7 Best Dog Food For Yorkshire Terrier
PETE DECKER / JANUARY 22, 2019 / DOGS
Just like people, dogs are not all the same. Some are small, some are large; some are cheerful and energetic, while others keep to themselves. That’s why each dog breed requires a different type of dog food based on their temperament, size, coat and even personality. As a pet owner, you need to educate yourself about your pup’s nutritional needs so that you don’t end up with what is known as a “picky eater.”
Yorkshire Terries, also known as “Yorkies” are just as unique as any other breed, which means they have a very specific diet and preferences. The following guide is aimed at helping Yorkie owners find the ideal type of dog food for their pet. Plus, we reviewed some of the best dog food brands and products to bring you the following list of our top picks.
- Table of Contents
- #1: Top Pick - Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food
- #2: Budget Conscious Pick - Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
- #3: Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe
- #4: Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food
- #5: Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food
- #6: Earthborn Holistic Small Breed Natural Dog Food
- #7: Nulo Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Dog Food For Yorkies Buyer’s Guide
- Nutritional Requirements For Yorkies
- Potential Health Issues to Be Aware Of
- Conclusion
Top Pick - Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON ＞Royal Canin is instantly recognizable as one of the most trusted dog food brands on the market. That’s because this company has differentiated itself as an organization that cares about dog health, to the point that they develop unique dog food formulas that cater to different breeds, ages, and health needs.
The Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition is packed with vitamins, nutrients, fats, proteins, fiber, and calories that your dog needs to thrive. It is specially formulated to include DHA and EPA which help to produce a smooth and healthy coat.
The only noticeable downside to this food is that it has a lower protein profile as compared to the other dry dog food options. But it makes up for this with a better level of quality. It also features ingredients like wheat gluten and other cereal grains that might be a problem with pets that suffer from gluten intolerance. On the upside, these grains are meant to provide your pet with the necessary amino acids to develop healthy tissues.
The Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition dry dog food also comes with brown rice and brewers rice, which makes it an ideal source of energy for your dog.
Key Features
- Scientifically formulated
- Designed to cater to the nutritional needs of purebred Yorkies
- Dogs find it highly palatable
What do we like about it?
We like the fact that this Royal Canin formula is fortified with essential ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to improve joint health while facilitating overall wellness. It’s also packed with powerful antioxidants, immune-boosting properties as well as anti-inflammatories.
Budget Conscious Pick - Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON ＞This dry dog formula from Purina Pro is specially formulated for small breed dogs. Although it’s a nutrient-dense formula, it certainly doesn’t skimp on the flavor, and its crunchy yet soft texture is a hit with Yorkies. The primary ingredient in this food is chicken, which is an excellent and healthy source of protein for any dog.
You’ll be glad to know that this food also has an optimal protein-to-fat ratio, in addition to nutrients like Vitamin A, Omega 6 acids and linoleic acid which contribute to providing your dog with a healthy and shiny coat. This food also features a natural prebiotic fiber which comes from wheat bran to promote healthy digestion.
Key Features
- Comes with live probiotics
- Helps to keep the dog’s coat healthy and shiny
- Features high-quality chicken protein
What do we like about it?
This Purina dry dog food formula offers complete nutrition and it’s packed with flavor. It comes with the vitamins, minerals and fats that your dog needs to enjoy life to the fullest.
Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON ＞The Merrick Lil Plates Grain-Free Dry Dog Food combines the delicious flavor of your dog’s favorite treats with the nutrition he needs to thrive. This is a whole meal that includes real pieces of raw beef meat which have been freeze-dried to preserve their flavor and nutrients.
This food has no grains which make it ideal for gluten intolerant pets and it offers complete nutrition for small breed dogs. It has a rich taste and a variety of nutrients, thanks to the inclusion of vegetables and fruits like peas, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There’s also a fair amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in this formula due to the flaxseeds and this helps to maintain a healthy looking coat.
As if that weren’t enough, Merrick also included probiotics and prebiotics in this formula to assist with digestion, while the chondroitin and glucosamine will keep its joints strong and healthy.
Key Features
- Made with real, freeze-dried beef
- Doesn’t contain any poultry
- Grain-free and gluten-free
What do we like about it?
The Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe doesn’t contain any allergens like gluten, soy, wheat or corn so it’s safe for most dogs to consume.
