This is My Review of the Best Dog Food for Yorkies in 2022
You might have encountered this question on a ‘know me’ game or on your first date, What’s your go-to taste? It’s either a parfait or a cranberry pie or the traditional Thai. It could be anything. We all have our own set of tastebuds, and we look for ingredients that suit our taste.
Similarly, Yorkies are also picky and classy when it comes to the dog food that they prefer. Some Yorkies prefer wet food while some Yorkies even love homemade food that we eat.
If you want your Yorkie to feel his best and stay healthy for his lifespan, you must ensure high-quality dog food for him or her. Yorkies have a fast metabolism, therefore, you got to provide them with enough calories in a day not to put them at risk of hyperglycemia.
I am Daniela Carrera, a certified Veterinarian, and a Yorkie parent, and I share the 12 Best Dog Foods for Yorkshire Terriers. This would allow you to choose the best dog food for your Yorkie as per your needs and understanding.
12 Best Dog Food for Yorkies
- Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe (Check Price)
- Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula (Check Price)
- Merrick Grain-Free Puppy (Check Price)
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy (Check Price)
- Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Puppy Turkey (Check Price)
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula (Check Price)
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Small Breed (Check Price)
- Eukanuba Small Breed Dog Food (Check Price)
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food (Check Price)
- Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain Dog Food (Check Price)
- Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley (Check Price)
- Royal Canine Yorkshire Terrier Dog Food (Check Price)
1. Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe
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Purpose:- To offer nutrition and enhance the metabolism level
Calorie Content:- 478 kcal/cup
Suitable for:- Adult Yorkies
Type:- Grain-free
This dog food is one of the best dog foods for Yorkies in the market. It has got a sufficient amount of nutrients, fats, and calories.
It has an adequate amount of phosphorus and calcium, which prove beneficial for bone and tooth health. The chicken mixed in the formula gives a sufficient amount of energy and protein needed for the physical growth of your Yorkie.
The Instinct by Nature dog food is high in calories and is a one-stop mix to infuse your Yorkie’s food with a high level of nutritional benefits. It helps in maintaining the metabolism requirements for your Yorkie’s body.
This dog food mix is grain-free and abundant in essential nutrients. It doesn’t include soy and potato harmful to your Yorkie’s skin and coat.
It also helps in fixing the digestive tracts intact. You will need not worry about your Yorkie’s choking mishaps. It is one of the best in the market in dog foods.
Pros
- The chicken is the best part of this dog food recipe.
- It fills your Yorkie’s tummy instantly.
- It is grain-free.
- It doesn’t include soy or potato harmful to your Yorkie.
- It is 100% organic.
Cons
- Inconsistency in the quality.
2. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
Purpose:- Full of Probiotics necessary for overall growth
Calorie Content:- 345 kcal/cup
Suitable for:- Growing Yorkies
Type:- DHA Formula
Diamond Naturals is one of the best dog foods in the market, especially for small breed dogs like Yorkies. It is rich in probiotics at every bite.
The ingredients are health-focused. The Diamond dog food mix includes chicken, fresh veggies like pumpkin, kale, and fruits like blueberries and oranges, which are healthy and highly fulfilling.
This mix is a brand of USA and passes through health protocols, safety protocols, and rigorous quality checks that make this product a highly reliable and go-to-go product.
It does not contain harmful added preservatives and artificial food fillers that save your Yorkie’s skin from suffering sensitivity and other skin complexities. The Omegas and fatty acids present help your Yorkie’s coat and fur look healthy and super shiny.
Pros
- The formula is rich in omega3 and omega 6, and other fatty acids.
- It is free from extra preservatives harmful to your Yorke’s overall health.
- It includes fresh veggies and fruits that offer high nutrition to your Yorkie’s body.
- Chicken is the main ingredient.
- It is quality-proven.
Cons
- It is not grain-free.
3. Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog Food
Purpose:- Essential Omega fatty acids to improve the coat and fur
Calorie Content:- 360kcal/cup
Suitable for:- Senior Yorkies
Type:- DHA Formula
If you are looking for high-quality dog food with solid ingredients included in the mixture, then Merrick Puppy Dry Dog Food is the best option you can have. It includes deboned chicken pieces.
The small pack contains Omega 3 fatty acids that improve your furry friend’s coat health and keep it shiny, silky, and voluminous. If your Yorkie’s stomach is sensitive and easily gets exposed to food-borne diseases, then the grain-free texture is a bait to set on your bets.
The Glucosamine And Chondroitin present in this mixture is responsible for your Yorkie’s healthy hips and joints. It also helps improve the development of your furry friend’s brain and bones. It is chemical-free and purely your Yorkie-type.
Pros
- The majority of the ingredients are from animal fats.
- DHA is best for brain development.
- It includes omega acids which help improve your Yorkie’s hair health.
