As a Yorkie owner, you may be tempted to share your human food with your furry friend. After all, who can resist those puppy-dog eyes? While there are certain human foods that are safe for Yorkies to eat, there are also many foods that can be dangerous or even toxic to them. In this article, we’ll explore which human foods are safe for Yorkies to eat, which foods should be avoided, and why it’s important to be mindful of what you feed your furry friend.
Safe Human Foods for Yorkies
There are several human foods that are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Here are some examples:
Cooked Meat: Yorkies can safely consume cooked chicken, turkey, beef, and pork as long as it’s boneless and skinless. It’s important to avoid giving your Yorkie raw or undercooked meat, as it can contain harmful bacteria.
Fish: Cooked fish is also safe for Yorkies to eat, but it’s important to remove any bones first. Fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit your Yorkie’s health.
Fruits and Vegetables: Many fruits and vegetables are safe for Yorkies to eat in moderation. Some examples include blueberries, apples, bananas, carrots, and green beans among others. These foods can provide your Yorkie with important vitamins and minerals.
Peanut Butter: Yorkies love peanut butter, and it can be a healthy treat as long as it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a healthy snack for Yorkies. It’s a good source of calcium and protein, but be sure to avoid any yogurts that contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Foods to Avoid
There are many human foods that should be avoided when it comes to feeding your Yorkie. Here are some examples:
Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Be sure to keep any chocolate products away from your Yorkie.
Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, so it’s important to avoid feeding them to your Yorkie.
Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage your Yorkie’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Avocado: Avocados contain persin, which can be toxic to dogs.
Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous to dogs, so it’s important to keep all alcoholic beverages away from your Yorkie.
Why it’s Important to Be Mindful of What You Feed Your Yorkie
While it may be tempting to share your human food with your dog, it’s important to remember that dogs have different nutritional needs than humans. Feeding your Yorkie too much human food can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Additionally, some human foods can be toxic to dogs and can even be fatal. It’s important to educate yourself on what foods are safe for your Yorkie to eat and to always err on the side of caution when it comes to feeding them human food.
In conclusion, while there are many human foods that are safe for Yorkies to eat, it’s important to be mindful of what you feed them. Stick to foods that are specifically formulated for dogs, and use human food as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of their diet. By doing so, you can help ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and happy for years to come.