Can Yorkies eat peas?

Plain green peas are a safe, bite-sized treat for a Yorkshire Terrier: they're low in calories, provide fibre and a little protein, and their small size suits a tiny mouth. Fresh, or frozen-and-thawed, plain peas are all fine — just skip canned peas packed in salt, and never add butter, onion, or garlic.

What Yorkie owners need to know

• Serve plain — no salt, butter, or seasoning, and never with onion or garlic.
• Fresh or frozen-then-thawed peas both work; a small spoonful is plenty for a 5-lb dog.
• Avoid canned peas with added salt; if that's all you have, rinse well first.

How preparation changes the answer

Safe preparation

• Use fresh shelled peas, or frozen peas thawed and drained.
• Serve plain — steamed or raw, cooled to room temperature.
• Offer just a few peas at a time so they're easy for a tiny dog to eat.

Nutrition at a glance

Possible benefits

• Low in calories for a filling treat.
• Provides fibre and a little plant protein.
• Naturally bite-sized for a small dog.

Risks & things to watch

• Canned peas can be high in salt — choose plain or rinse well.
• Too many can cause gas or soft stools.
• Only ever plain — added onion or garlic is toxic to dogs.

If your Yorkie ate too much

A few extra plain peas usually cause at most mild gas or soft stools. Monitor your Yorkie and offer water; call your vet if they seem unwell.

Frequently asked questions