times per day. Puppies between 6 months and 1 year old can be fed twice a day. Once your Yorkie is over 1 year old, they can be fed once or twice a day.

Can I Give My Yorkie Human Food?

It’s best to avoid giving your Yorkie human food, as many human foods are toxic to dogs. Even seemingly harmless foods can be dangerous. Stick to a high-quality dog food and treats formulated for small breeds.

What Are Some Healthy Treats for My Yorkie?

Some healthy treats for your Yorkie include:

• Small pieces of cooked chicken or turkey
• Plain yogurt
• Carrots
• Apples
• Peanut butter (unsalted and sugar-free)

How Can I Tell If My Yorkie Is Overweight?

You can tell if your Yorkie is overweight by feeling their ribs. If you can’t feel their ribs easily, they are likely overweight. You can also consult with your veterinarian, who can assess your Yorkie’s weight and advise you on how to help them lose weight.

What Should I Do If My Yorkie Is Not Eating?

If your Yorkie is not eating, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. There could be a medical reason why your Yorkie is not eating, such as a health condition or a lack of appetite.

What Are Some Signs That My Yorkie Is Dehydrated?

Some signs that your Yorkie is dehydrated include:

• Dry nose
• Sunken eyes
• Lethargy
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Increased thirst