10 Important Yorkie Foods to Avoid: The Complete Guide

When it comes to our furry little friends, especially the Yorkie kind, we need to make sure that their diet does not harm them. Some ingredients should be avoided at all costs, with all dog breeds. On the other hand, some special dog breeds need specific diets in order to live a fulfilling and healthy life. 

But what are the so-called bad foods you should eliminate from your Yorkie’s meal plan?

The short answer is to avoid anything with allergens, preservatives, harmful chemicals, and fillers. 

The long answer is that there are different food categories you should avoid giving to your Yorkie, and in these categories, there are versatile ingredients and filler foods which can cause problems for smaller dog breeds.

Let’s take a look at both store-bought and homemade foods.

Store-bought Yorkie Foods – Ingredients to Avoid

While store-bought dog foods for your Yorkie are an efficient way to stock up on the meals they will need, there are a few things dog owners should watch out for. Some low-quality foods contain ingredients that do not provide the nutrition the dogs need, and some will literally harm the dogs. 

First and foremost avoid anything with chemical preservatives in them. These can easily cause discomfort to your Yorkie in the form of allergic reactions (including hot spots, itching, and skin rash) and stomach issues.

Artificial colors can also create problems. Let’s say the lighter issue with colorings is the allergic reactions they can result in, but they are also linked to behavioral problems and a few types of cancer. It’s best to stay far away from them.

Fillers in store-bought dog food are another problem. Fillers are ingredients which are added to the food in order to – well to fill them in. They are extremely cheap and adding them to the dog food lowers the funds needed to manufacture them. The problem is that they provide little to no nutrition to the dogs, which can be a big issue with small breeds that physically cannot eat a lot – like Yorkies. Fillers result in nutritional deficiencies and intestinal distress, and they are often the cause of coprophagia.

Another cheating way to improve the quality of dog food and reach the necessary protein quota is to add animal by-products to it. This can include any type of animal organ that is basically unfit for human consumption (excluding the delicacies of some cultures of course). However, even if some exotic meals are created from lungs, brain, the intestine, or lesser meats and tissues, they are still not good for dogs and we should avoid giving foods with such organs.

Furthermore, be sure you purchase dog food for your Yorkie that SPECIFIES the type of meat it contains. Poultry, pork, beef, etc should be highlighted on the ingredient list or the nutritional label. Avoid foods with generic meats or oils which do not specify the type and where the meat came from. Unfortunately, the generic label can equal roadkill or domestic animals that had various types of disease. 

The same goes for the Made in China label on dog food. Make sure you know what is in the food that you are giving to your Yorkie. Unfortunately, unspecified ingredients and ingredients sourced from China lead to numerous pet deaths. 

You can find dog foods for your Yorkie that do not include anything of the above-mentioned ingredients, or you can go the other way and create their meals from scratch at home.

Homemade Yorkie Foods – Ingredients to Avoid

You might think that creating your Yorkie’s meals completely at home would be the better idea. Well, it can be as long as you avoid a few ingredients. Remember, just because it is safe for us to consume something, it can still be extremely harmful to your pets. Yorkies have a big appetite for adventure—especially when it comes to food. Unfortunately, not everything that smells delicious to them is safe. These are the top Yorkie foods to avoid giving your pet:

1. Chocolate

Oh, chocolate—the one treat many of us can’t live without. But for Yorkies, it’s a no-go. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two compounds that dogs can’t process like humans do. This makes it highly toxic, even in small amounts. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Baking chocolate, for instance, is essentially a nightmare for your pup’s tiny body.

Here’s the scary part: symptoms of chocolate poisoning can show up pretty quickly. You might notice your Yorkie becoming unusually hyperactive, trembling like they’ve had one too many espressos, or even suffering from a racing heartbeat. 

In severe cases, chocolate can trigger seizures. Because Yorkies are so small, it doesn’t take much chocolate to wreak havoc, so keep all your sweets stored way out of reach.

2. Alcohol

This one’s a no-brainer: alcohol and dogs don’t mix. Even a tiny sip of wine, beer, or a cocktail can be incredibly harmful to a Yorkie. Alcohol, anything with caffeine, anything spicy or overly salty, and different types of human medicine (for example weed) are fun for us, but they do not offer an enjoyable time to your Yorkie. These can cause discomfort and even serious problems to your pets. From allergic reactions, vomiting, problems to their nervous system to diarrhea, breathing problems, and even death anything can happen – especially since we are talking about tiny dogs. 

