Is Your Yorkie Getting the Nutrition They Deserve? Discover the Top 15 Dog Foods of 2023 for Yorkshire Terriers
Yorkshire Terriers are growing in popularity, hitting the 13th most popular spot in 2021 according to the AKC
With the growth in popularity we get asked more and more what is the best dog food for my Yorkie?
As a breeder with over 25 years of experience, I’m used to researching lots of things related to our dogs.
I found that Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health Chicken & Rice is the overall top choice for Yorkies
I’ve also included the top choices for different life stages, Puppy, Adult and Senior dogs, as well as Yorkies with sensitive stomachs, which is quite common and the best wet dog food for Yorkies.
On with the show…
3
BEST PUPPY YORKIE FOOD
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Puppy
ROYAL CANIN
4
BEST SENIOR YORKIE FOOD
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Small Breed
BLUE BUFFALO
5
BEST FOR YORKIES WITH A SENSITIVE STOMACH
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Grain-Free Duck & Potato Small Breed Bites
NATURAL BALANCE
Best Yorkshire Terrier Dog Foods
- Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health Chicken & Rice – Best Dog Food for Yorkies overall
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult – Best Adult Yorkie Food
- Nom Nom – Custom Formulas for all life stages
- Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Food – Best Dog Food For Yorkie Puppies
- ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food – Best Grain Free Yorkie Puppy Food
- Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult – Best Dog Food for Adult Yorkies
- Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult
- Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior
- Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Small-Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Breed
- Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food
- Solid Gold Mighty Mini For Toy & Small Breed Dog Food Cups
15 Best Dog Foods For Yorkies Reviewed
All the dog foods reviewed here meet the AADCO nutrition guidelines for dogs. We are not vets, always consult with your vet before making changes to your dogs’ diet.
1. Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health Chicken & Rice
Best Overall
Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health Chicken & Rice
First Five Ingredients:Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Rice
Key Features: Complete Health dog foods are made with no meat byproducts, fillers or artificial preservatives, ever. .
Guaranteed Analysis:30% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 462 kcal/cup
No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
The small kibble size makes it easier for your Yorkie to eat and digest while the high calorie content supports their fast metabolism
Pros
Small Kibble Size
Includes Probiotics
Premium Quality Proteins
Has Glucosamine, Taurine and Omega 3’s
–
Cons
Chicken flavour may cause allergies
Not grain free
Only sold in small bags
Not all dogs like the taste
This low sodium diest is good for prevention of heart disesase
High protein 30%, consisting of high quality sources , High fat 17% provides energy
Inclusion of Glucosamine, Chodroitin, Omega 3 Fatty acids to support bone and heart health
Contains of 20,000,000 CFU/lb Lactic Acid Microorganisms to support gut microbiome and gut health
Sample review on Chewy...
Loved it for years
“My 2 Yorkies been eating this for at least 5 years now . They still love it and it’s real healthy for them . What i love about it is the small bite pieces , perfect for their little mouths. Glad I tried and will buy again when needed.“
Read more reviews on Chewy
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Adutl Yorkie Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Fish Meal
Key Features: :Immune Support, Vitamins & Minerals
Guaranteed Analysis:26% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10# Moisture
Caloric Content: 396kcal/cup
No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
It’s high calorie content combined with easily digestible carbs provides for the high metabolism and high energy needs of your Yorkie.
Pros
Well-balanced formula
Features fresh fruits and veggies
Includes probiotics and fiber to support proper digestion
Has Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint healths
–
Cons
Chicken flavour may cause allergies
Not grain free
Some dogs appear to pick around the LifeSource Bits
Some dogs experienced loose stools after eating this food
Includes Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Omega 3 fatty acids to support joint health in dogs. Glucosamine supports joint lubrication and flexibility, while Omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, further improving joint health.
Small kibble size reduces the risk of choking and allows for more thorough digestion.
the combination of glucosamine and Omega 3 fatty acids can provide comprehensive support for your dog’s health, helping to improve joint health, skin and coat condition, and reducing inflammation.
