Choosing Healthy Yorkshire Terrier Snacks, Training Treats, and Edible Chews

October 22, 2021

What you give your Yorkie for snacks, training treats, and edible chews is as important as what you give him for main meals. These treats can account for 20 to 30 percent of a dog's daily consumption, so timing, portion size, and ingredient quality should all be considered.

Here, we'll look at the differences between different sorts of snacks, when it's appropriate to serve them, and some fantastic advice for making healthy choices, as well as specific recommendations.

Fruitables Pumpkin Dog Treats, Variety Pack of 5
Wellness Rewarding Life Grain-Free Soft Dog Treats (Previously Wellbites), Made in USA with Natural Ingredients, Ideal for Training (Chicken & Lamb Recipe, 6-Ounce Bag)
Sam's Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chewz, All Natural Made in USA Sweet Potato Dog Treats - Dried and Chewy - Perfect for Small, Medium, and Large Dogs - Healthy Dog Supplement Treats, 5 oz Single Pack
Fruitables Pumpkin Dog Treats, Variety Pack of 5
Wellness Rewarding Life Grain-Free Soft Dog Treats (Previously Wellbites), Made in USA with Natural Ingredients, Ideal for Training (Chicken & Lamb Recipe, 6-Ounce Bag)
Sam's Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chewz, All Natural Made in USA Sweet Potato Dog Treats - Dried and Chewy - Perfect for Small, Medium, and Large Dogs - Healthy Dog Supplement Treats, 5 oz Single Pack
-
-
Fruitables Pumpkin Dog Treats, Variety Pack of 5
Fruitables Pumpkin Dog Treats, Variety Pack of 5
-
Wellness Rewarding Life Grain-Free Soft Dog Treats (Previously Wellbites), Made in USA with Natural Ingredients, Ideal for Training (Chicken & Lamb Recipe, 6-Ounce Bag)
Wellness Rewarding Life Grain-Free Soft Dog Treats (Previously Wellbites), Made in USA with Natural Ingredients, Ideal for Training (Chicken & Lamb Recipe, 6-Ounce Bag)
Sam's Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chewz, All Natural Made in USA Sweet Potato Dog Treats - Dried and Chewy - Perfect for Small, Medium, and Large Dogs - Healthy Dog Supplement Treats, 5 oz Single Pack
Sam's Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chewz, All Natural Made in USA Sweet Potato Dog Treats - Dried and Chewy - Perfect for Small, Medium, and Large Dogs - Healthy Dog Supplement Treats, 5 oz Single Pack
-

Before we get started, let's quickly define four types of goodies to assist keep things organized:

Avoiding Ingredients

Knowing what to feed a Yorkie for snacks, treats, and chews entails knowing what to avoid. So, let's go through some of the harmful components that pet parents should be aware of and avoid:

Products originating in other countries (especially China) that have been linked to chemicals and poisonous substances that have resulted in illness and death. When shopping for snacks for your Yorkie, take note of where the food is produced and made.

BHA, BHT, calcium propionate, ethoxyquin, potassium sorbate, and sodium nitrate are examples of artificial preservatives that can cause minor to severe allergic reactions. Some of them have been related to liver and renal disorders, neurological problems, cancer, and other ailments.

Yellow #5 and #6, Blue #2, and Red #40 are artificial colors that might induce allergic reactions.

MSG and other artificial flavors (monosodium glutamate). Numerous animal investigations have shown that it is harmful to the liver, brain, thymus, and kidneys, as well as causing allergic reactions.

Fillers (corn, cereals, high grain counts, peanut hulls, and so on) - These can be added to bulk out food while providing little to no nutritional benefit. Some of these may trigger allergic reactions as well as digestive problems.

By-products are animal parts that are deemed inappropriate for human consumption and may include lungs, brain, bone, intestines, stomach, spleen, and other organs, as well as undeveloped eggs.

Generic meats or oils will be labeled as 'animal oil' or'meat by-product,' for example. This can be obtained from almost any animal, including road death and unhealthy farm animals.

Pig ears or raw hide Raw hide (produced from the inner layer of cow skins) and pig ears (dehydrated ear of a pig) are very hard treats that are choking dangers and can cause internal obstruction.

Now that you've learned what to avoid, let's look at how to select the best snacks and treats for your Yorkshire Terrier.

Yorkshire Terrier Snacks - What you should know

Snacks, as mentioned previously, are little quantities of food served in between meals. Yorkshire Terriers are a toy-sized breed, thus they need at least three main meals per day, plus a few snacks. This allows this breed to prevent blood glucose drops, which can quickly lead to hypoglycemia.

