Do you ever look at your tiny Yorkshire Terrier and wonder what treat will truly make their little tail wag the hardest? These spunky, small dogs have big personalities, and they deserve treats that match their zest for life! But let’s be honest, shopping for Yorkie-specific snacks can feel like navigating a minefield. You worry constantly about choking hazards because of their small mouths, or maybe you’ve noticed certain treats upset their delicate stomachs.
Finding the perfect treat for your Yorkie should be fun, not frustrating. You need options that are perfectly sized, packed with healthy ingredients, and enticing enough to earn that enthusiastic lick of thanks. If you are tired of buying big bags of treats that go stale before you can finish them, or treats that cause tummy troubles, you are in the right place.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a treat ideal for your small companion, covering everything from size and texture to nutrition. Keep reading to discover the top-rated, vet-approved snacks that will keep your Yorkie happy, healthy, and begging for more!
Top Dog Treats For Yorkies Recommendations
- Real Beef Flavor: Small dog treats for small breed dogs made with real beef flavor for a great taste dogs love in every bite
- Designed for Small Breeds: Deliciously satisfying dog treats for small dogs made with small mouths in mind for toy and small breed dogs 5 to 15 lbs.
- Chewy Treat: The mini dog treats feature a hard, chewy exterior with a delicious, meaty-flavored center for a satisfying treat or reward
- Long-Lasting: Specifically designed to last, providing your dog with ample chewing pleasure
- Waltham Science: Snacks for dogs developed with Waltham Science, a world-leading authority on pet care and nutrition
- CONTAINS: One 40-oz. canister of Milk-Bone MaroSnacks small dog treats with real bone marrow
- CRUNCHY OUTSIDE, MEATY INSIDE: A dog biscuit with a satisfying combo of texture and mouthwatering flavor
- ONLY 10 CALORIES EACH: Ideal dog training treats that can also be used as an everyday snack
- MADE WITH CALCIUM: Helps maintain strong teeth and bones
- BAKED WITH LOVE: Produced in Buffalo, New York, USA
- Triple Action: These dental treats for small dogs reduce tartar buildup, clean teeth, and freshen breath for complete dental care
- X-Shape Design: Pedigree Dentastix small dog dental chews have a unique X-shape and chewy texture that helps scrape away plaque while chewing to help clean hard-to-reach areas around teeth
- Small Breed Formula: Treat your small breed dog (7 to 22 lbs.) to dental sticks for small dogs. 1 treat a day to freshen your dog's breath
- Real Chicken Flavor: Dental dog treats made with tasty chicken flavor your dog will love in every bite
- Waltham Science: Snacks for dogs developed with Waltham Science, a world-leading authority on pet care and nutrition
- Highly Palatable with natural pork liver base
- 500 treats per bag!
- Only 1.5 calories per treat
- Clean ingredients with no corn, soy or artificial flavors
- Made with natural bacon
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: BLUE Bits dog training treats are made with delicious real chicken as the first ingredient making them an ideal reward for your best friend’s best behavior
- SOFT TRAINING TREATS: For dogs that love a soft treat, BLUE Bits are tender, bite-sized morsels that are the perfect size for training; plus, with DHA to help support cognitive development, they’re an ideal puppy treat
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like Propylene Glycol and colors like Red Dye 40
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains: One (1) 11-oz bag of BLUE Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats, Chicken Recipe
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW BEEF LIVER DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut beef liver.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Baby BLUE Training Treats are made with delicious real chicken as the first ingredient, plus DHA for cognitive development, making them the ideal reward for your puppy’s best behavior
- MEATY TRAINING TREATS: For puppies that love a meaty treat, Baby BLUE training dog treats are tender, bite-sized morsels that make them perfect for training
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats contain NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free of corn, wheat and soy; Plus, they’re free of artificial preservatives and colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains One (1) 4-oz bag of Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats, Savory Chicken
- Contains one (1) 18-oz. container of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Mini’s dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats made with real chicken
- Mini dog treats that are the perfect size for treating more often
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals — 12 to be exact
- Baked with love in Buffalo, New York, USA
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Best Treats for Your Yorkie
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with big personalities. They need treats that match their tiny mouths and sensitive stomachs. Choosing the right treat keeps your dog happy and healthy. This guide helps you pick the perfect snack for your little companion.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for Yorkie treats, certain features matter most for this small breed.
