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Yorkshire terriers, commonly known as Yorkies, are a small breed of dogs with long coats. Due to their long fur, you can style your terrier however you want. Yorkies have a delicate digestive system, and they are picky eaters. Hence, you need to watch out for the type of food you feed them.
The best food for Yorkies should contain easily digestible ingredients, proteins, omega fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Proteins are ideal for building lean and healthy muscles. The omega fatty acid helps maintain their long furry coat and improve its shine. Carbohydrates in a Yorkie’s diet should be in minimal quantity. Also, if your Yorkie has allergies or food sensitivities, avoid foods that contain fillers, by-product meals, and artificial flavors.
Yorkies are prone to health conditions, including hypoglycemia and dental issues. Therefore it is best to purchase dog food that improves their overall body health or to have a homemade recipe. The best homemade food for Yorkies should contain real wholesome ingredients, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. In this article, we discuss the best dog food for Yorkies. Kindly read on for more information.
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The 9 Best Dog Food for Yorkies in 2021 are Reviewed Below
In this section, we review the top 9 dog food that is suitable for Yorkies.
1
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Hill’s science diet dog food has a high-quality protein source with easy-to-digest ingredients. The food is enriched with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E blend to give your Yorkie a beautiful skin and coat. This dog food is chicken flavored, and it has an extra-small kibble size to suit Yorkies’ facial and jaw structure.
Furthermore, the food supports heart health, and it contains antioxidant-rich ingredients that help the immune system. Hill’s Science Diet dog food is vet-recommended, has a 100% satisfaction guarantee and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Hill’s food shelter and love program supports shelter pets with balanced nutrition. Purchasing this food supports the program.
Adjust feeding to suit your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. You can also ask your vet for feeding instructions. Generally, for dogs up to 2 pounds in weight, give to cup of food and dogs that weigh up to 5 pounds should get between cup of dog food. For dogs that weigh 10 pounds, the ideal amount of Hill’s science diet dog food is cups and cups for dogs that weigh 15 pounds. If your Yorkie weighs 20 pounds, cups of dog food is ideal.
Key Features:
- Two flavors
- Easily digestible ingredients
- Omega-6 and vitamin E
- High-quality protein
- Extra-small kibble size
- Antioxidant-rich ingredients
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Vet-recommended dog food
- No chicken by-product meal
Specification:
- Brand: Hill’s science diet
- Flavor: chicken
- Dimensions: 6.13 × 8.38 × 10 in
- Weight: 4.5 lbs.
Pros
- The dog food is available in two flavors to suit your dog’s taste
- The ingredients are easily digestible
- The omega-6 fatty acid and vitamin E present improve your dog’s skin and coat
- The dog food contains a high-quality protein that helps build lean muscles
- The kibble size is extra-small, making it suitable for the tiny jaws of Yorkies
- The Antioxidants present in the dog food improve the immune system
- Pets love the taste of Hill’s science diet dog food. Nevertheless, if they don’t, there is a 100% satisfaction guarantee on the product
- The dog food is vet-recommended
- Hill’s science diet dog food is natural. There is no artificial color, flavor, or preservative present
- The dog food is free of chicken by-product meals
Cons
- Some dogs may develop diarrhea or sensitive stomachs to the food.
2
Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin makes dog food that suits dogs by partnering with vets and breeders to develop the perfect food formula. Before producing dog food, much research goes into breeds’ lifestyle, dog’s life stage needs and their tendency to develop health problems.
The dog food is especially suitable for pure breed Yorkies that are older than ten months. The food provides complete and balanced nutrition; it contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, including biotin, to give your Yorkie a beautiful coat shine. The food has exceptional aromas and flavors, making it appealing to dogs. Furthermore, the kibble shape is unique to suit the facial structure and biting pattern of Yorkies.
When feeding your Yorkie with the Royal Canin dog food, look at his weight and activity level. Also, if you want to try combination feeding, that is, wet food and dry food, reduce dry food by cup.
Normal dogs: for 2 pounds weight dogs, cup of food is ideal while cup of food is suitable for dogs weighing 4 pounds. Dogs weighing 6 pounds require cup of food while dogs weighing between 8 and 10 pounds need 1 cup of food. For dogs that are up to 12 pounds in weight, cups of food is ideal.
