What Yorkie Puppies Can and Cannot Eat (Solved & Explained!)

There are a ton of foods that are alright for Yorkie puppies, and some that you should avoid feeding to a young Yorkie. Chocolate, gum, candy, garlic, onions, avocados, grapes, raisins, and other foods toxic to dogs need to be kept away from growing Yorkies. Rice, potatoes, lean proteins, and select fruits and vegetables are okay for a Yorkie pup. 

Read on to find out everything you need to know about what Yorkie puppies can and cannot eat. Remember, your puppy’s diet is essential to make sure it grows into a happy, healthy dog, so you need to be very attentive as to what you’re feeding your dog in its earliest months!

Toxic foods for Yorkie puppies

As outlined above, there are a number of foods that are considered toxic for Yorkie puppies. These foods should be avoided at all costs, never fed to a Yorkie puppy, and you should be careful if even eating them near your Yorkie puppy.

Consumption of these foods can cause severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and can even be extremely harmful or fatal in high enough doses. 

Foods in this category include those mentioned earlier like chocolate, avocado, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, candy, gum, garlic, and onions. These foods should not be given to your puppy under any circumstances. 

Healthy foods for Yorkie puppies

There are plenty of human foods that are perfectly healthy for Yorkie puppies. Sure, dog food or kibble specifically made for puppies or small dogs can be perfectly fine. However, it doesn’t always have all the best vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for your puppy’s physical health and growth. 

You can supplement these foods or make your puppy’s whole diet up with lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish, vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and spinach, and carbs like pasta, potatoes, or rice. These foods are healthy and organic, and will fill your growing dog’s stomach and give it the nutrients it needs to grow up happy and healthy!

Moderate foods for Yorkie puppies

Some foods are decent for your Yorkie puppy, but should only be consumed in moderation. For instance, this is the case for many fruits, fatty foods, and treats. 

Proteins with high fat content such as eggs, red meat, and pork can be given to puppies in a pinch but should be generally avoided due to their high fat content. Unnecessary weight gain can be very detrimental to the physical health of a growing puppy. 

Similarly, fruits like blueberries, watermelon, and bananas can be given to your puppy as a healthy treat. Be careful though, as some fruits, such as grapes and raisins, can be toxic to your Yorkie. Do your proper research and consult your vet before adding food to your dog’s diet. 

Can Yorkie puppies eat raw food?

Adult Yorkies can eat raw meat. It can be great due to the increased number of nutrients as compared to its cooked counterpart. However, raw meat isn’t always the safest thing and can contain bacteria or parasites. 

It’s best to avoid raw food for growing puppies, as these bacteria and parasites can take a higher toll on their young and growing bodies than they would on an adult dog. Although it’s not the worst thing in the world, playing it safe is recommended. 

Dietary changes for Yorkie puppies

The main change in the diet of a Yorkie puppy compared to an adult Yorkie is that they should be eating smaller portions, especially of things like fruits, fatty meats, and other foods that should be consumed in moderation. It’s also safer, as mentioned directly above, to avoid feeding raw meat to a Yorkie puppy. 

Other than these two tips, the diet of a Yorkie puppy is quite similar to that of an adult Yorkie, with smaller portion sizes. A bit more protein is good for young pups due to the energy they need and the muscle they have to develop as well. 

Can Yorkie puppies eat eggs?

Yorkie puppies can eat eggs. However, since they are quite fatty, they should be consumed in moderation. Unnecessary weight gain can be very bad for your puppy, putting stress on their organs and joints and affecting their body in the most crucial stages of growth. 

That being said, eggs have a ton of protein, vitamins, and other nutrients that make them a great once in a while choice as a protein in your puppy’s bowl! Try one egg once a week for starters and see how your pup’s body reacts. 

Can Yorkie puppies eat nuts?

Nuts should be avoided in a Yorkie puppy’s diet. Some of them, such as macadamia nuts, are toxic for puppies and adult dogs alike. Others, such as almonds and shelled nuts can be a choking hazard. 

Beyond this, nuts, although high in protein, lack other nutrients and are quite high in fat content, making them a sub-optimal snack or meal for a growing dog. There are plenty of other foods that can give the same nutrients and are far healthier for a Yorkie puppy than nuts, so it’s best to simply avoid them. 

What vegetables can Yorkie puppies eat?

There are plenty of great veggies for Yorkie puppies. Carrots, kale, spinach, cucumbers, zucchini, broccoli, sweet potato, peas, green beans, and many others can be excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, which will keep essential functions such as organ health, eye health, fur health, and more in perfect working form for your puppy!

What fruit can Yorkie puppies eat?

There are a few fruits that are great for your puppy in moderation or as treats. Bananas, blueberries, watermelon, and apples are great examples of foods that give unique benefits such as potassium or unique vitamins that vegetables don’t have. However, they are high in sugar, so make sure they are more of a treat than a staple of the puppy’s diet. 

Can Yorkie puppies eat dairy products?

Dairy is difficult for puppies to digest, so it should be avoided in most cases. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal distress.

Are Yorkie puppies picky eaters?

Yes! Yorkies are very picky eaters. This means that they may not like what you put in front of them on your first try. Don’t give up, though! There is definitely a food out there that is tasty, safe, and healthy for your growing Yorkie pup!