Yorkshire Terrier Foods to Avoid and What to Feed Instead

Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs with big appetites, and what they eat is crucial for their health and happiness. One common mistake many owners make is feeding their Yorkies table scraps, which can be toxic to them.

Onions and garlic are two common ingredients found in many human foods that are toxic to Yorkies. Even small amounts can cause anemia and damage to their red blood cells.

A Yorkie's diet should be balanced and nutrient-rich, with a focus on high-quality protein sources like chicken and fish. These protein sources are easily digestible and help maintain a healthy coat and skin.

Avoid giving your Yorkie foods high in fat, such as bacon and sausage, as they can lead to obesity and pancreatitis.

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Store-bought dog foods for your Yorkshire Terrier should avoid chemical preservatives, which can cause allergic reactions and stomach issues. They can lead to hot spots, itching, and skin rash.

Artificial colors in dog food can result in allergic reactions, behavioral problems, and even cancer. It's best to steer clear of them altogether.

Fillers in dog food provide little to no nutrition and can cause nutritional deficiencies and intestinal distress in small breeds like Yorkies. They're often the cause of coprophagia.

Avoid dog foods with generic meats or oils that don't specify the type and origin of the meat. This can be a sign of low-quality ingredients, including roadkill or domestic animals with diseases.

The "Made in China" label on dog food is a red flag, as it can lead to unspecified ingredients and pet deaths. It's essential to know what's in your Yorkie's food.

When cooking for your Yorkie at home, be sure to avoid adding human food that's toxic to dogs, such as chocolate and sweets. They can cause weight gain, diabetes, tremors, seizures, and even death.

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Avoid store-bought dog foods with chemical preservatives, as they can cause allergic reactions, stomach issues, and discomfort in your Yorkie.

Chemical preservatives are a red flag, and you should steer clear of them. They can lead to hot spots, itching, and skin rashes in your furry friend.

Artificial colors are another ingredient to avoid, as they can cause allergic reactions and behavioral problems. Some studies even link them to certain types of cancer.

Fillers in dog food are cheap but provide little to no nutrition, leading to nutritional deficiencies and intestinal distress in small breeds like Yorkies. They can also cause coprophagia.

Animal by-products, such as animal organs unfit for human consumption, should be avoided in dog food. These can include lungs, brain, intestine, or lesser meats and tissues.

Be wary of generic meats or oils on the ingredient list, as they may not specify the type and origin of the meat. This can lead to roadkill or domestic animals with diseases being used in the food.

Unspecified ingredients or those sourced from China are a major concern and can lead to pet deaths. Always check the label and ingredients to ensure you're giving your Yorkie the best.

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Feeding jelly to your pet can be a recipe for disaster. Jelly is typically loaded with sugar, which can lead to weight gain, dental issues, and potential health problems.

Yorkies, being small dogs, are more susceptible to the negative effects of excessive sugar intake. This is especially concerning, as they can have sensitive digestive systems.

Many jellies contain artificial flavors, colors, and additives that may not be healthy for your pet. These ingredients can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions.

Introducing new foods, especially those high in sugar and artificial ingredients, may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting. This is a common issue with Yorkies, making it best to avoid jelly altogether.

Consult with your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations and to address any concerns or questions you may have about your pet's diet. They can provide guidance tailored to your pet's individual needs.

Chemical preservatives in dog food can cause allergic reactions and stomach issues in Yorkies, so it's best to avoid them altogether.

Artificial colors can lead to allergic reactions, behavioral problems, and even cancer, making them a definite no-go.

Fillers in dog food provide little to no nutrition and can cause nutritional deficiencies and intestinal distress in small breeds like Yorkies.

Avoid dog foods with generic meats or oils that don't specify the type and source of the ingredients, as they can be sourced from questionable places like roadkill or diseased animals.

The "Made in China" label on dog food is a red flag, as it can lead to unspecified ingredients and pet deaths.

Alcohol, caffeine, spicy or overly salty foods, and human medicine are all toxic to Yorkies and can cause a range of problems from allergic reactions to death.

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream can cause gastrointestinal issues and allergic reactions in Yorkies.

Sweets and chocolates are a no-no for Yorkies, as they can lead to obesity, diabetes, and even death.

Raw foods like raw eggs, raw poultry and fish bones, and uncooked meat can contain parasites and cause food poisoning, so it's best to cook their food.

Grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic are all toxic to Yorkies and can cause cancer, digestive problems, and damage to red blood cells.

Moldy foods are a definite no-go, as they can cause a range of problems from allergic reactions to death.

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When choosing a food for your Yorkshire Terrier, there are certain ingredients you should be aware of to ensure you're making the best decision for your pet's health.

Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs and should be avoided in your Yorkie's food. They belong to the Allium family and contain a compound that can cause anemia and damage to your dog's red blood cells.

Be aware that even small amounts of onions and garlic can be hazardous, so it's essential to read food labels carefully. Some dog foods may contain onion or garlic powder, which can be just as toxic as the fresh versions.

Certain sweeteners like xylitol are also off-limits for Yorkies. This sugar substitute is commonly used in human foods, but it can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and even liver failure in dogs.

Keep an eye out for artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, which have been linked to health problems in dogs. These preservatives can be found in some dog foods, so it's crucial to choose a food that uses natural preservatives instead.

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If you're considering home cooking for your Yorkie, be aware that some ingredients are off-limits. Alcohol, caffeine, and spicy or overly salty foods can cause serious problems.

Avoid giving your Yorkie dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream, and butter, as they can lead to gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions. Even a little bit can cause problems.

Sweets are a no-go, especially chocolate, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, tremors, seizures, and even death. Yorkies don't need the added sugar in their diet.

Raw foods are a risk, including raw eggs, raw poultry and fish bones, and uncooked meat. These can cause food poisoning, skin problems, and parasite attacks.

Grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic are also best avoided, as they can cause cancer, digestive problems, and damage to red blood cells.

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Now that we've covered what to avoid, let's talk about healthy foods for your Yorkie.

You can start by introducing fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and blueberries into their diet. They're a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Yorkies love chicken, and it's a great protein source for them. You can cook it or give it to them raw, just make sure it's boneless and skinless.

Sweet potatoes are another nutritious food that Yorkies can enjoy. They're rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can be boiled or baked for a delicious treat.

Carrots are a crunchy and sweet snack that Yorkies adore. They're also good for their eyesight and dental health.

Green beans are another low-calorie snack that Yorkies can munch on. They're easy to digest and can be steamed or cooked for a tasty side dish.

You can also give your Yorkie some plain yogurt as a treat. It's a great source of protein and probiotics, and can help with their digestive health.

Remember to always introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts to prevent any stomach upset.

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