Can Yorkies eat walnuts?
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.
Walnuts combine several problems for a Yorkie: a high fat content that can trigger GI upset or pancreatitis, a size and hardness that make them a choking and obstruction hazard, and a serious risk that walnuts — especially fallen or stored ones — grow molds producing tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause muscle tremors and seizures. Black walnuts are particularly associated with toxicity in dogs.
What Yorkie owners need to know
- Moldy walnuts can carry tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures — this is the headline danger.
- Black walnuts specifically are linked with toxicity in dogs and should be kept well away.
- Even fresh walnuts are very fatty and a choking and obstruction hazard for a small dog.
How preparation changes the answer
| Preparation | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Any walnut, fresh or shelled | Best avoided | High fat plus choking and obstruction risk. |
| Moldy or fallen walnuts | Toxic — do not feed | May carry tremorgenic mycotoxins causing seizures. |
| Black walnuts | Toxic — do not feed | Specifically associated with toxicity in dogs. |
Risks & things to watch
- Moldy walnuts can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins causing tremors and seizures.
- Black walnuts are specifically associated with toxicity in dogs.
- High fat can cause GI upset or pancreatitis, and whole walnuts and shells are a choking and obstruction risk.
If your Yorkie ate too much
If your Yorkie ate any walnut — especially a moldy, fallen, or black walnut — call your veterinarian, and watch closely for tremors, twitching, unsteadiness, or seizures, which can come on quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Are walnuts bad for Yorkies?
Yes. Walnuts are very fatty and a choking hazard, and moldy or black walnuts can carry tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures, so they are best avoided entirely.
What if my Yorkie ate a moldy walnut?
Call your veterinarian and watch for tremors, twitching, unsteadiness, or seizures. Moldy walnuts can contain mycotoxins that affect the nervous system, and signs can appear quickly in a small dog.
Sources
We cite authoritative veterinary, regulatory, and nutrition sources so you can check the evidence yourself.
- Poison controlASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterToxic and Non-Toxic Plants / People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Supports: Classification of foods that are toxic or dangerous to dogs. · Accessed 2026-07-01
- Poison controlPet Poison HelplinePet Poison Helpline (24/7, 855-764-7661)
Supports: 24/7 emergency toxicology guidance for pet owners. · Accessed 2026-07-01
The Yorkiefood Editorial Team
We research Yorkshire Terrier feeding from regulatory bodies, veterinary manuals, poison-control centres, and peer-reviewed nutrition literature, then explain it plainly. We are careful researchers, not veterinarians — our pages cite their sources so you can check the evidence yourself, and we always defer to your own vet for your dog.
First published 2026-07-11 · Last reviewed 2026-07-11
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Related foods
Almonds
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.
Macadamia Nuts
No. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, tremors, and a fever-like reaction. Keep them away from your Yorkie.
Cashews
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.
Chia Seeds
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.
Chocolate
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.
Coconut
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.