Feeding a Yorkshire Terrier- It's a yorkie World

Feeding is really an important to your Yorkies health and well being. A high qualitydog food supplying all the necessary elements to your Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most important things you can provide your dog.

ALCOHOL AND YEAST DOUGH
Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol that causes the dog's respiratory system as well as their nervous system to go into a dangerous depressed state. Even a little amount of alcohol can cause toxicity in your dog's system.
Uncooked yeast can produce alcohol that can also produce coma and death. Ethanol is rapidly absorbed into the system, so it is important to seek medical attention quickly. It is not usually helpful to induce vomiting.
Treatment includes aggressive supportive care with fluid therapy and medications.
FRUIT PITS AND SEEDS
Seeds and pits are very dangerous for your dogs because some contain the toxin cyanide. There are also some fruit leaves that can cause diarrhea and vomiting in your dogs.
The first signs of cyanide poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, coma, skin irritation and heart failure.
CAFFEINATED ITEMS
Caffeine also has a similar toxin that chocolate has. If your dog ingests too much caffeine it can damage their heart, lungs,nervous system and kidneys. This includes tea, coffee beans and coffee pills.
Signs typically begin with restlessness, hyperactivity and vomiting. These can be followed by panting, weakness, and an unsteady gait.
MACADAMIA NUTS
Although not particularly fatal to dogs, the Macadamia nut contains an unknown chemical that can affect the nervous system, digestive system and muscles.
ONIONS
Onions can cause a form of hemolytic anemia called Heinz body anemia, a condition that causes the destruction of red blood cells. Kidney damage may follow.
It is not clear what quantity of onions is poisonous, but the effects can be cumulative. Poisoning can result from raw, cooked and dehydrated forms.
Avoid feeding table scraps and any foods cooked with onions (including some baby foods).
RAW EGGS
Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of vitamin B that can lead to coat and skin problems for your dog.
TOBACCO
Tobacco contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems that can result in rapid heartbeat, collapse, coma, and death.
For cautionary measures it would be better if you don't smoke near your dog. Like humans dogs can suffer because of second hand smoke.
RAW FISH
Raw fish can result in a B vitamin deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. This can have adverse effects in your dog if more if raw fish is fed regularly.
LARGE AMOUNTS OF LIVER
Feeding your dog too much liver can cause him to have a vitamin A toxicity that affect your dog's muscles and bones.
RAISINS
Raisins have the same effect as grapes on your dog. It can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys that can possibly result in death.
Signs of toxicity include vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased urine production (possibly leading to lack of urine production), weakness and an unsteady gait.
LARGE AMOUNTS OF GRAINS
Too much grain are not good for dogs.
Grains should not be given in large amounts or make up a large part of a dog's diet, but rice is generally safe in small amounts.
Remember that this list is still incomplete, the foods that are listed above are just common things that we can see at the grocery stores and often in our homes. If there are certain things that you're unsure of, consult your Vet before giving it to your dog.
Back to top of page
Does my Yorkies itchy or dry skin relate to the type of dog food being fed?
We personally recommend a premium dry formula and a canned supplement. We find this an excellent food for maintaining good health, keeping their teeth in overall decent condition and maintain a well balanced dog.
Back to top of page
Is there a safe way to transition to a new dog food?
It's important when changing a pet's diet to slowly introduce new food. Start by offering the pet's daily portion in a ratio of 25% new food to 75 percent old food. During the next three days, gradually increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old.
Back to top of page
What if my Yorkshire Terrier is a finicky eater?
It could be something else? There are many factors to consider when your dog seems finicky. Take a good look at what your dog is eating during a day's time. Is the dog getting dog treats and if so, how many? Is someone sneaking table scraps?

When you feed a balanced highly nutritious diet, nothing else is needed. Extra treats can drastically alter your Yorkies normal intake of food. Do you feel like eating after having a large snack before a meal? Neither does your dog! If you give snacks or treats, take that into consideration when dishing out his meal.
Back to top of page
Why should I not feed my Yorkie cheap inexpensive dog food?
This is what will really amaze you is the list of ingredients that go in can food. The first ingredient is always water and next item can be any variety of junk that the pet food people got a deal on. They call the ingredients 4D.

