Best Dog Food For Yorkies
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Yorkies or Yorkshire Terriers, are toy-breed dogs that have a lot of hair. These fluffy pups can weigh between 12 and 15 pounds and grow to be 8 and 9 inches tall.
As small as Yorkies may be, they pack a ton of personality into their little bodies and they make wonderful companion pets. Just like any dog, however, Yorkies have specific nutritional needs that, as a dog owner, it is your job to meet.
Keep reading to learn more about your Yorkie’s nutritional needs and how to meet them by choosing a high-quality dog food formula. You’ll also receive our top 5 picks for the best dog food for Yorkies.
Compare Best Dog Food For Yorkies
OVERALL BEST  1. Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Dry Dog Food | BEST FOR PUPPIES  2. Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food | BEST FOR SENIORS  3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food | BEST FOR SKIN ALLERGIES  4. Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food | |
Protein 27% (Min) | Protein 28% Min | Protein 20% Min | Protein 21% Min | Protein 23% Min |
Fat 15% (Min) | Fat 12% Min | Fat 10% Min | Fat 12% Min | Fat 13% Min |
Fiber 5% (Max) | Fiber 4.5% Max | Fiber 7% Min | Fiber 4% Max | Fiber 4% Max |
Calories 3750 Kcal/kg or 410 Kcal/cup | Calories 381 kcal/cup | Calories 442 kcal/cup | Calories 392 kcal/cup | Calories 335 kcal/cup |
Our Criteria
We look for foods that meet the following criteria as much The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends using criteria such as AAFCO-approved, preferably with food trials, nutritional research, formulated by veterinary nutritionists, good quality control, and nutrition over marketing.
The company emphasizes that the dog’s health is more important than the ingredients, and marketing should not be the deciding factor. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned about a link between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, and the FDA is investigating the matter.
The recommended dog foods for Yorkies are healthy, nutritious, formulated by veterinary nutritionists, made with strict quality control standards, and supported by solid nutritional research. The FDA continues to investigate this issue.
Best Rated Dog Food For Yorkies Reviewed
Yorkies, a unique breed with a large body and small body, possess a spark and zest for life that sets them apart from most dog breeds. To maintain their vitality, prioritize a high-quality diet. Here are our top picks for the best dog food for Yorkies that you should consider:
Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 27% (Min)
- Fat: 15% (Min)
- Fiber: 5% (Max)
- Calories: 3750 Kcal/kg or 410 Kcal/cup
- Inexpensive on a comparison with many other food brands
- Small kibble size
- Taurine-rich formula, good for eyes and heart
- Chicken meal might cause digestive trouble for some Yorkies
This dry dog food also contains chicken fat, oats, carrots, and natural flavors. Moreover, it is free of gluten and artificial flavoring agents. It is loaded with enough EPA and DHA that can help with the mental growth and well-being of a puppy in its growing years.
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 28% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 381 kcal/cup
- Digestible carbohydrates
- Contains DHA for brain development
- Packed with nutrient-rich superfood
- Has enough moisture content
- Quite expensive for the amount of food packed per packet
This dog food by Merrick also contains supplements of essential vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin d3. Furthermore, it is completely devoid of artificial flavoring agents, gluten, soy, corn, and preservatives. Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog food for Yorkies also contains fibers and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that make digestion easy. It contains the following:
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 20% Min
- Fat: 10% Min
- Fiber: 7% Min
- Calories: 442 kcal/cup
- Rich in protein and healthy fat
- Calcium and phosphorus reduce the risk of bone degeneration
- Glucosamine for healthy joint support
- Dogs with specific taste might not like the flavor
This easy-to-digest dog food is good for the dog’s coat since it has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It is completely free of soy, corn, animal by-products, wheat, and artificial flavoring agents and preservative. Lastly, it derives its carbs from good carb sources like sweet potatoes. It contains the following:
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 21% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 392 kcal/cup
- Fiber for healthy digestion & rich in antioxidants
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids boost immunity
- Packed with Vitamin E and Vitamin C
- Quite expensive for the amount of food packed per packet
- Feedbacks suggest that picky eaters might disapprove the flavor
This dry dog food contains prebiotic fibers that can soothe an upset stomach. Additionally, it is completely free of harmful preservatives and artificial coloring and flavoring agents. It contains the following:
Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 23% Min
- Fat: 13% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 335 kcal/cup
- Low calorie recipe
- Easy-to-digest
- Affordable
- Low moisture content
It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants coming from fresh fruits and vegetables like dried apples, dried carrots, and blueberries.
