What Can Yorkshire Terriers Eat: A Safe Food List for Yorkies
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies as they are affectionately known, are adorable and lively companions. They are small, playful, and often considered “pocket-sized” dogs. While their tiny stature may be charming, their dietary needs deserve careful consideration. A properly balanced diet is crucial for their well-being and optimal health. This article provides a comprehensive guide to safe foods for Yorkies, addressing common concerns and ensuring a healthy diet for your furry friend.
What Are Safe Foods for Yorkies?
A well-balanced diet for a Yorkie should include:
- High-quality dry kibble: This should be the cornerstone of their diet, chosen according to their age and activity level. Look for kibble formulated specifically for small breeds, ensuring it contains balanced protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
- Lean meat and poultry: Cooked chicken, turkey, beef, and fish (boneless and skinless) can be provided as treats or added to their kibble, offering essential protein and nutrients.
- Vegetables: Cooked and chopped vegetables like carrots, broccoli, green beans, and spinach can be included to add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Fruits: Fresh fruit, such as blueberries, strawberries, apples (without seeds), and bananas, can provide natural sweetness and vitamins in moderation.
Can Yorkies Eat Eggs?
Yes, Yorkies can eat eggs, but in moderation. Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but they are high in fat. You can feed your Yorkie cooked eggs, scrambled or boiled. Avoid giving your Yorkie raw eggs, as they can contain salmonella bacteria, which can make your dog sick.
Here’s a table showing the benefits and considerations of feeding eggs to Yorkies:
| Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|
| High in protein | High in fat |
| Rich in vitamins and minerals | Can cause stomach upset if given in large quantities |
| Good source of choline, which is essential for brain health | May cause allergic reactions in some dogs |
What Fruits and Vegetables Can Yorkies Eat?
Yorkies can enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables, but it’s essential to choose those that are safe and beneficial for their tiny tummies. Here’s a list of fruits and vegetables that Yorkies can enjoy:
Safe Fruits for Yorkies:
- Apples (without seeds)
- Bananas
- Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
- Cantaloupe
- Mangoes
- Oranges (in moderation)
- Peaches (without pits)
- Watermelon
Safe Vegetables for Yorkies:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Peas
- Spinach (in moderation)
- Sweet potato
Can Yorkies Eat Rice?
Yes, Yorkies can eat rice, and it is often recommended for digestive issues. Rice is a good source of carbohydrates and can help to bind the stool, making it useful for dogs with diarrhea or upset stomachs. However, rice should be cooked and given in moderation as a treat or added to their kibble. It’s not meant to be a primary food source.
What Can Yorkies Not Eat?
It’s equally important to understand what foods are harmful or potentially dangerous for Yorkies. These foods should be avoided completely:
- Chocolate: Theobromine, a compound found in chocolate, is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Even small amounts can be fatal for small dogs like Yorkies.
- Grapes and raisins: These fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.
- Onions and garlic: These vegetables contain compounds that can damage red blood cells in dogs.
- Macadamia nuts: These nuts can cause weakness, tremors, and vomiting in dogs.
- Avocado: The avocado fruit and pit contain persin, a toxin that can cause digestive upset and other health problems in dogs.
- Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is commonly found in sugar-free gum, candy, and other products. It is highly toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure.
- Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Raw bones can also be a choking hazard.
- Alcohol: Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs and can lead to serious health problems.
- Caffeine: Caffeine can cause hyperactivity, restlessness, and other health issues in dogs.
- Salt: Too much salt can lead to dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs.
Can Yorkies Eat Chicken Bones?
No, Yorkies should not eat chicken bones. Cooked bones are extremely dangerous for dogs, as they can splinter and cause choking, internal injuries, or intestinal blockages. Even raw bones can be a choking hazard. Providing your Yorkie with safe and healthy alternatives, such as chew toys or dental treats, is much safer and more enjoyable for them.
Can Yorkies Eat Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter can be a delicious treat for Yorkies, but it’s important to choose peanut butter that is xylitol-free. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. Look for natural peanut butter with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Peanut butter can also be a great way to hide medication or to provide a fun, sticky treat that they can lick off a spoon or a Kong.
However, peanut butter should be given in moderation as a treat, and it should not replace their regular meals. Too much peanut butter can lead to weight gain or other health problems.
Can Yorkies Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, Yorkies can eat sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and tasty treat for Yorkies, providing them with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can be cooked and given as a treat or added to their kibble. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, all of which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system, vision, and bone health.
Can Yorkies Eat Yogurt?
Plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a healthy treat for Yorkies. It is a good source of calcium, protein, and probiotics, which can help to improve gut health. However, choose plain yogurt that is unsweetened and free of added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Yogurt can be given in moderation as a treat or mixed with their kibble.
Avoid yogurt that contains artificial sweeteners, flavorings, or preservatives, as these can be harmful to your Yorkie. Also, be sure to check the yogurt for added sugar and choose an option with minimal or no sugar content.
Can Yorkies Eat Cheese?
Yorkies can eat cheese, but it should be given in moderation as a treat. Cheese is high in fat and sodium, which can be harmful to dogs if consumed in large quantities. Choose low-fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese or mozzarella, and avoid giving your Yorkie aged cheeses or cheeses with added sugar or seasonings.
Some Yorkies may also be lactose intolerant, so it’s important to monitor their reaction after eating cheese. If you notice any signs of digestive upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or gas, stop giving them cheese and consult with your veterinarian.
Can Yorkies Eat Salmon?
Yes, Yorkies can eat salmon, and it is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. However, salmon should be cooked and boneless before feeding it to your Yorkie. Raw salmon can contain parasites that can make your dog sick. You can also give your Yorkie salmon oil supplements as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Can Yorkies Eat Popcorn?
No, Yorkies should not eat popcorn. Popcorn kernels can be a choking hazard, and they can also cause intestinal blockages. If you accidentally drop a popcorn kernel on the floor, be sure to pick it up immediately to prevent your Yorkie from eating it.
What Are Some Healthy Treats for Yorkies?
Here are some healthy and delicious treats that you can give to your Yorkie:
- Homemade dog treats: You can find many recipes online for healthy homemade dog treats using ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Commercial dog treats: There are many healthy commercial dog treats available at pet stores, but be sure to choose treats that are made with high-quality ingredients and are low in calories and sugar.
- Fruits and vegetables: As mentioned earlier, you can give your Yorkie small pieces of fresh fruits and vegetables as a healthy treat.
- Frozen yogurt: Frozen yogurt can be a refreshing treat for your Yorkie on a hot day. Be sure to choose plain, unsweetened frozen yogurt, as added sugar can be harmful to dogs.
- Frozen bananas: Frozen bananas are a healthy and delicious way to cool your Yorkie down on a hot day.
Table Summarizing Safe and Unsafe Foods for Yorkies
| Safe Foods for Yorkies | Unsafe Foods for Yorkies |
|---|---|
| High-quality dry kibble | Chocolate |
| Lean meat and poultry | Grapes and raisins |
| Vegetables | Onions and garlic |
| Fruits | Macadamia nuts |
| Rice | Avocado |
| Eggs (cooked) | Xylitol |
| Peanut butter (xylitol-free) | Bones |
| Sweet potatoes | Alcohol |
| Plain, unsweetened yogurt | Caffeine |
| Cheese (in moderation) | Salt (in excess) |
| Salmon (cooked and boneless) | Popcorn |
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food for a Yorkshire Terrier?
The best food for a Yorkshire Terrier is a high-quality dry kibble formulated specifically for small breeds. It should contain balanced protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals tailored to their age and activity level. Consider consulting your veterinarian to determine the most suitable brand and formula for your Yorkie.
How often should I feed my Yorkie?
Puppies require more frequent feedings than adult Yorkies. Puppies under six months old should be fed 3-4 times daily. Adult Yorkies can be fed once or twice a day. The exact feeding schedule should be based on your Yorkie’s age, activity level, and individual needs. Always consult your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations.
Can I give my Yorkie human food?
While some human foods can be safely shared with your Yorkie in moderation, it is crucial to avoid those listed as unsafe. It is always advisable to consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations and to ensure a balanced diet.
How do I know if my Yorkie is getting enough to eat?
Observe your Yorkie’s weight, energy levels, and overall well-being. If they appear to be losing weight or are lethargic, consult your veterinarian to adjust their diet. However, if they are gaining weight, it might be necessary to reduce their food intake or adjust their exercise regime.
Can I give my Yorkie treats every day?
Treats should be given in moderation, as they can contribute to weight gain if given excessively. A good rule of thumb is to limit treats to no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
What if my Yorkie has allergies?
If your Yorkie has food allergies, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian to identify the allergen and determine a suitable hypoallergenic diet.
What should I do if my Yorkie eats something poisonous?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. Provide them with the details of the ingested substance, the amount consumed, and your Yorkie’s weight and age.
