Yorkies love to chew—it’s natural and helps with dental health, boredom, and teething. Not all chews are safe for small dogs: size, hardness, and ingredients matter. This guide covers what’s safe to give, what to avoid, and top picks with direct Amazon links.
Last updated: February 2026 · Reading time: ~8 min
Quick Answer
Safe chews for Yorkies are small-sized, appropriately soft or digestible, and supervised. Good options: Greenies Teenie (dental chew, small size), Nylabone Healthy Edibles (edible, small), Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wild Bones Mini (grain-free dental), Milk-Bone MaroSnacks (small, crunchy). Avoid: cooked bones (splinter risk), large or hard bones that can crack teeth, and rawhide if your dog swallows big pieces. Always supervise chewing and choose products sized for small dogs.
Safe vs Unsafe Chews
| Type | Safe for Yorkies? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked bones | No | Splinter easily; can pierce gut or throat. Never give. |
| Raw bones | Only with caution | Some raw bones are softer; still risk of choking, broken teeth, or bacteria. Use only under vet guidance; avoid small, brittle, or weight-bearing bones. |
| Edible dental chews | Yes (right size) | Greenies, etc.; choose “Teenie” or small-breed size. Supervise. |
| Commercial edible chews | Yes (right size) | Nylabone Healthy Edibles, Blue Buffalo mini treats; small pieces, digestible. |
| Long-lasting nylon | Yes (right size) | Nylabone-type; not edible; replace when heavily worn. Avoid if dog bites off large chunks. |
| Rawhide | Use caution | Choking and blockage risk if swallowed in large pieces; supervise and choose small, thin styles or avoid. |
Top Chew Picks for Yorkies
1. Greenies Teenie Dental Dog Treats
Dental chew designed to help reduce tartar and clean teeth. Teenie size is for small dogs. Made to be digestible; give one per day (or per label). High in calories—factor into daily intake.
Check price: Greenies Teenie Dental Dog Treats on Amazon
2. Nylabone Healthy Edibles (Small)
Edible chew in small size; flavors like chicken or beef. No added salt, sugar, or artificial colors. Good for light chewing and training rewards. Not a substitute for meals; use as a treat.
Check price: Nylabone Healthy Edibles Small Dog on Amazon
3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wild Bones Mini (Grain-Free)
Grain-free mini dental-style treats; real meat first ingredient. Good for Yorkies with grain sensitivity. Small size suits small mouths. Use as a treat, not a meal.
Check price: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wild Bones Mini on Amazon
4. Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Small Dog Treats
Crunchy treat with a marrow-style flavor; small size for small dogs. Contains calcium and probiotics per brand. Affordable and widely available. Moderation needed—treats add calories.
Check price: Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Small Dog on Amazon
5. SmartBones Mini Chicken (Rawhide-Free)
Rawhide-free chew with real chicken; small size. Digestible alternative for dogs who like chews but shouldn’t have rawhide. Supervise and remove when it gets small enough to swallow whole.
Check price: SmartBones Mini Chicken Dog Treats on Amazon
Choosing the Right Chew: Quick Guide
| Factor | What to do |
|---|---|
| Size | Use “small,” “mini,” or “teenie” versions so the dog can’t choke or swallow whole. |
| Ingredients | Prefer named proteins and minimal fillers; avoid ingredients your Yorkie is allergic or sensitive to. |
| Calories | Chews and treats add up; keep total treat calories ~10% or less of daily intake. |
| Age | Puppies need soft, small chews; seniors may need softer options if dental health is an issue. |
| Supervision | Always supervise. Remove when the chew is small enough to swallow or if it’s breaking into chunks. |
Why Chewing Matters for Yorkies
Chewing can help clean teeth, ease boredom, and satisfy instinct. Yorkies are prone to dental disease; dental chews are a supplement, not a replacement for brushing or vet care. Combine safe chews with regular dental care and a good diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental chews worth it for Yorkies?
They can help reduce tartar and keep the mouth busy when used in addition to brushing and vet cleanings. They’re not a substitute for daily dental care or professional cleanings. Choose a size appropriate for small dogs (e.g. Greenies Teenie).
Why are some bones dangerous?
Cooked bones dry out and splinter easily, which can cause choking, mouth injury, or gut damage. Raw bones can carry bacteria or break teeth if too hard. Size matters: too small and they can be swallowed; too large or hard and they can crack teeth. Stick to commercial chews made for small dogs unless your vet recommends otherwise.
What are good treats for Yorkies?
Small, soft or crunchy treats suited to small breeds work well for training and rewards. For chewing specifically, use the small-sized options above. For puppies, see best treats for Yorkie puppies.
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