Review from Chewy
Loved it for years
My 2 Yorkies been eating this for at least 5 years now . They still love it and it’s real healthy for them . What i love about it is the small bite pieces , perfect for their little mouths . Glad i tried and will buy again when needed.
Read more on Chewy…
3. NOM NOM
Adult Yorkie Food
Nom Nom Dog Food
First Five Ingredients: Ground Beef, Russet Potatoes, Eggs, Carrots, Peas
Key Features: Real Ingredients, custom diet for your Yorkie. .
Guaranteed Analysis:Crude Protein 8%, Crude Fat 4%, Crude Fiber 1%, Moisture 77%
Caloric Content: 182 kcal/cup
Personalized meal plans, tailored to your dog’s individual diet history and health goals. From picky eaters to sensitive tummies.. And the best part? We’ll take care of the portioning and mixing, right down to the calorie count, so you can sit back and watch your pup enjoy delicious and nutritious meals.
Pros
Customized For Your Yorkie
US Sourced Ingredients
Fresh Food
Pre Portioned Packaging
–
Cons
Fresh Dog Foods are expensive
Takes up Freezer Space
Nom Nom offers a unique product for pet owners seeking quality, fresh food for their dog. While a subscription can be pricey, the service takes the guesswork out of feeding your pet.
4. Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Food
Yorkie Puppy Food
Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Food
First Five Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Corn, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
Key Features: Breed Specific formula just for Yorkie Puppies. .
Guaranteed Analysis:27% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 380kcal/cup
The small kibble size makes it easier for your Yorkie to eat and digest while the high calorie content supports their fast metabolism
Pros
Small Kibble Size designed for Yorkies
Includes Probiotics
Formulated for puppies growth and immune system
Contains Omega 3, 6 and Biotin for a shiny coat
Cons
Contains Chicken
Not grain free
One of the latest trends in dog food is breed specific foods, and Royal Canin are at the forefront of this movement. High Protein (27%) and High Calorie 380 kcal/cup) to support the needs of your Yorkie in this critical growth stage.
In addition, this food has highly digestible carbs, when fed several small meals a day this should help prevent hypoglycemia which most toy breeds are prone to.
Contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and Biotin to help maintain your dog’s shiny coat.
Immune system support with the addition of anti-oxidants and Vitamins
Review from Chewy…
Awesome so far
We have been using this for about 5 weeks now with our yorkie puppies. They lobe it and get so excited when it’s time to eat. Their fur is so soft and beautiful and they just had their first checkup and they came back healthy. It is a little more expensive then other brands but we would rather pay for quality over quantity.
Read more on Chewy
5. ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Yorkie Puppy Food
ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Flounder, Whole Mackerel
Key Features: Crafted with 85% premium animal ingredients including poultry and fish.
Guaranteed Analysis:38% Crude Protein, 20% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 449kcal/cup
The small kibble size makes it easier for your Yorkie to eat and digest while the high calorie content supports their fast metabolism
Pros
Grain Free Formula
All natural Ingredients
Low glycemic carbs
High quality proteins
Cons
Large kibble size
May produce room clearing farts
May not be suitalbe for sensitive stomachs due to it’s wide range of animal proteins
This is a high quality food made from 85% animal based proteins, the other 15% comes from fruits, vegetables and botanicals. The use of these ingredients makes it easy for your puppy to digest and extract the nutrients in this food.
It’s high calorie content is great for Yorkies high metabolism and energy levels along with it’s low glycemic carbs make it a great choice for small and toy breeds who are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Great Food
Daisy is a picky Yorkie but she likes this. The ingredients are impressive, especially when you compare it to other so called high end brands. This will be her forever food, plus of course some chicken, filet mignon, etc.
