Tips and Best Treats for
Yorkies with Sensitive Stomachs

Overview

Your Yorkshire Terrier may be small, but their digestive system can be a big challenge to manage. Many Yorkies are prone to tummy troubles, which can make treat shopping tricky to navigate. This article explains why Yorkies often struggle with digestive sensitivities, how you can help manage those issues, what ingredients to look for (or avoid), and, most importantly, our top picks for gentle, tummy-friendly treats your sweetie will love.

Yorkshire Terrier at a table ready to eat

Please note: YorkieInfoCenter is reader-supported. Some of the product suggestions below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep sharing helpful content like this.

Don't need the details and want to skip straight to the list? You can jump ahead to Recommendations: Top Treats for Yorkshire Terriers with Sensitive Stomachs.

Why Yorkies Are Prone to Sensitive Stomachs

Yorkies may look dainty, but their digestive systems can be surprisingly high-maintenance. Here are some key reasons your little guy or gal might struggle with certain treats:

1. Breed-Specific Sensitivities

Yorkshire Terriers are genetically prone to food intolerances and ingredient sensitivities, particularly when it comes to additives, grains, or certain proteins. Even small amounts of triggering ingredients can lead to gas, vomiting, or diarrhea. Over time, repeated exposure can also contribute to chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

2. Tiny Digestive Systems

With their petite frames come tiny stomachs and delicate digestive tracts. Rich or fatty treats, even in small quantities, can overwhelm a Yorkie’s system and may trigger episodes of pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas. That’s why low-fat, gentle treats are usually the safest option for this breed.

3. Unstable Gut Microbiome

Yorkies tend to have a sensitive gut bacteria balance. Even a minor disruption from antibiotics, stress, or new foods can throw things off, leading to bloating, gurgling, or soft stools. Supporting their microbiome with simple, nourishing ingredients and probiotics can make a big difference.

4. Stress-Related Digestive Issues

Because Yorkies are highly alert and emotionally tuned-in, stress or changes to routine can affect their digestion. It's not unusual for an anxious Yorkie to lose their appetite or develop tummy trouble during even minor disruptions. In some cases, stress may also trigger hypoglycemia, especially in puppies, which can add to digestive instability.

Signs a Yorkie Might Have a Sensitive Stomach

Sometimes it’s obvious your Yorkie’s stomach is upset; but other times, the signs are subtle. Understanding the most common symptoms can help you catch issues early and avoid ingredients that may trigger a reaction. Here are some of the telltale signs that your little guy or gal may be dealing with a sensitive digestive system:


  • Soft or Irregular Stools. If your Yorkie’s stools aren’t as firm or consistent as usual, it could be a subtle sign that their treats, or even their main diet, need a closer look. 
  • Flatulence. All dogs get a little gassy sometimes, but excessive flatulence, especially if it has a strong odor, can point to a digestive issue. This may be caused by poorly digested proteins, high-fat treats, or certain grains.
  • Occasional Vomiting. If your Yorkie throws up from time to time without other symptoms, it may be due to dietary sensitivity. Frequent vomiting, especially if it’s yellow and happens on an empty stomach, may be a sign that something in their treats or food isn’t sitting well.
  • Picky or Hesitant Eating. A dog that suddenly becomes finicky might be trying to avoid something that causes physical discomfort. If your Yorkie sniffs and walks away from their food, or hesitates before eating a familiar snack, it may be their way of saying “this hurts my tummy.”
  • Frequent Grass Eating. While some dogs munch on grass for fun, others do it instinctively to settle their stomach or induce vomiting. If your Yorkie regularly seeks out grass, especially after eating certain treats, it could point to low-grade nausea or discomfort.
  • Gurgling or Noisy Stomach. Loud rumbling, gurgling, or bubbling noises coming from your Yorkie’s stomach, especially if paired with lethargy or appetite changes, can be signs of indigestion or gas buildup. This is often linked to microbiome imbalance or poor food tolerance.

5 Tips to Support a Yorkie’s Digestive Health

If your Yorkie tends to have a sensitive stomach, it helps to keep a few smart habits in place while you introduce new, gentle treats. Here are five simple ways to support digestion and make tummy troubles less likely.

1. Rule Out Underlying Conditions.

If your Yorkie has persistent digestive issues (like frequent diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy) start with a vet visit. Conditions such as pancreatitis, parasites, or food allergies can mimic sensitivity symptoms but require medical treatment. Testing may include bloodwork, fecal exams, or an elimination diet plan guided by your vet.

