What Can Yorkshire Terriers Eat: A Complete Guide for Owners

Yorkshire Terriers, with their charming personalities and adorable size, make wonderful companions. However, their tiny stature comes with certain dietary considerations. Ensuring your Yorkie eats a balanced and healthy diet is crucial for their overall well-being. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about feeding your Yorkshire Terrier, addressing common questions and providing valuable insights.

What is the Best Food for a Yorkshire Terrier?

Choosing the right food for your Yorkshire Terrier is crucial for their growth, development, and long-term health. Here’s a breakdown of the different food options available:

Dry kibble: This is a popular choice due to its convenience and affordability. Look for kibble specifically formulated for small breed dogs, as it provides the right balance of nutrients for their smaller digestive systems. Choose high-quality kibble with real meat as the first ingredient and avoid those with fillers like corn or wheat.

Wet food: Wet food is generally higher in moisture content, making it an excellent option for Yorkshire Terriers prone to dehydration. It can be served as a complete meal or as a topper to dry kibble. Choose wet food formulated for small breeds and avoid those with high sodium or artificial ingredients.

Homemade food: While it may seem appealing to prepare homemade meals for your Yorkie, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian or certified animal nutritionist to ensure the recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition. Homemade diets can be challenging to formulate correctly, leading to deficiencies or imbalances.

Raw food: Raw food diets have gained popularity, with some proponents claiming they provide superior nutrition. However, raw feeding requires thorough research and a commitment to safety protocols to avoid bacterial contamination. Consult with your veterinarian before transitioning to a raw food diet for your Yorkie.

Treats: While occasional treats are fine, it’s crucial to choose healthy options that are low in calories, sugar, and fat. Avoid sugary treats like chocolate, candies, or gum, as they can be toxic to dogs. Opt for healthy alternatives like dental chews, freeze-dried fruits, or small pieces of cooked chicken or fish.

When selecting food for your Yorkshire Terrier, consider factors like their age, activity level, and any specific health conditions. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations based on your Yorkie’s individual needs.

Remember, proper nutrition is essential for your Yorkie’s overall well-being. By choosing a high-quality diet and following a balanced feeding plan, you can ensure your furry companion thrives.

What Can Yorkshire Terriers Not Eat?

As with any dog breed, there are certain foods that are toxic to Yorkshire Terriers and should be avoided at all costs. These include:

Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, and even death. The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content and the greater the risk.

Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small quantities. Avoid feeding them to your Yorkie, and be mindful of any accidental ingestion.

Macadamia nuts: Macadamia nuts are known to cause weakness, tremors, paralysis, and vomiting in dogs. Keep them out of your Yorkie’s reach.

Onions and garlic: Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage red blood cells in dogs, leading to anemia. Avoid feeding these vegetables to your Yorkie, and be cautious of any food items containing them.

Avocado: Avocado contains a toxin called persin that can be toxic to dogs and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Keep avocados away from your Yorkie.

Alcohol: Alcohol is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and even death. Never give alcohol to your Yorkie.

Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in chewing gum, candy, and some medications. It is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, liver failure, and death. Avoid feeding your Yorkie anything containing xylitol.

Cooked bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, gastrointestinal blockages, or internal injuries. Stick to raw bones or chew toys for your Yorkie.

Raw meat: While raw food diets are becoming more popular, it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with feeding raw meat to dogs. Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning or other infections. If you choose to feed raw meat, ensure it is properly sourced and handled with care.

It’s essential to be vigilant about what your Yorkie eats and keep these toxic foods out of their reach. If you suspect your Yorkie has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How Much Should I Feed My Yorkshire Terrier?

The amount of food your Yorkshire Terrier needs depends on various factors, including their age, activity level, weight, and metabolism. Here are some general guidelines:

Puppies: Yorkshire Terrier puppies require a higher caloric intake than adult dogs due to their rapid growth and development. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the food packaging or consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount for your puppy.

Adult dogs: Adult Yorkies generally need a moderate amount of food to maintain a healthy weight. The specific amount will vary depending on their individual needs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate food intake for your adult Yorkie.

Senior dogs: As Yorkshire Terriers age, their metabolism slows down, and they may need less food. Consult with your veterinarian to adjust their diet and feeding schedule accordingly.

It’s crucial to monitor your Yorkie’s weight and adjust their food intake as needed. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can result in malnutrition. Keep an eye on their body condition score, which is a measure of their fat reserves.

A healthy Yorkshire Terrier should have a visible waistline and ribs that are easily palpable under their skin. If you notice any weight gain or loss, consult with your veterinarian.

Remember, consistency is key to maintaining a healthy weight. Avoid fluctuating between overfeeding and underfeeding, as this can disrupt their metabolism and lead to health issues.