If you're going to be away from home with your Yorkie, carry along some food that can be provided while you're out. Snacks can also be offered before a car ride to help reduce motion sickness or when administering medication (to cover a pill and/or coat the stomach).

Store-bought snacks can be chewy or crunchy, although in many cases, the dryer 'crunchy' options (labeled 'baked,' 'oven baked,' or 'crunchy') work best to fulfill between meals.

Snacks can include fruits and vegetables from your refrigerator, as well as a spoon of peanut butter or a few spoonful of yogurt.

Top three store-bought suggestions

1. Crunchy Fruitables Dog Treats

Fruitables Pumpkin Dog Treats, Variety Pack of 5
  • Contains one 7-Ounce Pouch Each of Pumpkin Apple, Pumpkin Banana, Pumpkin Blueberry, Pumpkin Cranberry and Sweet Potato & Pecan
  • Oven baked crunchy treats made with fresh pumpkin and a touch of cinnamon will drive your dog into a drooling frenzy
  • Treats are rich in antioxidants & vitamins, high in fiber and less than 9 calories each
  • Crafted with a patent pending Calorie Smart recipe, perfect for treating or training every day
  • Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E and an excellent source of dietary fiber. Produced in the USA

For a variety of reasons, this is one of our top recommendations. This line of dog snacks is fruit-based, as you might have guessed from the name, and these particular ones all feature pumpkin along with another wonderful food that complements it (blueberry, banana, cranberry, apple or sweet potato). Pumpkin is a super-healthy snack that is high in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as dietary fiber. It is also quite gentle on the stomach (a huge plus for this toy breed).

Importantly, this dog treat contains just natural goodness; there are no chemical preservatives or additives of any kind. It is organically preserved with green tea extract, rosemary extract, and spearmint extract. This toy's size is suitable for little canines such as the Yorkshire Terrier (though these can be given to large dogs as well). Fruitables is also made in the United States.

2. Crunchy Wellness Core Petite Treats

Wellness Petite Treats Crunchy Mini-Bites with Chicken Brown, 6-Ounce Bag
  • SMALL BREED CRUNCHY TREATS: These grain free, all natural treats sized just for small breeds; each mini bite is packed with great flavor from premium ingredients for a taste your dog will love
  • ALL NATURAL: These crunchy and tasty mini bites are made with high quality meats and premium ingredients, including flaxseed to promote a healthy, shiny coat
  • THOUGHTFULLY MADE: We craft delicious treats with simple, natural, high quality ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits; no meat byproducts, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
  • FIND THE RIGHT TREATS: From puppy to senior, small dog to large breed, crunchy to chewy, grained to grain free, treating to training, we've got an all natural recipe for every dog's needs and taste
  • WELLNESS NUTRITION: Created by nutritionists, veterinarians and animal lovers, our recipes provide an ideal balance of nature's finest ingredients, carefully selected to nourish and sustain your pet's wellbeing

This has to be one of our top selections because it's a really healthy food that's grain-free and full of bold flavor, while also being specifically developed for little dogs like the Yorkshire Terrier. It's worth noting that some of the snacks in this series are chewy (like the lamb & apple), whilst this one (chicken & cherry) is crunchy.

Wellness is a high-quality brand that never employs artificial preservatives or additives; instead, they use a vitamin blend to preserve their food (it will show as mixed tocopherols). We also like that many of their kibbles and treats have extras; for example, this snack has omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for keeping healthy skin and coat. This is made in the United States.

3. Salmon Dog Treats by Green Butterfly Brands

Green Butterfly Brands Salmon Dog Treats – Made in USA Only – 1 Ingredient: Wild Caught American Salmon – Freeze Dried Raw, Human Grade – No Additives or Preservatives - Grain Free Cat Snack, 5 Ounces
  • PURE SALMON – ZERO ADDITIVES – One delicious ingredient: wild caught salmon – freeze dried raw to preserve the valuable natural nutrients. We keep the skin on for an extra boost of flavor & nutrients!
  • HEALTHY & NUTRITIOUS – You’ll love giving your best friend quality treats packed with nutrients and fatty acids like Omega 3 and 6, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Vitamins A, B12, D and more, that support a healthy brain, joints & immune system and maintain strong skin & nails.
  • BEST SAFE TRAINING TREAT – Certified safe salmon, great for sensitive tummies. Perfect for training to correct behavioral problems or as an everyday rewards for small & large dogs and cats. Approximately 125 snack sized treats per 5 oz resealable bag.
  • SUPPORT OUR TROOPS - We proudly donate a portion of all sales to train service dogs for disabled Veterans, Our Military Heroes.
  • TAILS WILL WAG – Pets LOVE the taste - Even the finickiest dogs will find our Premium Salmon Fish Treats Made in America irresistible or your money back. Cats love them, too! Pro Tip: Use small pieces or dust at bottom of bag as a special meal topper.

