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.
References
Writer Bio
Debra Levy has been writing for more than 30 years. She has had fiction and nonfiction published in various literary journals. Levy holds an M.A. in English from Indiana University and an M.F.A. in creative writing/fiction from the Bennington Writing Seminars.