Herbs & Spices

Use caution. A tiny trace of cinnamon is not considered toxic to dogs, but in any real quantity it irritates the mouth and airways, offers a Yorkie no benefit, and should not be confused with nutmeg, which is a bigger concern.

Use caution. Cloves contain a compound called eugenol that can irritate a dog's mouth and stomach and, in concentrated form or large amounts, may harm the liver — and whole cloves are a choking hazard. There's no benefit for a Yorkie.

No. Garlic powder is toxic to dogs, and because it's so concentrated it's even more dangerous than fresh garlic. For a Yorkie, an alarmingly small pinch can be enough to matter.

In tiny amounts — a small pinch of plain fresh or ground ginger isn't toxic to Yorkies, but it's a strong spice, so keep it minuscule and occasional.

No. Mustard seeds can irritate a dog's stomach and cause vomiting, and prepared mustards are salty and seasoned — there's no reason to feed it to a Yorkie.

Use caution. A trace of nutmeg baked into food is low-risk, but larger amounts contain a compound called myristicin that can cause disorientation and a racing heart in dogs — and there's no reason a Yorkie needs it.

No. Onion powder is toxic to dogs, and because it's dried and concentrated a Yorkie can reach a harmful amount from a very small pinch hidden in seasoned food.

Yes, curly parsley in small amounts — a little fresh curly parsley is safe and can freshen breath, but avoid 'spring parsley', a different plant that can be harmful.

Not on purpose. A stray crisp will not poison a Yorkie, but salty snacks are a poor idea for a five-pound dog, and concentrated salt — rock salt, salt dough, seawater — can cause genuine sodium poisoning.