Can Yorkies eat almonds?
Use caution. Almonds are not considered toxic to dogs, but for a Yorkie they are a real choking and obstruction risk, they are high in fat that can upset the stomach or contribute to pancreatitis, and they are frequently salted.
Almonds are not among the nuts that are outright poisonous to dogs, but that does not make them a good treat for a 5-pound dog. Their size and hardness make them a choking and intestinal-obstruction hazard, their high fat content can cause GI upset or contribute to pancreatitis, and packaged almonds are often heavily salted or seasoned.
What Yorkie owners need to know
- Almonds are not classically toxic, but they are not a safe or worthwhile treat for a small dog.
- A whole almond is a genuine choking and gut-obstruction hazard for a Yorkie-sized throat.
- They are high in fat and often sold salted, flavored, or coated.
How preparation changes the answer
| Preparation | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One or two plain unsalted almonds | Only small amounts | Not toxic but fatty and a choking risk; better treats exist. |
| Salted, seasoned, or flavored almonds | Best avoided | Excess salt and additives for a small dog. |
| Chocolate-covered almonds | Toxic — do not feed | Chocolate is toxic to dogs. |
Risks & things to watch
- Whole almonds are a choking and intestinal-obstruction hazard for a tiny dog.
- High fat can cause GI upset or contribute to pancreatitis.
- Salted and seasoned almonds add a salt load a small dog does not need.
If your Yorkie ate too much
One or two plain almonds will most often cause nothing worse than mild stomach upset. If your Yorkie swallowed several, ate salted or chocolate-covered almonds, or is retching, gagging, or vomiting, call your veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
Can Yorkies eat almonds?
Almonds are not toxic to dogs, but they are a choking and obstruction risk for a 5-pound Yorkie and are high in fat, so they are not a good treat. Chocolate-covered or salted versions should be avoided entirely.
Are almonds toxic to dogs?
Almonds are not classically poisonous the way macadamia nuts or chocolate are, but their fat content and choking risk still make them a poor choice for a small dog.
Sources
We cite authoritative veterinary, regulatory, and nutrition sources so you can check the evidence yourself.
- Poison controlASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterToxic and Non-Toxic Plants / People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Supports: Classification of foods that are toxic or dangerous to dogs. · Accessed 2026-07-01
- Nutrition dataUSDA FoodData CentralUSDA FoodData Central nutrient database
Supports: Human-food nutrient composition (calories, macronutrients, fibre, sugars). · Accessed 2026-07-01
The Yorkiefood Editorial Team
We research Yorkshire Terrier feeding from regulatory bodies, veterinary manuals, poison-control centres, and peer-reviewed nutrition literature, then explain it plainly. We are careful researchers, not veterinarians — our pages cite their sources so you can check the evidence yourself, and we always defer to your own vet for your dog.
First published 2026-07-11 · Last reviewed 2026-07-11
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Related foods
Macadamia Nuts
No. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, tremors, and a fever-like reaction. Keep them away from your Yorkie.
Cashews
Use caution. Cashews are not toxic to dogs, but they are very high in fat and are usually sold salted or roasted, and they pose a choking risk — so at most a Yorkie should have a couple of plain unsalted ones, and even that is not necessary.
Walnuts
Avoid. Walnuts are high in fat, a choking and obstruction risk, and — most importantly — moldy walnuts can carry tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures, with black walnuts being especially concerning.
Chia Seeds
In a tiny, soaked amount — a small pinch of chia seeds soaked in water is fine for Yorkies and adds a little fiber and omega-3.
Chocolate
No. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and for a dog as small as a Yorkie even a little can be dangerous. Darker and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
Coconut
Use caution. Coconut flesh and oil are not toxic to dogs, but they are very high in fat and MCTs that can cause stomach upset in a small dog, sweetened coconut adds sugar, and coconut water is high in potassium — so this is a food to limit, not a staple.