Can Yorkies eat dates?
In tiny amounts — a small piece of pitted date is not toxic to Yorkies, but dates are extremely sugary, so they should be a rare, minuscule treat at most.
Dates aren't poisonous to dogs, but they are one of the sugariest fruits you can offer, which makes them a poor fit for a tiny 4-7 lb Yorkie. If you share any, it should be a tiny piece of pitted date, very occasionally — most owners are better off choosing a lower-sugar fruit. The pit is the real danger: it's a choking hazard and can cause an intestinal blockage in a small dog, so it must always be removed. Because dates are so concentrated in sugar, even a small amount goes a long way. Keep it a rare nibble, if at all.
What Yorkie owners need to know
- Dates are extremely high in sugar — far more than most fruits — so keep any amount tiny and rare.
- Always remove the pit; it's a choking and intestinal-blockage hazard for a tiny dog.
- A minuscule piece is the most a 5-lb Yorkie should ever have, and only occasionally.
How preparation changes the answer
| Preparation | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pitted, tiny sliver, rare | Only small amounts | A minuscule piece now and then won't harm, but there are better low-sugar choices. |
| Whole or with pit | Only small amounts | The pit is a choking and blockage hazard, and a whole date is far too much sugar — never give this. |
Safe preparation
- Remove the pit completely before offering any date.
- Cut a tiny sliver of the flesh into a small, soft piece.
- Offer only rarely and watch for any tummy upset.
Portion for a Yorkie
At most a tiny sliver of pitted date for a 4-7 lb Yorkie, and only rarely; because dates are so sugary, keep it and all treats well within about 10% of daily calories.
Nutrition at a glance
Calories
~277 kcal
per 100 g, medjool dates (USDA FoodData Central)
Sugars
~66 g
per 100 g, medjool dates (USDA FoodData Central)
Fibre
~7 g
per 100 g, medjool dates (USDA FoodData Central)
Possible benefits
- Not toxic to dogs, so an accidental nibble is unlikely to be dangerous.
- Provides a little fibre and potassium.
- Soft flesh (once pitted) is easy for a tiny dog to chew.
Risks & things to watch
- Very high sugar can cause stomach upset and, over time, weight gain in a tiny dog.
- The pit is a serious choking and intestinal-blockage hazard.
- Too much can cause loose stools or an upset tummy.
If your Yorkie ate too much
A little extra date flesh may cause soft stools or a sugary tummy upset. If your dog swallowed a pit, or seems bloated, retching, or unable to keep food down, call your vet right away.
Frequently asked questions
Are dates poisonous to Yorkies?
No, the flesh isn't toxic. The real concerns are the very high sugar and the pit, which is a choking and blockage hazard. Only a tiny pitted piece, rarely, is suitable.
What if my Yorkie swallowed a date pit?
Call your vet. A date pit can lodge in the throat or cause an intestinal blockage in a tiny dog, so it's worth getting advice quickly even if your dog seems fine.
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
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.
Apple
Yes, the flesh — apple slices are a crunchy, safe treat once you remove the core and seeds and cut them into small pieces.
Blueberries
Yes — blueberries are a safe, antioxidant-rich treat and their small size makes them a handy low-calorie training reward.
Applesauce
In small amounts — only plain, unsweetened applesauce with no added sugar, cinnamon, or sweeteners is okay for Yorkies, and just a spoonful.
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.
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.
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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