What Is The Best Dog Food For Yorkies? Reviews & Buyer’s 2022 Guide
Attempting to nurture your little Yorkshire terrier with the best grain-free formulas that cater to the complete health spectrum? Wondering what dog food is best for Yorkies?
Dog owners need to look for foods catering to the specific nutritional needs of this adorable breed. Their personality and lovely bodies are eye-catching and they tend to radiate laughter, love, and companionship.
Boasting a lifespan of 13 to 16 years, these small dogs, also known as teacup Yorkies, need dog food ingredients that maintain the natural balance of their health through all life stages.
Thus, we have curated a detailed buying guide on the best dog food for Yorkies. Whether you want the best dry food for Yorkies or the best wet food for Yorkies, these high-quality recipes shall do the job.
Contents
- Top 7 Best Dog Food For Yorkies
- 1. Pet Plate, Chompin' Chicken Recipe
- 2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula For Small Breed, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
- 3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free, Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe
- 4. Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition, Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor
- 5. Nutro Wholesome Essentials, Senior Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe
- 6. Taste Of The Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free, With Venison & Garbanzo Beans
- 7. Canidae All Life Stages Less Active, With Chicken, Turkey, Lamb & Fish
- 4 Dietary Considerations & Common Health Problems In Yorkies
- Important Features To Consider
- Ingredients To Avoid
- Tips For Feeding A Yorkie
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
We already did all the research for you. If you’re in a hurry and just want to see the best dog food for Yorkies, here are our top choices.
PRODUCT / PRODUCT DETAILS
PRODUCT
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Minimalistic ingredients combat weight problems
- Butternut squash offers benefits of high protein levels
- Great dog food formula for pets with sensitive stomachs
- Food contains ingredients that are easy to digest
- Assures an optimum amount of calories per day
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula For Small Breed, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
- Whole grains are packed with a high fiber and protein count
- Small breed dog food especially for inducing high activity levels
- Ideal kibble sizes for Yorkie puppies
- Omega 3 fatty acids assure a healthy coat
- Glucosamine positively influences joint health and mobility
3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free, Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe
- Flaxseed and salmon oil fuel the body with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Turkey meal offers exceptional proteins
- Food contains ingredients to prevent malnutrition, diseases, and faulty thyroid glands
- Ingredients like chicken fat help small breeds maintain weight
- No form of eggs, soy, wheat, grains, preservatives, or artificial colors and flavors
Top 7 Best Dog Food For Yorkies
1. Pet Plate, Chompin' Chicken Recipe
Being freshly-cooked, this chicken and broccoli recipe is loaded with healthy fats and protein that make it a good choice for a senior dog. The protein and fat quantities are carefully adjusted using specific amounts of natural ingredients.
Moreover, the supplements influence the regeneration of tissues in the digestive system. When your Yorkie puppy reaches an enhanced life stage, expect zero issues related to stools.
This chicken recipe has ground chicken and chicken liver, along with apples to ensure perpetual top-notch health conditions. There is a tinge of a salmon recipe too due to the presence of fish oil (salmon). This leads to healthy skin and coat, while also keeping the rare onset of skin allergies at bay.
One cannot help but notice the added minerals that play the role of probiotics and avoid common health issues. The nutrients in this diet are breed-specific and yet make for ideal canine food.
PROS
- Ratio of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats increase daily activity level
- Pet owners notice an improvement in their pet's digestion cycles
- Small serving size even for an adult dog
- AAFCO approved and made in a USDA facility
- Fish oils deal with stress sensitivity
CONS
- Texture of the food is similar to canned dog food that may not be popular with some dogs
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula For Small Breed, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Being picky eaters, Yorkshire terriers need a formula that has been formulated keeping in mind taste and the nutrient profile. This puppy recipe has a wholesome combination of brown rice, oatmeal, and barley.
Even better, the deboned chicken offers a healthy source of animal protein. These ingredients offer high nutritional value throughout the day, while also playing an integral role in muscle development, or rather maintenance.