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON ＞Hill’s healthy dog formulas are well-known among pet owners for their quality and this dry dog food is no exception. The Hill’s Science Diet is designed to meet the nutritional and development needs of small dogs and it doesn’t contain harmful or preservatives or chemicals.
Instead, it’s packed with vitamins C and E as well as antioxidants to promote health and longevity. Although Yorkies tend to live longer than other dog breeds, adding the Hill’s Science Diet Small & Toy Breed will extend their lifespan even more while allowing them to enjoy life with vibrant health!
Key Features
- Proudly made in the US
- Features high-quality protein and nutrients
- Promotes healthy bones and muscles
What do we like about it?
Hill’s Science Dry Dog Food is one of the most recommended pet foods by veterinarians around the world and it’s not hard to see why. This is optimal nutrition based on scientific studies and this brand only uses quality ingredients to make sure that each pet gets the nourishment it needs.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON ＞If you’re familiar with the Wellness CORE dog food then you’ll like the Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food. It comes with pretty much the same nutrients but with more calories per serving.
Some of the nutrients featured in this dog food include Omega 3 and Omega 6 to promote a soft and shiny coat. It also comes with live probiotics to help your dog maintain a healthy gut and digestion in the long run. The Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food is mostly made of high-quality protein ingredients with no allergy-causing cereal grains or preservatives.
Key Features
- Made from real, natural ingredients
- Small breed formula
- Offers balanced nutrition
What do we like about it?
The protein from this formula comes from salmon, turkey, and chicken - all of which are ultra-healthy and lean sources of protein that promote health and energy.
Earthborn Holistic Small Breed Natural Dog Food
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON ＞This small breed formula from Earthborn is all your pet needs to get its nutrients in, and it’s specially designed for dogs that weigh 20 pounds or less. It’s made with high-quality sources of protein like whitefish meal and chicken meal, both of which are essential in maintaining an ideal weight while providing all the energy that your Yorkie needs to enjoy life.
It’s important to note here that small breed dogs typically have a life expectancy of 20 years which is quite long in animal years. That’s why they need high-quality nutrition to ensure that they reach their full potential.
This formula comes with fruits and vegetables that are rich in beneficial minerals and antioxidants. Because this formula doesn’t contain any grains and goes through specialized processing technology, it’s easier to assimilate and absorb its nutrients. One of the nutrients worth mentioning is L-carnitine which is instrumental in building lean body mass by converting fat into energy and muscle.
Key Features
- 100% natural and guaranteed
- Assists with maintaining optimal eye and brain development
- Easy to chew
What do we like about it?
This formula comes with Omegas 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids which are essential in developing the lipid barrier of your pet’s skin. That’s why it’s so effective at maintaining a healthy skin and coat for longer.
Nulo Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON ＞Although tiny in size, small breed dogs are balls of energy that will give even the most energetic owner a run for their money. Because they use a lot of energy throughout the day, Yorkies need to get that energy from good sources that will support their metabolism as well.
That’s what the Nulo Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food promises. It’s made of 84% protein which comes from real meat like lamb, turkey, and salmon, while the small kibble size texture facilitates natural chewing and digestion.
Key Features
- Helps to maintain a healthy weight
- High protein and low carb
- Grain free
What do we like about it?
Based on pet reactions, this small breed formula from Nulo is not only packed with nutrition but it tastes great too. It’s mostly made up of lean protein sources and is formulated to promote optimal digestion and maintain proper metabolism.
Dog Food For Yorkies Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to dog food, it simply won’t do just to pick the first thing you come across. Your selection process must be informed by a thorough understanding of the essential nutrients that your Yorkie needs for optimal health.
Here are some of the essential factors to keep in mind when looking for the best dog food for your Yorkie:
Protein
For the best results, always choose a dog food that has high-quality protein. This means staying away from things like protein meal and meat by-products. Instead opt for formulas with real meat and lean protein sources, while making sure that it makes up a third of the ingredients in the product.
Puppies, in particular, need more protein to support their growing bones and muscles. As dogs age, protein plays a huge role in maintaining energy levels but elderly dogs don’t consume as much of it as younger pups.
Carbs
Some of the best and healthiest sources of protein for your dog include sweet potato, brown rice, and barley. Because most dogs nowadays are prone to sensitivities, it’s best to avoid carbs with gluten, wheat, grains or corn, as these ingredients can negatively affect your pup’s digestive system.