- The quality is non-compromisable.
Cons
- Protein Content is not up to the mark.
- It is grain-free.
4. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Dry Dog Food
Purpose:- Helps in easy digestion and provides quality nutrition.
Calorie Content:- 320 kcal/cup
Suitable for:- Adult Yorkies
Type:- Non-GMO Formula with no added preservatives.
This small packet comes with high-quality ingredients that add essential nutrients and vitamins to your Yorkie’s health without affecting his diet chart. It includes chicken chunks, potato protein, brewer’s rice, and whole-grain brown rice.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials dog food comes in handy and is pocket-friendly. It contains Omega 3-and-6-fatty Acids for brain development and antioxidants for immuno-security. It is a non-GMO formula. It doesn’t include wheat or soy.
The natural fibers in the dog mixture help in easy digestion and keep your Yorkie’s bowel movements. It only suits smaller to medium-sized dog breeds. You can’t give this dog food to infant Yorkies as the chunks of chicken can choke them and cause serious throat complications.
Pros
- The first ingredient is chicken.
- Omega Acids are present.
- The protein content is present in abundance.
- It is a Non-GMO formula.
Cons
- It is not budget-friendly.
- It is not suitable for tiny Yorkies.
- Too many chunks of veggies
5. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Puppy Turkey
Purpose:- Enhance blood circulation and improves digestion of your Yorkie
Calorie Content:- 396 kcal/cup
Suitable for:- Adult Yorkies
Type:- Grain-free mixture
Wellness Small Breed Puppy Food is rich in the required nutrients and proteins necessary for your Yorkie’s development and growth. It includes an adequate amount of fats freshly extracted from the animal sources like deboned turkey, chicken, and salmon.
The Wellness Small Breed dog food is dry and has the correct quantity of grains. The kibbles are in small pieces, which protect your Yorkie from any choking hazards. This product is rich in antioxidants and probiotics healthy for your dog’s skin, fur, and coat.
Plus, it includes Omega fatty acids and DHA that improve blood circulation, enhance digestive functioning, and groom your Yorkie’s overall health. It is suitable for small to medium-sized breeds.
This dry dog food is for Yorkies, who are food-sensitive because the ingredients used are selective and infuse experts’ supervision.
Pros
- It includes meat essentials in abundance.
- High in probiotics and antioxidants.
- It includes DHA.
Cons
- It is not budget-friendly.
6. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food
Purpose:- It is a wet mixture best for picky eaters
Calorie Content:- 185 kcal/cup
Suitable for:- Young to Senior Puppies
Type:- DHA Formula
The Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food contains chunks of fresh chicken with no added by-products or poultry derivatives.
An all-rounder dog food packet with essential protein sources of deboned chicken and grains like oatmeal, barley, brown rice. It is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which help strengthen your Yorkie’s bone and teeth.
The Blue Buffalo formula is rich in antioxidants necessary to rescue your Yorkie’s digestive system from performing oddly. This small pack of dry dog food is free from by-products.
The size of the kibbles is non-choking, and you need to worry about breaking it into pieces before serving.
Pros
- It is budget-friendly.
- It includes a high amount of proteins.
- It is choking-free.
- Effortless serving.
- Free from artificial by-products.
Cons
- None. Go for it.
7. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula
Purpose:- Strengthens Immune System
Calorie Content:- 373kcal/cup
Suitable for:- Infant Yorkies
Type:- DHA Formula
The Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food is worth every penny. It includes chicken which is a good source of protein and nourishes your Yorkie with good health. Corn gluten is nutrient-rich and is rich in protein.
It has brown rice that is suitable for Yorkies who are diet conscious. It contains fish oil which is a good source of Omega 3-fatty acids. These acids are helpful for your Yorkie’s growth and development.
Omega Acids also improve your puppy’s vision. The infilled probiotics help enhance your Yorkie’s healthy digestive tracts.
The Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food does not contain any artificial fillers or added preservatives that are not good for your Yorkie’s health.
Pros
- It is high in protein.
- It is not pocket-exhausting.
- The first ingredient is chicken.
- It includes DHA.
Cons
- Some of the ingredients are of low quality.
8. Eukanuba Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
Purpose:- Rich in micronutrients and essential vitamins and fats
Calorie Content:- 357kcal/cup
Suitable for:- Adult Yorkies
Type:- DHA Mixture
The Eukanuba Puppy Food is beneficial to your Yorkie’s health. The chicken is the first ingredient rich in protein and is helpful for your puppy’s muscle strength and enhances metabolism level.
It also includes extra veggies, grains, and animal products like eggs. It has elements of calcium and phosphorus that strengthen your Yorkie’s muscles, bones, and teeth.
It has fish oil which is a good source of DHA essential for brain growth and development. The Eukanuba dog food is high in calories, so consult your vet if you think your Yorkie is calorie-sensitive.