In worst-case scenarios, alcohol poisoning can lead to a coma or death. And it’s not just drinks you need to watch out for—foods cooked with alcohol, like rum cakes or beer-battered treats, can also pose a danger. Bottom line? No booze for your pup, ever.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy products are another thing you need to avoid. While some types of yogurt are actually good for Yorkies (since they provide versatile bacteria cultures that help with digestion), it’s best to steer away from milk, cheese, ice cream, butter, etc. Even a little can cause gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions. 

4. Avocado

Avocados might be a superfood for humans, but for Yorkies? Not so much. The problem lies in a compound called persin, which is harmless to us but can cause serious issues for dogs. Eating avocado can lead to stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea—two things no Yorkie owner wants to deal with.

And let’s not forget about that giant pit in the middle of the avocado. It’s not only a choking hazard but could also cause a blockage in your dog’s digestive tract if swallowed. So, while you enjoy your avocado toast, make sure your pup doesn’t get a bite, no matter how much they beg.

5. Raw meat: Be careful where you buy it

Most raw foods are also Yorkie foods to avoid. This includes raw eggs, raw poultry and fish bones, raw or uncooked meat. Dogs also need their food cooked to prevent food poisoning. Additionally, raw eggs can lead to problems with their skin and coat, while uncooked meats can contain parasites that can attack the dog and cause major problems. The issue with poultry and fish bones is that they can easily splinter, which can either choke the dog or puncture their esophagus.

6. Grapes and Raisins

These little fruits seem harmless, right? Wrong! Grapes and raisins are a hidden danger for dogs and can lead to sudden kidney failure. These are some of the most important Yorkie foods to avoid. What’s extra concerning is that researchers still don’t know exactly what makes these fruits so toxic to pups.

For Yorkies, even a single grape or raisin can spell trouble. Signs of poisoning usually start with vomiting and lethargy, and if left untreated, your dog might stop peeing altogether—a sign that their kidneys are shutting down. So, if you’re snacking on some trail mix, double-check to ensure no sneaky raisins end up on the floor where your Yorkie can gobble them up. Also, make sure to avoid macadamias and walnuts.

It should go without saying, but do not give any moldy foods to your Yorkie. If something starts to spoil it is definitely not good for them.

Other Dangerous Yorkie Foods to Avoid

There are plenty of sneaky hazards lurking in everyday items you might not think twice about. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more surprising ones you should add to your mental checklist of Yorkie foods to avoid.

1. Xylitol (Sugar-Free Sweeteners)

Xylitol might sound like some fancy ingredient, but it’s actually just a sugar substitute found in all sorts of sugar-free goodies, like gum, candy, and even some baked goods. While it’s a harmless sweetener for humans, it’s seriously toxic for dogs. For Yorkies, who are already small and more sensitive to toxins, it can be downright deadly.

What makes xylitol so dangerous? It tricks your Yorkie’s body into thinking they’ve consumed a ton of sugar, causing their insulin levels to spike and their blood sugar to crash—fast. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning can include vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and even liver failure in severe cases.

What’s scary is how common xylitol is. It’s in things like peanut butter brands marketed as “sugar-free,” so always double-check the label before sharing even the tiniest treat with your pup. Bottom line: if it’s sugar-free, keep it far away from your Yorkie.

2. Coffee and Caffeine

You might love your morning coffee or energy drink, but your Yorkie absolutely shouldn’t share that enthusiasm. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, soda, and even chocolate, is toxic to dogs. It speeds up their heart rate and can make them jittery and hyperactive—not in a fun way. For Yorkies, just a small amount of caffeine can lead to symptoms like restlessness, rapid breathing, tremors, and, in extreme cases, seizures.

And let’s face it: Yorkies are already bundles of energy. They don’t need any extra help in the hyperactivity department! So, no matter how tempting it might be to let them lick your coffee cup, make sure it stays out of reach. And while we’re at it, don’t forget to keep coffee grounds and tea bags safely disposed of, too.

