Can Yorkies eat kale?

Kale isn't toxic to dogs, and a little plain cooked kale can be a nutritious nibble for a Yorkie. It's a nutrient-dense leafy green, but that's also why it's best in moderation: kale is high in fibre and can cause gas or loose stools in a tiny dog, and eaten in large amounts over time it isn't ideal for every dog. The safest way to serve it is cooked soft and completely plain — steamed or boiled with no oil, salt, butter, onion, or garlic — and chopped small so a little mouth can manage it. A small amount now and then is the right approach for a 4-7 lb dog.

What Yorkie owners need to know

• Serve kale cooked soft and plain — no oil, salt, butter, onion, or garlic.
• It's a nutrient-dense leafy green best given in small amounts, not as an everyday filler.
• Kale is high in fibre and can cause gas or loose stools, so start with a little.

How preparation changes the answer

Safe preparation

• Steam or boil the kale plain until soft, with no oil, salt, or seasoning.
• Let it cool and chop it finely so it's easy for a tiny mouth to eat.
• Stir a small amount into their normal food as an occasional treat.

Nutrition at a glance

Possible benefits

• Low in calories, so a small amount is a light snack.
• Provides fibre plus vitamins A, C, and K.
• Contains antioxidants in a nutrient-dense package.

Risks & things to watch

• High fibre can cause gas or loose stools in a tiny dog, especially in larger amounts.
• Tough raw or stemmy pieces are hard to chew and digest.
• Oil, salt, butter, onion, or garlic added in cooking are harmful to a small dog.

If your Yorkie ate too much

A little extra plain kale may just cause gas or soft stools. If your dog ate a large amount or a version cooked with oil, salt, or garlic and seems bloated or unwell, contact your vet.

Frequently asked questions