Nuts, Seeds & Spreads

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.

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.

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.

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.

Use caution. Coconut flesh and oil are not toxic to dogs, but they are very high in fat and MCTs that can cause stomach upset in a small dog, sweetened coconut adds sugar, and coconut water is high in potassium — so this is a food to limit, not a staple.

In a tiny amount — a small pinch of ground flaxseed is fine for Yorkies and adds a little omega-3 and fiber.

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.

No. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, tremors, and a fever-like reaction. Keep them away from your Yorkie.

In tiny amounts, yes — but ONLY a xylitol-free peanut butter; it's high in fat and calories, so a small lick is right for a Yorkie.

No — peanut shells are tough, indigestible fiber that can choke a Yorkie or block their gut, and they offer nothing nutritionally.

Avoid. Pecans are high in fat, a choking risk, and — like walnuts — moldy pecans can carry tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures; they also contain juglone.

Not a good idea — pistachios aren't classically toxic, but they're high in fat and salt, the shells are a real choking and blockage risk, and they can carry mold, so they're not worth offering a Yorkie.

In tiny amounts — plain sesame seeds are harmless for Yorkies, but they offer no real benefit, so there's no need to add them.

In tiny amounts — a few plain, unsalted, shelled sunflower kernels are fine for Yorkies, but never the salted, in-shell kind.

In small amounts — plain, cooked tofu isn't toxic to Yorkies and can be an occasional treat, but it shouldn't replace their proper protein or become a regular food.

Best avoided — treat it as dangerous. Trail mix is a combination hazard: it typically contains raisins, chocolate, and macadamia nuts, several of which are toxic to dogs, plus salt and fat. For a Yorkie, assume the worst.

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.

No. Xylitol, a sweetener also labelled 'birch sugar', can cause a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs — even in tiny amounts.