Read more on Chewy
6. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health
Adult Yorkie Food
Wellness Small Breed Complete Health
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice
Key Features: Real Ingredients, designed for small breeds
Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
Caloric Content: 408kcal/cup
The small kibble size makes it easier for your Yorkie to eat and digest while the high calorie content supports their fast metabolism
Pros
Small Kibble Size
Includes Probiotics
Contains Omega Fatty Acids, Antioxidants & Glucosamine,
Gluten-free and have no corn, soy, or wheat
Cons
Contains Chicken
Not grain free
Chewy review…
Healthy well balanced food
My first Yorkie ate this food for many years. As he got older I mixed it with Wellness canned food. He lived for 17 years. My new Yorkie was on a different grain free food. When the news & concerns came out about the link to heart issues on these grain free foods, my vet suggested we look for a food without legumes & peas as first 5 ingredients. My son has a Yorkie that has a sensitive tummy, and he’s over a lot so it’s easier to feed them the same food. It was a struggle to find a food that was not one of these grain free foods that also had turkey as a main ingredient. Our vet suggested we stick with a turkey based product because the sensitive Yorkie was doing well with this as primary ingredient. When I began looking I realized this tried & true food fit the bill. My daughter’s Yorkie is 10 and he’s eaten this food all along. I now crumble a Honest Kitchen or Acanasa dehydrated topper & both Yorkie eat well!
7. Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult
Adult Yorkie Food
Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, Brewers Rice
Key Features: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 352kcal/cup
Nutro is made with human grade non GMO Ingredients. This high fiber diet helps to maintain digestive health
Pros
Contains glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint health
Has antioxidants to support immune system
No Soy, No Wheat, No Corn
Made for Small Breeds
Cons
Contains Chicken which may cause allergies
Not grain free
Sample Chewy Review…
Dog Approved!!!
I have never found a dog food that my dogs inhaled until this one! A friend recommended that I try it for my Yorkie and Cavapoo because my vet had stated that grain free food, which I had been feeding them, is actually not healthy and per an in depth study, has shown to contribute to premature death due to cardiac issues in many dogs. My dogs can’t get enough! They scratch at the container I keep it in and gobble it up.
Read more on Chewy
8. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult
Adult Yorkie Food
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Pork Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
Key Features: Features real deboned beef as the very first ingredient
Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
Caloric Content: 386 kcal/cup
The blend used in this recipe is crafted to promote healthier hips and joints while also being easy on digestion. Unfortunately, however, since grains are included in this recipe, it may be too hard on some dogs. Yorkies with sensitive stomachs or who have issues with grains should avoid this food if possible.
Pros
Small Kibble Size designed for small breeds
Features real deboned beef as the very first ingredient
Contains Omega 3, 6 Chondroitin and Glucosamine for coat and joint health
No synthetic preservatives, colors or flavors
Cons
Not grain free
Not intended for sensitive stomachs
The blend used in this recipe is crafted to promote healthier hips and joints while also being easy on digestion. Unfortunately, however, since grains are included in this recipe, it may be too hard on some dogs. Yorkies with sensitive stomachs or who have issues with grains should avoid this food if possible.
Great dog food
My little 3 yr old yorkie mix Zoey loves this food. I get both the wet and dry food of Merrick for her. I started slowly switching her over to eating more kibble portion in order to save money, since the wet food cans get so expensive. Zoey eats all of her food like a champ even now that her bowl is 3/4 dry kibble. I mix water in there to moisten it. She loves it! Her bowels are regular with no issues (sorry if TMI!). We are definitely fans.
9. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior
Best Senior Yorkie Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
Key Features: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
Guaranteed Analysis: 23% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 370kcal/cup
This lower calorie and lower fat but high fiber formula is well suited to the needs of your Senior Yorkie
Pros
Small Kibble Size designed for small breeds
Contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint health
Features real meat as the first Ingredient
Cons
Contains artificial food dyes
Some dogs may be allergic to fish
Sample review on Chewy…
Picky Yorkie
My mothers Yorkie only ate chicken. She tried every kind of dogfood and he would walk away. He was extremely overweight. I have now gotten him eating Blue Buffalo only and he has lost weight and is energetic again. He loves feeding time now.
