Yorkie Food to Avoid — Dangerous Foods Your Yorkshire Terrier Should Never Eat
Keeping your Yorkie safe means knowing which foods are dangerous. Some foods that are perfectly safe for humans can be highly toxic to dogs — and small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers are especially vulnerable because even a tiny amount can cause serious harm.
This guide covers the most common dangerous foods for dogs, with a special focus on what Yorkie owners need to know. Bookmark this page and refer back to it whenever you are unsure about a food.
🚨 Dangerous Foods for Yorkies — Quick Reference
🍫 Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous, but all types should be kept away from your Yorkie. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures.
If your Yorkie has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately — the smaller the dog, the smaller the amount needed to cause harm.
🍇 Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. Some dogs are more sensitive than others, and there is no known safe amount. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you suspect your Yorkie has eaten grapes or raisins, seek veterinary help immediately.
🧅 Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic (in any form — raw, cooked, powdered) can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to haemolytic anaemia. This condition causes red blood cells to burst as they circulate through the body. Symptoms may not appear for several days and include weakness, pale gums, and dark urine.
Garlic is more toxic than onions, but both should be avoided entirely.
🫘 Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs. The exact toxin is unknown, but affected dogs show weakness in the back legs, difficulty walking, vomiting, and tremors. Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion. Walnuts can also cause seizures and bladder stones in some dogs.
🍬 Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Xylitol is found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, toothpaste, and some peanut butters. It causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and potential liver failure. Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, seizures, and collapse. Even a tiny amount can be fatal to a Yorkie.
Always check ingredient labels — especially on peanut butter and sugar-free products.
🦃 Turkey Skin and Fatty Meats
White turkey meat is safe for dogs in small amounts, but the dark meat and skin are high in fat and can cause pancreatitis — a painful and serious inflammation of the pancreas. Yorkies are prone to digestive issues, so fatty scraps are best avoided entirely. The same applies to ham, bacon, and other fatty meats.
🥑 Avocado
Avocado contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. The pit is also a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages. Keep avocados well away from your Yorkie.
🍷 Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. It can cause vomiting, coordination problems, breathing difficulties, coma, and death. Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) is also dangerous and can cause rapid heart rate, seizures, and cardiac arrest.
✅ Safe Alternatives
Instead of sharing your food, give your Yorkie safe treats designed for small dogs:
- High-quality Yorkie food — nutritionally balanced and safe
- Dental chews and treats — great for teeth and safe to eat
- Small pieces of plain cooked chicken or carrot — in moderation
- Commercially prepared dog treats — look for natural, single-ingredient options
What to Do If Your Yorkie Eats Something Dangerous
- Stay calm — panic does not help
- Call your vet immediately — tell them what your dog ate and how much
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet — some substances cause more damage on the way up
- Keep the packaging — it helps the vet identify the toxin
- Follow your vet’s advice — they may recommend monitoring, inducing vomiting, or bringing your dog in for treatment
Back to Best Dog Food for Yorkies Guide
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