Can I Feed My Yorkshire Terrier Human Food?

While it may be tempting to share your food with your Yorkshire Terrier, it’s generally not recommended. Human food is often high in salt, sugar, and fat, which can be detrimental to their health. Furthermore, many common human foods are toxic to dogs, as discussed earlier.

If you do choose to share a small amount of human food with your Yorkie, ensure it is plain, unseasoned, and cooked without added fats or oils. Avoid giving them processed foods, sugary treats, or anything containing onions, garlic, or xylitol.

Here are some human foods that are generally safe for Yorkshire Terriers in moderation:

• Plain cooked chicken or fish (without bones)
• Cooked sweet potatoes
• Cooked carrots
• Cooked green beans
• Plain yogurt (without added sugar or artificial sweeteners)
• Small amounts of cooked rice or pasta

However, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before sharing any human food with your Yorkie. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your dog’s individual needs and health history.

Remember, your Yorkie’s diet should primarily consist of dog food formulated to meet their nutritional requirements. Occasional treats of human food can be part of their overall diet but should be given in moderation and with caution.

Can Yorkshire Terriers Eat Eggs?

Yes, Yorkshire Terriers can eat eggs, and they can be a nutritious and delicious addition to their diet. Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including choline, which is important for brain health and cognitive function. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can promote healthy skin and coat.

However, it’s important to feed eggs in moderation and cook them thoroughly. Raw eggs can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning in dogs. Cooked eggs can be given to your Yorkie whole, scrambled, or as part of a homemade meal.

Here are some tips for feeding eggs to your Yorkshire Terrier:

• Cook eggs thoroughly before feeding them to your Yorkie.
• Start with small amounts of eggs and gradually increase the portion size as needed.
• Monitor your Yorkie for any signs of allergies, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation.
• Avoid feeding your Yorkie eggshells, as they can be difficult to digest.

Eggs can be a healthy and enjoyable treat for your Yorkie, but remember to feed them in moderation and cook them thoroughly.

Can Yorkshire Terriers Eat Fruit?

Yes, Yorkshire Terriers can eat some fruits in moderation, but it’s important to choose fruits that are safe and beneficial for them. Fruits can provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can contribute to their overall health and well-being.

Here are some fruits that are generally safe for Yorkshire Terriers:

• Apples (without the core and seeds)
• Bananas (in small amounts)
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupe
• Mango (in small amounts)
• Peaches (without the pit)
• Strawberries
• Watermelon

However, it’s crucial to avoid feeding your Yorkie fruits that are toxic to dogs, such as grapes, raisins, and avocados. Also, avoid feeding them fruits with pits or seeds, as these can be a choking hazard or contain toxins.

When feeding fruits to your Yorkie, it’s essential to wash them thoroughly and remove any pits or seeds. You can give them small pieces of fruit as a treat or add them to their meals. However, remember to feed them in moderation and avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to digestive upset or weight gain.

Can Yorkshire Terriers Eat Vegetables?

Yes, Yorkshire Terriers can eat vegetables, and they can be a healthy and delicious addition to their diet. Vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a good choice for promoting gut health and overall well-being.

Here are some vegetables that are generally safe for Yorkshire Terriers:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli (cooked)
• Carrots
• Celery
• Green beans
• Peas
• Spinach (cooked)
• Sweet potatoes

However, it’s important to avoid feeding your Yorkie vegetables that are toxic to dogs, such as onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Also, avoid feeding them vegetables with stems, leaves, or roots, as these can be a choking hazard or difficult to digest.

When feeding vegetables to your Yorkie, it’s essential to cook them thoroughly and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. You can give them steamed, boiled, or roasted vegetables as a treat or add them to their meals. However, remember to feed them in moderation and avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to digestive upset or weight gain.

Can Yorkshire Terriers Eat Yogurt?

Yes, Yorkshire Terriers can eat plain yogurt in moderation. Plain yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which can be beneficial for gut health. However, it’s crucial to choose plain yogurt without added sugar or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to dogs.

Here are some benefits of feeding plain yogurt to your Yorkshire Terrier:

• Improved gut health: Probiotics in yogurt can help to promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, which is essential for digestion and overall health.
• Stronger bones and teeth: Calcium in yogurt is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
• Reduced allergies and skin issues: Some studies suggest that probiotics may help to reduce the symptoms of allergies and skin issues in dogs.

However, it’s essential to feed yogurt in moderation, as excessive intake can lead to digestive upset or weight gain. You can give your Yorkie a small amount of plain yogurt as a treat or add it to their meals. It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your Yorkie’s diet.

Can Yorkshire Terriers Eat Rice?

Yes, Yorkshire Terriers can eat rice, and it can be a good source of carbohydrates for them. Rice is easily digestible and can be helpful in settling upset stomachs. It is also a good source of fiber, which is important for gut health.

