Best Food for Yorkies: The Ultimate Guide
Choosing the right nutrition for your dog is not an easy task. This includes considering what is best for your dog’s health, as well as their size and whether they are a fussy eater. It is also important to consider your dog’s life stage.
Here are eight of the best dog food for Yorkies to ensure your dog enjoys every meal and gets the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy.
Quick Picks: Best Food for Yorkies: The Ultimate Guide
Top 8 Best Dog Food For Yorkies
1. Chicken Iams Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
The Iams Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food formula is perfect for adult small and toy breeds. This food’s first ingredient is chicken bred on a farm, making it a nutritious option for your pet. This food comes in 15-pound bags.
The chicken in this food is real, not fake. The Omega-6 fatty acids help keep the dog’s coat looking perfect. This food also contains antioxidants, which give the dog a stronger immune system.
This food is made with high-quality proteins that will give your small dog the nutrition it needs. In addition, this food has the recommendation of veterinarians.
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2. Breed-Specific Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Dry Dog Food
Adult dogs have different nutritional requirements than puppies. Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Breed Dry Food is formulated to suit the nutritional requirements of Yorkie puppies aged eight to ten months.
This Royal Canin food for Yorkie puppies benefits their small snouts and teeth. Vitamin E and other immune system-boosting antioxidants are abundant in the food’s formulation. Biotin, Omega-3, and Omega-6 fatty acids are components that maintain healthy skin and coat. The premium ingredients include prebiotics that promote digestive health, healthy stool quality, and high protein content.
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3. Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice
Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice is a high-protein food for small or toy breeds. This food comes in five, six, or eighteen-pound bags. If you need flexibility in the bag size, this food is a great choice.
Live probiotics assist preserve the digestive tract and also promote immunological health. This dog food called Focus Chicken and Rice Formula has existed for a long time. As a Purina food, this item has a positive reputation.
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4. Royal Canin Dry Dog Food Adult Yorkshire Terrier
Royal Canin for adult Yorkies is a type of balanced food made specifically for the needs of purebred Yorkshire Terriers between 10 months and 8 years old.
Biotin and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids contribute to the health and luster of your dog’s coat. The best way to get your Yorkie to eat their food is by making it taste good. Kibble in the shape of small pieces makes it easier for dogs to chew, and this also helps remove tartar buildup from their teeth.
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5. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Small Paws for Small Breed Dogs
The formulation of Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Tiny Paws for Small Breed Canines is ideal for small dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers. The flavors available include chicken and rice or lamb and rice, both of which these dogs love.
This food is good for small dogs because the ingredients are easily digestible. The Vitamin E and Omega fatty acids help keep their skin healthy and their coats luxurious. Protein helps them stay in shape.
Toy breeds need a healthy immune system to stay healthy. The antioxidants in Science Diet help with this. You’ll feel better knowing that your dog is eating natural ingredients.
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6. Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult 8+ Dry Dog Food For Aging Dogs
The Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult 8+ Dry Dog Food is designed to support the needs of aging Yorkshire Terriers. The food contains antioxidants that help maintain cellular health. Additionally, the food has 15% less phosphorus, which helps with kidney health.
Biotin, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Omega-6 fatty acids help keep your dog’s coat beautiful and healthy as he ages. These nutrients also help keep the dog’s skin healthier, providing better protection from irritations.
This food is ideal for Yorkies’ small jaws because it is dense and has the right texture. Yorkies can chew this kibble more easily because of its small size. This food reduces tartar buildup and is also rehydratable.
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7. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Shredded Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Shredded Formula Adult Dry Dog Food provides all the nutrients that small dogs need to thrive. It has chicken and rice or beef and rice formulas.
The small kibble has a taste and texture that dogs enjoy while being nutrient-rich. With chicken or beef being the first ingredients, you can feel confident about the quality of the food. The formula includes probiotics, which help keep your dog’s immune system and digestive tract healthy.
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8. Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult Breed Specific Wet Dog Food
The Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Wet Food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of Yorkies aged ten months and older. This food is a loaf pate that appeals to small breeds with a tasty sauce.