Additionally, the vegetables include antioxidants properties, pea protein, carrots, and sweet potatoes. The aroma of the cranberries and blueberries will seduce your pet’s tummy and call for an uplifted behavior. Moreover, the amino acids help in keeping their intelligence intact by promoting brain development.
The ingredient in this small breed formula form kibbles that are small and promote the removal of tartar from the teeth. No more kibbles that can’t even fit in the mouth of your pet!
PROS
- Cold-formed natural ingredients keep the nutritional benefits contained
- High carbohydrates and protein sources ensure higher energy conditions
- Vitamins and minerals along with added antioxidants strengthen immune system health
- Zero traces of wheat gluten, corn, or poultry by-product
- Package of 7 antioxidant ingredients acts as a great substitute to several quick bites
CONS
- Picky eater may repel at the varied sizes of kibbles
3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free, Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe
Loaded with plenty of chondroitin and glucosamine sources, this food for Yorkies is a stepping stone for a high-quality life for toy breeds. The addition of taurine helps in heart health, brain health, and overall bodily growth. The turkey-centric blend offers a variety of positives for the joints, bones, stomach, and even eyes of your pet.
The mild amount of veggies and main animal protein will help attain a balance in the tummies of Yorkies. All credits to the absence of fillers and the presence of bacteria-killing add-ons. This keeps the blood-stream clean, prevents diarrhea due to cleaner stomachs, and ensures adequate nutrition.
Nutrient-rich ingredients such as broccoli, kale, and spinach make it amongst the best food for Yorkshire terriers. Two or three servings of this grain-free recipe per day and small breeds will be blooming with energy.
PROS
- Helps achieve a balance of muscles and bones (in the sense of weight)
- Adult Yorkies benefit from the high protein contents
- Added sources of vegetables and probiotics make it an amazing option for puppies
- Even small portions impart a flavor that attracts Yorkies of all ages
- Improves digestive functioning and reduces worries of strict diet management
CONS
- Size of nuggets are too big
- Dogs with intense stomach sensitivities can face any type of trouble
4. Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition, Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor
Made especially for toy breeds, feeding this product to your Yorkie fends away day-to-day ailments, constipation worries, and keeps cartilage and bone health in the best shape.
Diets as such avoid an upset stomach and prevent the arrival of symptoms related to pancreatitis and hypothyroidism. The roasted chicken and rice flavor adapt to varied digestive systems amongst categories of small breed dogs.
The omega 6 fatty acids will make sure that your Yorkshire terrier is blessed with healthy skin and a shiny coat. Above all, the fast metabolisms of Yorkies may require an alternative number of calories in a day. This dog food formula promises to regulate the rate of metabolism while also offering support to your pet’s digestive tract.
Pedigree is well-known amongst veterinarian recommendations and consumers experience signs of positive lifestyle changes within four to eight weeks.
PROS
- Combination of whole-grain and fibers support spot-on digestion cycles
- Each bite cleans the mouths and teeth of your pooch
- Absence of sugar ensures your dog lives through several aging phases
- Chances for an increase in activities is greater
CONS
- This dog food brand includes meat by-products
5. Nutro Wholesome Essentials, Senior Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe
Made purely with non-GMO ingredients, the sweet potatoes, brown rice, and cage-free chicken meal make this product the best food for Yorkies. Formulated around senior Yorkies, the fiber promotes cleaner digestion and maintains a healthy state of Yorkie stomachs.
The generous amounts of omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants live up to the price tag of such pet products. In fact, pet parents will observe a reduction in food sensitivities anywhere between one to two months of beginning the feeding schedule.
Your senior pup gets extra TLC and enjoys the benefits of complete bodily development. The ratio of vitamin E, Vitamin A, and vitamin C prevents tooth decay, clears the digestive system of free radicals, and also intensifies their immunity.