2. Simplify Their Diet. 

Stick with high-quality, limited-ingredient foods and avoid artificial additives or food dyes, chemical preservatives, or unnecessary fillers. The simpler, the better: look for single-source proteins like turkey or fish paired with gentle carbs such as pumpkin or rice. Keeping meals consistent and uncomplicated can go a long way in supporting your Yorkie’s digestion. A basic, clean formula is often easier for their system to tolerate and makes it simpler to spot what’s working and what’s not. 

3. Introduce New Foods Slowly.

Even the most stomach-friendly snack can cause issues if introduced too quickly. Ease in over 7-10 days so your Yorkie’s digestive system can adjust without surprise. Begin with just one small piece per day, then gradually increase as long as stools remain firm and there are no signs of gas or discomfort. If any symptoms arise, pause and return to their baseline diet before trying again.

4. Use Probiotics as Needed.

A good probiotic can make a big difference for Yorkies with sensitive digestion. It can support their gut balance, reduce inflammation, and can even help regulate appetite and stools. Some Yorkies benefit from daily use, given as a treat, while others may need probiotics temporarily after antibiotics. during tummy flare-ups, or during times of stress, like travel or boarding. You'll see our favorite pick coming up in Top Treats for Yorkshire Terriers with Sensitive Stomachs.

5. Watch for Changes.

Track how your Yorkie responds to new treats or food changes. Stool firmness, appetite, energy levels, and gas are all important clues. Keep a simple log if needed; it helps identify patterns and makes vet visits more productive. Fewer gurgles and firmer poops? That’s a solid sign your treat choice is a winner.

Before You Buy: How to Spot Digestive-Friendly Dog Treats

The best treats for Yorkies with digestive issues share a few common traits: simple recipes, no artificial junk, and ingredients that are naturally easy to digest. Let’s look at what to prioritize:


  • Limited Ingredient Formulas. Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances for intolerance. Single-protein, simple-carb recipes are great. Skip synthetic coloring dyes and flavors. Look for natural preservatives that use herbs and/or vitamins (sometimes labeled as mixed tocopherols).
  • Easy-to-Digest Ingredients. Pumpkin (fiber-rich and soothing) and sweet potato (a gentle, digestible carbohydrate) are fantastic. Ginger can help ease nausea and reduce bloating, while turmeric provides natural anti-inflammatory support. For protein, lean meats like turkey, chicken, rabbit, and some fish tend to be easier on the digestive system than fattier options.
  • Probiotic-Enhanced Treats. Probiotic treats offer digestive support in snack form. Look for live cultures or yogurt-based chews that help support gut health while doubling as a tasty reward.
  • Natural & Organic Choices. Organic treats reduce the risk of exposure to pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs, growth hormones, artificial additives, and synthetic preservatives which is important for a dog with a sensitive digestive tract. 
  • Yorkie-Friendly Size and Texture. Choose treats that match your Yorkie’s size and chewing ability. Some larger treats are fine if they’re easy to break into pieces, but you want something soft enough for easy chewing and digesting.

Recommendations: Top Treats for Yorkshire Terriers with Sensitive Stomachs

Yorkshire Terrier with Various Sensitive Stomach Treats

Taking everything into account, from ingredient simplicity to gut-friendly nutrients, here are our current top five store-bought treat recommendations that are gentle on digestion, free from irritants, and just the right size and texture for your sweetie. Each of these treats were chosen with Yorkies in mind: small pups with sensitive tummies and big opinions about flavor. Let’s take a look at what stands out.

Smart Cookie Trout & Apple Dog Treats

Made in small batches in Colorado, these Smart Cookie Trout and Apple Treats have limited-ingredients and are tailored for dogs with food sensitivities, making them a great fit for Yorkshire Terriers. Trout is a novel, lean protein that’s less likely to trigger reactions than common meats like beef or chicken. Combined with apples, these treats offer a gentle source of fiber and antioxidants, supporting smooth digestion and immune health.


The formula is grain-free, gluten-free, and contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or fillers. These are also low in fat, making them a great option for Yorkies at risk for pancreatitis or those needing to manage their calorie intake.


Each treat is soft-baked and breakable, so they can be portioned easily, even for tiny mouths or older Yorkies with dental issues. With a short, thoughtful ingredient list and excellent taste, these treats strike the perfect balance between gentle and rewarding.

