Did you know that the Yorkie’s coat bears a similar feel to human hair? Fun fact huh! That aside, I have reviewed the 6 best treats for Yorkies in 2022.
The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as Tomboy Toy or Yorkie, stands out as the most popular dog breed in the U.S. due to its stylish looks, loyalty, and adaptability to apartment living. Their reputation dates back to the second world war where Smoky (a Yorkie) acted as a therapy dog to wounded soldiers. Smoky also aided in dragging a communication cable via a 60-feet long drainage culvert.
Yorkies make excellent companion pooches even for novices and have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. But when it comes to eating, Yorkies are very demanding as they are energetic and require specific nutrients to thrive. So, are you looking for the best treats for Yorkies? You are in the right place. You can also check out these best treats for senior dogs.
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What to Look for When Choosing the Best Treats for Yorkies
Yorkies are a small dog breed which is a very crucial factor to consider when picking the best treat for him. While they have a huge appetite, Yorkies are also fussy eaters which make things more complex. Even worse, Yorkies are prone to dental disease and hypoglycemia.
Here are 4 qualities to look for when choosing treats for your Yorkie:
- Size
Yorkies are in the small dog breeds category which means that you have to consider their small mouth size. Their miniature body requires tiny treats so they can chew easily and maintain good calorie levels.
- Calorie Count
Though energetic, Yorkies are tiny which means their bodies do not need lots of calories. The calorie count in their daily diet should be between 150 and 175. Feeding Yorkies more than that amount of calories hinders them from eating more healthy foods during their meals.
- Country of Manufacture
Just like dog foods, the treat’s country of origin matters! Choose dog treats that are made in countries with stringent food safety standards even if it means buying them a little costlier. These countries include the U.S., Canada, Australia, the EU, and New Zealand.
- Texture
As mentioned earlier, Yorkies are susceptible to dental disease. As such, you should feed them with crunchy treats that help clean their teeth to avoid plaque and tartar build-up. This is particularly crucial for Yorkies that are fed a wet-food diet regularly.
Go get the best treat for your furry friend now.
6 Best Treats for Yorkies
Now that we know what to look for, next is finding the best. When you give your Yorkie a treat, it is like a gesture of saying how much you appreciate them. And while he enjoys it due to the aroma, you and I know not all treats are ideal for him.
So, here are our 6 best treats for Yorkies you can find in the market in 2022:
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Reviews of the 6 Best Treats for Yorkies
Yorkies are susceptible to dental disease which means that you must be careful when picking. We know this can be wearing given the specific needs so we did the hard part for you. Here is a review of our 6 best treats for your Yorkie, including their pros and cons from honest customer reviews.
Full Moon All-Natural Human-Grade Dog Treats
$14.89 in stock
Free shipping
Our overall best treats for Yorkies from Full Moon is prepared with real meat ingredients that include all the vital amino acids that your Yorkie needs to be healthy.
This all-natural human-grade dog treats contains real US farm-raised chicken meat as the first ingredient. To preserve the freshness and palatability of these muscle chicken breast slices, the treats are oven-baked to ensure your Yorkie delights in every piece.
This limited ingredients Full Moon chicken jerky recipe does not include glycerine, artificial flavours, colours, or additives. Full Moon only uses rosemary extract, a natural preservative. It is also grain-free which is ideal for Yorkies with sensitivities.
Pros:
- Good quality
- USA farm-raised chicken
- Grain-free
- Palatable & chewy
Cons:
- Complaints of inconsistency in batches
- Reported degrading quality
- Unfit for dogs with chicken allergies
Jiminy’s Cricket Protein Sweet Potato and Pea Soft & Chewy Dog Training Treats
Are you looking for the best treats for your Yorkie pup? This Peas & Sweet Potato Chewy Treats recipe from Jiminy’s is a fantastic choice. As your Yorkie puppy grows, he needs plenty of proteins for lean, strong muscle tissues, probiotics, and fatty acids.
Instead of traditional meats, these treats contain cricket protein which is hypoallergenic. As such, it cannot trigger allergies in your canine buddy. The best thing with this protein source is that it is highly digestible and acts as a prebiotic that promotes your pup’s immune system.