Lean dogs: cup of dog food is suitable for dogs that weigh 2 pounds and cup of food for dogs weighing 4 pounds. For dogs that weigh 6 pounds, cups of food is suitable, while 1 cup of food is ideal for dogs that weigh 8 pounds. If your Yorkie weighs 10 pounds, cups of food is necessary and cups are essential for dogs weighing 12 pounds.
Overweight dogs: dogs weighing 2 pounds need cup of food and dogs weighing 4 pounds need cup of food. Give cups of food to dogs weighing 6 and 8 pounds, respectively. In addition, dogs weighing 10 and 12 pounds require 1 cup of Royal Canin adult dog food.
Key Features:
- Unique kibble
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Biotin
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Specification:
- Brand: Royal Canin
- Flavor: chicken
- Dimensions: 23 × 13 × 3 inches
- Weight: 10 lbs.
Pros
- The dog food has a unique kibble shape that suits Yorkies biting pattern and facial structure
- The Royal Canin dog food provides your dog with a complete and balanced nutrition
- The omega fatty acids and biotin improve the skin and coat shine
- The food has exceptional aromas and flavors that are appealing to picky eaters
- The dog food provides your dog with a healthy aging support
Cons
- Royal Canin dog food is expensive
- Some dogs have sensitivities to the dog food
3
Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Dry Dog Food
Expert breeders and vets specially formulate the Royal Canin puppy food to suit dogs’ lifestyles and needs and address the tendency to develop specific health problems. The food supports the immune system, coat, and digestive health. A blend of antioxidants and vitamin E enriches this dog food, and it also contains high-quality protein and prebiotics.
Royal Canin is one of the best dog food for picky Yorkies. It contains omega fatty acids, suitable for puppies between 2 and 10 months old. Switch to Royal Canin adult dog food for puppies older than ten months. Another unique feature of the Royal Canin puppy food is its unique kibble size that suits Yorkies’ jaw and facial structure.
When feeding your Yorkie, always provide clean drinking water. Also, feeding requirements are dependent on age, weight, and activity level. Use a standard 8-ounce measuring cup when feeding your Yorkie.
For indoor dogs;
Give cup of food to dogs weighing 2 pounds and cup of food to dogs weighing 4.5 pounds. For dogs that weigh 6.5 pounds, cup of ideal and 1 cup is ideal for dogs weighing between 9 and 11 pounds. Give dogs that weigh 13 pounds cups of food and dogs that weigh between 15.5 and 17.5 pounds should get cups of food.
For dogs with 1 hour of activity per day;
Give Yorkies weighing 2 pounds, cup of food and cup to Yorkies weighing 4.5 pounds. 1 cup of food is ideal for dogs weighing 6.5 pounds and cups to dogs weighing between 9 and 11 pounds. Dogs weighing 13 pounds should get cups and cups to dogs weighing 15.5 pounds. In addition, give dogs that weigh 17.5 pounds, cups of Royal Canin puppy dog food.
For dogs with 2 hours of activity per day;
Give cup of food to dogs weighing 2 pounds and cup for dogs weighing 4.5 pounds. For dogs weighing 6.5 pounds, give cups of food and cups to dogs weighing 9 pounds. cups of food is ideal for dogs that weigh between 11 and 13 pounds. Also, cups of Royal Canin puppy food is ideal for dogs that weigh between 15.5 and 17.5 pounds.
Key Features:
- Unique kibble size
- Antioxidants
- Vitamin E
- High-quality protein
- Prebiotics
- Omega fatty acids
- Biotin
Specification:
- Brand: Royal Canin
- Flavor: Chicken
- Dimensions: 12 × 7.5 × 4 in
- Weight: 2.5 lbs.
Pros
- The dog food has a unique kibble size that suits Yorkies facial and jaw structure
- There is a blend of antioxidants and vitamin E to improve the immune system’s health
- The high-quality protein helps in building lean and healthy muscles
- Prebiotics improve digestive health and gives a balanced intestinal flora for optimal stool quality
- The dog food contains omega fatty acids and biotin for improved coat and skin
- It is most suitable for puppies between 2 and 10 months old.
Cons
- The dog food is quite expensive
- There are no larger buying sizes
4
Pedigree Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
The Pedigree adult dog food is specifically for small breed dogs like Yorkies. The dog food has whole grains and protein to provide balanced nutrition for your dog. There is no high fructose corn syrup present, and the dog food contains essential vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, the Pedigree dog food is a blend of high-quality ingredients and antioxidants.
