Your Yorkie might be missing out on some unexpected health boosters! While kibble keeps their tummy full, it often lacks essential nutrients that some surprising human foods offer. Imagine the power of an extra healthy boost in every bite!
Let’s debunk the myths and reveal what your Yorkie could truly benefit from. Ready to uncover these magical foods?
1. The Power-Packed Plumpness of Blueberries
Blueberries are not just a superfood for humans! These tiny berries are packed with antioxidants that can benefit your Yorkie just as much as they do you. They help fight cell damage and promote a healthy immune system.
Try sprinkling a few blueberries in their food bowl or as a special treat. Your Yorkie will be intrigued by the burst of flavor!
2. Harnessing the Magic of Carrots
We all know rabbits love carrots, but have you ever seen a Yorkie give them a chomp? Carrots are excellent for their dental health, acting like a natural toothbrush. They’re also loaded with beta-carotene, a precursor for vitamin A.
Serve them raw for a crunchy snack or boil them for a soft, tasty side dish!
3. Sweet Potatoes: The Underrated Powerhouse
Sweet potatoes are a fiber-rich treat that can help maintain your Yorkie’s digestive health. These spuds are high in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.
Roast them for that extra sweetness; your Yorkie will love this comforting, healthy alternative to more calorie-dense treats!
4. Coconut Oil: Nature’s Moisturizer
Who would’ve guessed that coconut oil could aid your Yorkie’s health as much as it helps human skin? Applying a small amount to their food can promote luscious fur while aiding in digestion and offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
However, only give them a small amount—too much oil can upset their tummy! And if you have a chubby Yorkie, you might want to skip this one.
You can also massage a little melted (but not hot) coconut oil into their skin after washing them, Just rinse off after letting it sink into their skin for a few minutes.
5. Spinach for Stronger Paws
Popeye was onto something with all that spinach! This green leaf is rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium—all crucial for your Yorkie’s bone health. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins A, B, C, and K.
Chop and mix a little (no more than 1 tablespoon) into their meals, and watch them leap with vigor!
6. Greek Yogurt: Protein-Packed Delight
Who knew yogurt could be a delicious snack for Yorkies? Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics that support a healthy gut, helping your dog digest their food better. Count on this high-protein treat to keep your Yorkie full of energy.
Just a spoonful can work wonders—always plain, unsweetened varieties!
7. Pumpkin for a Tummy of Steel
Pumpkin is the go-to remedy for dog owners when their furry friends face digestive issues. Rich in fiber and easy on the stomach, a small serving of pureed pumpkin can help prevent diarrhea and constipation.
I swear by this and often give it to my dogs. Lucy and Ziggy sometimes have problems with diarrhea and this helps keep them regular.
It’s a festive addition during the fall season, too—full of flavor and benefits!
8. Apples for Dental Delight
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”—this goes for Yorkies too! With a crunchy texture, apples help clean teeth while offering vitamin C and fiber. Remember to remove the seeds and core, as these can be harmful.
Your Yorkie will enjoy every juicy bite!
9. Egg-cellent Source of Protein
Eggs, a culinary staple, can make your Yorkie’s coat shine with rich proteins and amino acids. They support muscle development, providing a balanced source of energy.
Serve them scrambled or boiled, and consider it a special mealtime surprise!
10. Salmon for That Omega-3 Boost
Salmon is nothing short of a miracle food when it comes to boosting omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for a Yorkie’s heart, joints, and coat health. A little cooked salmon can make your dog feel like they’re dining like royalty.
Just be cautious of bones and ensure it’s fully cooked before sharing.
11. The Surprising Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa is a surprising powerhouse for dogs. It’s gluten-free, rich in proteins, and contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes it perfect for mixing into your Yorkie’s meals.
Just give them a small amount, like a tablespoon or two of cooked quinoa. It can serve as an excellent rice substitute!
12. Beets: The Natural Detoxifier
Beets are a wonderful addition for any health-conscious Yorkie, packed with antioxidants. They help with detoxification and support liver health.
Beets are a good source of fiber, manganese, folate, potassium, and Vitamin C.
Steam 1 to 2 teaspoons lightly to soften, and their vibrant color is sure to attract your Yorkie’s attention!
13. Kefir: Beyond Just Yogurt!
Kefir might sound exotic, but it’s an excellent probiotic for Yorkies. It surpasses yogurt with a wider variety of beneficial bacteria, supporting even better gut health.
Kefir provides Vitam B2, B12, K, calcium, potassium and magnesium.
Start slowly by adding 1/4 teaspoon and if your dog does well with is you can gradually work up to 1 teaspoon a day.
14. Cranberries for a Healthy Urinary Tract
Not just a Thanksgiving staple, cranberries aid in preventing urinary tract infections in dogs. Their tart flavor isn’t an issue when they’re mixed into meals or baked into treats.
Ensure they’re unsweetened, as sugary cranberries can be harmful.
15. The Mushrooms They CAN Eat
While wild mushrooms are a no-go, certain types like shiitake or maitake are safe and nutritious. They provide fiber, and vitamin D, and boost your Yorkie’s immune system.
Cook them thoroughly before adding them to their meals for safe consumption!
16. Bone Broth: The Nutrient-Rich Elixir
Brewed over a long time, bone broth packs glucosamine, chondroitin, and essential minerals, which are beneficial to your Yorkie’s joints and bones.
I always add about 1/4 cup to each dog’s dinner. They love it.
This warm, flavorful broth adds moisture to meals and is a delightful winter treat.
17. Wrapping Up: A Healthier, Happier Yorkie
There you have it: a wide array of surprising foods your Yorkie can enjoy. Each not only tantalizes their taste buds but also offers significant health benefits.
Why not introduce these delicious bites to your Yorkie’s menu and watch their health transform? Share your experience and favorite finds with fellow pet parents!
Cathy Bendzunas
Dog Blogger, Pet Hotel Employee, Pet Sitter, Former Pet Groomer
I have had dogs all my life and have trained as a dog groomer. I also have been a kennel worker, worked in a pet hotel through PetSmart, and still am a pet sitter.
Check out my bio for more information about me.
Margaret Bowman
Friday 13th of December 2024
I have three Yorkies Alfie 14, Mickey 11, and Benjamin Bean 7. Thank you for all your food suggestions. Have always made their food and have added Carrots to chicken or ground beef, rice or noodles and your suggestions to add different fruits is appreciated. Going to the store and will start today! Will let you know how blueberries, and cranberries go over . Thank you again! Margaret Bowman
Cathy Bendzunas
Friday 13th of December 2024
Yes, please do let me know. My dogs really like blueberries but I haven't tried giving them cranberries yet. Probably since I'm allergic to them myself. But I have had friends who's dogs loves them.
Deb MacDonald
Thursday 5th of December 2024
What do you suggest for itchy skin?
Cathy Bendzunas
Thursday 5th of December 2024
It really depends on why they are itchy so you should get them checked because it may be something that needs medical treatment. Most likely though, it's allergies; either to food (often it's chicken), pollen, grass or something in your home. My poor Ziggy is allergic to everything. Some things that help are rubbing coconut oil in his skin after a bath, using a shampoo for allergies (here's a post for it: https://yorkieuniverse.com/best-shampoo-for-yorkies-with-allergies/ ) and you can give them Zyrtec, Benadryl or Claritin too. This PDF shows you the dosage: https://fairhavenvet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Antihistamine-Use-Canine.pdf