Yorkies have a reputation for being picky eaters and their delicate, tiny mouths need treats that are proportioned for their size and gentle on their teeth. The wrong treat can be a choking hazard or lead to dental problems, making it crucial to choose wisely.
I’m Mo Mahin — the founder and writer behind Furric. I’ve spent years analyzing market trends, comparing nutritional profiles, and studying owner feedback to find the treats that truly deliver for specific small breeds like the Yorkie.
After evaluating dozens of options based on ingredient quality, dental benefits, texture, and size, I’ve curated this list of the top treats for yorkies to help you choose the ideal reward for your tiny companion.
How To Choose The Best Treats For Yorkies
Selecting a treat for your Yorkie isn’t as simple as grabbing the first bag you see. Their unique physiology—a tiny jaw, delicate teeth, and a sensitive stomach—demands a more careful approach. Here are the critical factors to consider.
Proper Size & Texture
A Yorkie’s mouth is small. Treats that are too large can be a choking hazard, while those that are too hard can damage their teeth. Look for treats specifically labeled for “extra small” or “tiny” breeds. Soft, chewy textures are ideal for training rewards, while firm, rubbery dental chews are designed to clean teeth without being brittle or splintering.
Ingredient Quality & Digestibility
Yorkies are prone to sensitive stomachs and allergies. Prioritize treats with limited, high-quality ingredients and avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Grain-free options are often a good starting point if your Yorkie has allergies. Ingredients like parsley and green tea can naturally combat bad breath, while wholesome proteins provide clean energy.
Purpose of the Treat
Are you looking for a training aid, a dental health support, or a simple reward? A low-calorie, soft morsel is perfect for frequent training sessions. A more durable, textured dental chew is better for daily oral hygiene. Choosing a treat that matches its intended purpose ensures you get the most value and health benefit for your dog.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenies Teenie | Dental Chew | Clinical plaque & tartar control | Teenie size for 5-15 lbs | Amazon |
| Minties Tiny/Small | Dental Bone | Freshening breath on a budget | 5 breath fresheners, 80 count | Amazon |
| Fruitables BioActive | Dental Soft Chew | Gentle dental care & digestion | Firm yet soft, dig enyzmes | Amazon |
| Nylabone Nutri Dent | Dental Chew | Long-term value & consistent quality | 360-degree nubs, 160 count | Amazon |
| VetIQ Minties (Box) | Dental Bone | Large bulk pack for small dogs | 80 treats, under 40 lbs | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Greenies Teenie Dental Dog Treats
Greenies remains the gold standard for a reason. The Teenie size is specifically engineered for dogs 5-15 lbs, making it a perfect match for most Yorkies. Its unique, flexibile texture is designed to clean down to the gumline, and clinical data supports a 47% reduction in tartar and 40% reduction in plaque after 28 days of daily use, giving you peace of mind that goes beyond a simple snack.
Made with natural ingredients plus added vitamins and minerals, the Greenies formula is both nutritious and gentle on sensitive stomachs. Owners consistently report that even picky Yorkies eagerly accept them, and noticeable breath improvement is common within just a week of regular use. Reviews highlight that the treats are soft enough to chew without harming delicate teeth but structured enough to provide real mechanical scrubbing action.
The 12 oz tub contains 43 treats, placing it at a per-treat cost that justifies its veterinarian-recommended status. While some owners note the treats are consumed quickly, the bang-for-buck in clinical dental support is unmatched in this category, making it a worthwhile daily investment for your Yorkie’s long-term oral health.
Why we love it
- Clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar
- Perfect size and texture for a Yorkie’s mouth
- Veterinarian recommended and trusted for years
Good to know
- Some picky eaters may not love the texture
- Not a grain-free formula
2. Minties Dental Bone Treats, Tiny/Small
Minties positions itself as a direct, budget-friendly alternative to Greenies, and it largely succeeds. The Tiny/Small size is ideal for Yorkies weighing 5-39 pounds, and the firm yet crumbly texture effectively scrubs teeth as the dog chews. The inclusion of five breath fresheners—alfalfa, peppermint, parsley, fennel, and dill—provides a powerful, natural approach to fighting canine halitosis that owners report works well.
These treats are made in the USA and are completely free of wheat, corn, and soy, making them a safe choice for Yorkies with common food sensitivities. Reviews consistently praise the strong, pleasant minty smell and the fact that dogs seem to love the taste. Many owners report that their dogs actually prefer Minties over more expensive leading brands, noting better breath and comparable dental plaque control.
The 80-count bag offers significant value, making it easy to give a treat daily without breaking the bank. While the texture is harder than a soft chew, it crumbles easily and is not brittle, minimizing the risk of damage to a Yorkie’s teeth. For owners wanting a reliable, effective dental treat at a lower daily cost, Minties is an excellent choice.
