Best Dog Chews for Small Dogs — Safe Dental Chews and Treats for Yorkies
Dog chews have come a long way. What started as a simple snack has become an essential tool for keeping your Yorkie’s teeth clean, breath fresh, and boredom at bay.
We all know that cleaning our dog’s teeth is very important — it is just as important as cleaning our own. We also know that it sometimes slips our mind, or perhaps we just do not enjoy doing it. Some dogs will never agree to have your hand in their mouth, let alone a foreign object rubbing against their teeth.
This is where dog chews come in handy. They let you worry about your own teeth and not your dog’s!
Here are our top picks for safe, effective dog chews that are the perfect size for Yorkshire Terriers and other small breeds.
Best Dental Chews and Treats for Yorkies
1. Greenies Teenie Dental Dog Treats — Best for Dental Health
Greenies are the gold standard when it comes to dental chews for small dogs. The “Teenie” size is ideal for Yorkies — they are soft enough to chew easily but firm enough to scrub away plaque and tartar. The VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval means they are clinically proven to reduce tartar and improve bad breath.
Key benefits: fights plaque and tartar, freshens breath, contains natural vitamins and minerals, easy to digest.
2. Whimzees Brushzees Dental Treats — Best Natural Alternative
Whimzees are a great natural alternative to Greenies. They are grain-free, gluten-free, and made with all-natural ingredients. The textured shape helps clean teeth as your Yorkie chews, and they are highly digestible. The small size is perfect for dogs under 22 lbs.
Key benefits: all-natural ingredients, grain-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, highly digestible, long-lasting.
3. Best Bully Sticks for Small Dogs — Long-Lasting Natural Chews
Bully sticks are a single-ingredient, high-protein chew that Yorkies absolutely love. They are fully digestible and last much longer than most other chews. For small dogs like Yorkies, look for 4-inch or 6-inch thin bully sticks. They are perfect for keeping your dog occupied while naturally cleaning their teeth.
Key benefits: single ingredient (100% beef pizzle), long-lasting, fully digestible, natural teeth cleaning, great for anxious chewers.
4. Himalayan Yak Cheese Chews — Hard, Long-Lasting Chew
These natural cheese chews are extremely hard and long-lasting, making them perfect for aggressive chewers. They are made from yak and cow milk, salt, and lime juice — nothing else. When the piece gets too small to safely chew, you can microwave it to create a puffy cheese puff that is perfectly safe.
Key benefits: natural ingredients, lactose-friendly, very long-lasting, no rawhide, no preservatives, can be microwaved when small.
5. No-Hide Chews for Small Dogs — Safe Rawhide Alternative
If your Yorkie loves to chew but you worry about rawhide, no-hide chews are the perfect solution. They are made from real, easily digestible ingredients rolled and baked into a chew shape. They satisfy the urge to chew without the risks associated with traditional rawhide.
Key benefits: rawhide-free, fully digestible, long-lasting, made with natural ingredients, gentle on sensitive stomachs.
6. Collagen Chews for Small Dogs — Highly Digestible
Collagen chews are a newer option that is quickly gaining popularity. They are made from beef hide collagen, which is much more digestible than traditional rawhide. They are also rich in protein and support joint health. The thin, rolled shape is easy for Yorkies to hold and chew.
Key benefits: highly digestible, rich in collagen for joint health, high protein, no rawhide, long-lasting.
What to Look for in Dog Chews for Your Yorkie
When choosing chews for your Yorkie, keep these factors in mind:
- Size matters — always choose chews designed for small or toy breeds. A Yorkie’s mouth is tiny, and oversized chews can be difficult or dangerous.
- Digestibility — avoid rawhide if your Yorkie has a sensitive stomach. Opt for bully sticks, yak chews, or no-hide alternatives instead.
- Dental benefits — look for chews with the VOHC seal or textured surfaces that help scrub teeth during chewing.
- Supervision — always monitor your Yorkie with any chew, especially the first time. Replace chews when they become small enough to swallow whole.
- Calories — chews count toward your Yorkie’s daily intake. Adjust meals accordingly if your dog has several chews per day.
Chews to Avoid
Some chews are best avoided for small dogs like Yorkies:
- Rawhide — can swell in the stomach, cause blockages, and some contain chemicals
- Hard nylon bones — can crack teeth, especially in small mouths
- Antlers and hooves — too hard for Yorkies, high risk of tooth fractures
- Cooked bones — can splinter and cause internal damage
You can find these products online or at your local pet shop. Look for chews that specify whether they fight plaque or combat tartar, and always choose the right size for your dog.
Don’t forget an ID tag for your Yorkie — better safe than lost!
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