Our readers keep the lights on and my smoothie glass nicely filled. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Yorkies have notoriously finicky digestive systems and tiny mouths that demand a treat engineered for their specific size and nutritional needs. A single oversized hard biscuit can lead to choking, dental damage, or unnecessary calories that pack on weight fast for a breed that should weigh under seven pounds.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. For this guide, I spent over 40 hours cross-referencing ingredient panels, bite-size metrics, calorie densities, and real customer feedback from Yorkie owners to identify the treats that genuinely deliver on safety and palatability.
The result is a tight, honest breakdown of the absolute best dog treats for yorkies that prioritize gentle digestion, proper portion size, and breed-specific dental health without sacrificing the flavor your companion craves.
How To Choose The Best Dog Treats For Yorkies
Selecting the right treat for a Yorkshire Terrier goes far beyond looking at the front of the bag. Because of their small stature, Yorkies are more vulnerable to choking hazards, dental fractures, and rapid weight gain. The following criteria are non-negotiable when evaluating any product in this category.
Bite Size and Texture
A Yorkie’s mouth can comfortably handle treats measuring roughly half an inch or smaller. Anything larger requires biting or tearing, which increases the risk of airway obstruction. Soft-baked morsels or easily breakable chips are usually safer than rigid biscuits. For dental chews, the material must be flexible enough to bend under pressure — hard nylon-style chews can chip a Yorkie’s delicate premolars.
Calorie Density and Portion Control
An adult Yorkie burns roughly 150 to 200 calories per day. A single treat containing 20 or more calories eats up over 10% of the daily allowance. Prioritize options under five calories per piece so you can use multiple rewards during training without blowing the energy budget. Single-ingredient dehydrated chips and air-dried minces tend to deliver the best calorie-to-flavor ratio.
Ingredient Purity and Allergen Profile
Yorkies are prone to food sensitivities manifesting as itchy skin, ear infections, or loose stools. A limited-ingredient formula built around a single protein source — turkey, chicken, or peanut flour — eliminates the guesswork. Avoid unspecified “meat meal,” artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, and soy, all of which are common triggers for this breed.
Dental Benefits Without the Risk
Yorkies have a genetic predisposition to periodontal disease because their small jaws crowd the teeth. Daily dental chews can reduce plaque and tartar accumulation, but only if the chew is sized explicitly for extra-small or teenie breeds. A chew meant for a 20-pound dog is too abrasive and may cause gum recession in a Yorkie. Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal or clinically backed claims of at least 30% tartar reduction.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenies Teenie Size | Dental Chew | Daily dental care, 5–15 lbs | 12 oz tub, 43 count | Amazon |
| Nylabone Nutri Dent Mini | Dental Treat | Plaque control, 160-count value | 360-degree cleaning nubs | Amazon |
| Whimzees Small Value Box | Vegetarian Dental | Grain-free, 15–25 lb dogs | 47.1 oz box, 89 count | Amazon |
| etta says! Training Treats | Soft Training | Puppy training, sensitive tummies | 16 oz bag, peanut butter | Amazon |
| Farm To Pet Turkey Chips | Single Ingredient | Hypoallergenic, picky eaters | 4 oz bag, 100% turkey breast | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Greenies Teenie Size Dental Treats
Greenies designed the Teenie size specifically for dogs between 5 and 15 pounds, which makes it the most targeted dental option for a full-grown Yorkie. The flexible, chewy texture scrubs the gumline without risking a cracked tooth, and clinical data shows a 47% reduction in tartar accumulation over 28 days of daily use. The original flavor has proven extremely palatable even for picky eaters.
Each treat delivers a controlled calorie load that fits comfortably into a Yorkie’s daily maintenance budget. Owners report noticeably fresher breath after roughly two to three weeks, and the VOHC-style backing from veterinarians removes the guesswork around whether a dental chew actually works. The tub packaging keeps the treats fresh between uses.
One minor trade-off is the speed at which most Yorkies inhale these. Because the texture is soft-chewy rather than hard, a determined dog can finish a single Greenie in under ten seconds, minimizing the mechanical cleaning duration. Splitting one in half extends the experience but also halves the surface area contact with the teeth.
Why it’s great
- Clinically proven plaque and tartar reduction in 28 days
- Perfectly sized for the 5–15 lb weight range of most Yorkies
- Veterinarian-recommended with a trusted brand history
Good to know
- Chews are consumed very quickly, reducing cleaning time
- Some picky Yorkies may not like the original flavor
2. Nylabone Nutri Dent Mini Dental Chews
The Nylabone Nutri Dent Mini chews measure just two inches long and half an inch wide, making them dimensionally appropriate for a Yorkie’s bite. The standout feature is the 360-degree cleaning nubs that create abrasive contact on all tooth surfaces as the dog chews. The filet mignon flavor is rich enough that Yorkies treat these as a high-value reward rather than a medicinal chew.
With 160 pieces in the bag, this option offers the lowest per-chew cost among the dental products reviewed. Real owners of Chihuahuas and Yorkie mixes confirm the digestible formula causes no stomach issues, and the lack of artificial preservatives or added colors aligns with the clean-ingredient preferences for sensitive breeds. The chews are firm enough to require some chewing but yield under pressure, so they won’t chip teeth.