Key Considerations When Buying Dog Food For Yorkies
Yorkies are small in size and they have a lot of hair. They need proper nutrition so that they can steer clear of allergies and diseases. This is why they need a highly nutritious diet. Although the market is bundled with different dog foods for toy breeds, not all can be trusted. To help this process, we have made a list of some features that can determine if the brand you’re eyeing for is good or not.
- Size of Kibbles: Yorkies have a very small mouth. Their teeth are unable to grind hard kibbles. Thus, avoid all food brands that manufacture hard or large kibbles. Besides this, ensure that you oversee the size and softness of the kibbles, even if the brand mentions that the food is perfect for all breeds.
- Low Glycemic Index Diet: Food items with a high glycemic index can lead to the accumulation of sugar in the body. Since Yorkies are small, they require a low glycemic index diet. Furthermore, choose food items that derive nutrients only from healthy sources.
- Age: Yorkies have different energy levels at different stages of life. Puppies are the fastest and most active in comparison to adult and senior Yorkies. Thus, feed these dogs with food that does not supply unnecessary calories.
- Health Status: There are many brands that manufacture food for healthy pets. However, not all those foods are suitable for overweight dogs suffering from food allergies. Thus, if your pet has any health condition, buy only foods that cater to the special requirement of the dog.
Nutritional Requirements
Calorie Intake
A balanced diet is a mixture of proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fibers, fats, antioxidants, and water. All these nutrients contain calories, and calorie requirement of Yorkies depends on their weight and age.
- Puppy Yorkies: You should let your pet live on mother’s milk for the first 4 weeks. All puppies below the age of 8–10 months will require about 200 calories a day to stay healthy and active throughout the day.
- Adult Yorkies: Adult Yorkies have a lot of energy. However, they are less energetic when compared to puppies. This is why about 150 calories per day are sufficient for Yorkies between the age of 1-6 years.
- Senior Yorkies: Senior Yorkies are playful as well. It’s just that their needs change dramatically with age. A senior Yorkie needs no more than 120 calories a day. Overfeeding senior Yorkies can lead to obesity, cutting down on some precious years from their lives.
Protein Intake
The first most important nutrient for all animals is protein. It certainly holds true for Yorkies too. Muscles need to stay in shape throughout the passing years so that the dog can enjoy a healthy life in the later stages of its life. The one thing of primary importance when it comes to feeding protein to a pet is the source of the nutrient. The best sources of protein for dogs are lamb, turkey, chicken, salmon, beef, and duck. You should avoid protein from animal by-products and soy if your pet has a sensitive stomach. A diet that contains anywhere 28-34 percent protein is considered healthy for Yorkies.
Fat Intake
Fat is as necessary as any other nutrient. As long as the fat is coming from clean sources like chicken or pork, it is good for the dog’s health. Easy-to-digest fat is required in order to keep the dog’s immune system strong. In fact, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids improve digestion and soften hard stools. Moreover, a balanced diet for a healthy Yorkie should contain no more than 18% fat. Depending upon the age, the fat amount can vary between 12 and 18%.