Like other Royal Canin foods, this food has biotin, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Omega-6 fatty acids to help keep your Yorkie’s coat healthy and glossy. The food also includes fiber to support your dog’s intestinal health. This food can be consumed alone or with Royal Canin Adult Yorkshire Terrier Dry Food.
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Buyer’s Guide
The best dog foods for Yorkies have been specifically designed for toy and miniature breeds. These dogs have different needs than larger breeds, and feeding them the wrong food can lead to health problems. You should adjust your dog’s food throughout life to ensure good health and happiness.
Puppy Nutrition
A healthy Yorkie puppy will need a balanced diet. Puppies grow quickly, so they need a lot of protein and fat. Be careful not to give your puppy food that has any of the following:
- Preservatives
- Artificial colors and flavors
- Meat meal
- Fillers
You should slowly transition your puppy to the new food over a few weeks. This will help prevent any digestive problems. Feed your puppy 3-to 4 small meals each day on a regular schedule. Puppies can also be fed free choice, but this may not be the best option for all puppies.
Feeding your puppy during mealtimes is a great way to bond with them. It also helps to build trust. You can do this by hand-feeding them smaller amounts of puppy food. This will also help to curb any food aggression they may have.
Adults
Adults should always feed their Yorkie the right amount of food, depending on the dog’s weight. If a Yorkie gains or loses weight too quickly, they might get health problems. So it is important to keep an eye on their weight and give them the right amount of food.
Consider your dog’s weight, activity level, and calorie requirements when deciding how much food to feed him. The portion sizes for a dog will change as he gets older. To ensure your dog doesn’t gain too much weight, it’s important to restrict the number of treats he eats.
Seniors
Dogs usually live until they are between 8 and 10 years old. But to determine if your dog is a senior, you need to ask your veterinarian. They will look at the dog’s health, ability to move around, and diet to decide.
Older dogs need less food than younger dogs because they have less energy. Older Yorkies need food with all the vitamins and minerals without getting too heavy. A balanced diet that considers the dog’s lower activity level makes a difference.
If you have a Yorkie, you know they are a very important part of your life. They add joy and happiness to every day. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right dog food for them. Yorkies are small dogs, but they have big personalities. They need food that is made specifically for smaller breeds. This review will look at the 8 best dog foods for Yorkies today. This will help you choose the best food for your little one without all the hassle involved in making a decision.
The 8 Best Dog Foods for Yorkies
1. Cesar Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Dog Food Trays
Cesar Gourmet Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack is the best value for Yorkie food. Dogs love wet food options, and with Cesar, they will get all the nutrition they need while enjoying their favorite flavors. This food is packed with vitamins and minerals and softer for smaller dogs. If your pups don’t like certain flavors, no problem. Cesar offers several varieties to make every dog happy.
Another great thing about this dog food for Yorkies is the price. If you are on a budget, these convenient trays make quick, affordable meals. There are 24 cans included in this variety box. You can offer your Yorkie a different flavor for each meal throughout the day without worrying about making a huge dent in your bank account. The only issue we found with this variety pack is that some dogs may not like each flavor inside. This is a downside of choosing a pack like this and not flavors you know your dog enjoys.
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2. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Lamb, Goat & Venison Meals Recipe Dry Dog Food
If you don’t mind spending more money, the best food for your little dog is the Canidae Grain-Free Lamb, Goat, & Venison Meal. This food has fewer ingredients, which reduces the chance of your dog having stomach problems or an allergic reaction. It is also grain, soy, wheat, and corn-free, which is good for dogs with those allergies. Plus, this food doesn’t have any fillers or harmful additives.
This food has real lamb as the first ingredient. Venison, goat, and veggies are also in this food. This recipe also has Canidae’s HealthPlus Blend, which helps give your dog great health by providing probiotics, antioxidants, and omegas.
The only issue with this dog food, besides the price, was the smell. Some dogs didn’t like the smell, but others thought it tasted great. This caused some dogs to not eat it because of the smell, even if they liked the taste.
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3. Petco Brand – WholeHearted Grain Free Small-Breed Chicken and Pea Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
Wholehearted Small Breed Adult Dry Food is proud to have real chicken as the main source of protein. This protein helps dogs stay healthy and strong while also maintaining lean muscle. With chicken as the main ingredient, this food tastes great and improves your dog’s health.