When feeding your dog with pedigree dog food, always provide fresh drinking water. For dogs that weigh up to 5 pounds, cup of food is ideal. Give between cup of food to dogs that weigh between 5 and 10 pounds and cups to dogs weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. For dogs that are between 15 and 20 pounds in weight, give cups of food. Also, dogs that weigh between 20 and 25 pounds should get cups of food.
Key Features:
- 100% complete and balanced nutrition
- High-quality ingredients
- Vitamins and minerals
- Whole grains and protein
- Small kibble size
- No artificial flavors
- No added sugars or high fructose corn syrup
Specification:
- Brand: Pedigree
- Flavor: Chicken and vegetable
- Dimensions: 4 × 15.5 × 22 in
- Weight: 15.9 lbs.
Pros
- The dog food provides Yorkies with a complete and balanced nutrition
- The high-quality ingredients include zinc and omega-6 fatty acids, and they improve skin and coat health
- There are vitamins and minerals present in the dog food to nourish Yorkies.
- The dog food contains whole grains and proteins for building healthy and lean muscle
- The kibble size is small. It suits Yorkies jaw structure
- There are antioxidants present to boost immune system health
Cons
- The flavor is not that appealing
- The packaging is not strong enough
5
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food
The Blue Buffalo dog food is a natural food with real meat as its first ingredient. The food contains high-quality protein for lean muscles and antioxidants for boosting the immune system. Other ingredients in the food include wholesome grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Blue Buffalo dog food is suitable for weight management, and it contains DHA that boosts cognitive development in Yorkies. Furthermore, there is glucosamine and chondroitin present for joints and mobility support. There is no chicken by-product meal, artificial colors or preservatives present.
A unique feature of this dog food is its antioxidant-rich kibble, otherwise known as lifesource bits. The lifesource bits contain essential nutrients, and they are processed at low temperatures to prevent degradation and preserve their potency.
Key Features:
- Real meat
- High-quality protein
- Wholesome grains, garden vegetables and fruits
- No extra calories
- Antioxidants
- Vitamins and minerals
- DHA
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- No chicken by-product meal
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Specification:
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Flavor: Chicken
- Weight: 15 lbs.
Pros
- The dog food contains real meat as the first ingredient
- The high-quality protein helps in building lean, healthy muscles
- The dog food contains wholesome grains and garden vegetables and fruits for a balanced and complete nutrition
- The food is suitable for weight management. There are no extra calories present.
- The dog food contains antioxidants that boost the immune system
- The vitamins and minerals help maintain a healthy oxidative balance in dogs and also satisfy the nutritional needs of Yorkies
- There is DHA present for improving cognitive development
- The glucosamine and chondroitin present help improving the joint’s mobility
Cons
- The dog food is expensive
- The size of the lifesource bits are not the same
6
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food for Small Breed
The Taste of the Wild dry dog food is a grain-free formula. The food contains a unique K9 strain probiotic bacteria that improve gut health. There are also prebiotics and fiber present to boost digestive health. The first ingredient in this dog food is real roasted meat, a high-quality protein source suitable for building healthy and lean muscles.
The Taste of Wild dog food is also enriched with vegetables, fruits, and natural antioxidants. There are omega fatty acids present for improving coat and skin health. Also, the kibble size is small, and it suits the facial structure of Yorkies.
When feeding your dog this dog food, look at his weight and age. Furthermore, always provide clean drinking water and measure food with a standard 8-ounce measuring cup
For Yorkies between 6 and 12 weeks old:
Give dogs weighing between 3 and 5 pounds, 1 to cups of food and dogs weighing between 5 and 10 pounds should get between cups of food. cups of food is ideal for dogs between 10 and 20 pounds and cups are suitable for dogs weighing between 20 and 30 pounds.
For Yorkies between 3 and 4 months old:
Dogs weighing between 3 and 5 pounds should get cups of food and dogs weighing between 5 and 10 pounds should get between cups. For dogs between 10 and 20 pounds in weight, give 2 to 3 cups of food. Also, dogs between 20 and 30 pounds require 4 to 5 cups of food.
For Yorkies between 5 and 7 months old:
Dogs weighing between 3 and 5 pounds should get cup of food and dogs between 5 and 10 pounds should get between cups of food. Yorkies between 10 and 20 pounds should get cups of food and dogs between 20 and 30 pounds should get cups of food.