Read more on Chewy
10. Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior
Senior Yorkie Food
Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior
First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, Brewers Rice
Key Features: Designed with small breed seniors in mind
Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 320 kcal/cup
Small Kibble size and lower calorie food in line with seniors lower energy needs, Formulatedfor dogs 8 years of age and older.
Pros
Small Kibble Size designed for small breeds
Includes Calcium for joint health
First Ingredient is Real Chicken
No Wheat, No Corn, No Soy
Cons
Contains Chicken which may cuase allergies
No Probiotics
‘
Seniors love it
All my dogs are seniors and they love it. I like the small bits especially for my 17 yrs. old Yorkie. She is missing some teeth and she is able to chew and swallow these bits just fine.
Read more on Chewy
11. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Small-Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Best Sensitive Stomach Yorkie Food
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Small-Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
First Five Ingredients:Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Rice
Key Features: Complete Health dog foods are made with no meat byproducts, fillers or artificial preservatives, ever. .
Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 375 kcal/cup
No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
Designed for sensitive stomachs with a single source of protein (Duck) and grain free fiber (potato)
Pros
Small Kibble for Yorkies
Single Protein and limited carbs
Grain Free
–
Cons
Potatoes have little nutritive value
Contains Canola Oil
Review on Chewy…
Wonderful and nutritionally balanced
I have 6 small yorkies and some who are exceptionally picky eaters. The Natural Balance line of dog food has been my most successful effort in trying to get them to eat enough. I like the wide variety of choices in food and flavors and this limited ingredient diet potato and duck formula is wonderful for my dogs. They transitioned to this with no problems.
Read more on Chewy
12. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Breed
Sensitive Stomach Yorkie Food
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Breed
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley
Key Features: Formulated for small breed dogs with sensitive stomachs
Guaranteed Analysis: 21% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 380kcal/cup
The small kibble size makes it easier for your Yorkie to eat and digest while the high calorie content supports their fast metabolism
Pros
Prebiotic fiber for gut health
Easily digestible
Contains Omega 6 and Vitamin E for a shiny coat
Cons
Contains artificial flavors
Amazing for my Yorkie
My yorkie would throw up at least once a day. Every since switching to this food, my yorkie no longer throws up. This has been amazing for her!! I will continue to buy on auto ship for sure!!4
Read more on Chewy
13. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food
Best Wet Dog Food For Yorkies
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food
First Five Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Venison Broth, Beef Liver, Dried Egg Whites
Key Features: Formulated for the nutronal needs of small breeds like Yorkies
Guaranteed Analysis: 8% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, 1.4% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
Caloric Content: 92 kcal/bowl
The small kibble size makes it easier for your Yorkie to eat and digest while the high calorie content supports their fast metabolism
Pros
No Fillers, By-products or Artificial Flavors
Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint health
Contains Omega 3’s for a shiny coat
Cons
Expensive like raw foods
Boomer LOVES it!
I feed my 13 y/o Yorkie Merrick kibble, which he loves, but when I saw these little plates, I figured I would try them, because he is very finicky! I put a teaspoon in each meal for him, and he now devours his meals, each and every time!
Read more on Chewy
14. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food
Wet Dog Food For Yorkies
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Carrots, Peas, Brown Rice
Key Features: Size Specific formula just for small breeds
Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 7.5% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 214 kcal/cup
Pros
Pate style easy for Yorkies to eat
Includes fruits & vegetables
First Ingredient is Real Chicken
No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
Cons
Chicken flavor may cause alleriges
Contains grains and gluten
My Yorky loves it
My little 9-yr female yorky loves this food and goes around in circles and cries when she sees it!
Read more on Chewy
15. Solid Gold Mighty Mini For Toy & Small Breed Dog Food Cups
Wet Dog Food For Yorkies
Solid Gold Mighty Mini For Toy & Small Breed Dog Food Cups
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing, Chicken Liver
Key Features: Formulated specially for small breeds like Yorkies, suited to puppies and adult dogs
Guaranteed Analysis: 7.5% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
Caloric Content: 91 kcal/cup
Pros
Grain and Gluten Free
Pumpkin Fiber to aid in digestion
Cons
Contains some Pea Protein
Yorkie loves it
I like this because of the pumpkin and my yorkie loves it. She is not a pumpkin eater so to find something with pumpkin in it that she likes was a win.