You can't go wrong with a dog snack that only has one ingredient: salmon. This is freeze-dried wild-caught American salmon with no added additives, and the freeze-drying method preserves all of the nutrients in these small square bites.

Of course, almost every dog like salmon, and it's a superfood high in protein, vitamins, and omega fatty acids, which stimulate the immune system, keep the skin and hair healthy, and are beneficial to joint health. With only one ingredient, salmon, this is great for Yorkies with dietary intolerances or allergies. These are fantastic as a snack as well as a way to break up meals and lure picky eaters. This is made in the United States.

Yorkshire Terrier Training Treats

Training treats, as the name suggests, are food nibbles provided as a reward when training a puppy or dog. Delicious treats may be incredibly motivating for dogs and are frequently used in conjunction with praise to swiftly and efficiently show a dog that they've done something fantastic. Housebreaking, command training, teaching a Yorkie to heel, and every other time you want to send a loud message of a job well-done should all be rewarded with training goodies.

In a few ways, training treats differ from typical dog nibbles. The most essential aspect is that they are designed to be extremely compact. This allows you to deliver many prizes in quick succession without disrupting your Yorkie's appetite for regular meals.

A highly desired flavor (after all, this type of goodie won't perform its job if a Yorkie doesn't regard it as a cherished reward) and a soft texture (may be termed 'chewy' or'soft') are also evident in good training treats.

It is important to note that anything you choose as a training treat for your Yorkshire Terrier should only be used for that reason and should not be provided as a regular snack. If these are distributed too freely, their worth will dwindle.

Top three store-bought suggestions

1. Soft Bites Training Treats for Wellness

Wellness Rewarding Life Grain-Free Soft Dog Treats (Previously Wellbites), Made in USA with Natural Ingredients, Ideal for Training (Chicken & Lamb Recipe, 6-Ounce Bag)
  • GRAIN-FREE TRAINING DOG TREATS: These delicious, grain free soft dog treats are made with chicken and lamb for a flavor and texture your dog will love; treats are great for everyday treating, training or snacking.
  • ALL NATURAL: Created by nutritionists and veterinarians, our recipe is made with whole fruits and veggies including superfoods like blueberries and sweet potatoes for a naturally craveable flavor and a boost of antioxidants
  • SUPPORTS SHINY COAT: All-natural treats include Omega-3 fatty acids and flaxseed to promote a healthy, shiny coat for your dog
  • NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Treats for dogs do not contain poultry by products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives
  • MADE IN USA: Our dog treats are quality-assured, made in USA, and crafted from the finest globally-sourced ingredients; treats are tender, all-natural, and bite-sized for small, medium, and large dogs of all lifestages, and activity levels

Wellness is a high-quality brand that offers everything a pet parent may want in a treat. As a preservative, they use an all-natural vitamin mixture (seen as mixed tocopherols), spearmint, sorbic acid (derived from berries), rosemary, and green tea extracts. These are also grain-free, with no soy, corn, byproducts, or artificial additions of any kind.

Chicken, salmon, chickpeas, potatoes, carrots, and blueberries are among the nutritious ingredients. These are marketed for pups (and work fantastically for toilet training), but they can also be administered to older Yorkies. The sizing on these is great, and they can be easily broken down into smaller pieces if you'll be handing out a lot of these in a single session. These are made in the United States.

2. Soft Petite Wellness Core Treats

Wellness Petite Treats Natural Grain Free Small Breed Soft Dog Treats, Turkey & Pomegranate, 6-Ounce Bag
  • SMALL BREED CHEWY TREATS: These grain free, all natural treats sized just for small breeds; each mini bite is packed with great flavor from premium ingredients for a taste your dog will love
  • ALL NATURAL: These moist and tasty mini bites are made with high quality meats and premium ingredients, including flaxseed to promote a healthy, shiny coat
  • THOUGHTFULLY MADE: We craft delicious treats with simple, natural, high quality ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits; no meat byproducts, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
  • FIND THE RIGHT TREATS: From puppy to senior, small dog to large breed, crunchy to chewy, grained to grain free, treating to training, we've got an all natural recipe for every dog's needs and taste
  • WELLNESS NUTRITION: Created by nutritionists, veterinarians and animal lovers, our recipes provide an ideal balance of nature's finest ingredients, carefully selected to nourish and sustain your pet's wellbeing

This next Wellness item hits our top three list for a variety of reasons. This all-natural treat is sized perfectly for little breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier. The soft version comes in two fantastic flavors: lamb and apple and turkey, pomegranate, and ginger, both of which are quite attractive as a special treat.

