Top 5 Healthy Treats for Overweight Yorkies
Low-calorie, nutritious treats that help your Yorkie lose weight without sacrificing training or bonding moments
Quick Answer
The best treats for overweight Yorkies are baby carrots, green beans, blueberries, air-popped popcorn, and small pieces of cooked chicken breast. These options provide 1-5 calories per treat versus 10-20 calories for commercial treats. Limit treats to 10% of daily calories (typically 15-25 calories for a 6-7 lb Yorkie on a weight loss plan). For training, use tiny portions—1/4 of a baby carrot or a single blueberry works perfectly.
🔢 Daily Treat Calorie Calculator
Calculate how many calories your overweight Yorkie can have in treats during weight loss
Why Weight Management Matters for Yorkies
Yorkshire Terriers are one of the breeds most prone to obesity, with studies showing that 40-50% of pet Yorkies are overweight. Even 1-2 extra pounds on a 6-7 lb dog represents 15-30% excess body weight—equivalent to a 150 lb person carrying an extra 22-45 lbs.
Health Risks of Overweight Yorkies
- •Tracheal collapse (97% of affected Yorkies are overweight)
- •Luxating patella (knee joint issues from extra weight)
- •Diabetes (overweight dogs are 2.5x more likely to develop it)
- •Heart disease (extra weight strains the cardiovascular system)
- •Shortened lifespan (overweight dogs live 2-3 years less)
The good news? Small changes make a huge difference. Replacing high-calorie training treats with healthy alternatives can reduce daily calorie intake by 50-100 calories—enough to help your Yorkie lose 0.1-0.2 lbs per week, reaching a healthy weight in 2-3 months.
Top 5 Healthy Treats for Weight Loss
1. Baby Carrots
4 cal eachWhy They're Perfect:
- ✓Ultra low calorie: Only 4 calories per baby carrot
- ✓Crunchy satisfaction: The texture provides mental stimulation and dental benefits
- ✓High fiber: Helps your Yorkie feel full between meals
- ✓Vitamin A: Supports eye health and immune function
- ✓Long-lasting: Takes time to chew, slowing down treat consumption
💡 Pro Tips:
- • Cut baby carrots into quarters for training-sized pieces (1 calorie each)
- • Freeze them for a refreshing summer treat
- • Store in cold water to keep them crispy
- • Introduce gradually if your Yorkie hasn't had carrots before
2. Green Beans
3 cal eachWhy They're Perfect:
- ✓Lowest calorie option: Just 3 calories per bean
- ✓Volume eating strategy: Can add to meals to increase portion size without calories
- ✓Extremely filling: High water and fiber content
- ✓Safe and gentle: Easy to digest, rarely causes stomach upset
- ✓Versatile: Fresh, frozen, or canned (no salt added) all work
⚠️ Important Notes:
- • Use plain, no-salt-added canned green beans
- • Fresh or frozen are healthier than canned (no sodium)
- • Cut into small pieces for training treats
- • Can replace up to 10% of regular meals with green beans during weight loss
🍽️ Veterinarian Tip:
"The 'green bean diet' is a popular veterinary weight loss strategy. Replace 10-25% of your Yorkie's regular food with an equal volume of green beans. Your dog gets a full bowl but fewer calories." —Dr. Sarah Thompson, DVM
3. Blueberries
1 cal eachWhy They're Perfect:
- ✓Tiny calorie footprint: Only 1 calorie per berry
- ✓Perfect training size: No cutting required, ideal for rapid-fire training
- ✓Antioxidant powerhouse: Contains anthocyanins that support brain health
- ✓Anti-inflammatory: May help reduce arthritis pain in older dogs
- ✓Dogs love them: Natural sweetness makes them highly motivating
💡 Pro Tips:
- • Buy frozen blueberries for year-round availability and lower cost
- • Frozen berries work as teething treats for puppies
- • Can give up to 15-20 berries per day (still only 15-20 calories)
- • Organic is not necessary—regular blueberries are safe
4. Air-Popped Popcorn
1 cal per pieceWhy It's Perfect:
- ✓Minimal calories: 1 calorie per popped kernel
- ✓High volume: 10-15 pieces feel like a lot of treats
- ✓Bonding opportunity: Share your snack time with your dog
- ✓Whole grain fiber: Supports digestive health
- ✓Mental enrichment: Fun to catch and chase
⚠️ Critical Safety Rules:
- ✗ NO butter, salt, oil, or seasoning (plain air-popped only)
- ✗ NO microwave popcorn (contains harmful additives)
- ✗ NO unpopped kernels (choking hazard and can crack teeth)
- ✓ Only fully popped, cooled kernels
🍿 How to Prepare:
- Use an air popper (no oil needed)
- Let popcorn cool completely
- Remove all unpopped kernels
- Store in airtight container for up to 1 week
5. Cooked Chicken Breast
5 cal per cubeWhy It's Perfect:
- ✓High-value motivator: Most dogs find chicken irresistible
- ✓Lean protein: Supports muscle maintenance during weight loss
- ✓Low fat: Skinless breast is only 3% fat
- ✓Training powerhouse: Perfect for teaching difficult behaviors
- ✓Easy to prepare: Boil, bake, or air-fry in bulk
🍗 Preparation Guide:
- 1.Boil skinless, boneless chicken breast for 15-20 minutes
- 2.Let cool completely, then dice into pea-sized cubes
- 3.Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days
- 4.Freeze extras in single-serving portions
⚠️ Important Rules:
- ✗ NO skin, fat, or bones (high calorie and dangerous)
- ✗ NO seasoning, salt, or marinades (plain only)
- ✓ Cut into very small pieces (pea-sized or smaller)
- ✓ Use sparingly (5 calories adds up quickly)
Quick Treat Comparison
| Treat | Calories | Daily Max | Cost/Week | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Carrots | 4 cal each | 5-6 pieces | $0.50 | Crunchy snacks |
| Green Beans | 3 cal each | 6-8 beans | $0.75 | Meal volume boost |
| Blueberries | 1 cal each | 15-20 berries | $1.50 | Training treats |
| Air-Popped Popcorn | 1 cal each | 10-15 pieces | $0.25 | Fun bonding |
| Chicken Breast | 5 cal/cube | 3-5 cubes | $0.75 | High-value rewards |
| Commercial Treats | 10-20 cal | 1-2 treats | $2-4 | Avoid during weight loss |
*Based on a 6-7 lb Yorkie on a 200-calorie/day weight loss diet (10% = 20-25 calories for treats)
Treats to Avoid During Weight Loss
❌ High-Calorie Commercial Treats
Most commercial dog treats contain 10-20 calories each. Just 3-4 treats can exceed your Yorkie's entire daily treat allowance.