To ensure that your Yorkshire pup maintains a healthy skin and lustrous coat, this formula from Jiminy’s includes omega-3 fatty acids. Cricket protein is also rich in vitamin B12 that improves digestion and your Yorkie’s optimal health and wellness. Other ingredients include yellow peas, oats and sweet potatoes.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic treats
- Aromatic & delicious
- High quality
- Excellent for giving medicine
- Best for Yorkshire pups
Cons:
- High price tag
- Some batches are too crumbly
Pupford Store Freeze-Dried Training Treats for Dogs
If you have been wondering which dog treats are best for training your Yorkie, Pupford Store got you covered. Their freeze-dried training treats for dogs are prepared using a single recipe of sweet potatoes, an ingredient that has low calorie content (1 kcal/treat) and very palatable.
We found Yorkies to be independent which makes training complex and you can spend extended periods reinforcing positive behaviour. And since they can demand lots of treats during the training session, this low calorie recipe is a perfect choice for that task.
This training treats for dogs are not only prepared to catch your Yorkie’s attention but to maintain concentration during the exercise. Other recipes include chicken, salmon, beef, and liver recipes.
Pros:
- Delicious treats
- Excellent for training Yorkies
- High quality
- Freeze-dried
Cons:
- Inconsistency in batches
- High price tag
- Reported large amounts of broken up treat pieces
Himalayan Dog Chews
$7.99 in stock
Free shipping
Our fourth-best treats for Yorkies from the Himalayan Pet Supply Store is a wonderful choice for pet owners whose canine pals are aggressive chewers. This all-natural hard cheese chew primal recipe is prepared using limited ingredients like milk from yak & cow, lime juice and salt.
This is an all-round recipe that is rich in proteins (526%), moderate in carbs (303%), and low in fat (9%) for a healthy Yorkie that won’t turn overweight. These simple treats are preserved naturally via traditional techniques that have been used for ages. This ensures a prolonged shelf-life so you can feed your heavy chewer.
If you are looking for an alternative to rawhide treats with a similar hard texture, you can never go wrong with the Himalayan Dog Chews. These treats will keep your Yorkie’s teeth healthy and the sticks have zero odour.
Pros:
- Great for Yorkies that chew aggressively
- Good rawhide alternative
- Traditional preservation tactics
- Keeps teeth healthy
- Nutritious chews
Cons:
- Inconsistency in batches
- Texture reported to be too hard
- Some dogs do not digest it fully
VetIQ Minties Dog Dental Bone Treats
Do you hate the bad breath that comes out of your Yorkie’s mouth? You are not alone and dental disease is a common health problem in Yorkies. Our fifth-best treats for Yorkies from VetIQ is an incredible preference for your canine friend’s needs.
These Minties Dog Dental Bone Treats are made with five different breath fresheners, including peppermint, alfalfa, fennel, parsley, and dill. What we like about these treats is that they contain no corn, soy, or wheat and they are vet recommended for dental care.
The treats feature an exclusive shape and texture that scours your Yorkie’s teeth clean as he chews them. As such, he prevents the build-up of plaque and tartar so his teeth can remain sparkling clean throughout. Now, what else can promote a good oral health in your Yorkshire other than these Minties? Say goodbye to your Yorkie’s bad breath.
Pros:
- Perfect for picky eaters
- Maintains oral health & decent breath
- Great value for money
- Excellent quality
Cons:
- Reported health issues with some dogs
- Strong odour
BAGEN Dog Toothbrush Stick 2 Pack
Are you looking for treats that are specifically crafted for cleaning your Yorkie’s clean? Try out our sixth-best treats for Yorkies from BAGEN. This dog toothbrush stick 2 pack can be paired with your pooch’s preferred toothpaste for a healthy dental.
It is an ideal choice for Yorkies who hate teeth brushing. This toothbrush stick features a hollow centre where you can hide the toothpaste that does the cleaning as your Yorkie chews. The toothbrush is made with natural rubber and is pervaded with milk fragrance for an adorable odour.
For a stress-free toothbrush care, the rubber material used is easy to clean in a dishwasher or with soap and water. If you want a remarkable method to clean your teeth without putting your finger inside your belligerent Yorkie, BAGEN got you covered.
Pros:
- Ergonomic toothbrush design
- Maintains fresh breath
- Good quality & robust built
- Keeps dogs busy
- Cleans the teeth
Cons:
- Some dogs refuse to chew
- Reported awful smells
- Would need suction cups on bottom
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When Do You Give Your Yorkies Treats?
Like with many other dogs, treats come in handy during reward-based training. Yorkies are intelligent, yes, but also very self-reliant or independent. This makes training quite a task!