These are grain-free and include no byproducts, artificial colors, flavors, fillers, or preservatives; instead, they use a natural preservative made up of a vitamin mixture (visible as mixed tocopherols), spearmint, rosemary, and green tea extract. There's flaxseed for an added omega-3 boost, and there's plenty of protein. These are made in the United States.

3. Merrick Lil Plates Dog Treats is number three on the list.

Merrick Lil Plates Teensy Turducken Recipe Dog Treat, 5Oz, Model:26051
  • One (1) 5 oz Pouch - Merrick Lil' Plates Teensy Turducken Recipe Small Breed Dog Treats
  • Merrick Lil' Plates Teensy Turducken Recipe Small Breed Dog Treats
  • Real deboned turkey is the first ingredient in these grain free small dog treats
  • Healthy, natural dog treats in a variety of fun shapes that are perfectly sized for small breed dogs
  • Grain free dog treats crafted with prebiotic fiber for optimal digestion and Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat

This is a new addition to our list of favorites, and we're really digging it. This is an all-natural, super-healthy treat designed specifically for petite breeds like as the Yorkshire Terrier. There are three delicious tastes to choose from: Small Salmon, Teensey Turducken (turkey, duck, and chicken), and Bitty Beef. Aside from the healthful components that contain no artificial additives, flavors, or fillers, they also have immune-boosting omega 3 and 6 oils as well as a prebiotic fiber that makes these incredibly digestible and easy on the stomach. These are made in the United States.

Yorkshire Terrier Chews that are edible

Many dogs enjoy chewing on objects, and edible dog chews are designed to satisfy those chewing desires by providing a long-lasting reward that can take hours to fully consume. These can be a terrific way to keep a Yorkie entertained and can be used to refocus a dog who is tearing apart non-toy or non-food items.

Raw hide (made from the hide of animals including cows that is pressed together into shapes and then flavored) and pig ears (literally the ear of a pig that is dehydrated and sometimes flavored) are both choking hazards for dogs and can cause stomach or intestinal blockage; both of these are choking hazards for dogs and can cause stomach or intestinal blockage.

However, there are some tasty alternatives, such as hardened cheese or sweet potato sweets, as shown below. One thing to keep in mind with this type of treat is that, due to their rough texture, it's advisable to observe your Yorkie while he or she is chewing on one; any little bits that fall off should be thrown away.

The speed with which a Yorkie can consume an edible chew varies based on the sort of chew treat, as well as their enthusiasm and jaw power, but in general, these are supposed to last far longer than snacks or training treats, lasting anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours.

Top picks include:

1. Sweet Potato Bichon Fries from Sam's Yams

Sam's Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chewz, All Natural Made in USA Sweet Potato Dog Treats - Dried and Chewy - Perfect for Small, Medium, and Large Dogs - Healthy Dog Supplement Treats, 5 oz Single Pack
  • 100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Sam's Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chewz are made in the USA with only natural dried sweet potato which is naturally high in beta-carotene, the precursor of Vitamin A, a necessity for healthy eyes and vision. We believe in keeping our ingredients simple and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, so you can feel good about giving your pup a nutritious snack that supports their overall health and well being.
  • PLENTY OF VARIETY: Our sweet potato dog treats come in a range of sizes and shapes, including chews and bites. From training treats to longer-lasting chews, we have everything your dog needs to stay happy and healthy.
  • KEEP YOUR PET'S TEETH HEALTHY: The chewing motion helps remove plaque and tartar, keeping your pet's teeth and gums healthy. Give your dog sweet potato treats and you'll see improved oral health in no time. What could be better than a happy and healthy pup?
  • SATISFYING CHEWS: Our sweet potato dog chews are perfect for satisfying your dog's natural chewing instincts. They're a nutritious and delicious option for dogs of all sizes, providing a satisfying snack while promoting dental health.
  • MADE WITH CARE: We take pride in creating high-quality dog treats that you can trust. At Front Porch Pets, we make our sweet potato dog treats with care and attention to detail, ensuring that your pup gets only the best-quality treats.

As previously stated, one-ingredient desserts are difficult to go wrong with, which is why this nutritious treat is a top selection. The only ingredient is sweet potato, which is a super-healthy and easy-to-digest food for dogs. These are made for little dogs like the Yorkie. These are hardened and grooved, making them beneficial to the teeth and gums (but do not use this as a replacement for regular dental chews - details ahead).

Small Yorkies may require this to be cut into two pieces, however larger Yorkies can frequently operate on a single piece. These are made in the United States.