However, it’s essential to feed rice in moderation and cook it plain, without any added seasonings or butter. Overfeeding rice can lead to weight gain or digestive upset. You can give your Yorkie a small amount of cooked rice as a treat or add it to their meals.

Rice can be especially helpful for Yorkshire Terriers with digestive issues. It can be a bland food that helps to soothe the stomach and promote regularity.

Here are some tips for feeding rice to your Yorkshire Terrier:

• Cook the rice plain, without any added seasonings or butter.
• Feed the rice in moderation and avoid overfeeding.
• Monitor your Yorkie for any signs of allergies or digestive upset.

Rice can be a healthy and nutritious addition to your Yorkie’s diet, but remember to feed it in moderation and cook it plain.

Can Yorkshire Terriers Eat Peanut Butter?

While peanut butter can be a tasty treat for humans, it’s not always safe for Yorkshire Terriers. Some peanut butter brands contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, liver failure, and even death.

Therefore, it’s crucial to check the ingredients of any peanut butter you give to your Yorkie and ensure it is xylitol-free. Even xylitol-free peanut butter should be given in moderation, as it can be high in calories and fat, contributing to weight gain or pancreatitis.

Here are some additional things to consider when giving peanut butter to your Yorkie:

• Choose peanut butter that is specifically formulated for dogs, as these brands are usually xylitol-free and lower in sugar.
• Feed peanut butter in small amounts and avoid overfeeding.
• Monitor your Yorkie for any signs of allergies or digestive upset.
• Avoid giving peanut butter that is chunky or contains added ingredients, as these can be a choking hazard or difficult to digest.

Peanut butter can be a fun and rewarding treat for your Yorkie, but always exercise caution and ensure it is xylitol-free and given in moderation.

Can Yorkshire Terriers Eat Salmon?

Yes, Yorkshire Terriers can eat salmon, and it can be a healthy and delicious treat for them. Salmon is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, which can promote healthy skin and coat, improve brain function, and support immune health.

However, it’s essential to cook the salmon thoroughly before feeding it to your Yorkie. Raw salmon can contain parasites that can be harmful to dogs. You can give your Yorkie baked, grilled, or poached salmon, but avoid giving them any bones, as these can be a choking hazard.

Here are some tips for feeding salmon to your Yorkshire Terrier:

• Cook the salmon thoroughly before feeding it to your Yorkie.
• Remove any bones before feeding it to your Yorkie.
• Feed the salmon in moderation and avoid overfeeding.
• Monitor your Yorkie for any signs of allergies or digestive upset.

Salmon can be a healthy and enjoyable treat for your Yorkie, but remember to cook it thoroughly and avoid giving them any bones.

Yorkshire Terrier Food Table

Food	Safe for Yorkshire Terriers	Notes
Dry kibble	Yes	Choose a high-quality kibble formulated for small breeds.
Wet food	Yes	Choose a wet food formulated for small breeds and avoid those with high sodium.
Homemade food	Yes, with vet consultation	Consult with a veterinarian or certified animal nutritionist to ensure a balanced diet.
Raw food	Yes, with vet consultation	Consult with your veterinarian and follow safety protocols to avoid bacterial contamination.
Chocolate	No	Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
Grapes and raisins	No	Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Macadamia nuts	No	Can cause weakness, tremors, paralysis, and vomiting in dogs.
Onions and garlic	No	Can damage red blood cells in dogs, leading to anemia.
Avocado	No	Contains persin, which is toxic to dogs.
Alcohol	No	Toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and even death.
Xylitol	No	Extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, liver failure, and death.
Cooked bones	No	Can splinter and cause choking, gastrointestinal blockages, or internal injuries.
Raw meat	Yes, with caution	Ensure it is properly sourced and handled with care to avoid bacterial contamination.
Eggs	Yes	Cook them thoroughly before feeding to your Yorkie.
Fruit	Yes, in moderation	Choose safe fruits and avoid those with pits or seeds.
Vegetables	Yes, in moderation	Choose safe vegetables and cook them thoroughly.
Yogurt	Yes, in moderation	Choose plain yogurt without added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Rice	Yes	Cook it plain, without any added seasonings or butter.
Peanut butter	Yes, in moderation	Choose xylitol-free peanut butter and feed in small amounts.
Salmon	Yes	Cook it thoroughly before feeding to your Yorkie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about feeding Yorkshire Terriers:

How often should I feed my Yorkshire Terrier?

What are some signs of food allergies in Yorkshire Terriers?

Can I give my Yorkshire Terrier table scraps?

Can I feed my Yorkshire Terrier a vegetarian diet?

How do I know if my Yorkshire Terrier is getting enough to eat?

What should I do if my Yorkshire Terrier eats something they shouldn’t?