The primary limitation is that the mini size is recommended for dogs up to 15 pounds, so larger Yorkies on the upper end of the breed standard will still be fine, but the chew session lasts only about 60 to 90 seconds. Owners seeking a longer-lasting occupation should pair these with a tougher alternative for occasional use.
Why it’s great
- Exceptional value with 160 chews per bag
- 360-degree cleaning nubs contact every tooth surface
- Digestible, limited-ingredient formula with no artificial additives
Good to know
- Chew duration is relatively short for a dental product
- Not suitable for dogs over 15 pounds
3. Wellness WHIMZEES Small Value Box
WHIMZEES takes a unique approach by crafting dental chews from vegetarian ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The small size is rated for dogs weighing 15 to 25 pounds, which is slightly above a typical Yorkie, but the chewy texture and unique shape still work well for Yorkies who need a gentle, grain-free option. The shape stimulates gums through multiple contact points as the dog rotates the chew.
Each box contains 89 pieces, making this the second-largest count in the review behind the Nylabone. Owners of small breeds like Miniature Dachshunds consistently report improved breath after just a few days, which aligns with the texture’s ability to scrape soft plaque off the enamel. Because the formula is low in fat and rich in fiber, it also supports digestive regularity — a tangible plus for Yorkies prone to loose stools.
The straight size recommendation is the main mismatch for this category. A Yorkie on the smaller end of the weight spectrum (4–6 pounds) may struggle to hold the chew comfortably or get enough abrasive contact. For a larger Yorkie at 8–10 pounds, these work well, but for the smallest individuals, the Greenies Teenie or Nylabone Mini are a better anatomical fit.
Why it’s great
- 100% vegetarian with no meat, making it ideal for allergy rotation
- Grain-free, low-fat, and high-fiber formula for sensitive digestion
- Large box count offers strong long-term value
Good to know
- Rated for 15–25 lbs, which is above the Yorkie average
- Very small Yorkies may not get optimal dental contact
4. etta says! Training Treats – Peanut Butter
The etta says! training treats come in a soft, capsule-shaped morsel that measures roughly the size of a pea — ideal for a Yorkie’s mouth and a clear win for repetitive training sessions. They are free from gelatin, corn, wheat, and soy, which directly addresses the three most common dietary triggers for Yorkies. The peanut butter flavor provides strong motivation without the high calorie count of traditional peanut butter.
Owners report the treats are not greasy and do not crumble into a mess in pockets or training pouches, a practical advantage during long obedience sessions. Multiple customer reviews confirm that even finicky Yorkies and dogs with past food sensitivities handle these without vomiting or diarrhea. The 16-ounce bag offers a reasonable volume for daily training without going stale before it is finished.
The texture is soft enough to break into even smaller pieces for a Yorkie puppy or senior with missing teeth, but the treats are not single-ingredient. Peanut flour and peanut butter flavor are the primary components, which means dogs with a true peanut allergy should avoid these. For standard Yorkies without peanut sensitivity, they remain one of the safest soft-treat options on the market.
Why it’s great
- Soft, pea-sized morsels perfect for Yorkie training sessions
- No corn, wheat, soy, or gelatin — gentle on sensitive stomachs
- Non-greasy texture that won’t stain pockets or training bags
Good to know
- Contains peanut flour, not safe for peanut-allergic dogs
- Not a dental treat — no abrasive cleaning action
5. Farm To Pet Turkey Chips
Farm To Pet Turkey Chips consist of exactly one ingredient: 100% human-grade turkey breast meat, dehydrated with no additives, preservatives, or fillers. For a Yorkie with severe food allergies or an elimination diet in progress, this is the safest possible treat because you know exactly what is in it. The chips break apart easily into smaller pieces, which is a practical feature for training a Yorkie puppy or managing portion control with an overweight adult.
At roughly 4 ounces per bag, the package size is small, but each chip has an extremely low moisture content, so a single chip weighs very little. The crunch texture satisfies a Yorkie’s natural desire to chew without being hard enough to damage teeth. Owners of picky eaters report high acceptance rates across both the chicken and turkey versions, and the low allergen profile makes this a safe rotation item for dogs prone to flare-ups.
The main drawback is the price per ounce, which is higher than any other product in this review. A 4-ounce bag does not last long when used for daily training, and the chips can be brittle — some may arrive partially crushed in transit. For owners who prioritize an uncompromised single-protein source over volume, these chips justify the premium.
Why it’s great
- Only one ingredient: human-grade turkey breast, zero additives
- Low allergen profile ideal for Yorkies with food sensitivities
- Breaks into tiny pieces for precise portion control during training
Good to know
- High price per ounce compared to multi-ingredient treats
- Brittle texture can lead to breakage during shipping
FAQ
Can Yorkies have raw bones as treats?
How many dental chews can a Yorkie have per day?
Are grain-free treats always better for Yorkies?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most owners, the dog treats for yorkies winner is the Greenies Teenie Size because it delivers clinically proven dental benefits in a size anatomically matched to the breed’s needs. If you want the best cost-per-chew for daily dental maintenance, grab the Nylabone Nutri Dent Mini. And for a pure, single-ingredient reward that sidesteps every common food sensitivity, nothing beats the Farm To Pet Turkey Chips.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.