Best Training Treats for Yorkies

Yorkies are smart but can be stubborn. The right training treat—small, tasty, and easy to eat quickly—helps hold their attention and reinforce good behavior. This guide covers what to look for and top picks for everyday training, picky eaters, and sensitive stomachs.

Last updated: January 2026 · Reading time: ~8 min

Quick Answer

The best training treats for Yorkies are small, soft, and smelly so they're easy to swallow and motivating. Top options: Blue Buffalo Blue Bits (chicken, soft, no corn/soy), Pupford Freeze-Dried (single-ingredient, low-cal), Bil-Jac Little Jacks (chicken liver, soft, small), Cloud Star Tricky Trainers (salmon, low-cal, 360 per pouch), Full Moon Chicken Jerky (grain-free, human-grade; cut into tiny pieces). Use portion control—treats add calories. For stubborn or fearful dogs, pair treats with a certified trainer.

What to Look For in Training Treats

Factor	What to choose
Size	Tiny pieces so the dog eats quickly and stays focused. Break or cut if needed.
Texture	Soft and easy to chew for fast delivery; avoid hard or long-lasting chews during training.
Smell & taste	Strong smell and flavor = higher motivation for most Yorkies.
Ingredients	Named meat first; avoid fillers and artificial additives if your dog is sensitive.
Calories	Low-calorie options for frequent rewards; factor treats into daily intake.

Top Training Treat Picks for Yorkies

1. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits (Chicken or Beef)

• Best for: Everyday training; picky eaters; soft, bite-sized.
• Highlights: Real chicken or beef first ingredient, soft and moist, no corn/wheat/soy or artificial flavors; oatmeal, brown rice, flaxseed; DHA and omega-3. Resealable bag.
• Note: Contains sugars; use in moderation.
• Check price: Blue Buffalo Blue Bits on Amazon

2. Pupford Freeze-Dried Beef Liver (and other proteins)

• Best for: Low-calorie, high-value; sensitive stomachs; single-ingredient.
• Highlights: One ingredient (e.g. beef liver), freeze-dried, small pieces, no fillers; chicken, salmon, rabbit, sweet potato options.
• Note: Store in an airtight container to avoid moisture and mold.
• Check price: Pupford Freeze-Dried Treats on Amazon

3. Bil-Jac Little Jacks Chicken Liver

• Best for: Soft, small, high-value; small dogs and puppies.
• Highlights: Chicken liver first, soft and chewy, resealable pouch; 3-pack option.
• Note: Can crumble; keep sealed.
• Check price: Bil-Jac Little Jacks on Amazon

4. Cloud Star Tricky Trainers (Salmon, Chicken Liver, or Cheddar)

• Best for: Low-calorie training; 360 small pieces per pouch.
• Highlights: Real meat/fish first, soft and chewy, no corn/soy, oven-baked; salmon, chicken liver, or cheddar.
• Note: Can dry out; keep pouch sealed.
• Check price: Cloud Star Tricky Trainers on Amazon

5. Full Moon All Natural Chicken Jerky (Grain-Free)

• Best for: Limited-ingredient, human-grade; cut into tiny training bits.
• Highlights: Human-grade chicken, grain-free, four ingredients; high protein.
• Note: Cut into small pieces for training; store in a sealed container.
• Check price: Full Moon Chicken Jerky on Amazon

Treat Type Quick Reference

Type	Best for training?	Notes
Soft chews	Yes	Fast to eat, smelly; store properly to avoid mold.
Freeze-dried	Yes	High-value, often single-ingredient; break into small bits.
Jerky	Yes (cut small)	Very motivating; cut into tiny pieces.
Biscuits	Okay	Crunchy; break into small pieces; less smelly than soft.
Dental chews	No	Once daily, long-lasting; not for rapid rewards.
Rawhide	No	Not for training; choking and digestion risks.

How to Use Treats in Training

1. Reward immediately after the desired behavior so the dog associates the action with the treat.
2. Use tiny pieces so the Yorkie can eat quickly and you can do many repetitions.
3. Vary rewards so they don't get bored; reserve the highest-value treat for harder tasks.
4. Factor treats into daily calories to avoid weight gain; reduce meal size if needed.
5. Pair with praise and play so the dog doesn't depend on food only.

For structured help with obedience, house training, or barking, our trainer directory lists professionals who work with small breeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use wet food as training treats?

Yes, in small amounts. Use a spoon or squeeze tube, or tiny portions from their wet food. Account for the extra calories in their daily diet.

How many treats can I give per day?

There's no single number; keep total treat calories within about 10% of daily intake for maintenance. For small dogs, that's often a few dozen tiny pieces per day; adjust meals if you're doing a lot of training.

My Yorkie isn't interested in treats. What do I do?

Try higher-value options (freeze-dried liver, real meat), train when they're slightly hungry, or use a favorite toy or play as the reward. If they're stressed or scared, reduce pressure and consider a trainer or behaviorist.

What treats are best for Yorkie puppies?

Small, soft, easy-to-swallow options like Blue Bits or Bil-Jac Little Jacks work well. Avoid hard biscuits or large pieces. Use puppy-specific treats if you want age-appropriate options.

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This article is for general guidance only. For diet or weight concerns, consult your veterinarian.