You can use treats when training your Yorkie basic commands or to reinforce good behaviour. For instance, Yorkies are known to be yappy and this sharp bark can be ear-splitting for you and your neighbours.
When teaching your Yorkie the ‘Quiet’ command, involve a treat when you order him to shut up. Command him to ‘Speak’ and then keep ‘Quiet’ and reward him accordingly. Dogs are known to pick up gestures more than voice commands, so blend them with treats.
Warning: Do not overdo the rewarding so you can also include it in your Yorkie’s diet.
3 Types of Treats You Should Avoid
There are many types of treats out there on the pet food market with several flavours and shapes. But to be honest, most of them have no value in your Yorkie’s overall health. They are just luring you into thinking they do and what happens to your doggie is your fault.
Avoid these types of treats completely:
- Treats made overseas. Why? Most have been associated with life-threatening pooch diseases such as kidney failure that deadens your Yorkie’s coat and more.
- Treats containing artificial additives and preservatives. Some USA-made dog treats for Yorkies include the mentioned fillers and have little real meat as an ingredient.
- Rawhide treats as they are associated with risks such as choking and intestinal/stomach blockage.
Best Treat for Yorkies with Allergies
Yorkies are susceptible to allergies. To know if your Yorkie furry friend has an allergy, check out for issues such as diarrhoea, excessive paw licking, vomiting, and scratching.
The best way to approach this condition is to visit your Yorkie’s vet and get their pro advice. But as a precaution, always make sure that you read the ingredients used to prepare dog treats. That way, you cannot feed your allergic Yorkie with ingredients that will trigger allergies.
Homemade Yorkie Treats Ideas
Do you prefer feeding your Yorkie with homemade treats rather than commercial ones? You are not the only one. Most pet owners feel that home-based treats are more nutritious and economical, and it is. All you need to do is practice some recipe ideas and perfect your skills.
Check out our two homemade treat ideas for Yorkies:
- Sweet Potato Bites
Sweet potatoes have low fat and are high in dietary fibre content which give your Yorkie benefits such as a healthy digestive system. They also are incredible sources of vitamins A, B6, and C.
This easy recipe for homemade Yorkie treats requires cutting one or two sweet potatoes into small shapes and baking them for up to 3 hours. Use a baking sheet coated with parchment paper. Nothing is as crispy and sweet as these slices.
- Frozen Fruits & Veggies
Fruits and veggies are an excellent source of antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins. If your Yorkie loves them, it is good news as they help improve their immune health system. You can make this homemade treats using apples, bananas, carrots, strawberries, green beans, and peas.
When frozen, they have a crunchy texture that is good for dental health and slowed eating.
Human Foods to feed your Yorkie
Like with many other dog breeds, some human foods are good for your Yorkie while others should never be fed. Examples of human foods to feed your Yorkie include carrots, peanut butter, eggs, salmon, berries, popcorn, pineapples & watermelon, tomatoes, and more.
DO NOT feed your Yorkie with foods such as avocado, citrus fruits, coconut products, macadamia nuts, cinnamon, raisins & grapes, chocolate, cherries, coffee or caffeine.
FAQs
What do Yorkies like most?
Yorkies are energetic and love being active. As such, they will like when you take them for a walk in the park, playing fetch or ball, and anything that is fun and engaging. Their tiny legs, however, tire quickly so ensure that you are gentle and they do not play too much.
Are Yorkies Good Pets?
Yes, Yorkies are good pets due to their personality that includes intelligence, loyalty, and extremely affectionate. You will enjoy their company as they love contact with humans, and they are also hypoallergenic, so they will shed a little. They are also ideal for novice pet owners.
Is Peanut Butter OK for Yorkies?
Yes, peanut butter is OK for Yorkies! It has high-quality protein content and is low in carbs. As you purchase, just ensure that it does not include xylitol as an ingredient. Also make sure that your Yorkie is not fed peanut butter in large quantities.
Wrap-Up
Yorkies boast an awesome personality that makes them the go-to family pets. And while they adapt well to apartment living, they can be yappy causing troubles in your neighbourhood. But being intelligent, you can easily train and reinforce good behaviour using high-quality treats. They might be fussy eaters, but very gluttonous too. They need to be controlled.
Unfortunately, Yorkies are disposed to dental disease so choose treats with teeth-cleaning abilities for optimal dental health. Please avoid treats prepared with by-products and rich in fibre content.
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