Another great thing about this food is that it is affordable. High-quality ingredients often raise the price of dog foods, but that isn’t the case here. This food is affordable, so everyone can offer this recipe to their Yorkies. It is also great for little teeth. Tartar control kibble pieces are included in the bag to help make your dog’s teeth healthier.
Some of the ingredients in this food might cause upset stomachs in some dogs. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you will want to watch for any signs of vomiting or diarrhea. If these symptoms occur, stop feeding your Yorkie this food.
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4. CARNA4 Easy-chew Fish Formula Sprouted Seeds Dog Food
CARNA4 Easy-chew Fish Formula may seem strange at first. When thinking about ingredients for dog food, fish isn’t the first one that comes to mind. But luckily, lots of dogs love the taste of fish, especially when it’s included in an easy-to-chew kibble tailored for small dog breeds. This kibble is made with fresh-caught perch and herring, and each piece is made into small, easy-to-chew pieces.
This food is good for Yorkies because they are less likely to break their teeth trying to eat it. If your dog is older, this food can also be very valuable because it becomes harder for dogs to chew as they age.
Not only will this dog food provide your pet with the nutrients it needs, but you can also be at peace knowing that each piece has been checked for harmful pathogens and toxins. This way, your pet will be healthy regardless of breed.
This dog food is great but very expensive, and few people can afford it.
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5. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
This kibble comes in smaller sizes so that Yorkies can eat it easily. The main source of protein is deboned chicken, a favorite of many dogs. This kibble will most likely be eaten when it hits the food bowl. Pet parents will be happy to know that their little one is getting all the needed vitamins, minerals, and omega acids for a healthier lifestyle.
This recipe has a blend to help keep your dog’s hips and joints healthy. The ingredients are also easy on digestion. However, some dogs may have trouble digesting the grains in this recipe. If your Yorkie has a sensitive stomach or problems with grains, you might want to avoid this food.
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6. Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Canned Dog Food
If you want a portion of food for your Yorkie to improve their overall health, Wellness Complete is the food you need. This food contains ingredients selected by animal nutritionists and veterinarians to provide dogs with what they need for better health. The quality protein sources help keep Yorkies’ muscles healthy and promote better overall muscle health. The high fiber content also helps with digestion.
The only problem with this dog food is the size of the cans. Smaller cans are better for feeding small dogs, like Yorkies. If you choose this food, be prepared to store leftovers in a safe place until your dog’s next feeding. If not, you will spend a lot of money on food your dog can’t eat in one sitting.
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7. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo has always made good food for dogs, and this dry food is no different. It has deboned chicken as the main protein source. Yorkies need this to stay healthy and strong. The food also has omega 3s, 6s, vitamins, and minerals to keep your dog feeling its best. The food tastes great too! It was made by holistic veterinarians and nutritionists.
This dry food might be too small for bigger dogs, but it is the right size for smaller breeds like Yorkies. You should still be careful when feeding your dog this food and keep a close eye on potential issues with choking or swallowing pieces whole.
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8. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner
This dog food comes in convenient trays. When ready to feed your Yorkie, you can open the top and let them eat. These small containers are also easy to store after being bought.
This grain-free dog food is good for your dog’s digestion and will keep them looking and feeling great. The deboned turkey used as the first ingredient is also a good choice.
Some picky eaters will not even try this dog food because of the smell. If your dog does not like trying new things, you might want to buy a small bag first to see if they like it.
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5 Essential Ingredients to Look for When Choosing the Best Food for Your Yorkie
What Health Issues Do You Need to Watch for With Your Yorkie?
- Sensitive Stomach – Yorkies have a sensitive digestive system, so it is best to avoid feeding them table scraps. This could trigger vomiting or diarrhea. Keep your pal on a regular, limited ingredient diet that is gentle on the stomach. If you change food brands, gradually shift over two or more weeks.
- Hypoglycemia – These dogs have a high metabolism and can easily suffer from low blood sugar. Stress or waiting too long between meals can cause sudden drops in blood glucose, which can be life-threatening. Feed your pal frequent, smaller meals with good-quality fats and proteins. Also, provide nutritious, between-meal snacks to boost their available energy stores.