Bocce’s Bakery Berry Smoothie Yogurt Wellness Treats

These cheerful little treats are more than just cute: they’re made with a short, smart ingredient list that’s easy on digestion and naturally supportive of gut health. This brand, known for organic ingredients and wholesome goodies, keeps it simple with their Bocce Bakery Berry Smoothie Yogurt Treats. These have oats, banana, blueberries, and yogurt powder; all known to be gentle on sensitive stomachs.


Oats are soothing for the digestive tract and help create bulk for better stool quality. Bananas and blueberries offer antioxidants and potassium, supporting everything from muscle health to inflammation control. Yogurt powder introduces a mild dose of probiotics to help balance the gut microbiome, which is especially helpful if your little guy or gal has had antibiotics or frequent GI upset. Flaxseed contributes omega-3s for reduced inflammation, and coconut glycerin is used to keep the treats soft without using artificial moisture agents.


These treats are low in fat (about 6%), making them an excellent everyday option for Yorkies. And these are super-easy to break apart, which makes them perfect for training or rewarding. 

Bocce's Bakery Crunchy Pumpkin & Ginger Dog Treats

These crunchy, oven-baked treats are a smart choice for Yorkies with delicate digestion. As with their other flavor options, Bocce Bakery Pumpkin and Ginger Treats are made in the USA and free from artificial colors, wheat, corn, and soy, they’re a wholesome, low-fat option that supports digestive comfort with every bite.


This is a limited ingredient treat with just: Pumpkin, yucca, ginger and oats. Pumpkin is gentle fiber to help regulate digestion and firm up stools. Yucca supports healthy gut flora and hand anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger is known to ease nausea, reduce gas, and support overall gut motility, making this blend especially helpful for supporting a stable, comfortable tummy. While oats provide a mild, easy-to-digest grain base.


Each treat is small, crisp, and packed with flavor, making them great for training or general rewarding without overwhelming your pup’s system. Naturally low in fat at just 4.0%, they’re safe for daily use, even for Yorkies who need to keep a close eye on their pancreatitis risk.

Sam’s Yams Bichon Fries – Sweet Potato Chews

These chewy treats are as simple as it gets: just one ingredient: sweet potato, grown in the USA and dehydrated, to make them a healthy chewy goodie that doubles as a dental treat. There are zero additives of any kind. This makes Sam’s Yams Bichon Fries an excellent rawhide alternative and a favorite for Yorkshire Terriers with extremely sensitive stomachs.


Sweet potatoes are naturally rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and complex carbs that are easy to digest and help support smooth, regular stools. Because they have a chewy consistency, they can also help satisfy your Yorkie’s natural urge to gnaw without putting pressure on the stomach the way some meat jerky treats can.


The uniquely grooved texture promotes dental health by helping to scrape plaque and massage the gums. Just be sure to monitor your Yorkie during chew time, especially if they’re a fast eater. These are best for adults and can be given whole or cut into smaller segments for portion control. These are extremely low in fat (about 1%), making them one of the safest chew options for Yorkshire Terriers.

Zesty Paws Probiotic Pumpkin Bites

Formulated specifically to support digestive health, Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites are soft, bite-sized chews that make a great daily treat for Yorkshire Terriers with sensitive stomachs. These chews combine pumpkin (which promotes healthy digestion and regularity) with a powerful blend of probiotics to balance gut flora and ease digestive upset.


There’s no chicken, grain, or soy, which makes them an excellent choice for Yorkies with food intolerances. Each chew contains six strains of live probiotics (including clinically studied DE111 Bacillus subtilis) to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and support regularity. The pumpkin base helps soothe the stomach, while papaya and enzymes like bromelain promote better nutrient absorption.

The soft texture is easy for small dogs to chew and can be broken in half for tiny Yorkie mouths. These are especially helpful during times of transition, like switching foods, dealing with mild tummy issues, or managing occasional stress-related digestive flare-ups. Plus, they’re tasty enough to double as a reward or topper.

Final Thoughts: Keeping the Tummy Happy

Helping a Yorkshire Terrier with a sensitive stomach takes patience, observation, and a little extra care. From understanding the common triggers to choosing the right treats, every thoughtful step you take can make a big difference in how your Yorkie feels day to day.


Even small improvements in digestion can lead to better energy, brighter moods, and a stronger appetite. With time, you’ll learn what works best for your pup’s unique system, and create a routine that keeps them comfortable and thriving.

Let's stay connected...

Stay a quick moment to become a free site member. You'll receive a Welcome Booklet and our friendly newsletters that announce when new articles are added to this site. It's the best way for us to stay in touch, so we hope you'll join us today.