If you’re a Yorkie owner, you know how important it is to feed your pet a healthy diet. But with so many conflicting opinions out there, it can be hard to know what’s safe to feed your pup. One question that comes up often is whether Yorkies can eat fruit.
The short answer is yes, Yorkies can eat fruit. In fact, many fruits are packed with nutrients that can benefit your pup’s health. However, it’s important to choose the right fruits and feed them in moderation. Some fruits can be harmful to dogs, and too much fruit can lead to weight gain and other health issues. So, which fruits are safe for Yorkies to eat?
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Can Yorkies Eat Fruit?
If you’re a Yorkie owner, you may be wondering if your pet can enjoy some of the same fruits that you do. The good news is that many fruits are safe for Yorkies to eat and can provide some nutritional benefits. However, it’s important to be aware of which fruits are safe and which ones should be avoided.
Benefits of Fruit for Yorkies
Fruits can be a great addition to your Yorkie’s diet. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can help support your dog’s overall health. Some fruits, like blueberries and strawberries, are also high in antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage.
Fruits Safe for Yorkies
Here are some fruits that are safe for Yorkies to eat in moderation:
- Apples (without seeds)
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Mangoes
- Oranges (without seeds)
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon (without seeds)
Fruits to Avoid for Yorkies
While many fruits are safe for Yorkies, there are some that should be avoided. These include:
- Grapes and raisins
- Cherries
- Persimmons
- Plums
- Peach pits
- Avocado
- Citrus fruits (in large amounts)
How to Feed Fruits to Yorkies
When feeding your Yorkie fruit, it’s important to do so in moderation. Fruits are high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain if your dog eats too much. You should also be sure to remove any seeds, pits, or stems, which can be a choking hazard or cause digestive problems.
One way to feed fruit to your Yorkie is to slice it into small pieces and mix it in with their regular food. You can also offer small pieces of fruit as a treat throughout the day.
Remember to always monitor your Yorkie when introducing new foods to their diet. If you notice any signs of digestive upset or allergic reaction, stop feeding the fruit and consult with your veterinarian.
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Benefits of Fruit for Yorkies
Nutrients in Fruits
Fruits are packed with essential nutrients that are beneficial for your Yorkie’s health. For instance, bananas are rich in potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure. Oranges are high in vitamin C, which helps boost your Yorkie’s immune system. Pineapples are rich in bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and reduces inflammation.
Fruits Good for Yorkie’s Skin
Certain fruits can help improve your Yorkie’s skin health. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants that help protect your Yorkie’s skin from damage caused by free radicals. Blueberries have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin irritation and redness. Apples contain quercetin, which can help prevent allergies and skin infections.
Fruits Good for Yorkie’s Immune System
Fruits can also help boost your Yorkie’s immune system. Kiwis are rich in vitamin C, which helps increase the production of white blood cells that fight infections. Mangoes contain vitamin A, which helps strengthen the immune system. Papayas are rich in papain, an enzyme that helps break down proteins and aids digestion.
Incorporating fruits into your Yorkie’s diet can provide them with essential nutrients, improve their skin health, and boost their immune system. However, it is important to note that fruits should only be given in moderation and as a supplement to their regular diet. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your Yorkie’s diet.
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Fruits Safe for Yorkies
If you’re wondering whether Yorkies can eat fruit, the answer is yes! In fact, some fruits can be a healthy and delicious addition to your Yorkie’s diet. However, it’s important to keep in mind that fruits should be given in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Apples
Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamins A and C. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core before giving them to your Yorkie, as they can be a choking hazard.
Bananas
Bananas are a good source of potassium and vitamins B6 and C. They are also easy to digest. However, bananas are high in sugar, so they should be given in moderation.
Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins C and K. They are also low in calories and sugar. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly before giving them to your Yorkie.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. However, it’s important to remove the rind and seeds before giving it to your Yorkie.
Cranberries
Cranberries are a good source of antioxidants and can help prevent urinary tract infections. However, they are also high in acidity, so they should be given in moderation.
Mangoes
Mangoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. However, they are also high in sugar, so they should be given in moderation.
Oranges
Oranges are a good source of vitamin C. However, they are also high in acidity and sugar, so they should be given in moderation.
Pineapples
Pineapples are a good source of vitamin C and manganese. They also contain an enzyme called bromelain, which can aid in digestion. However, they are also high in sugar, so they should be given in moderation.
Strawberries
Strawberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins C and K. However, they are also high in sugar, so they should be given in moderation.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. However, it’s important to remove the seeds and rind before giving it to your Yorkie.
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Fruits to Avoid for Yorkies
If you’re thinking about giving fruit to your Yorkie, it’s crucial to understand which fruits are safe and which can be harmful. Here are some fruits to avoid:
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, including Yorkies. Even small amounts can be toxic, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Cherries
Cherries contain cyanide, which can be poisonous to dogs. The pits can also pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages.
Peaches and Plums
Peaches and plums contain pits that can cause intestinal blockages or choking hazards.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain solanine, which can be toxic to dogs. While ripe tomatoes in small quantities are unlikely to cause harm, it’s best to avoid them.