With carbs, your Yorkie will have sufficient energy for walks. It’s recommended to get a dog harness that is made specially for small dogs, so that your Yorkie pooch will not slip out easily,
Fats
Good quality dog food should also contain healthy fats like Omegas 3 and 6, which are available through flaxseeds and fish oil. With healthy fats in its system, your dog will have a healthy and shiny coat. Naturally, you have to brush your dog regularly too,
Avoid bad fats like corn syrup and beef tallow because they can wreak havoc on your pet’s digestion and they don’t have any nutritional value anyway.
Nutritional Requirements For Yorkies
If you want your Yorkie to lead a healthy and happy life then you must provide him with the nutrition that your pooch needs. While it may not eat as much as a Labrador, your small Yorkie still needs healthy carbs, fats, and protein in its system.
Here’s a breakdown of a Yorkie’s essential nutrition:
Small Food Bits
Perhaps due to their small stature, Yorkies tend to have small mouths and teeth, which means they enjoy food that comes in small bites. They also like it when their food has a soft texture, but this doesn’t mean that you should feed them canned food as it may not meet its nutritional needs.
Alternatively, you can purchase average sized kibble that’s packed with high-quality ingredients and then soften it up with water too so that it’s easier to break down.
Also, small food bits are also easier to carry around when you are packing for travels. Your Yorkie will fit comfortably in a carrier purse, airline approved pet carrier, or a dog backpack carrier.
Calories & Proteins
Yorkies are always running around and bristling with energy. On average, they need about 150 kilocalories per day to thrive but this doesn’t always work for all dogs. Some pups are so energetic that they require up to 200 kilocalories a day.
If you are not sure how much to feed your pooch every day, consult with a vet and they’ll make an assessment based on your dog’s needs as well as its age. Of course, you should also allow your intuition to guide you because if you notice that your small dog is using up more energy, then you should give it more food. You can consider treats such as dental chews or healthy dog snacks.
Another vital point to make is that Yorkies tend to do exceptionally well when following a high-protein and high-fat diet. That’s because it provides them with the sustainable energy that they need to keep going for the whole day. Plus, protein is essential in building muscle tissue that will enable your pet to continue enjoying an active lifestyle for years to come. You must keep in mind that some of these fats and proteins are converted into energy so you need a right amount of carbs as well to facilitate this process while eliminating the risk of blood sugar problems and hypoglycemia.
Easily Digestible Food
As with their small mouths, Yorkies have small stomachs as well. That’s why they prefer food that’s easy to consume and digest. You can achieve this by feeding them small meals throughout the day instead of one or two big meals. Also, focus on providing your dog with food that’s made from high-quality ingredients with no harmful chemicals, preservatives or allergens.
You can make use of a dog food dispensing toy to let your Yorkies have hours of endless fun.
Potential Health Issues to Be Aware Of
The following are some of the most common health issues facing the Yorkshire terrier dog breed. As you’ll see below, it’s possible to overcome and even prevent these issues through proper nutrition.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is caused by low sugar levels in the blood which makes your Yorkie constantly feel tired and weak. The best way to overcome this issue is by feeding your dog small meals frequently so that its blood glucose levels have no chance of dropping. This is where an automated dog feeder will come in handy, as you can schedule the feeder to dispense food at selected intervals.
Floating Kneecap
The floating kneecap is known as luxating patella and subluxation in scientific circles and it’s quite common among Yorkies. This condition is usually passed down through the genes but can also be caused by unexpected trauma. The most effective way to eliminate this problem is surgery but providing your dog with good quality protein sources can help to speed up recovery by supporting tissue repair with multivitamins.
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse refers to weakened cartilage. Foods with glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin can help to alleviate this condition by allowing cartilage cells to perform better.
Getting a dog lift harness will also reduce the strain on your dog’s joints. This allows them to recover faster.
Sensitive Tummies
Yorkies tend to have a sensitive stomach which is why most of their dog food comes with probiotics to promote healthy digestion. You’ll also do well to refrain from giving them allergenic foods as that will only serve to aggravate their tummy.
Conclusion
Yorkshire terriers are a special breed of dog that’s characterized by small stature and high energy personalities. They also have unique nutritional needs and that’s why you must provide them with the right combination of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, carbs, and most importantly, protein.
The Royal Canin Breed Health Dry Dog Food ticks all the boxes with nutritional and high-quality ingredients that will promote your Yorkie’s health and longevity.
The Review
Best Dog Food For Yorkies