PROS
- First-class quality of fiber, grain, and potatoes
- Formula contains minerals that provide necessary nutrition for your pup
- Healthy ingredients reduce the need for intensive pet care
- Picky eaters will pound on this formula
CONS
- Several dogs with healthy appetites avoid this food due to low diversity in ingredients
6. Taste Of The Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free, With Venison & Garbanzo Beans
Experts have conducted ample research on this dog food to make it suitable for small breeds. The nutrients imparted by venison and garbanzo green beans will improve the coordination between your dog’s central nervous system and the bodily response.
Yorkie dogs, especially adult Yorkies with mild protein sensitivities can easily digest the nutrients in this dog food.
It deserves the label of one of the best dog foods for Yorkshire terriers as the probiotics have been prepared via the development of a proprietary strain (K9). The fiber in the beans and the prebiotic nutrients in the dried chicory root act as a source of healthy bacteria production in their stomachs.
Seniors who are at the risk of a problem with their gums will receive the nutritional perks of the added fruits. Most importantly, all the nutrition from natural ingredients is topped with nutrients such as zinc, selenium, and vitamins and minerals.
PROS
- Glucosamine and chondroitin make each meal high in vital nutrition
- High-quality grain-free dry food for a Yorkshire terrier
- Food recipe uses a proprietary strain of probiotics to fight health concerns
- Contains duck, ocean fish, and lamb meal
- Puppies will develop quick muscles due to high-quality proteins
CONS
- Bad choice for picky eaters
- Weight gain could be a problem of this diet
7. Canidae All Life Stages Less Active, With Chicken, Turkey, Lamb & Fish
Give your Yorkshire terrier a chance to enjoy the taste of a variety of meats. Lamb, fish, and turkey meals make this a protein- and nutrient-dense food for small dogs. Dog owners can feed their pets this product across all life stages. You’ll find everything you pooch needs here be it omega 6 fatty acids, fiber, prebiotics, different meats, and even healthy fats.
One bowl of this dog food will help support and build various features of your Yorkshire terrier day-by-day. This formula has been mainly designed for less active adult and senior dogs. Issues with their tummies and muscle growth will cease to exist. Dog owners will also notice an increase in their Yorkie’s attention spans.
With no added preservatives, colors, and flavors, this could be the best dog food for a Yorkie. To top that up, there is oatmeal, barley, potatoes, flaxseed, and brown rice.
PROS
- Chicken meal makes it a great choice for adults
- Several dog breeds and their requirements have been taken into consideration
- Protein from animals such as chicken, lamb, duck, and fish makes this a quality recipe
- Fruits impart desirable flavors without relying on preservatives
CONS
- Some amount of matter in the bag can be powdery
4 Dietary Considerations & Common Health Problems In Yorkies
Whether or not you choose the best dog food for Yorkies, the chance of health issues is very much possible. While making dog food purchases, it is important to take an approach where you compare its constituents in accordance with your breed’s specifics.
1. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia refers to severely reduced levels of blood sugar (causing low energy) and thus a lesser active lifestyle. This can be controlled by controlling the amount of food you feed a Yorkie dog in one serving. The key is to provide several small and frequent feedings in a day. This eliminates the probability of unhealthy falls in their blood glucose levels.
Yorkies are prone to this issue due to their difficulty in food consumption. The slow teeth development leads to lesser food intake. Another cause is its small size. This makes it hard to control their body temperature and leads to lesser sugar production.
A senior Yorkie can get diagnosed with hypoglycemia due to a poor diet or a lack of energy expulsion.
2. Floating Kneecap
This health condition occurs with age and is highly common in toy breeds like Yorkshire terriers. Also known as luxating patellas, the kneecap gets displaced and often needs surgery. If not surgery, then look for dog foods that have proteins to repair the ruptured tissues.
