Can Yorkies eat apricot?
Yes — a little ripe apricot flesh is safe for Yorkies once the pit and any stem or leaves are removed, but the pit is a serious choking and cyanide hazard, so it must always come out.
The soft flesh of a ripe apricot is fine for a Yorkie to enjoy in small amounts — it's sweet, hydrating, and rich in vitamin A. The important part is preparation. The pit (stone) is the real danger: it's a choking and intestinal-blockage hazard for a tiny dog, and apricot pits, stems, and leaves contain compounds that can release cyanide, so they must always be removed. Never let your dog near the whole fruit or the discarded pit. Apricot is also naturally sugary, so it's a treat, not an everyday food. Serve just the washed, pitted flesh, cut into small pieces, for a 4-7 lb dog.
What Yorkie owners need to know
- Always remove the pit, stem, and any leaves — apricot pits are a choking and blockage hazard and contain cyanide-releasing compounds.
- Serve only the ripe flesh, cut into small pieces, and keep the whole fruit and discarded pit out of reach.
- Apricot is naturally sugary, so keep it a small, occasional treat.
How preparation changes the answer
| Preparation | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe flesh, pit and stem removed, cut small | Safe if prepared right | A small piece or two is a fine occasional treat once fully pitted. |
| Whole fruit, or with the pit, stem, or leaves | Best avoided | The pit is a choking, blockage, and cyanide hazard and must never be given. |
Safe preparation
- Wash the apricot, cut it open, and remove the pit, stem, and any leaves completely.
- Cut the ripe flesh into small, pea-sized pieces.
- Offer a little occasionally and watch for any tummy upset.
Portion for a Yorkie
A couple of small pieces of ripe apricot flesh is plenty for a 4-7 lb Yorkie, and only occasionally; keep it and all treats within about 10% of daily calories.
Nutrition at a glance
Calories
~48 kcal
per 100 g, raw apricot (USDA FoodData Central)
Sugars
~9 g
per 100 g, raw apricot (USDA FoodData Central)
Vitamin A
~1926 IU
per 100 g, raw apricot (USDA FoodData Central)
Possible benefits
- Soft, ripe flesh is easy for a tiny dog to chew.
- Provides vitamin A, some fibre, and antioxidants.
- A hydrating, low-calorie treat when the portion stays small.
Risks & things to watch
- The pit is a serious choking and intestinal-blockage hazard for a tiny dog.
- Pits, stems, and leaves contain compounds that can release cyanide.
- Natural sugar can add up on a tiny frame and too much flesh can cause loose stools.
If your Yorkie ate too much
A little extra apricot flesh may just cause soft stools or mild gas. If your dog swallowed a pit, chewed a pit, stem, or leaves, or seems bloated, retching, or unwell, call your vet right away.
Frequently asked questions
What if my Yorkie swallowed an apricot pit?
Call your vet right away. An apricot pit can lodge in the throat or cause an intestinal blockage in a tiny dog, and the pit also contains cyanide-releasing compounds, so it's worth getting advice quickly even if your dog seems fine.
Can my Yorkie eat dried apricots?
It's better to skip them. Dried apricots are much more concentrated in sugar than fresh and are sometimes preserved with additives. Offer a little fresh, pitted flesh instead.
Sources
We cite authoritative veterinary, regulatory, and nutrition sources so you can check the evidence yourself.
- Nutrition dataUSDA FoodData CentralUSDA FoodData Central nutrient database
Supports: Human-food nutrient composition (calories, macronutrients, fibre, sugars). · Accessed 2026-07-01
- 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
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 2026-07-15 · Last reviewed 2026-07-15
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Related foods
Peach
Yes — ripe peach flesh with the pit fully removed, cut into small pieces, is a safe treat, but the pit must never be given to a Yorkie.
Apple
Yes, the flesh — apple slices are a crunchy, safe treat once you remove the core and seeds and cut them into small pieces.
Pear
Yes — ripe pear flesh with the core and seeds removed, cut into small pieces, is a safe treat for a Yorkie in moderation.
Applesauce
In small amounts — only plain, unsweetened applesauce with no added sugar, cinnamon, or sweeteners is okay for Yorkies, and just a spoonful.
Avocado
Use caution. Avocado flesh is not a common cause of serious poisoning in dogs, but the pit is a real choking and obstruction hazard and the flesh is very fatty — so it's not a good fit for a Yorkie.
Banana
Yes, in small amounts — a thin slice of banana is a safe, sweet treat, but it's high in sugar so keep portions tiny for a Yorkie.
Make serving it easier
A few small things that help at mealtime
Getting the portion right matters most on a tiny dog. These simple bits of kit help you weigh, serve, and store — tap a category to see current options on Amazon.
Snuffle mat
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