- Hypothyroidism – Some Yorkies get older, and their thyroid gland becomes less active. This is called hypothyroidism. Yorkies with low thyroid levels might need to eat food with a lower fat content, and they might also need to take medicine.
- Dental Disease – Yorkies have tiny mouths, which can cause plaque and tartar build-up, lost teeth, and gum disease. To prevent this, feed your furry friend dry kibble and brush their teeth regularly.
- Collapsing Trachea – Small breeds like Yorkies can suffer from a collapsing trachea. The condition occurs when cartilage rings in the air pipe become weak, and the passageway narrows. This can cause the lining in the trachea to become inflamed. Dogs with a collapsing trachea often have a dry cough and may gag, wheeze, or have difficulty breathing. You can help prevent the condition by using a harness to avoid putting pressure on the throat area, maintaining a healthy weight, and supplementing Fido’s diet with glucosamine.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease – This genetic disease affects the hip joint. Inadequate blood flow to the head of the femur causes the ball joint to die and become necrotic. Puppies with the condition will show signs of lameness around 4-12 months. The best course of treatment is surgery to remove the femoral head. With this disease, it’s important to manage your pup’s weight through proper nutrition. That way, Fido won’t be placing extra stress on his joints
- Luxating Patellas – Some dogs are born with a kneecap that slips out of place. This is called luxating patellas. Other dogs get it after an injury. No matter how your dog gets it, the best way to manage the condition is to keep them fit and trim by feeding them a well-balanced diet.
Read more: How to Buy the Best Dog Food for Your Dog
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Food for Yorkies
The recommended amount of dog food on the label is a starting point. Your dog may need more or less food. A Yorkshire Terrier usually eats between 1⁄4 and 1⁄2 cup of food daily. Puppies usually need 3 to 4 meals daily, while an adult dog should eat twice daily.
Small dogs, like Yorkies, can be picky eaters regarding human food. The best advice is to offer them a small-sized kibble and leave the bowl in place without offering any table food.
Purina Pro Small Breed Dog Food is the best food for Yorkies overall because it is specially made for small dogs like Yorkies. The kibbles are small, and the food contains soft pieces of chicken.
Most Yorkshire Terriers stop growing by the time they are 9 to 10 months old. They are usually done growing by the time they are 12 months old.
Yorkshire Terriers may lick their owners because they are affectionate and like attention. They may also lick their owner because they taste something salty, and the elevated endorphins make them happy.
Royal Canin’s Yorkshire Terrier dry dog food is one of the best we could find. It is made to please. The most significant feature is how they created the kibbles to fit into a Yorkies jaw which is great considering. Yorkies have significantly less jaw strength when compared to other dogs.
Puppies should be fed at least three times a day until they are six months old. Yorkies and Chihuahuas are tiny puppies and can have low blood sugar if they don’t eat often enough. So four meals might work best for them during the first few months at home. Feed three or four separate meals to young puppies during this time.
The most common reason for Yorkshire Terriers vomiting yellow liquid with or without white foam is that their stomach is empty. If there is no food in their stomach, the bile can build up and cause them to vomit.
If your dog has stomach problems like diarrhea, you should never give it brown rice. Because it has more starch, white rice is better for you. On the other hand, white rice has a higher glycemic index than brown rice and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
For toy breeds like Yorkies, dry food is the best choice. This breed is prone to dental troubles, so it is better to give them dry food. The brittle and crunchy texture of dry food helps clean your dog’s teeth. If you still want to give them wet foods, better to do it only on special occasions.
There are different types of carbohydrates that your Yorkie can eat. These include brown and white rice, pasta, and potatoes. You should also give your dog small amounts of fruit and vegetables such as apples, green beans, beets, sweet peas, and carrots. The fats your Yorkie needs can be found in the meat you give them, but it should only make up 5% of their diet.
Many dogs prefer wet canned food, but this is not the best choice because it does not promote healthy teeth and gums and can cause runny stools. So, you should never teach your Yorkie what canned food is. If it’s too late, you can mix a bit of canned food into a dry kibble to offer a compromise.
Eggs are a great source of nutrition for your dog. Eggs have high levels of protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial to your dog’s health.