3. Fatty Foods

We get it—it’s hard to resist those puppy-dog eyes when you’re munching on bacon or fried chicken. But high-fat foods are another big addition to the list of Yorkie foods to avoid. These rich, greasy treats might be delicious for us, but they’re way too heavy for your Yorkie’s tiny digestive system to handle.

Feeding your Yorkie fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis, which is a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Trust us, pancreatitis is no joke—it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Instead of sharing fatty snacks, stick to healthier options like dog-friendly treats or veggies like carrots. Your Yorkie will be just as happy, and you’ll have the peace of mind that you’re keeping them safe.

4. Raw Dough

Baking bread at home? That’s great—but keep the raw dough away from your curious Yorkie. Yeast dough might not seem dangerous at first glance, but it can actually cause some serious issues if your dog gets into it.

Here’s why: when your Yorkie eats raw dough, the yeast in it continues to rise inside their stomach. This can lead to painful bloating, which might even require emergency veterinary intervention. But wait—it gets worse. As the yeast ferments, it produces alcohol as a byproduct, meaning your dog is now dealing with alcohol poisoning on top of bloating.

So, if you’re kneading some dough or leaving it out to rise, make sure your Yorkie is far, far away from the kitchen counter. And as always, clean up spills quickly to prevent any accidental munching.

Common Symptoms of Food Toxicity in Yorkies

1. Vomiting or Diarrhea

One of the first signs your Yorkie’s tummy is upset is vomiting or diarrhea. If your usual happy go lucky pup is having accidents or can’t keep anything down it’s a red flag. An upset tummy can be caused by many things but if they’ve gotten into something suspect don’t take any chances.

2. Lethargy or Weakness

Yorkies are full of energy so if yours is suddenly acting sluggish or can’t get up and move around it’s a big warning sign. Lethargy or weakness means their body is fighting something toxic and they need help ASAP.

3. Excessive Drooling

All dogs drool a little but if your Yorkie is drooling like a faucet has turned on it’s time to worry. Excessive drooling can be a response to nausea or irritation in their mouth and throat from something toxic.

4. Tremors or Seizures

This one is super scary. If your Yorkie starts shaking uncontrollably or worse has a seizure it’s a clear sign they’ve ingested something toxic. Certain foods like chocolate or xylitol (a common ingredient in sugar-free products) can cause neurological symptoms like this. Don’t wait—call your vet if you see any unusual twitching or spasms.

5. Loss of Appetite

Yorkies are foodies so if they’re suddenly not interested in their food it’s a red flag. Lack of appetite can mean their tummy is upset or they’re feeling sick after eating something from the list of Yorkie foods to avoid.

6. Rapid Heart Rate

Some toxic foods like caffeine or chocolate can make your Yorkie’s heart race. If you see their chest heaving faster than normal or they seem anxious and restless it’s time to act fast. A rapid heart rate can quickly turn into a bigger problem if not treated.

7. Difficulty Breathing

If your Yorkie is panting heavily, wheezing or having trouble catching their breath it’s a big deal. Difficulty breathing could mean they’ve eaten something toxic or it could be an allergic reaction. Either way this is an emergency that needs help now.

What to Do If You Think Food Toxicity

If you see any of these symptoms don’t panic—but do act fast. First figure out what your Yorkie might have eaten. Is there an empty chocolate wrapper around? Did they grab a grape from the table? Knowing what they ate will help your vet know what to do.

Then call your vet or a pet poison hotline. They’ll tell you what to do next—whether it’s to monitor at home, bring them in or induce vomiting (but only if told to do so).

Good Yorkie Foods for a Healthy Yorkie

Whether you buy prepackaged food for your Yorkie or create meals plans at home, you need to know what ingredients you need to avoid. 

While some foods can improve the quality of life of your Yorkie, some can easily end it in a blink of an eye. For that reason, avoiding problematic and harmful foods and ingredients is half the battle won.

As long as you know what your pets, especially your small breed, dogs are not allowed to eat, you can start finding foods that will improve their health. Eliminating issues is the first step towards having a healthy and happy Yorkshire Terrier.

Now when you know what foods to avoid, it’s time to learn about food that Yorkies love and can safely eat.