Fiber Intake
Prebiotic and water insoluble fibers coming from fresh vegetables and boneless meat are absolutely necessary ingredients of a perfectly balanced diet for dogs. Without them, no diet is a balanced diet. This becomes even more important if your dog has a sensitive stomach. For the record, fibers can reduce constipation, bloating, and acidity. They can soften hard stools as well. Regardless, their excessive consumption can cause troubles. For this reason, an ideal diet for Yorkies should not contain more than 6% fiber. You can vary the amount to 2–6% depending on the age and health status of your pet.
Carbs Intake
Carbohydrates are the warehouse of energy that your pet needs every hour of its life. Against the fact that people believe all carbs are fattening, there are healthy carbs as well. Healthy carbs are the ones that can be easily burned down to release energy. In fact, it is in the complete absence of carbohydrates that your dog is left more susceptible to gaining weight. Carbohydrates coming from healthy food sources like sweet potatoes are easy-to-digest and offer instant energy. Having said that, sometimes some dogs can be allergic to potatoes. So, if your dog has any kind of food allergy, you must consult a vet before feeding your pet.
Feeding A Yorkie By Age
Yorkies are delicate little dogs that need a lot of attention. They are extremely playful and adorable, especially as puppies. You have to be more of a parent and less of an owner to raise all pets with love. This, in particular, is most necessary when handling a puppy. Yorkies, as puppies, have special requirements because they have a very small mouth. Moreover, they can easily choke on almost all food items.
- Under 1 Month: You should not feed a Yorkie puppy with anything solid below the age of 1 month.
- Between 1-3 Months: Puppies between 1-3 months should be given properly mashed kibbles, in a very low quantity with lots of milk
- Between 3-6 Months: Puppies between 3-6 months should be given a half milk and half kibble diet.
- 6 Months And Above: Yorkies over the age of 6 months can handle dry dog food as long as the kibbles aren’t too hard.
Hypoallergenic Food Diet For Yorkies
Yorkies are less likely to be hypoallergenic than other dog breeds, but they can still develop skin infections due to sensitive stomachs. To help your pet with this condition, consider a hypoallergenic diet.
Common allergens include soy, corn, wheat, grains, gluten, dairy products, and animal by-products. Yorkies can also be allergic to certain carbohydrates.
To find a true hypoallergenic diet, first determine the ingredients your dog is allergic to. Some recommended diets include Novel Protein, Hydrolyzed Protein, and Limited-Individual Diets. Novel protein refers to a new protein your dog hasn’t had before, while Hydrolyzed protein is a broken form of larger proteins that are easily digestible.
Limited-ingredient diets derive protein from a single source, making them suitable for dogs allergic to multiple ingredients.
Food Allergy And Food-Related Health Issues In Yorkies
Yorkies that have a food allergy can exhibit different symptoms, like dandruff, vomiting upon consumption of food, hair fall, loose stools, and diarrhea. If you recognize any of these symptoms in your pet, you might want to take it to a vet and find out what the troubling allergens are. However, whatever the allergens are, food allergy can lead to a lot of health troubles. Whilst there are many, we have made a list of most common food-related health troubles in Yorkies.
- Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia or low sugar level, mostly affects overweight Yorkies. Dividing your dog’s diet into low-fat multiple smaller meals will ensure that the blood has enough sugar at all times.
- Luxating Patella: It can be caused by a trauma. This bone and joint condition can sometimes be hereditary as well. Feeding your dog with premium-quality protein is one solution.
- Tracheal Collapse: This condition happens if the cartilage around the tracheal rings is not fully formed. Since glucosamine is the ingredient that can repair cartilage, it is a natural cure for tracheal collapse.
- Bloating And Indigestion: Indigestion and bloating lead to stomach upset, cramps, acidity, and constipation. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, fibers, and prebiotics are the items that help in these conditions.
Final Thoughts
Yorkies are loyal, intelligent, and playful family pets, known for their well-mannered nature and good behavior with children. They are low-maintenance, needing less food than larger breeds, and have a thin, long-haired coat. However, they have specific needs, especially as puppies, and require special care when feeding them.
