Can Yorkies eat cabbage?
Yes — plain, cooked cabbage in small amounts is safe for Yorkies, though it can cause gas, so keep the portion modest.
Cabbage is a low-calorie, fibre-rich vegetable that's perfectly fine for a Yorkie in small amounts. The main catch is wind: cabbage is a cruciferous veg that can ferment in the gut and make a tiny dog gassy, so a modest portion is the way to go. Serve it cooked soft and completely plain — steamed or boiled with no butter, salt, oil, onion, or garlic — and chopped small so it's easy to manage. Skip coleslaw and anything creamy or seasoned. A little cooked cabbage makes a light, healthy nibble for a 4-7 lb dog.
What Yorkie owners need to know
- Serve cabbage cooked soft and plain — no butter, salt, oil, onion, or garlic.
- Cabbage can cause gas in a tiny dog, so introduce a small amount first.
- Skip coleslaw and creamy or seasoned versions; only plain cooked cabbage is suitable.
How preparation changes the answer
| Preparation | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Plain, cooked soft, chopped small, modest amount | Safe if prepared right | A light, low-calorie treat when kept small and occasional. |
| Coleslaw or seasoned cabbage | Only small amounts | Added mayo, salt, onion, or garlic make these unsuitable for a tiny dog. |
Safe preparation
- Steam or boil the cabbage plain until soft, with no oil, salt, or seasoning.
- Let it cool and chop it finely into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Offer a small amount as an occasional treat or food topper.
Portion for a Yorkie
A teaspoon or two of finely chopped cooked cabbage is plenty for a 4-7 lb Yorkie; keep it and all treats within about 10% of daily calories.
Nutrition at a glance
Calories
~23 kcal
per 100 g, cooked boiled cabbage (USDA FoodData Central)
Fibre
~1.9 g
per 100 g, cooked boiled cabbage (USDA FoodData Central)
Vitamin C
~37 mg
per 100 g, cooked boiled cabbage (USDA FoodData Central)
Possible benefits
- Very low in calories, so it's a light snack for a small dog.
- Provides fibre that supports healthy digestion.
- Contains vitamin C and other antioxidants.
Risks & things to watch
- Can cause gas or bloating in a tiny dog, especially in larger amounts.
- Tough raw pieces are harder to chew and digest.
- Butter, salt, onion, or garlic added in cooking are harmful to a small dog.
If your Yorkie ate too much
A little extra plain cabbage may just cause gas or soft stools. If your dog ate a large amount or a creamy, seasoned version and seems bloated or unwell, contact your vet.
Frequently asked questions
Why does cabbage give my Yorkie gas?
Cabbage is a cruciferous veg that can ferment in the gut and cause wind or loose stools in some dogs. Keeping the portion small reduces the chance.
Can Yorkies eat raw cabbage?
It's better cooked. Raw cabbage is tougher to chew and digest for a tiny dog, so steaming or boiling it soft and chopping it small is the safer choice.
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
Broccoli
In small amounts, yes — a little plain broccoli is safe, but larger amounts can upset a Yorkie's stomach, so keep it under about 10% of the diet.
Cauliflower
Yes — plain, cooked cauliflower cut into small florets is safe for Yorkies in modest amounts, though it can cause a bit of gas.
Green Beans
Yes — plain green beans are a safe, low-calorie treat and a popular filler for dogs watching their weight.
Asparagus
Yes — asparagus cooked soft and cut into small pieces is safe for Yorkies; tough raw stalks are a choking risk, so skip those.
Beets
In small amounts — plain cooked beets are safe for Yorkies now and then, but sugar and oxalates mean they're a limited treat, and pickled beets are too salty.
Bell Peppers
Yes — plain bell pepper with the seeds and stem removed and cut into small pieces is a crunchy, vitamin-rich treat for Yorkies.
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
Hide a few kibble pieces in the fabric to turn a snack into slow, happy foraging.
Shop on AmazonLick mat
Spread a thin topper for calm enrichment without many extra calories.
Shop on AmazonSmall-dog slow feeder
Slows fast eaters and turns a small meal into a few happy minutes.
Shop on AmazonSoft training treats
Tiny, low-calorie, easy to break smaller for a light training session.
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