Best Dog Food for Yorkies: 21 Picks From Puppy, Senior, Picky and More

By Ashley Turner     Last Updated June 14, 2022

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Best Dog Food for Yorkies

Contents

Nutrition plays a major role in keeping your dog healthy for years to come. However, many people are unaware that breed and size are two factors they should be considering before picking up a bag of dog food.

If you own a Yorkshire Terrier, chances are you are wondering what is the best dog food for Yorkies as it can often be difficult to satisfy both their taste buds and daily nutritional requirements. We curated a list of the top 5 best dog foods for Yorkshire Terriers in addition to producing a buyer's guide so you can be equipped with the tools to confidently select food for your small breed pup.

Our Top Picks for the Best Dog Food for Your Yorkie

Is your dog tired of kibble? We have reviewed the top 4 fresh dog food delivery subscription services. Dogs really love the fresh food compared to kibble. Try one of the trial boxes to see for yourself.

Top 3 Dog Foods for Adult Yorkies

1. Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body

natural-balance-small-breed-bites480

This inexpensive, small breed formula contains high-quality protein sources and carbohydrates to ensure that your Yorkie's needs are meet with each meal. It is ideal for dogs that need weight management which is a major issue for smaller dogs as they tend to overeat and undereat.

The kibble is enriched with calcium and phosphorous to help support the maintenance of healthy teeth and bones which are necessary for small dogs as they tend to have sensitive teeth and joints. It also contains taurine for healthy heart and eye function along with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat.

This dog food can be fed throughout all life stages, from puppy to adult, and does not contain artificial flavors or colors.

Many customers rave that this food is easier on their dogs' stomachs and that it helps to elevate skin issues. A few customers even stated that this formula calms runny eyes.

One customer loves the ingredients used in this product but stated that her picky eater dog will not come near the food.

Things We Liked
  • Inexpensive
  • Contains taurine which supports heart and eye function
  • Omega fatty acids support skin and coat health
  • Great for all life stages
Things We Didn't Like
  • Contains chicken which might not be ideal for dogs with food sensitivities
  • Picky eaters might not like the taste
  • No grain free alternative to this formula

2. Blue Buffalo Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula

blue-buffalo-life-protection480

The Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula from Blue Buffalo is an exceptional choice when it comes to choosing food for your Yorkie as it does not contain soy, corn, or wheat, which will result in less digestive issues. Since all the protein does not come from any poultry by-products, that means the deboned chicken is made mostly from the muscle.

Blue Buffalo is adamant about using more natural ingredients and does not use artificial colors, flavors or preservatives in their formulas. They add Life Source Bits, a blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients such as blueberries and cranberries, to this formula to ensure that your Yorkie's meal is packed with quality nutrients.

This formula is enhanced with flaxseed, an excellent replacement for fish oil. Since it increases Omega 6s and Omega 3s, your Yorkie's coat will maintain a long luster.

One customer adores this affordable food as it has helped her dog lose weight and he even enjoys eating it. Another reviewer stated that her dogs enjoy the tiny, triangular shape of the kibble as they are easier for them to chew.

A few customers wrote that they had received bags that were torn at the edges when purchasing online. Other customers also reported their dogs have watery stool due to the richness of the ingredients used in the kibble.

Things We Liked
  • Affordable
  • Small triangular kibble shape with tiny Life Source Bits
  • Contains chicken from the muscle and does not contain soy, wheat, or corn
  • Enhanced with flax-seed which helps maintain a shiny coat and overall health
  • No artificial colors flavors or preservatives are used
Things We Didn't Like
  • No novel protein small breed formulas for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities
  • A few customers reported receiving torn bags
  • Ingredients used can be too rich for dogs with incredibly sensitive stomachs, causing diarrhea

3. Taste of the Wild Tow Appalachian for Small Dog Breeds

taste-of-the-wild-tow-appalachian480

This formula is made with venison, a highly digestible novel protein, along with lamb, egg, ocean fish, and duck (which provide optimal amino acids) and formed into a tiny kibble for your small breed adult to consume easily. Novel proteins, such as venison, are ideal for dogs that suffer from protein food sensitives as they are not commonly used.

Since this food is formulated towards the needs of small breeds, probiotics and prebiotic fiber are included to keep your Yorkie's digestive system healthy.

Many customers love this product as their dogs eagerly wait for meal times because they enjoy this food so much. One customer stated that when she opened the bag, the scent from the kibble was meaty rather than chemically like other brands.

A few customers noticed that the bags they purchase can be very inconsistent and have caused loose stools.

Things We Liked
  • Great for dogs with food sensitivities to common proteins
  • High source of protein
  • Contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber for a healthy digestive system
  • Customers say it smells meaty rather than chemically
Things We Didn't Like
  • Only comes in a 14-pound bag along with a 28-pound bag which is not ideal for small breeds as it will take awhile to go through it
  • Some customers reported inconsistencies between bags purchased
  • May cause loose stools depending on bag quality

4. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food

wellness-core-grain-free-sb480

This premium dog food is grain-free and does not contain wheat, corn, soy, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, and meat by-products which make it ideal for Yorkies probes to food sensitivities. It also contains live prebiotics and probiotics to assist in digestion.

Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are included to maintain a healthy skin and coat. Real fruits and veggies are used as they are natural sources of antioxidants, which can aid in creating a strong immune system.

The high-quality of proteins and complex carbs are used to maintain a healthy weight and provide sustainable energy sources. This formula is enriched with chondroitin and glucosamine which are essential vitamins for healthy joint function.

