What Fruits Are Healthy for Yorkies?

Fruit in moderation is suitable in your Yorkie's diet.
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Dogs are carnivores who like veggies. They eat food of both plant and animal origin. While Yorkies don't need to eat fruits -- they get the same nutrients found in fruit from other sources -- adding fruits to the dog's diet won't hurt. Fruit provides water, energy, fiber, vitamins, enzymes, minerals and antioxidants.

Apples & Pears

Apples and pears provide ample water as well as soluble-fiber pectin, which is good for your Yorkie's digestion. Pieces of unpeeled apple provide non-provitamin A carotenes, beta carotene and Vitamin C, as well as B complex vitamins B6, folic acid and potassium. Pears contain potassium -- excellent for maintaining good heart health and carbohydrate metabolism -- and vitamin C, which helps to prevent free radical damage. Always remove seeds.

Citrus

Grapefruit provides healthy flavonoids, water soluble fibers, potassium, vitamin C, and folic acid. Besides its anticancer properties, grapefruit's fruit pectin helps to lower cholesterol and is a good source of fiber. The vitamin C in oranges protects against cancer and fights viral infections. Flavonoids in the orange pulp strengthen the immune system and support connective tissues. Chop oranges and grapefruit into suitably sized pieces for your Yorkie. Always remove the seeds.

Other Goodies

Some Yorkies love bananas -- and that's good because they contain lots of potassium, which is necessary for the proper functioning of enzymes, muscles and nerves. Potassium helps maintain a proper fluid balance throughout the body. Cantaloupe is a healthy treat, but because of its high sugar content you must feed it sparingly. Watermelon helps to flush the kidneys. Always remove the seeds: Yorkies might not chew them up, causing digestive problems.

Forbidden Fruits

Some fruits can cause serious illness and fatality to your Yorkie and other dogs. Never feed grapes and raisins, which can cause kidney failure -- and all it takes is one or two to be quite harmful to some dogs. Another toxic no-no is the avocado fruit, pits or plant. Eating any part of the avocado can cause fluid retention in a Yorkie's lungs, which can lead to difficulty in breathing and even death.

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