Why we love it
- Excellent value for a large quantity of treats
- Gluten-free and made without corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains five natural breath-freshening ingredients
Good to know
- Some owners find the mint smell quite strong
- Texture may be too firm for very young or senior Yorkies
3. Fruitables BioActive Fresh Mouth Dental Chews
Fruitables takes a different approach to dental health. These are firm yet soft chews that scrub the tooth surface without the rigid density of a bone-shaped treat. The key differentiator is the inclusion of bioactive ingredients: decaffeinated green tea and parsley for fighting bad breath, and organic Icelandic kelp for phytonutrients and calcium. This formula focuses on supporting oral health from the inside out.
The mini size is specifically designed for dogs under 15 pounds, making it a near-perfect fit for a Yorkie. The texture is gentle enough for sensitive gums but textured enough to provide a meaningful cleaning action. Owners of Yorkies and other small breeds like Chihuahuas and Boston Terriers report that these treats last a satisfying amount of time (30 seconds to a minute) and do not stain light-colored carpets, a common concern with darker treats.
While the 7.3 oz bag provides fewer treats than the bulk options from other brands, the ingredient quality and digestive friendliness make it a standout choice for Yorkies with very sensitive stomachs. The inclusion of a refillable treat pocket is a nice bonus for training, but the real draw is a dental chew that feels less like a chore and more like a healthy snack your dog will enjoy.
Why we love it
- Highly digestible and gentle on sensitive stomachs
- Contains natural bad-breath fighters like green tea and kelp
- Firm yet soft texture cleans teeth without being too hard
Good to know
- Smaller bag provides fewer treats per purchase
- Best for light to moderate dental maintenance, not heavy tartar removal
4. Nylabone Nutri Dent Dental Chews, Mini
Nylabone’s Nutri Dent line offers a different philosophy: a simple, limited-ingredient formula that relies on mechanical cleaning. The mini size, measuring just 2 inches long, is perfectly scaled for a Yorkie’s mouth. The 360-degree cleaning nubs provide texture from every angle, ensuring that as your dog gnaws, the treat is actively scraping away plaque and tartar from all sides of the teeth.
The Filet Mignon flavor is a clear hit with dogs, and the fact that the chews are highly digestible, with no added salt, artificial preservatives, or artificial colors, makes them a clean choice. Reviews from owners of Chihuahuas and Yorkie mixes (like the “Chorky” mentioned in the reviews) highlight that the treats are appropriately sized for tiny mouths and last long enough to be satisfying. The 160-count bag represents a massive value, providing a long-term supply.
This is a treat built for daily, consistent use. While the texture is firmer than a soft chew, it is designed to be fully digestible. Owners appreciate the peace of mind that comes from a product made in the USA with a simple, honest ingredient list. For owners who prioritize bulk value and a powerful cleaning action without fillers, the Nutri Dent Mini is a clear winner.
Why we love it
- 160-count bag offers exceptional long-term value
- 360-degree nubs provide thorough mechanical cleaning
- Limited-ingredient formula, no artificial additives
Good to know
- Firmer texture may not suit all Yorkies, especially seniors
- Flavor is not natural meat, but dogs still love it
5. VetIQ Minties Dental Bone Treats (Box)
This product from VetIQ is essentially a premium-branded version of the Minties dental bone. It shares the same core recipe, being made in the USA with no wheat, corn, or soy, and infused with the same five breath fresheners for superior bad breath control. The unique shape and texture are designed to rub teeth clean as your dog chews, providing a solid mechanical cleaning action.
The 80-count box provides a generous supply, and the protein-rich formula is designed to appeal to picky eaters without any added sugar or artificial flavors. Reviews highlight that dogs who love Greenies also love these, and owners report no difference in dental benefits or chew time. Many consider these a smarter purchase due to the competitive pricing, getting the same results as a more expensive brand.
Owners of Yorkies and other small breeds find the size appropriate, allowing for a daily dental routine that effectively controls tartar and freshens breath. The packaging is a simple box, and the treats are slightly more fragile than the Minties bagged version, but for a Yorkie with a normal appetite, these provide a reliable, vet-recommended solution for daily oral hygiene without breaking the budget.
Why we love it
- Veterinarian recommended for daily oral health
- Great value per treat compared to leading brands
- Natural breath-freshening ingredients are effective
Good to know
- Ideal for Yorkies over 5 pounds
- Box packaging is not resealable after opening
FAQ
How many dental chews can I give my Yorkie each day?
Can these treats replace a professional teeth cleaning for my Yorkie?
My Yorkie is a very picky eater. Will they like these treats?
Are grain-free treats necessary for all Yorkies?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most Yorkie owners, the treats for yorkies winner is the Greenies Teenie Dental Treats because it offers the best balance of clinical effectiveness, perfect sizing, and proven palatability for this specific breed. If you want maximum breath-freshening power and a gluten-free formula on a budget, grab the Minties Tiny/Small. And for gentle dental care that prioritizes sensitive stomachs, nothing beats the Fruitables BioActive Fresh Mouth Chews.