Healthy Treats for Your Yorkie: Recipes and Recommendations

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Healthy Treats for Your Yorkie: Recipes and Recommendations

We all love spoiling our Yorkies with treats, but it’s important to make sure they’re both delicious and nutritious. Yorkies are small and have specific dietary needs, so finding the right balance between rewarding them and maintaining their health can be a little tricky. Whether you’re looking to make your own treats at home or choose the best store-bought options, I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into some healthy treat recipes and tips for keeping your Yorkie’s diet in check.

Why Healthy Treats Matter for Yorkies

Yorkies have tiny tummies, so even a small treat can be a big part of their daily calorie intake. Choosing the right treats helps maintain their weight, avoid digestive issues, and promote overall wellness. Low-calorie, nutrient-dense treats are the best way to go, ensuring your pup enjoys something tasty while getting valuable vitamins and minerals.

Portion Control Tips for Treats

Because Yorkies are small dogs, portion control is especially important. Too many treats can lead to obesity or digestive upsets. Here are a few tips to keep your Yorkie happy and healthy:

  • Follow the 10% Rule: Treats should only make up 10% of your Yorkie’s daily calorie intake. For small dogs like Yorkies, that’s usually around 20-30 calories a day, depending on their size and activity level.
  • Use Tiny Portions: Break treats into smaller pieces to stretch out the joy without adding too many calories.
  • Incorporate Treats Into Training: Make treats part of your Yorkie’s reward system for training to create positive associations and keep portions controlled.

Now, let’s jump into some homemade treat recipes and store-bought options!

Homemade Treat Recipes for Your Yorkie

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Bites

These tasty treats are simple to make and packed with protein and potassium!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup oats
  • 1 egg

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, peanut butter, egg, and oats.
  3. Gradually add the flour until the dough forms.
  4. Roll the dough into small balls or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes.
  5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
  6. Let cool before serving.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for later use.

2. Pumpkin and Apple Chews

Pumpkin is great for digestion, and apples add a touch of sweetness while being low in calories!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup grated apple (peeled and seeds removed)
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 egg

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the pumpkin, apple, and egg in a bowl.
  3. Slowly add the flour until the dough is easy to handle.
  4. Shape into small discs or use a cookie cutter.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes until firm and golden.
  6. Cool completely before serving.

Tip: These are soft treats, so they're perfect for Yorkies who have sensitive teeth or are senior pups.

3. Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

These frozen treats are great for a quick, cooling snack, especially in the warmer months.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
  • 1/4 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the yogurt and blueberries.
  2. Spoon the mixture into small silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
  3. Freeze for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
  4. Pop out the treats and serve cold!

Note: Greek yogurt is full of probiotics, but be sure your Yorkie isn’t lactose intolerant before trying these.

Best Store-Bought Treats for Yorkies

When you don’t have time to make your own, there are plenty of healthy store-bought options that are safe for Yorkies. Here are a few top recommendations:

1. Zuke’s Mini Naturals

These bite-sized, low-calorie treats are perfect for training and are made with wholesome ingredients like real meat, fruits, and veggies. They come in a variety of flavors, so you can mix it up!

2. Blue Buffalo Health Bars

Packed with natural ingredients like pumpkin, carrots, and oatmeal, these crunchy treats are a great option for rewarding your Yorkie while supporting their health.

3. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites

If you have a younger Yorkie, these soft, chewy treats are great for training and easy to digest. They’re made with all-natural ingredients and are grain-free, perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs.

4. Fruitables Skinny Minis

For a low-calorie, flavorful treat, try Fruitables. These mini treats come in fun flavors like pumpkin and apple or sweet potato and blueberry, and they are free of corn, wheat, and artificial ingredients.

Treats to Avoid

While there are plenty of healthy options out there, it’s important to steer clear of certain ingredients and treats that can harm your Yorkie:

  • Artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol
  • High-fat treats like bacon or fatty leftovers
  • Rawhide chews which can be hard to digest
  • Grapes, raisins, onions, and chocolate—all toxic to dogs

Always double-check the ingredient list before giving your Yorkie any new treat to ensure it’s safe and healthy for them.

Final Thoughts

Providing your Yorkie with healthy treats doesn’t mean sacrificing taste! Whether you’re whipping up some homemade goodies or choosing the best store-bought options, the key is to focus on nutritious, low-calorie treats that are the right size for your pup. Remember to practice portion control and be mindful of ingredients to keep your Yorkie healthy, happy, and full of love.

What are your favorite healthy treats for your Yorkie? Share your go-to recipes or store-bought picks in the comments below! 🐾

Written with love by Heather, proud owner of Setareh Yorkies. 🐶💖
For more adorable Yorkie updates, tips, and everything in between, visit us at Setareh Yorkies and be sure to follow our Yorkie adventures on Instagram @setarehyorkies. We can't wait to connect with you and share our love for these sweet pups!

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