Avocado
Avocado contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The pit and skin can also pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages.
Pit and Seeds
Fruit pits and seeds can cause choking hazards or intestinal blockages. Make sure to remove them before giving fruit to your Yorkie.
Remember, fruits should be given in moderation and as a treat. If you’re unsure about whether a fruit is safe for your Yorkie, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.
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How to Feed Fruits to Yorkies
Quantity
When feeding fruits to your Yorkie, it’s important to keep the quantity in mind. Fruits should only make up a small portion of their diet. A good rule of thumb is to limit fruit intake to 10% of their daily food intake. This means that for every 100 calories of food, no more than 10 calories should come from fruit.
Frequency
While fruits can be a healthy addition to your Yorkie’s diet, they should be fed in moderation. It’s recommended to feed fruits to your Yorkie only a few times a week. Overfeeding fruits can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Preparation
When feeding fruits to your Yorkie, it’s important to prepare them properly. Fruits should be washed thoroughly and cut into small, bite-sized pieces. Remove any seeds or pits that could be a choking hazard. Avoid giving your Yorkie fruits that are high in sugar or that have been processed, such as canned fruits.
Introducing New Fruits
When introducing new fruits to your Yorkie, it’s important to do so gradually. Start by feeding them a small amount of the new fruit and observe their reaction. If they tolerate it well, you can slowly increase the amount. If they experience any adverse reactions, such as vomiting or diarrhea, discontinue feeding the fruit immediately.
Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your Yorkie’s diet.
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FAQ
Can Yorkies Eat Dried Fruit?
If your dog eats a piece of dried fruit they will be fine. However making a habit of feeding them regularly is harmful, and you should avoid giving your Yorkie dried fruit, even as a treat.
This is because, during the drying and preservation process, dried fruit is exposed to a range of chemicals that are toxic to dogs.
These toxins are in small amounts, so if your dog accidentally eats one it will be fine, however, if they eat dried fruits over a long period, the toxins will build up and it can lead to kidney failure in Yorkies and other dog breeds.
Can My Yorkie Eat Apple Skin?
It is absolutely fine for your Yorkie to eat apple skin. In fact, apple skin is the best part of the apple to feed your Yorkie!
Apple skins contain a high concentration of vitamins and nutrients without the natural sugars that are contained in the flesh.
Yorkies can even eat apple slices, but reserve these as an occasional treat rather than making it part of their regular diet.
Can My Yorkie Eat Canned Fruit?
Canned fruit is not safe for Yorkies or any other dog. This is because canned fruit is highly processed and usually preserved in a sugary syrup that is way too high in calories and sugar for dogs to digest.
Canned fruit can quickly lead to weight gain, and Yorkies who carry excessive weight are prone to other health complications.
If you want to give your Yorkie fruit, only give them fresh fruit that is clean and served in small chunks.
Why Is Fruit Good For Yorkies?
Although Yorkies do not need fruit, one or two slices of fruit per day can be beneficial for their health.
Fruit is full of minerals and nutrients that can support your dog. Fruit has anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help guard your Yorkie against infection and developing other illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease.
Fruit is high in fiber, which helps to regulate their digestion, and fruit is especially good for older Yorkies, as the vitamins help to support aging joints.
What Do I If My Yorkie Eats Too Much Fruit?
Your Yorkie would need to eat a whole lot of fruit in one sitting before anything adverse happens. If your Yorkie has had a binge session in the fruit bowl, don’t panic at most they will likely vomit the fruit up, or have diarrhea the next day.
If your Yorkie is vomiting and having diarrhea for more than 2 days then take them to the vet for a check-up.
If your Yorkie has been eating fruit over the course of months or years and has gained weight or is developing kidney problems, then you need to take them to the vet for treatment and cease giving them fruit immediately.
The effects of long-term fruit consumption can be reversed simply by stopping their fruit intake. It is in extreme cases whereby a Yorkie has eaten a lot of fruit over the course of many years for permanent kidney damage to occur.
However, every dog is different. No matter how much fruit your Yorkie eats, if they appear to be struggling or in discomfort for more than 48 hours, take them to the vet.
Why Does My Yorkie Hate Fruit?
Fruit is not a part of a dog’s natural diet, therefore it is not unusual for a Yorkie to turn their nose up when offered fruit.
If your Yorkie does not like fruit, do not force them. Fruit is not necessary for them to thrive and their bodily functions will not suffer if fruit is missing from their regular diet.
Although dogs are omnivores they are primarily carnivorous. Dogs prefer the smell and taste of meat over fruit and veg, and fruit and veg act as a supplement to their diet, not the mainstay.
How Can I Encourage My Yorkie To Eat Fruit?
If you really want your Yorkie to eat fruit, then the best way to get them interested is to freeze it.
Especially in warm weather, dogs like frozen food. It feels good on their teeth and it is a new and interesting texture to explore.
Freezing a few blueberries and scattering them on top of your Yorkies regular food is a great way to get some fruit in their system. This is a special treat that your Yorkie will appreciate on a hot summer’s day.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