This formula is high in protein. The majority of proteins come from animals sources. The Eukanuba dog food is suitable for Yorkies who are 15 months old with an average weight of 55 lbs.
Pros
- It is suitable for small dog breeds.
- It is rich in calories.
- The chicken is the first ingredient.
- It includes DHA.
Cons
- It involves a variety of grains and veggies.
- It is not pocket-friendly.
9. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for Small Breed Dogs
Purpose:- Helps in digestion with essential antioxidants
Calorie Content:- 392 kcal/cup
Suitable for:- Adult Yorkies
Type:- Limited Ingredient Diet with DHA formula
The Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is a premium-quality brand in dog foods that offers high-quality ingredients and assures proper nutrition essential for your Yorkie’s health. The chicken meal is rich in proteins that build up your dog’s muscles.
This formula has antioxidants with Vitamin C and E that help strengthen his immune system. It doesn’t include any artificial market additions or preservatives harmful to your Yorkie’s skin and overall health. It is 100% organic.
It also contains a nourishing blend of omega-6 fatty acids and provides high-quality protein to maintain lean muscle in Yorkies.
It contains fish oil rich in DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) that aids your Yorkie’s development. It improves his eyesight and skeletal development. Lamb Flavour is really very delicious.
Pros
- It is rich in antioxidants and DHA.
- It is free from artificial filler.
- The first ingredient is chicken.
Cons
- It is low in protein and fat.
- It includes plenty of grainy ingredients.
- It can be budget-exhausting.
10. Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain Dog Food
Purpose:– Improves metabolism level
Calorie Content:- 400kcal/cup
Suitable for:- Infant Yorkies
Type:- Gluten and grain-free
This dog food is one of the best products in the market for Yorkies as it takes care of your Yorkie’s energy level and keeps his metabolism in check.
It includes a rich source of protein and vitamins freshly from the seabed-like fish that puffs up your Yorkie’s energy level to an extent worth your puppy. The rest of the ingredients are Tapioca, pea, and canola oil.
It contains fruits like cranberries, apples, blueberries rich in antioxidants. The formula is gluten-free and grain-free.
This dog food formula is rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin C and E, that balance your Yorkie’s physical and emotional health in tandem. If you are environment conscious, then this is the product you shouldn’t be thinking twice about spending your dollars in because the packaging is 100% bio-degradable, and you can even reuse it and come up with your DIY tricks.
Pros
- It includes fish oil and other essential oils.
- It is rich in protein.
- It has Vitamin C and E good for skin and hair health.
- It has a sufficient amount of veggies
- It offers a buyer’s guide.
Cons
- The smell couldn’t be pleasant to all Yorkies.
11. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dog Food
Purpose:- Hemps improve the immune system and digestive system
Calorie Content:- 370 kcal/cup
Suitable for:- Adult Yorkies
Type:- Grain-free
The Wild Appalachian Valley Dog food is the best option in the market when you are looking for ingredients free from artificial by-products or harmful fillers. It has the essence of real meat that builds up your Yorkie’s muscles and joints.
The fats present in the meat protein lubricate the joints and fix the flexibility for your Yorkie’s happy-flowy lifestyle. If you are worried about the content of probiotics, then don’t worry.
The Wild Appalachian Valley Dog Food has got the right amount of probiotics and antioxidants in the form of fresh veggies and fruits that improves your puppy’s digestive system and give him an immuno-boost. It is grain-free.
In short, the ingredients used are highly sustainable and indigenous and are rich in essential vitamins.
Pros
- The formula is grain-free and with no added preservatives or food colors to maximize your dog’s food taste.
- It has DHA that naturally grooms your Yorkie’s fur and coat.
- 32% protein content to strengthen bones.
- It is made in the USA and isn’t quality-compromised.
Cons
- Not suitable for Taurine-deficient dogs.
- It is expensive.
12. Royal Canine Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food
Purpose:- One in all formula to provide nutrition to infant Yorkies
Calorie Content:- 380 kcal/cup
Suitable for:- Young Yorkies
Type:- Yorkie Specific
The Royal Canine Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dog Food is high in protein due to nutritious kibbles of meat in the mixture. The L-carnitine formula helps your Yorkie satisfy his energy needs and manage weight with increased fat metabolism.
This small pack of dry food can fulfill your puppy’s tummy without leaving any space for junk snacks or unhealthy treats. It has calcium with chelation agents that help clean the tartar all around the teeth.
The Royal Canine Dog Food has EPA and DHA responsible for the shiny-glossy hair and coat of your Yorkie friend. It also improves the digestive functioning of your puppy and avoids the imbalance of diet and nutrition.
Pros
- It includes DHA.
- It cleans up the tartar and eliminates further tartar formation.
- It aids the digestive tracts of your Yorkie.
- It is a diet-balanced formula.
