Can Yorkies eat hazelnuts?
Best avoided — hazelnuts aren't toxic to dogs, but they're exactly the wrong size to choke a tiny Yorkie and they're fatty, so they're not a treat worth the risk.
Hazelnuts aren't poisonous to dogs, but that doesn't make them a good snack for a 4-7 lb Yorkie. The biggest problem is size and shape: a whole hazelnut is almost perfectly sized to lodge in a tiny dog's throat or block their small intestine. They're also fatty, which can upset a little stomach and, eaten regularly, adds to pancreatitis risk in small breeds. Salted or chocolate-coated hazelnuts add their own hazards on top. If your Yorkie swipes one plain nut it's usually not a poisoning emergency, but they're not something to offer on purpose.
What Yorkie owners need to know
- Hazelnuts aren't toxic, but a whole nut is a perfect choking and blockage size for a tiny 5-lb dog.
- They're fatty, so even the meat can upset a small stomach or add to pancreatitis risk over time.
- Chocolate-coated or salted hazelnuts add real dangers — chocolate is toxic and salt is hard on a little body.
How preparation changes the answer
| Preparation | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Single plain nut (accidental) | Use caution | Not toxic, but a choking and fat concern — fine by accident, not to feed on purpose. |
| Chocolate-coated or salted hazelnuts | Best avoided | Chocolate is toxic to dogs and salt is hard on a tiny body — keep these away entirely. |
Safe preparation
- If your dog gets one, make sure it was a plain nut with no chocolate, salt, or coating.
- Keep the bowl, baking supplies, and chocolate-hazelnut spreads well out of reach.
- There's no prep that makes hazelnuts a smart regular treat — pick a safer, softer snack instead.
Portion for a Yorkie
There's no portion we'd recommend — hazelnuts aren't a treat for a 4-7 lb Yorkie. A single plain nut by accident is usually harmless, but don't offer them as a snack.
Nutrition at a glance
Calories
~628 kcal
per 100 g, raw (USDA FoodData Central)
Fat
~61 g
per 100 g, raw (USDA FoodData Central)
Protein
~15 g
per 100 g, raw (USDA FoodData Central)
Possible benefits
- No meaningful benefit for a Yorkie — the choking size and fat content outweigh any nutrition.
- Any healthy fats they contain are more safely provided by your dog's balanced food.
Risks & things to watch
- A whole hazelnut is a serious choking hazard and can block a tiny dog's intestine.
- High fat can trigger stomach upset and contribute to pancreatitis risk in small dogs.
- Chocolate-coated versions are toxic, and salted ones add unhealthy sodium.
If your Yorkie ate too much
One plain nut is usually just a fatty mouthful that might loosen stools. If your dog ate several, ate a chocolate-coated one, or seems to be gagging, watch for repeated vomiting, straining, or lethargy and call your vet.
Frequently asked questions
Are hazelnuts safe for my Yorkie?
They're not toxic, but a whole hazelnut is a real choking and blockage risk for such a small dog, and they're fatty. It's safer not to feed them at all.
What about chocolate hazelnut spread?
Avoid it completely. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and the spread is very high in fat and sugar. If your Yorkie eats some, call your vet.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.