Can Yorkies eat spinach?

Plain spinach is safe for a Yorkshire Terrier in small, occasional amounts. It's rich in vitamins and low in calories, but it's also high in oxalates, so it's best kept to a little now and then rather than a regular serving — especially for a tiny dog. Serve it plain, finely chopped raw or lightly cooked, with no salt, butter, onion, or garlic.

What Yorkie owners need to know

• Keep spinach small and occasional — it's high in oxalates.
• Serve plain — no salt, butter, onion, or garlic.
• Finely chop raw leaves, or lightly steam, so a tiny dog can eat it easily.

How preparation changes the answer

Safe preparation

• Wash well and finely chop raw baby spinach, or lightly steam.
• Serve a small amount plain and cooled.
• Mix a little into food rather than offering a big pile.

Nutrition at a glance

Possible benefits

• Low in calories and rich in vitamins and iron.
• Provides some fibre.
• Easy to mix a small amount into a meal.

Risks & things to watch

• High in oxalates, so best kept small and occasional.
• Too much can cause gas or loose stools.
• Only ever plain — added onion or garlic is toxic to dogs.

If your Yorkie ate too much

A little extra plain spinach usually causes at most mild gas or soft stools. Monitor your Yorkie and offer water; call your vet if they seem unwell or if spinach was cooked with onion or garlic.

Frequently asked questions