2. Yak Chews for Dogs from Native America

Native Pet Yak Chews for Dogs (Bulk Size - 10 Medium Chews). Pasture-Raised and Organic Himalayan Churpi Chew. Long Lasting, Low Odor, and Protein Rich Reward Treat.
  • SIMPLE INGREDIENTS & ORGANIC: Native Pet’s yak cheese himalayan churpi chews are produced using traditional processing techniques and 3 simple ingredients: pasture-raised yak and cow's milk, salt, and lime juice.
  • LOW ODOR & LONG LASTING: yak milk dog chews have minimal odor compared to rawhide and bully sticks - plus they keep your pooch occupied for hours, even the most aggressive chewers!
  • PROMOTES ORAL HEALTH: our all-natural dental chew is a hard treat that encourages active chewing, which reduces tartar and improves oral hygiene.
  • PROTEIN RICH, GLUTEN FREE, GRAIN FREE, LACTOSE FREE: yak bones are a healthy source of protein and a clean treat that’s gentle on sensitive stomachs.
  • RISK FREE PROMISE: If you aren’t satisfied, we will fully refund your purchase, no questions asked!

We adore this rawhide alternative for Yorkshire Terriers, and we're sure your little boy or gal would as well. These firm cheese chews are produced with just four ingredients: yak milk, cow's milk, lime juice, and a pinch of sea salt. What's great about these yak chews is that they come in small sizes that are ideal for most Yorkies weighing 5 pounds or more.

These are extremely durable, and while the piece size will vary, most will endure more than one chewing session. Hold onto the remaining piece if your Yorkie takes a break; you can'refresh it' by microwaving it for 20 to 30 seconds and allowing it to cool before giving it back to them.

Yak cheese, like most yak chews, is sourced from the Himalayan Himalayas and produced in the United States.

Yorkshire Terrier Dental Treats

Yorkshire Terriers, like many other toy breeds, are susceptible to dental problems such as decay, infection, gingivitis, and tooth loss. As a result, you'll want to take extra care of your Yorkie's teeth. Dental treats, in addition to chores such as brushing, spraying, or wiping the teeth and gums, play a function.

Dental treats for dogs are edible chews that, due to their hard substance and shape, help scrape plaque and tartar from a dog's teeth. Please keep in mind that due to the nature of their construction, a dog should be observed when eating these; any little bits that may break off should be picked up and disposed of.

This type of treat should be provided once a day, instead of as a snack.

Best recommendation:

1. Natural Greenies Teenie Dog Dental Treats

Sale
GREENIES Original TEENIE Natural Dog Dental Care Chews Oral Health Dog Treats, 36 oz. Pack (130 Treats)
  • Small Dog Dental Treats: One GREENIES dental treat a day is all it takes for clean teeth, fresh breath and a happy dog; These irresistibly tasty treats feature a delightfully chewy texture that helps fight plaque and tartar
  • Supports Oral Health: The chewy texture helps clean teeth, maintain healthy gums and freshen breath to make mouths happy day after day
  • Find the Right Treat: We make GREENIES Dental Treats for every age from puppy to mature, and every dog size from small to large, plus we offer Grain Free, Weight Management, Blueberry Flavor and Fresh Flavor varieties
  • Made With Natural Ingredients Plus Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrients: GREENIES dental treats are easy to digest with highly soluble ingredients and provide balanced nutrition for adult dogs for healthy and delicious treating
  • Veterinarian Recommended for Dental Care: These dental treats are made from high quality ingredients combined into soft chews your dog will love

Snacks and treats that are made from human food

Of course, some human foods can be properly fed to dogs as both snacks and treats. Many of them are used in home culinary recipes, but they can also be given as is.

Fruit is a good option because most dogs enjoy its sweetness; the fiber in most fruit helps natural fructose, so dogs do not get a "sugar high." However, fruit should be consumed in moderation. Apple (no core or seeds), blackberries, blueberries, banana, mango, pear, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelon are all safe to feed Yorkies. Never feed grapes to your dog. Freeze some fruit for a refreshing snack on hot summer days.

Vegetables can also be an excellent option, however most dogs will only eat a couple of them. Carrots, peas, green beans, sweet potato, and pumpkin are all safe to feed to Yorkies as treats. Adding a dab of plain whole yogurt on top can make it more appealing to consume.

Peanut butter, cottage cheese, and scrambled eggs are other human foods that can be given to Yorkies as a snack in moderation. Of course, many meats and fish, such as lean beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, and whitefish, are also healthy choices.

Related Post
Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet.

Copyright © Fur Genius. All Rights Reserved

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram