Are Table Scraps Bad For Yorkies? The Truth About Feeding Your Yorkie Table Scraps

Yorkies, with their adorable personalities and charming size, often find themselves the center of attention. Their cute antics and unwavering loyalty melt hearts, making it hard to resist sharing your meal with them. But while offering your furry friend a nibble of your food might seem harmless, it’s important to consider the potential health risks associated with feeding Yorkies table scraps.

This article will delve into the pros and cons of sharing your food with your Yorkie, providing insightful answers to common questions about feeding table scraps to these beloved companions. We’ll explore the potential dangers, discuss what foods are safe and which ones to avoid, and offer alternative ways to satisfy your Yorkie’s begging instincts.

Can I Give My Yorkie Table Scraps?

The short answer is, it’s not advisable. While a bite or two of your food might not seem harmful, feeding table scraps regularly can lead to serious health problems for your Yorkie.

Here’s why you should avoid giving your Yorkie table scraps:

• Obesity: Table scraps are often high in fat, sugar, and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity in Yorkies. Obesity can lead to a range of health problems, including joint pain, diabetes, heart disease, and reduced lifespan.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced and can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients. Yorkies need a specific diet formulated for their size and breed to meet their nutritional needs. Feeding them table scraps can result in deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and protein.
• Digestive Issues: Yorkies have sensitive digestive systems, and table scraps can cause upset stomachs, diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Some foods, like onions, garlic, grapes, and chocolate, are highly toxic to dogs.
• Dental Problems: Certain table scraps, like bones and hard candy, can cause dental problems, such as chipped teeth and gum disease.

Instead of giving your Yorkie table scraps, focus on providing a balanced diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. A high-quality commercial dog food formulated for small breeds is generally the best option.

What Are The Risks of Feeding My Yorkie Table Scraps?

Feeding your Yorkie table scraps can pose a serious risk to their health. Here are some potential risks:

• Obesity: Table scraps are often high in fat, sugar, and calories, contributing to weight gain and obesity in Yorkies. This can lead to joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, and reduced lifespan.
• Pancreatitis: A sudden high intake of fatty foods like table scraps can trigger pancreatitis, a serious condition that can lead to inflammation and damage to the pancreas.
• Toxicity: Certain foods common in human diets are toxic to dogs, including onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, and xylitol, a sweetener found in many sugar-free products.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Table scraps can cause indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

What Human Foods Can Yorkies Eat?

While many human foods are harmful to Yorkies, a few are safe in moderation. These include:

• Cooked Vegetables: Cooked vegetables like carrots, broccoli, green beans, and peas can be good sources of fiber and vitamins. However, avoid raw vegetables, as they can be difficult to digest.
• Cooked Lean Meats: Small amounts of cooked lean meats like chicken, turkey, and beef can be a good source of protein, but avoid bones, as they can splinter and cause internal damage.
• Cooked Eggs: Cooked eggs can be a good source of protein and other nutrients. Avoid raw eggs, which can contain salmonella.
• Plain Rice and Pasta: Cooked plain rice and pasta can be easily digested and can help settle an upset stomach. Avoid adding salt or butter.

Before giving your Yorkie any human food, consult your veterinarian. They can advise you on safe foods and portion sizes.

What Foods Are Toxic To Yorkies?

Many foods common in human diets are toxic to dogs, and these should be strictly avoided:

• Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate is the most toxic, followed by milk chocolate, and then white chocolate.
• Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic contain thiosulphate compounds, which can cause anemia in dogs.
• Grapes and Raisins: These fruits are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
• Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, weakness, paralysis, and hyperthermia.
• Xylitol: Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free foods and products, is highly toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage, and even death in dogs.
• Avocado: Avocados contain persin, a toxic substance that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

What Are The Alternatives To Feeding My Yorkie Table Scraps?

If your Yorkie begs for food while you’re eating, there are healthier alternatives to feeding them table scraps. Here are some ideas:

• Give Them A Dog Treat: Provide a small, healthy dog treat to satisfy their craving.
• Distract Them With A Toy: Engage them with a favorite toy to divert their attention from your food.
• Feed Them Their Regular Food: Give them a small portion of their regular dog food.
• Teach Them A Trick: Train your Yorkie to perform a trick and reward them with a treat for their obedience.
• Give Them A Puzzle Toy: A puzzle toy filled with dog treats can keep them entertained and satisfied.

How Can I Train My Yorkie Not To Beg For Food?

It’s important to train your Yorkie not to beg for food. Here are some tips:

• Ignore Their Begging: Don’t give in to their begging by feeding them table scraps.
• Teach Them To Stay: Teach your Yorkie to stay in a designated spot while you eat.
• Feed Them Before You Eat: Feed your Yorkie their meal before you start eating to reduce their hunger levels.
• Be Consistent: Be consistent with your training and avoid giving in to their begging, even occasionally.

Can I Give My Yorkie Cooked Bones?

While cooked bones might seem like a treat, they are extremely dangerous for Yorkies. Here’s why:

• Splintering: Cooked bones splinter easily, and these sharp shards can cause serious internal injuries.
• Choking Hazard: Bones can also be a choking hazard, especially for small dogs like Yorkies.
• Digestive Issues: Even if a bone doesn’t splinter, it can cause digestive issues like constipation or obstruction.

Is It OK To Give My Yorkie Leftovers?

Giving your Yorkie leftovers from your meals is generally not a good idea. Here’s why:

• Potential Toxins: Leftovers can contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and xylitol.
• High Fat and Calories: Leftovers are often high in fat and calories, contributing to weight gain and obesity.
• Salt Content: Leftovers can be high in salt, which can be harmful to dogs, especially small breeds.
• Digestive Issues: Leftovers can cause digestive issues like indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

What Should I Do If My Yorkie Eats Something Toxic?

If you suspect your Yorkie has eaten something toxic, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately. Don’t try to induce vomiting unless your veterinarian instructs you to do so, as it can be dangerous in some cases. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 for immediate guidance.

What Can I Do To Keep My Yorkie Healthy?

To ensure your Yorkie’s health and well-being, it’s crucial to focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. Here are some tips:

• Provide a high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds: This ensures your Yorkie receives all the essential nutrients they need.
• Avoid table scraps: Stick to their regular food to prevent potential health risks.
• Offer healthy treats in moderation: Choose dog treats specifically designed for small breeds and use them for training or as occasional rewards.
• Provide regular exercise: Take your Yorkie for daily walks, playtime in the yard, or engage them in interactive games.
• Schedule regular vet checkups: Regular vet visits help monitor their health, detect potential problems early, and ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations.

Table Summarizing Information

FAQ

Can Yorkies Eat Chicken Bones?

No, Yorkies should not eat chicken bones, cooked or raw. Chicken bones are especially dangerous for small dogs like Yorkies because they splinter easily. These sharp shards can cause serious internal injuries, such as punctures to the digestive tract, leading to pain, infections, and potentially life-threatening complications. Even if the bone doesn’t splinter, it can cause choking, obstruction, or digestive issues.

Can Yorkies Eat Carrots?

Yes, Yorkies can eat carrots in moderation, but they should always be cooked and given in small amounts. Carrots are a good source of vitamins and fiber for dogs. However, raw carrots can be tough to digest and might cause digestive upset. It’s best to cook them until soft and avoid giving large chunks to your Yorkie.

Can Yorkies Eat Bananas?

Yes, Yorkies can eat bananas in moderation. Bananas are a good source of potassium and fiber for dogs. However, they are also high in sugar, so they should be given as an occasional treat. It’s best to give them small pieces and avoid the peel.

Can Yorkies Eat Peanut Butter?

Yes, Yorkies can eat peanut butter in moderation, as long as it is xylitol-free. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure. Always choose peanut butter that is specifically labelled as xylitol-free and give it in small amounts as a treat.

Can Yorkies Eat Eggs?

Yes, Yorkies can eat eggs, but they should be cooked. Raw eggs can contain salmonella, which can cause food poisoning in dogs. Cooked eggs are a good source of protein and other nutrients for Yorkies.

Can Yorkies Eat Apples?

Yes, Yorkies can eat apples, but only the flesh and without the core and seeds. Apples contain a small amount of sugar, so they should be given in moderation as a treat. The core and seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.

Can Yorkies Eat Cheese?

Yes, Yorkies can eat cheese in moderation. However, it should be given as an occasional treat due to its high fat content. Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so cheese might cause digestive issues. Choose low-fat cheeses and give small portions to avoid digestive problems.