In some cases, once the patella is damaged, your dog exhibits major weakness and suffers from trauma due to the pain. Understanding this condition or catching your dog limp in the early stages would be beneficial in avoiding the onset of this disease. Owners should include more calcium, healthy fats, and fiber in their dog’s diet to provide nutrition to the joints.
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3. Sensitive Stomach
This condition needs strict monitoring of their diet. Check the ingredients in their meal and their body’s reaction to the same. Look for a time where your dog digests food most effectively. Also, notice what diet factors could activate the trigger of poor digestion.
Yorkshire terriers with sensitive stomachs should be fed food that is simple to digest. Look for products with salmon meal, oatmeal, roasted potatoes, and other easily digestible carbohydrates. Basically, do not feed our pet friend ingredients that call for long absorption cycles in their digestive tract.
Moreover, your Yorkie meals in a day should be spaced out. Increase the number of times you feed your dog but don’t increase the quantity.
4. Tracheal Collapse
Occurring mainly in the windpipe, tracheal collapse [1] is a case where the cartilage rings in the throat deflate, making it harder for air to pass. The cause hasn’t been pointed out as yet, but common signs include a bad cough, shortage of breath, and a tinge of blue color on the gums.
Food products with something like chondroitin or MSM will help revive the production of cartilage cells in a Yorkshire terrier. Introduce your pup with a diet where the food is refined and easy to swallow. This option should reduce the severity of the discomfort.
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Important Features To Consider
Dog foods for Yorkies should obviously consist of all nutritional elements. Although the amount of these elements is imperative to the small and tender body of terriers.
Protein
Being the primary source of energy, a good source of protein in their food is exactly what a Yorkie’s immune system needs. Ensure the meat ingredients you choose only include healthy proteins from the muscles of the animal and not other parts (as they’re most likely processed). Thus, as long as the proteins are of high quality you can stop worrying about their bodily growth.
Remember, pups require more proteins to build their physique, whereas adults can have lesser quantities of protein as their metabolism should be slower. Ingredients such as duck, lamb, beef, bison, venison, fish, chicken, or turkey are great protein sources. The ideal protein content should fluctuate between 28% to 34% of the entire formula.
Carbohydrates
The carbs content must be low as Yorkies can digest only some carbs. Consider including more items like brown rice bran, carrots, peas, or sweet potatoes as they possess high-quality carbs. They make sure your dog’s tummy is satisfied and processes all the incoming food in an orderly fashion.
Avoid corn and soy as they lead to bloating and make your dog uncomfortable. If your choice of dog food doesn’t have good carbs then include wholesome grains, fruits, and vegetables. If your pet is susceptible to allergies, then avoid high amounts of amino acids that come with cereal grains.
Fats
The healthy coat and fur that they possess can only maintain its beauty if your pup eats healthy fats. The best dog foods for Yorkshire terriers should have omega 3 fatty acids for nourishing the skin. Moreover, good quality fats will provide natural care for the eyes, mouths, and brains of Yorkies.
Nothing beats fish oil in this case. If not present in your dog’s diet, simply sprinkle a few drops, whether its dry dog food or wet food. Rather than choosing a recipe that feeds empty calories, you should look for DHA or flaxseed for maintaining their shiny appearance. The ideal fat content should be at least in the range of 12% to 18%, and not above 27%.
Vitamins And Minerals
As they are small, susceptible to specific health conditions, and bound to live a longer than average dog life, they require a plethora of additional vitamins and minerals to constantly enhance their health.
Usually, the best dog foods come with grain-free formulations that make sure added nutritional requirements are fed in the form of supplements.
Even a minimum ten percent quantity of vitamins and minerals in their everyday diet could go a long way in supporting day-to-day bodily functions.
Age
As you’re already aware of the importance of proteins, fats, and carbs, let’s talk a little about calories! The number of calories per day that this breed consumes depends on their age. Puppies (0 to 5 years ) should consume around 200 calories per day. This is because they are energetic and need to release energy.
