Can Yorkies eat chickpeas?
Yes — plain, fully cooked chickpeas can be a small fibre- and protein-rich treat for Yorkies, but never raw or dried, and never as hummus.
Cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a wholesome plant protein that dogs can share in tiny amounts. But two rules matter a lot for a Yorkie. First, they must be fully cooked and soft — raw or dried chickpeas are rock-hard, indigestible, and a real choking hazard for a small mouth. Second, skip the hummus. The dip chickpeas usually end up in is made with garlic, lemon, salt, and tahini, and garlic in particular is harmful to dogs.
What Yorkie owners need to know
- Only plain, fully cooked, soft chickpeas — never raw or dried, which are hard and a choking risk.
- No hummus — it contains garlic, salt, lemon, and tahini that aren't safe for a small dog.
- They're high in fibre, so a tiny portion is plenty; too much causes gas in a 5-lb dog.
How preparation changes the answer
| Preparation | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Plain, fully cooked, soft | Safe if prepared right | Rinsed of salt, cooked soft, and mashed into a tiny topper. |
| Hummus or seasoned chickpeas | Only small amounts | Garlic, salt, lemon, and tahini make these unsafe — avoid them. |
Safe preparation
- Use plain cooked chickpeas — soak and boil dried ones until soft, or rinse plain canned ones well to remove salt.
- Cool them, then mash lightly and stir a small spoonful into their regular food.
- Start with just a few to see how their stomach handles the fibre.
Portion for a Yorkie
Around 1-2 teaspoons of plain mashed cooked chickpeas is enough for a 4-7 lb Yorkie; keep all treats within about 10% of daily calories.
Nutrition at a glance
Calories
~164 kcal
per 100 g, boiled without salt (USDA FoodData Central)
Protein
~9 g
per 100 g, boiled without salt (USDA FoodData Central)
Fibre
~8 g
per 100 g, boiled without salt (USDA FoodData Central)
Possible benefits
- Plant protein and fibre that support digestion in modest amounts.
- Supplies folate, iron, and magnesium.
- Low in fat, making them a light occasional extra.
Risks & things to watch
- Raw or dried chickpeas are hard, indigestible, and a choking hazard.
- High fibre can cause gas or loose stools if a small dog overeats.
- Hummus and seasoned chickpeas contain garlic and salt that are harmful to dogs.
If your Yorkie ate too much
A few extra plain chickpeas may just cause gas or soft stools. If your dog ate hummus or garlic-seasoned chickpeas, or seems bloated or unwell, call your vet.
Frequently asked questions
Can my Yorkie have hummus?
No. Hummus is made with garlic, salt, lemon juice, and tahini. Garlic is harmful to dogs, so hummus is off the menu even though plain chickpeas are fine.
Are canned chickpeas okay?
Only if you rinse them thoroughly to wash off the added salt and canning liquid, and serve them plain. Dried or raw chickpeas should always be cooked soft first.
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 2026-07-12 · Last reviewed 2026-07-12
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Related foods
Lentils
Yes — plain, fully cooked lentils with no salt, onion, or garlic are a fibre- and protein-rich treat for Yorkies, served in tiny amounts.
White Rice
Yes — plain cooked white rice is safe and easy to digest, which is why it's a staple of the vet-suggested bland diet.
Green Beans
Yes — plain green beans are a safe, low-calorie treat and a popular filler for dogs watching their weight.
Bread
In small amounts — a little plain baked bread won't harm most Yorkies, but it's empty calories, so keep it rare.
Cereal
Only a few pieces of a plain, low-sugar cereal, dry — and only if it has no chocolate, raisins, or xylitol. Most cereals are too sugary for a tiny dog.
Crackers
Best avoided — a plain cracker crumb won't poison a Yorkie, but crackers are salty, refined, and often seasoned, offering nothing good for a tiny dog.
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.
Digital kitchen scale
Weigh tiny portions in grams — far more accurate than a scoop for a 5-lb dog.
Shop on AmazonSmall-dog slow feeder
Slows fast eaters and turns a small meal into a few happy minutes.
Shop on AmazonLick mat
Spread a thin topper for calm enrichment without many extra calories.
Shop on AmazonMeasuring scoop set
For days you can't reach the scale — clearly marked small sizes.
Shop on AmazonThese are Amazon search links, not specific product endorsements. As an Amazon Associate, Yorkiefood earns from qualifying purchases. We don't show prices or star ratings here — check the current details on Amazon.