- **Size and Shape:** Treats must be small. Yorkies have tiny jaws. Big, hard treats can cause choking or break their delicate teeth. Look for “bite-sized” or “mini” options.
- **Texture:** Soft or semi-moist treats are often best. Hard biscuits can be too tough for older Yorkies or those with dental issues.
- **Calorie Count:** Yorkies do not need many calories. Treats should make up less than 10% of their daily food intake. Low-calorie options prevent weight gain.
- **Nutritional Value:** Good treats offer more than just flavor. Look for added benefits like dental support or joint supplements.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients list tells you exactly what your Yorkie is eating. Prioritize high-quality, simple components.
Protein Sources
Real meat should be the first ingredient. Chicken, lamb, or fish are excellent choices. Avoid vague terms like “meat by-products.”
Avoiders List
Certain ingredients harm small dogs or offer no value. Stay away from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives (like BHA or BHT). Corn, wheat, and soy are common fillers that some Yorkies may not digest well.
Natural Goodness
Look for natural sweeteners like molasses in small amounts, or use vegetables like sweet potato for flavor. Healthy fats, like those from salmon oil, support a shiny coat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Treat Quality
Quality directly impacts your Yorkie’s health. Understand what boosts quality and what lowers it.
Improving Quality
Treats made in countries with strict food safety rules generally have higher quality. Single-ingredient treats (like dried liver) offer purity. Treats fortified with Omega-3 fatty acids improve skin and coat health significantly.
Reducing Quality
Overly processed treats lose nutritional value. Treats packed with sugar or salt offer empty calories. If a treat is very inexpensive, the ingredients are likely low-grade.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treats shapes your experience. Think about why you are giving the treat.
Training Rewards
For training sessions, you need high-value, quick-to-eat treats. They should be easy to break into even smaller pieces. A Yorkie learns quickly when the reward is instant and delicious.
Dental Care
If you use treats to help clean teeth, choose chewy, textured options designed for tartar control. These work best when given after meals.
Sensitive Stomachs
Many Yorkies have sensitive digestive systems. If your dog gets loose stools easily, choose limited-ingredient treats or novel proteins (like duck or venison) that they haven’t eaten before. Always introduce new treats slowly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Yorkie Treats
Q: How often should I give my Yorkie treats?
A: Treats should only be 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. For most small Yorkies, this means only a few small treats per day.
Q: Are rawhide bones safe for tiny dogs like Yorkies?
A: Rawhide is often too tough and poses a serious choking hazard for small breeds. It is safer to choose dental chews made from digestible ingredients or soft chews.
Q: What is the best size for a Yorkie treat?
A: Treats should be no bigger than the size of your pinky fingernail. They should be easy for your dog to swallow without needing much chewing.
Q: Should I buy grain-free treats for my Yorkie?
A: Grain-free is not always better. If your Yorkie shows no allergy to grains like rice or oatmeal, these can be good, easily digestible carbohydrates. Only choose grain-free if your vet recommends it due to a diagnosed allergy.
Q: Can human food be used as treats?
A: Yes, in moderation. Small pieces of cooked chicken, carrots, or plain apple slices work well. Avoid anything seasoned, sugary, or toxic, like grapes or onions.
Q: What should I do if my Yorkie gets an upset stomach from a new treat?
A: Stop giving the treat immediately. Stick to bland food for 24 hours. When you reintroduce treats, give a very small piece and wait a day to see how they react.
Q: Are freeze-dried treats better than baked biscuits?
A: Freeze-dried treats often retain more nutrients because they use less processing. They are usually very high in protein and highly appealing to dogs.
Q: How do I know if a treat is “dental-approved”?
A: Look for a seal or statement from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). This means the treat has been proven to help reduce plaque or tartar buildup.
Q: Are homemade treats healthier than store-bought ones?
A: Homemade treats can be healthier because you control all the ingredients. You can ensure no bad additives are included. However, ensure you use safe recipes.
Q: My Yorkie is older. What texture is best?
A: Older Yorkies often need soft, moist treats. Hard biscuits can hurt aging teeth or gums. Look for “soft chew” labeling.