Basically what 4D means?
The animal used for the pet food is dead or has died or was diseased.

The ingredients can include:
    dead cow that has been dead for God only knows how long;
    chicken beaks and legs;
    road kill; (true!)

The list goes on and on. A good premium food is a bit more expensive than some of your store bought brands, but the difference in quality and benefits to your dog is worth the extra amount that you pay. Pay a large sum to the vet or pay a great deal less for premium food! Do you remember the Pet Food recall? Premium food was not on that list. Grocery store dog food was! Ask the breeder what they are feeding the dog.
Back to top of page
Is canned moist dog food better for my Yorkie?
Wet food is an excellent treat that can be fed by itself or mixed with dry food. Although wet dog foods are nutritionally complete and balanced, it is not necessary to offer wet food at every feeding. High-quality dry foods are formulated with high-quality protein sources such as chicken, lamb, or fish and contain all of the essential nutrients pets need. However, the crunchy texture of dry food also promotes healthy teeth and gums and provides overall god oral hygiene, that you do not get with canned foods. In addition, high-quality dry dog foods contain a dental enhancement to help block tartar buildup on teeth during and after meals.
Back to top of page
How can I tell if the food is good for my Yorkie?
Life stage, lifestyle, and overall condition are the three factors to take into account when deciding which pet food is right for your pet. Life stage refers to whether your pet is a puppy, adult, or senior. Lifestyle refers to how active or inactive your pet is normally. Condition refers to the pet's overall health and body weight.

The amount to feed depends on the age, size, and activity level of the dog. Feeding guidelines, which list the daily recommended portion, are included on all of packages. Start feeding with this amount and adjust according to your pet's needs. Remember to divide the portion accordingly, if you feed more than once a day.

Age plays an important part of what type of food should you feed your dog. Going and choosing a dog food can be quite an experience. The number of types of food under one brand can be daunting. The rule of thumb is to feed your puppy puppy formula until 1-year of age. After one, start feeding food that fits his life style, life stage and condition, as mentioned above. We had change our dogs because the were eating to much of one type of food we were feeding and starting to put on weight. We switched them to another type (not brand) and the eat less and are of a good weight. Sometimes it takes trial and error. However try to stick with the same brand, if you can.
Back to top of page
What is the best time to feed my Yorkie and how much?
A practical guideline is that puppies should be fed three times a day from weaning (3-6 weeks) to 6 months of age. After 6 months, they should be fed twice a day. Most dogs should continue to be fed twice a day throughout their life, although some pets do well with one feeding. Meals should be spaced evenly throughout the day, however; the last meal should be given at least 3-hours before bedtime so you do not wake up in the morning with something greeting you.

How much to feed, depends on many things, including the dogs size, age, energy level, and the amount of exercise the dog gets. Just like yourself, it also depends on the dogs metabolism. If the dog starts to get heavy, decrease the given portion and if the dog begins to lose weight, increase the portion. Remember, the Yorkie is a tiny breed. The biggest mistake owners make is over feeding.

Free Feeding
You may be saying to yourself, "Why not just place a bowl of food down on the floor and let them eat when they are hungry?" Some owners do just that and their little guy does just fine. Here are some positive aspects to scheduled feedings:

1. You will know when your dog is sick
The fastest way to notice a potential health problem is when your dogs eats less at meals for a day or two. No matter how observant you are, you do not catch it as quickly when you free-feed. Noticing, can make a difference between life or death!

2. You will have a better relationship with your Yorkie, with regular feedings.
The Yorkie may not look like a wolf, but they share their ancestor's view of who runs with the pack. When your dog chooses when and where it eats, it assumes that he is in charge of the house. When feed a regular scheduled meal, it is assumed your are in charge, and leads to better behavior.

3. It will help in housebreaking your Yorkie.
Regular scheduled input of food, means regular scheduled output. You will know when to start watching for signs to take them outside.

4. Assist in controlling the dogs weight.
Regular meals will have you controlling his food intake through the portions you give. This is the key to long life and health.
Back to top of page
What food does Chuie and Cindel get fed?
We buy Chuie and Cindel 10 cans of Wellness for about $30.00 and a large bag of Wellnes CORE dry. By using the canned food as a supplement to their dry food, it has lasted over a month. But the most important part is - they love it and it's good for them.