For Yorkies between 8 and 12 months:
Dogs between 3 and 5 pounds should get cups of food and dogs between 5 and 10 pounds should get cup of food. 1 to cups of food is ideal for Yorkies that weigh between 10 and 20 pounds and cups of food is suitable for dogs between 20 and 30 pounds.
For Adult Yorkies:
Dogs between 3 and 5 pounds require cup of food. Give cup of food to dogs between 5 and 10 pounds. For dogs that weigh between 10 and 20 pounds, give 1 to cup of food and dogs between 20 and 30 pounds should get between cups of taste of the wild dry dog food.
Key Features:
- K9 strain probiotics
- Prebiotics and fiber
- Grain-free formula
- Real roasted meat
- Vegetables and fruits
- Natural antioxidants
- Omega fatty acids
- Small kibble size
Specification:
- Brand: Taste of the Wild
- Flavor: Venison
- Dimensions: 12.5 × 8 × 4 in
- Weight: 5 lbs.
Pros
- The K9 strain probiotics is a special type of bacteria that improves gut health
- The prebiotics and fiber improve digestive health
- The food has a grain-free formula. There is no corn or wheat present
- The first ingredient is real roasted meat which is a high-quality protein source
- The protein sources give an optimal level of amino acid that promotes lean and healthy muscles. The proteins are also highly digestible
- The food contains vegetables and fruits that provide the essential nutrition that your Yorkie needs
- There are natural antioxidants that boost immune health
- The omega fatty acids present in the food improve skin and coat health
- The dog food has a small kibble size, making it suitable for Yorkies jaw structure
- There are no artificial flavors or colors present
Cons
- Some dogs with food sensitivities develop diarrhea with this food
7
Orijen Dry Dog Food
The Orijen Dry dog food is a protein-rich food suitable for maintaining a healthy weight and supporting the high energy needs of Yorkies. The ingredients are of high quality and support the immune system of dogs. Other Orijen Dry dog food ingredients include lutein-enriched eggs, omega fatty acids, and fresh farm produce.
The Orijen dog food has a unique kibble shape. The food provides Yorkies with essential nutrition that promotes healthy eyes and skin and boosts the immune system.
Key Features:
- Unique kibble shape
- Fresh, protein-rich ingredients
- Lutein-enriched eggs
- Omega fatty acids
- High-quality animal protein
- Farm fresh produce
Specification:
- Brand: Orijen
- Flavor: new small breed
- Dimensions: 9.2 × 3.5 × 14.3 in
- Weight: 4 lbs.
Pros
- The unique kibble shape suits the facial and jaw structure of Yorkies
- The ingredients are fresh and rich in protein.
- The food satisfies the high energy requirements of Yorkies and also maintains a high energy weight
- The dog food contains lutein-enriched eggs for maintaining healthy eyes
- The omega fatty acids present to promote healthy skin and coat
- The food comprises high-quality animal protein such as meat organs, cartilage, and bones.
- The Orijen dog food also contains fresh farm produce such as vegetables and fruits. These ingredients improve the immune health of Yorkies
- Orijen dog food is ideal for improving joints mobility.
Cons
- This food may cause reactions in dogs with food sensitivities
8
Nutro Ultra Toy Breed Adult Dog Food
The Nutro dog food is especially suitable for Yorkies. The food contains a blend of 15 superfoods, including coconut, kale, chia, and blueberries. Also, there are animal proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables present. The dog food has a savory recipe that is appealing to dogs, and it is free of chicken by-product meals, soy, corn, or wheat.
The Nutro dog food has trio proteins in its formula; it contains chicken, lamb, and salmon, with chicken as its first ingredient. The dog food is from non-GMO ingredients. However, trace amounts of GMO ingredients may be present due to cross-contact during the manufacturing process. Also, there are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives present.
Feeding requirements are subject to weight, age, and activity level. Always provide clean drinking water for your Yorkie. For Yorkies that weigh up to 10 pounds, cup of food is ideal, and dogs that weigh up to 15 pounds need 1 cup of food. Yorkies that are up to 20 pounds require cups of food and dogs that weigh 25 pounds require cups of Nutro dog food.
Key Features:
- A blend of 15 superfoods
- Trio of proteins
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Savory recipe
Specification:
- Brand: Nutro
- Flavor: Blend – small breed
- Dimensions: 21.5 × 15 × 3 in
- Weight: 15 lbs.