Read more on Chewy
How to Choose Food for your Yorkie
One of the biggest trends in dog food has been breed-specific foods from many companies, but there are also great foods you can choose that are not breed-specific.
When choosing a well-formulated diet for your Yorkie keep the following considerations in mind.
Macronutrients for your Yorkshire Terrier
Much like their human owners a well-formulated diet takes into account the ratio of Protein, Fat, and carbohydrates needed for a healthy diet
Puppy and adult foods are specifically designed for the different stages of life and take into account increased or decreased needs for proteins, fats, and carbs.
Protein
- Due to their small size, they have much higher energy requirements per pound of body weight when compared to large breeds This occurs because a dog’s metabolic rate is related to total body surface area. Since the small and toy breeds have a higher ratio of surface area to body weight than large breeds, they require more energy per unit of weight
- A senior Yorkie benefits from dog food that contains more protein… and fewer calories per serving.
Carbs
- There are no nutritional requirements for carbohydrates in dogs and like humans, their bodies will synthesize glucose from glycogenic amino acids and glycerol [1]
- 1 Merck
- however most commercial foods contain a high proportion of carbs, your dog can easily digest them and they are inexpensive when compared to Protein
Fats
- Fats are also essential in dogs’ food.
- Healthy fats help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
- Fats are also a good source of calories. Yorkshire terriers need high-calorie diets because of their fast metabolisms. Fats in dog food can help provide your Yorkie’s caloric needs.
Kibble Size
Like most toy breeds the Yorkshire Terrier has a small mouth, so choose a food that has a small bite size making it easy to digest.
- Smaller kibble size makes it easier for toy breeds to eat and digest, especially if they have small mouths and sensitive teeth.
- High caloric content can help toy breeds maintain their energy levels and support their fast metabolism, which is important for their overall health and well-being.
- Small kibble can also reduce the risk of choking and digestive issues, as it is easier for the dog to swallow.
- High caloric food can help toy breeds maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity, which can lead to other health issues.
The small kibble size makes it easier for your Yorkie to eat and digest while the high calorie content supports their fast metabolism
High-Calorie Density
Yorkies have high energy needs even though they are small, look for a higher calorie dog food, meaning more calories per cup of food
Easily digestible
Known to be picky eaters with sensitive stomachs most pet food manufacturers make the easy-to-digest kibble for this small breed
Moderate Protein
Look for foods with moderate protein to serve the nutritional needs of your Yorkie
Sensitive Stomachs
Fiber and Probiotic Supplements
If your Yorkie is prone to stomach upsets then foods rich in fiber and probiotic supplements should be sought out.
If your Yorkie Suffers from a sensitive stomach or food allergies then a limited-ingredient diet may be beneficial
Fibers are essential to healthy digestion and a healthy gut microbiome. Look for fiber sources like Beet Pulp in foods to help improve nutrient absorption from food.
Dogs do not rely on dietary fiber as a primary energy source but these fibers help nourish the gut microbiome and help to break down food for easy absorption.
Some dog foods also include probiotic blends and supplements to boost digestibility. These Probiotics introduce good bacteria into your dog’s microbiome. Seniors and Puppies can benefit the most from Probiotics.
Elimination or limited ingredient Diets
- Limited-ingredient diets eliminate exposure to common food allergens by using a simple recipe to meet nutrient requirements.
- These formulas generally use a single source of animal protein. Since most allergens are proteins, a single protein source limits the potential development of new allergies.
Elimination diets typically do not include fillers or artificial additives. Many dogs with food intolerances experience digestive upset when they consume these ingredients.
Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues
Obesity & Diabetes
- Because they’re so small, even an extra ½ pound can make a big difference when it comes to your Yorkie’s weight. The average Yorkie weighs about 4-7 pounds, so you may want to speak with your vet if your dog is more than that. However, keep in mind that you should always go off your dog’s frame, as the ideal weight for your Yorkie will vary based on that.
- A good rule of thumb is to look at their ribs: you should be able to feel them, but not see them. If you need to help your Yorkie lose weight, you can either reduce the amount of food you’re providing at each meal or increase your dog’s activity (or both). How much exercise does your Yorkie need, exactly? Yorkshire Terriers need one or two brisk walks each day, as well as a couple of sessions of vigorous activity each week.
- Yorkies are also prone to diabetes, which is when they can’t properly regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies. Symptoms may include excessive thirst, weight loss, and increased urination. If you notice any of these signs, mention it to your vet.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia could also be an issue for your Yorkie puppy. It’s caused by low blood sugar and should be treated at an early stage. You can provide honey, syrup, or sugar when you suspect your puppy may be lethargic, shaking, or weak due to low blood sugar.
Luxating Patella (Floating knee cap)
Luxating patella, is a common orthopedic condition in Yorkshire Terriers. It occurs when the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position, either slipping to the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) of the joint. This can cause pain, limping, and difficulty moving, and in severe cases, it may require surgery to correct. Yorkshire Terriers are predisposed to this condition due to their small size and genetic factors. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring for signs of luxating patella can help ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Tracheal Collapse
Yorkshire Terriers are predisposed to tracheal collapse, a condition where the windpipe (trachea) is unable to keep its shape and narrows due to either weakness or destruction of its cartilaginous rings. This can lead to various clinical signs such as exercise intolerance, coughing or gagging, difficulty breathing,
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Another serious health condition that could challenge some Yorkies is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which eventually leads to blindness. The disease is hereditary, and there is no treatment or cure for it, but, fortunately, dogs with this disease usually adjust very well to it.
Dental Issues
Tooth decay is common in Yorkies, as their jaws are tiny and can lead to crowded teeth and the buildup of plaque and tartar. To prevent this, you should start daily brushing at an early stage
Heart Conditions
Yorkshire Terriers are prone to heart conditions, in part because their organs are so small! Adequate exercise and a high-quality diet are key to keeping your pup healthy and happy. If your Yorkie is diagnosed with heart disease or heart failure, you may need to switch to a diet that restricts sodium or add in extra supplements. As always, speak to your vet to understand your pet’s specific needs.
FAQ
Dry food vs wet
Feeding dry food to your Yorkshire Terrier may promote dental health and is convenient, but it may not provide sufficient moisture and some dogs may have difficulty chewing it. Wet food can provide more moisture and may be easier to eat, but it can be more expensive and may contribute to dental problems if not paired with regular dental care.
Grain vs Grain Free
the best food choice for your Yorkie will depend on their individual needs and health status, and should be discussed with a veterinarian.
How can I switch to a new food… without making my Yorkie sick?
Switching to a new food for your Yorkshire Terrier should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. A new food should be introduced slowly over several days to a week, while monitoring your dog’s appetite and stool. It’s important to stick to a consistent feeding schedule and provide plenty of fresh water
Do Yorkies need special dog food?
Yorkies don’t necessarily need special dog food, but it’s essential to select a high-quality food that meets their nutritional needs. Since Yorkies are small with high metabolism, they require a diet rich in protein and fat to provide them with the energy they need to remain active. If your Yorkie has any specific health issues such as allergies, dental problems or digestive issues, a tailored diet may be necessary, and it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for recommendations
When should I switch my Yorkie puppy to adult dog food?
Yorkie puppies usually reach adulthood between 8-12 months of age. It’s best to switch to adult dog food when they have reached about 90% of their expected adult weight. The timing may vary, so it’s important to monitor your puppy’s growth and consult with your veterinarian. When making the switch, gradually transition your puppy to the new food to avoid digestive upset.
[1] Merck Veterinary Manual Overview of Nutrition: Small Animals