If you really think about it, would you feed your child cheap inferior foods and hope they turned out healthy? 'Premium foods such as Wellness are excellent to feed your Yorkie. We wouldn't mention it unless it worked well for us and our dogs. If you choose any other brand just make sure it is a premium food.
Back to top of page
Is feeding table food ok for my Yorkshire Terrier?
I'll let you draw your own conclusion by providing you with a true incident that happened to Peggy's mom.

Peggy's Mom had two Dobermans' Tessa and Serena. She always fed them whatever she was eating from the table. Sometimes she feed them a non-premium canned food. They never had a balanced meal or dry food. Both dogs never lived close to their potential age of 9-years. Tessa, died while at the groomer of a heart attack. Serena, died of cancer. We tried explaining to her about the value of a well balanced diet for Tessa and Serena, but she would never listen. She was devastated when they died. Don't make the same mistake!

We also had a Dobie named Katie from the same litter as my mother in-law's dogs. Peggy and I always fed her good dry dog food supplemented with a little food scraps such as meat trimmings, but not much. Our dog lived for 13 years, 4-years of joy with her beyond expected life expectancy. One Christmas day, she just fell asleep and died. She was always active and did not have a gray hair anywhere on her body. Oh yes, had selective hearing. Does this tell you anything?

Now, what do you think you should do?
Back to top of page
How careful should I be when changing dog food?
Be Careful What You Feed Your Dog - Not all dogs are alike...

Just because someone else's Yorkie didn't have an adverse reaction to a particular human food doesn't mean that your pet will behave the same way. Your Yorkie could react differently to the taste of the food, or could even have an allergy to one or more of its ingredients.

Therefore, whenever you are introducing your Yorkie to a new food (or combination of foods) be sure to test it out while you are home, so you can monitor your pet's reaction. Odds are very small, but there's always the chance that your dog could be allergic to a particular food, or it just may not sit well -- causing upset stomach, diarrhea or vomiting. Sometimes, even the smallest change in a diet can cause and adverse reaction.

Always check with your Vet first before introducing a new food!
Back to top of page
Are There human foods that are NOT SAFE for my Yorkshire Terrier?
I will not list them all on this page, I have provided the links below to provide all of the foods and other items that are indeed harmful to your Yorkies, and why. You should at the very least, avoid feeding your dog human foods that are salty, sweet (high in sugar content), or fatty. Be sure to check these lists, so you know which foods have been proven to be dangerous to dogs:

Human Foods You CANNOT Feed To A Dog.
Foods Potentially Poisonous To Pets
Dangerous Foods For Dogs - Your Questions Answered
Foods & Things That Are Harmful To Dogs.
Grapes And Raisins Are Off-Limits
People Foods That Can Kill Your Pet.
Foods & Other Substances That You Shouldn't Give To Dogs
Artificial Sweeteners Are Harmful To Dogs
Foods To Avoid Feeding Dogs

In case of emergency Despite all the precautions you take to keep your pet pals safe, accidents do happen. That's why the ASPCA, Humane Society and animal advocates advise pet owners to keep the telephone numbers of their local veterinarian and the ASPCA in a prominent location.

Animal Poison Control Center — (888) 426- 4435
Common signs of poisoning include muscle tremors or seizures; vomiting and diarrhea; drooling; redness of skin, ears and eyes; and swelling and bleeding.

If you suspect your pet has consumed, inhaled or come in contact with a toxic substance, stay calm and call for help immediately. If you see your pet consuming anything you think might be toxic, seek emergency help immediately even if she or he is not exhibiting any symptoms.

On the flip side, click here are some safe human foods that dog owners frequently give their dogs.
Back to top of page
Where is the best place to feed my Yorkie?
The best place to feed your dog is in the crate. This provides your dog with a safe quiet place to enjoy their meals.

If you have more than one yorkie, make shure each one has their own dish at mealtimes and no one can steal each others food.
Back to top of page

After all you read on this page, and you still feel that you have a feeding question we did not cover, email us At: feeding@itsayorkieworld.com

Feeding a Yorkie

Free Feeding

Animal Poison Control Center — (888) 426- 4435