Pros
- The dog food contains 15 superfoods to provide balanced nutrition for Yorkies
- There are high-quality animal proteins, whole grains and seeds present in this dog food
- Nutro dog food contains a trio of proteins, including chicken, lamb, and salmon
- Chicken is the first ingredient, and it helps in building healthy and lean muscles
- The dog food is from non-GMO ingredients
- There is no chicken by-product meal present
- Nutro dog food is free of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- There is no corn, wheat, or soy present.
Cons
- The food doesn’t come in lather sizes
- Some dogs may develop allergies to the food.
9
Wellness Core Grain-free Dry Dog Food
The Wellness dry food is a turkey-flavored dog food suitable for maintaining overall body health. The food has turkey, which is a protein source as its first ingredient. There are omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and taurine present in this food.
The ingredients in the Wellness dog food are non-GMO sourced, and the food is free from fillers, chicken by-product meals, and artificial preservatives. Furthermore, there are probiotics and prebiotics present to boost digestive health. It is important to note that there may be trace amounts of GMO ingredients because of cross-contact during the manufacture
When feeding your Yorkie with this dog food, adjust food to suit the dog’s weight and activity level. Dogs that are between 2 and 4 pounds in weight should get cup of food and dogs that weigh 5 to 8 pounds should get cup of food. Dogs that weigh between 9 and 12 pounds require cup of food. Yorkies that weigh between 13 and 16 pounds should get 1 to cups of food and feed Yorkies that weigh between 17 and 20 pounds, cups of food. cups of food is ideal for dogs that weigh between 21 and 25 pounds.
Key Features:
- Turkey
- Omega fatty acids
- Prebiotics and probiotics
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Taurine
- Small kibble size
- Glucosamine
- Antioxidants
- 100% grain-free
Specification:
- Brand: Wellness Natural Pet Food
- Flavor: Turkey
- Dimensions: 3.75 × 8 × 13.5 in
- Weight: 4 lbs.
Pros
- The first ingredient in the food is turkey, which promotes the development of lean and healthy muscles
- The omega fatty acids present in the food improve skin and coat health
- The food has prebiotics and probiotics for improved digestion
- Taurine improves heart health
- There are no fillers, artificial preservatives, or flavors present.
- There are no meat by-products in the food
- The antioxidants boost immune system health
Cons
- Some dogs have allergies to the food
Buying Guide Questions
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Yorkies. This section provides answers regarding Yorkies’ diet. Read on for more information.
What foods are bad for Yorkies?
Some foods can affect the health of Yorkies. Often, human food generally does more harm to dogs. Foods that are bad for Yorkies include chocolate, xylitol raisins, grapes, avocados, onions, and garlic. Tea, coffee, alcohol, and salt are also bad for dogs.
Should Yorkies eat grain-free food?
Generally, grain-free food is recommended for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Therefore, if your Yorkies do not have allergies, they can eat grain-free food. Nevertheless, it is best to discuss your dog’s diet with a vet.
Should Yorkies eat dry or wet food?
Yorkies are prone to dental problems. Therefore, they need dry food to clean and maintain their oral health. Although wet food is easier for Yorkies to eat, the food has a lower nutrient profile. You can always mix dry and wet food when feeding your dog.
Why does my Yorkie eat his own poop?
Yorkies eat their feces due to several reasons. When your Yorkie has poor digestion, the feces look like food. Also, giving your dog food containing fillers only offers fewer nutrients, thus tempting your dog to eat poop. Your Yorkie may also eat his poop if he is bored or stressed, especially when left alone.
What human food can I give my Yorkie?
Human healthy foods for Yorkies include carrots, boiled or scrambled eggs, salmon, blueberries, blackberries, watermelon, oatmeal, and apples.
Can my Yorkie eat bananas?
Yes. Bananas are low in calories and, in moderation, are an excellent treat for Yorkies.
Why do Yorkies stink?
Yorkies have a rich coat and long hair; thus, they require proper grooming to prevent them from stinking. Skin diseases, allergies, and natural oils buildup cause Yorkies to stink.
How often should a Yorkie poop?
Your Yorkie should poop at least once a day. Most Yorkies poop about two to three times daily.
Conclusion
Yorkies are tiny breeds that can be feisty but lovable. Certain health conditions plague this dog breed. The best dog food for Yorkies will be able to promote overall health and prevent diseases.