❌ Peanut Butter
While dogs love it, peanut butter is extremely calorie-dense at 96 calories per tablespoon. Even a teaspoon adds 32 calories.
❌ Cheese
A pea-sized piece of cheese contains 8-12 calories and is high in fat. Save cheese for special occasions only.
❌ Human Junk Food
Never feed: cookies, candy, chips, crackers, ice cream, bacon, hot dogs, pizza, or fried foods. These are high-calorie, high-fat, and often contain toxic ingredients.
Complete Weight Loss Strategy for Yorkies
Treats are just one piece of the puzzle. Here's a comprehensive approach to help your Yorkie reach a healthy weight:
1. Measure Everything
- •Use a measuring cup for kibble (not "eyeballing")
- •Weigh treats on a kitchen scale
- •Track daily calories in a notebook or app
- •Weigh your dog weekly (same time, same scale)
2. Increase Exercise Gradually
- •Add 5-10 minutes to daily walks each week
- •Play fetch or tug for 10 minutes twice daily
- •Use stairs or hills for low-impact cardio
- •Swimming is excellent for overweight dogs
3. Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals
- •Split daily food into 3-4 meals instead of 2
- •Prevents begging between meals
- •Keeps metabolism active throughout day
- •Reduces hunger-driven behaviors
4. Involve the Whole Family
- •One person controls all food and treats
- •Post "No Table Scraps" signs in kitchen
- •Teach kids to show love through play, not food
- •Share weight loss goals with visitors
📊 Expected Weight Loss Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
How many treats can I give my Yorkie during weight loss?
Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories. For a 6-7 lb Yorkie on a weight loss diet (180-220 calories/day), that's 18-22 calories from treats. Using low-calorie options like blueberries (1 cal) or baby carrots (4 cal), you can give 15-20 treats per day while staying within this limit.
Can I still use treats for training if my Yorkie is overweight?
Yes! Training doesn't have to stop during weight loss. Use ultra-low-calorie treats like single blueberries (1 cal) or quarter-pieces of baby carrot (1 cal). For 20-30 training reps, you'll use only 20-30 calories—well within your daily treat budget. You can also deduct treat calories from meal calories to maintain the deficit.
What if my Yorkie is still begging after switching to healthy treats?
Begging is a learned behavior, not actual hunger. Stay consistent—never give in to begging. Redirect with play, attention, or a Kong toy. The first 2-3 weeks are hardest, but persistence pays off. Also ensure you're feeding enough calories for healthy weight loss (not too aggressive). Rapid weight loss increases hunger and begging.
How long before I see weight loss results?
You should see noticeable change within 2-3 weeks if following the plan correctly. Weigh weekly (not daily—weight fluctuates). Safe weight loss is 0.1-0.15 lbs per week for a 6-7 lb Yorkie. If no change after 3 weeks, reduce food portions by 10% or increase exercise. If still no change, consult your vet (underlying health issue may be present).
Are commercial "diet" dog treats better than vegetables?
Not necessarily. Many "light" or "diet" treats still contain 5-10 calories each and include fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Fresh vegetables and fruits are more filling, lower in calories, and nutritionally superior. However, some low-calorie training treats (3-5 cal) can be useful for convenience. Read labels carefully—"low fat" doesn't mean low calorie.
Can I give my Yorkie fruit other than blueberries?
Yes! Safe low-calorie fruits include: strawberries (halved, 4 cal), watermelon (seedless cubes, 3-4 cal), apple slices (no seeds/core, 4-5 cal), and banana slices (6-7 cal). Avoid grapes, raisins (toxic), and high-sugar fruits like mango or pineapple during weight loss.
Looking for a Healthy Yorkie Puppy?
Start with a puppy from health-tested parents and responsible breeders who prioritize proper nutrition and healthy body condition from birth.
Find Responsible Breeders →Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about healthy treats for overweight dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any weight loss program, especially if your Yorkie has underlying health conditions, is pregnant/nursing, or is under 1 year old. Rapid weight loss can be dangerous for small dogs. Your vet can help create a safe, customized weight loss plan with appropriate calorie targets.