Cons
- It is expensive.
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Yorkshire Terriers?
You have complete information about the best dog food brands to look for when getting dog food for your Yorkie. The next question that might pop up in your mind could be the factors affecting your decision when you go out to get food for your Yorkie.
How to find the right dog food? How to be sure of the ingredients? To ease up your load, I have listed a few factors that you should be looking for when you’re keeping tabs on the Best dog food for your Yorkie.
1. Your Yorkie’s Size
The size of your Yorkie determines your choice of dog food for your friend. Generally, larger breeds require a strict set of diet than smaller ones. However, it can be vice versa.
Yorkshire terriers are high-maintenance dogs, and their diet can be a little complicated because of their rare taste buds and body requirements.
Their high energy requires metabolism, and you should look for ingredients that charge up your Yorkie and fulfill his metabolism needs. Choose products that include protein, fats, fresh veggies, and fruits.
Also, the extent of these elements should be kept in mind. If you are unsure, consult a vet.
2. Type of Breed
Which family your Yorkie belongs to is also a deciding factor in choosing a particular dog food brand. Dogs from the terrier family are known for their high sense of energy, enthusiasm, and zeal, and these canines stores energy more than a bulldog or a golden retriever.
They also need to exhaust their body fuel to be active for the next day. The more they will exercise, run, jump, or play, the more they will require nutrition, proteins, fats, carbs, and essential vitamins.
3. Allergies or Reactions
Not every Yorkie reacts the same as others. Each Yorkie has a different body disposition and requires nutrition fully customizable as per their body requirements.
If you think your Yorkie is highly sensitive and prone to food-related diseases like diarrhea or an upset stomach, I would suggest you consult a vet.
Under his supervision, jot down all the ingredients he should avoid. If you notice swelling, redness, or signs of itching in your Yorkie, then it could be a sign of an allergy and most probably a food allergy.
In that scenario, dial in your vet’s number and take his piece of professional advice.
4. Personal Choices
At last, everyone has some personal choices they make, based on their preferences. Your Yorkie might also have his tastebuds and the kind of food texture he likes.
He may love dry food better than wet food, or it can be just the opposite. So, you can also consider this factor while you are planning to invest in your Yorkie’s essentials and dog food.
5. Macronutrients
Yorkshire Terriers are top-notch breeds and they require extra attention and care. Their diet has to have all the essential nutrients and in the right amount and content.
A small mistake can cost your Yorkie’s health a lot. A Yorkie needs almost 21% of protein and from fresh animal sources every day to keep up with the pace and energy level.
Fats sound unhealthy but a proper amount helps groom your Yorkie’s fur, coat, and skin naturally. You can look in the product description while checking online if that dog food contains more than 10% fats.
However, Carbs should be chosen with due diligence and attention. Some dog foods in the market include carbs but these products are unlikely digestible.
You should look for products that have a sufficient amount of grains that helps improve digestion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How is small breed dog food different?
Small breed dog food is different from other dog foods because of the texture. The kibble is small in size to save your puppy from choking hazards.
Q: Can Yorkie puppies have big kibbles?
A straight no. It is because your Yorkie’s throat is tiny in size and can not bear the big chunks of dog food, and if accidentally you give him big-sized kibbles, it will choke him. Your Yorkie’s safety is in your hands.
Q: What foods should Yorkies avoid?
There are certain foods that Yorkies should avoid in every way possible. These foods are harmful to your Yorkie’s skin, fur, and overall health. These foods are:-
- Chocolate
- Raw meat, raw fish, and raw eggs
- Salty foods
- Gum, peanut butter, candy
- Raisins and grapes
- Milk, ice cream, and other dairy products
- Onions and garlic
Q: What is the best food to improve my Yorkie’s fur and coat?
You can buy foods that are rich in DHA, like salmon, fish oil, and even flaxseed oil are good sources of essential vitamins nutrients. These vitamins are responsible for your dog’s hair and skin health.
Q: Why does my Yorkie always feel Hungry?
Yorkies are highly energy-filled canines, and the more they sweat, the more they will feel the urge to eat.
However, keep an eye on his behavior if he is gradually losing his appetite and skipping his meals. A sudden loss of appetite can be a matter of concern.
Q: Is Pedigree good dog food for Yorkies?
Pedigree is a wishy-washy product because it has the best price, but the quality is not up to the mark.
Q: What are the Chicken by-products in dog food?
Chicken by-products are the residue after the raw meat. It includes all other organs like the liver, kidneys, guts, etc.
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog food for your Yorkie can be tiresome and complicated. But, with proper knowledge and sufficient information, you can select the right dog food.
Your Yorkie’s health is your top priority, and the only thing you can do is little research, or you can ask your vet for a bit of professional advice.
If you have anything to share, you can hit the comment button and pour in your thoughts.
Happy Feeding! 🙂
