What Can a Yorkie Eat?

Sharing your favorite food with your dog can be a fatal mistake. Yorkshire terriers should not weigh more than 7 lbs. It is essential that every morsel of food is safe and nutritious. A proper diet is important for growth and overall health. Yorkshire terriers are small dogs and even the smallest amount of food may inadvertently harm your pet.

  1. Types of Food

    • There are many choices of dog food.

      Options such as commercially made dry and canned, as well as homemade dog food are to be considered when feeding a pet. Most commercially made pet foods meet standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The AAFCO standards cover protein, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients. In addition to the AAFCO, the FDA is responsible for ensuring that pet foods are safe and labeled appropriately. It is important for pet owners to read labels carefully to avoid overfeeding. Homemade dog food should be well balanced and nutritiously complete.

    Dietary Requirements

    • Age, size and health affect the required caloric intake of dogs of all ages. An adult dog's diet should contain less than 50 percent carbohydrates, and only 2.5 to 3.5 percent of this may be from fiber. Protein should make up 10 percent of the diet, and no more than 5.5 percent should come from fats. In addition to a balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, food should also contain correct amounts of vitamins and minerals. Puppies, lactating dogs, and dogs with illnesses or allergies have different dietary needs.

    Safe Foods

    • Apples and carrots are safe treats for dogs

      Commercially prepared dog foods can vary in quality. Some may have a main ingredient of meat and others corn or grains. Dogs are omnivores and can safely eat meats and many vegetables and fruits. Quality store-bought food with fewer filler ingredients in them may result in smaller portion sizes. Homemade dog food made with cooked meats with no seasoning are safe for dogs. Many vegetables such as carrots and zucchini are natural snacks, as well as cored and sliced apples.

    Foods to Avoid

    • Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs.

      Although many human foods can be safely shared with dogs, some foods should be avoided. Avocados are toxic to dogs due to the amount of persin within the fruit. Chocolate is also highly toxic due to caffeine and theobromine. Onions and related vegetables can damage the red blood cells of your pet to cause serious damage. Many other foods can cause mild to severe symptoms when ingested, such as raw bread dough, grapes and raisins, hops, alcohol and some artificial sweeteners. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) maintains an up-to-date list of dangerous foods that should not be shared with pets.