An adult Yorkie, around 5 to 10 years old can safely consume around 150 calories per day. Although they may be extremely energetic, they fail to burn calories as efficiently as puppies do. On the other hand, senior Yorkies, above 10 years of age, lead more of a sedentary lifestyle, and do not really need calories.
Energy Levels
Determining this breed’s calorie intake in sync with their activity level is impossible due to variation in each pooch. It would be best to consult a vet regarding the same and get an idea of the ideal nutrient composition that offers maximum value.
Health
This teacup small breed is prone to many health problems such as patellar subluxation, tracheal collapse, stomach sensitivity, and even hypoglycemia. Gather some knowledge on Yorkie symptoms and look for the mildest of correlations. Based on the condition, you can alter the nutrient profile of their diet.
Be warned, pregnant Yorkies require a meal plan with a varied proportion of essential nutrients.
Ingredients To Avoid
Under no circumstances must your Yorkie dog food have artificial flavors or colors. Be it dyes, filler ingredients, meat byproducts, or any tummy-upsetting grains such as wheat, corn, or soy. Also beware of ethoxyquin, a preservative.
Any kind of protein byproducts and bone meal ingredients must be eliminated as cancerous tissues can be present. Even worse, refrain from buying products that consist of bone meal as it has no form of nutrition.
Keep your Yorkie away from food like garlic, grapes, onions, macadamia nuts, peanut butter, and specific types of raisins. Any of the above-mentioned ingredients can easily disrupt the state of your dog’s digestive system and be the building block for more fatal diseases.
Tips For Feeding A Yorkie
Always give your pet the love and attention it needs, especially if it’s one of the lovely Yorkshire terriers that we are blessed with.
- Maintain a well-balanced diet. Never rely too much on a single nutrient. Always space it out for the best results. Often, owners get lost while trying to induce weight management meals. This could worsen other conditions, thus always seek guidance through a vet.
- Feed them at the same time every day. Once you figure what time of the day does your dog best digest food at, stick to it.
- However effective you think their feeding schedule is, ensure to make monthly visits to a vet for checking for budding health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I feed my Yorkie dry or wet dog food?
You should feed your Yorkie dry rather than wet dog food. As a small breed, Yorkie dogs tend to suffer from dental issues. The crunchy texture is easy to chew and also maintains dental hygiene without having to do anything yourself. Additionally, the best dog food for Yorkies should be dry food as it scrubs away tarter naturally.
Why is my Yorkie always hungry?
A Yorkie can be hungry due to the onset of hypoglycemia or due to an untimely feeding plan. Your Yorkie can get demanding if it isn’t treated with food at least 3 to 4 times a day. Keep short breaks in-between, while also including a greater amount of protein and carbs for killing the hunger.
Can I feed my Yorkie scrambled eggs?
Yes, you can feed your Yorkie scrambled eggs as long as the recipe isn’t mixed with pepper, chives, oils, garlic, or any kind of spices that activate their sensitive tummies. As long as scrambled eggs are the only ingredient in the food, feel free to go about it!
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog food for Yorkies just got a whole lot simpler. Once again, don’t feed your Yorkie food that has too little or too many calories. Set a calorie intake goal based on their life stage.
Their hair coats are more like human fur and their immune system is adept at combating allergens. The generic body-weight of this toy breed revolves around 5 to 7 pounds.
The more quality ingredients, lesser by-products, and breed-specific dog nutrition you feed them, the healthier lifestyle and routine they follow. All of these features can be found in Pet Plate, Chompin’ Chicken Recipe, an ideal choice for your Yorkie.
Keep a close eye on their walking style, barking sound, activity levels, and digestion capabilities to be informed of any reason to worry about.
Editor's Choice
Pet Plate, Chompin' Chicken Recipe
- Minimalistic ingredients combat weight problems
- Butternut squash offers benefits of high protein levels
- Great dog food formula for pets with sensitive stomachs
- Food contains ingredients that are easy to digest
- Assures an optimum amount of calories per day