A few customers stated that while it is not the brand's fault, their picky dogs refuse to eat this food. Customers whose dogs happily chow down have reported weight loss in heavier dogs and shinier coats.

Things We Liked
  • Grain free formula
  • Does not contain animal by-product or preservatives
  • Utilizes live prebiotics and probiotics for a healthy stomach
  • Enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Things We Didn't Like
  • Contains chicken
  • Only has one small breed CORE formula
  • Picky eaters might not like this food

What is the Best Dog Food for Senior Yorkies?

As your Yorkie ages, their nutritional needs change, and in order to keep them healthy, you'll have to change their dog food to ensure they get the proper nutrition. This can be a difficult task because there are dozens of senior dog food brands available, and they all offer something a little different.

It is important to note that your Yorkie is considered 'older' when they hit nine or ten years old, while bigger dogs are considered older at around six years old. One of the most significant concerns people with older dogs have is the obesity rates.

As your Yorkie gets older and their metabolism slows down, they don't need as many calories per day to stay happy and at the correct weight. You may also notice that your Yorkie's energy level drops as well, and all of these factors contribute to the obesity problem in older dogs.

You want a dog food that targets senior dogs, and one that has real ingredients instead of artificial dyes or fillers because this is easier for your Yorkie to eat. A grain-free formula may also be beneficial as your dog will have an easier time digesting it, and it can help to keep them regular.

When you're picking out a senior dog food, look for a dog food that has a lower protein count, and that has plenty of healthy fats. Lifestages dog food is a good choice because you won't have to worry about switching your dog over as they age, or upsetting their stomachs.

Your senior dog food should have a higher fiber count as well because a lot of older dogs deal with constipation and a high fiber diet can help to eliminate this.

1. CANIDAE Life Stages Platinum Less Active Senior Dry Dog Food

Canidae Platinum for Less Active Senior Dogs

We've compared dozens of dog food designed for senior dogs, and our top pick is CANIDAE Life Stages Platinum Less Active Senior Dry Dog Food. You can feed this dog food to dogs of all breeds and sizes.

This dog food for senior Yorkies has 10% less protein and 27% less fat than the CANIDAE All Life Stages Multi-Protein formula. This will help you manage your Yorkie's weight as their metabolism slows down and they become less active.

There are several beneficial additives in this particular dog food's formula including antibiotics and probiotics to support your Yorkie's immune system, healthy skin and coat, and healthy digestion. Additionally, the first few ingredients are real and healthy including:

  • Chicken Meal
  • Brown Rice
  • White Rice
  • Rice Bran
  • Peas

You won't find any corn, wheat, or soy in this dog food's formula, and this is easier for your dog to digest. It is vet formulated especially for senior dogs and any issues they may have.

The smaller kibble sizes are perfect for your Yorkie's smaller mouth, and this makes it easy for them to eat. Also, it comes in a few different flavors so you can alternate them to keep your dog happy and satisfied.

Things We Liked
  • Lower Protein Count, but Higher-Quality Protein
  • Specially Formulated for Older Dogs
  • Comes in a Few Different Flavors
Things We Didn't Like
  • May Cause Watery Stool
  • Can Have a Strong Smell
  • More Expensive Option

2. Hill's Science Diet Small Breed Senior Dry Food

Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ for Senior Dogs

This small breed dry dog food comes packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support dogs over 11 years old, and it has fish oil and Omega 3s in the formula that help promote healthy joints and ease of movement as your dog ages.

There is also a nice balance of minerals in this food that gives your senior dog more support for the health of their kidneys, bladders, and hearts.

This food uses natural ingredients that were sourced from around the United States and held to strict quality control standards, and your dog will get a healthy mix of vitamin E and fatty acids to help nourish their skin and support a healthy and shiny coat.

The small bites in this food are easy for your dog to pick up and eat without you having to break them down.

People who bought this dog food for their senior dogs liked that it came with extra-small kibble that wasn't too large for their dog's mouths, and they liked that it supported immune health.

Senior dog parents did mention that this food listed chicken meal instead of chicken as the first ingredient.

Things We Liked
  • Supports kidney, bladder, and heart health
  • Fatty acids and vitamin E for coat and skin health
  • Natural ingredients
Things We Didn't Like
  • Chicken meal is the first ingredient
  • Kibble can get very hard as it dries
  • Price increases

3. Royal Canin Small Adult 8+ Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Small Adult 8+ Dog Food for Older Dogs

You get the choice of two sizes when you pick out this senior food for your dog, and it offers a precise nutrition blend for dogs that are eight years old and up and weigh up to 22-pounds. It has a nice antioxidant blend in the formula that helps promote joint health while your dog ages, and they help your dog maintain a long life.

This food also contains L-carnitine, and this promotes fat burning as your dog's metabolism slows to help them stay at a healthy weight.

The smaller kibble size is great for older dogs because it doesn't put as much stress on your dog's jaws or teeth when they eat, and they should have no issues picking it up at mealtimes.

There is a slightly higher protein count in this food's formula that helps to encourage healthy muscles and growth, and the chicken flavor with smell can entice your dog to eat.

Yorkie parents who purchased this food for their senior dog liked that it came with a strong taste to it that enticed their dog to eat at mealtime, and they liked that it contained L-carnitine to promote a healthy weight. They weren't happy that there were only two sizes available.

Things We Liked
  • Easy to digest
  • Small, oddly-shaped kibble
  • Two sizes
Things We Didn't Like
  • Corn is a main ingredient
  • No other flavors but chicken
  • Smell is very strong

What's the Best Puppy Food for Yorkies?

When you purchase puppy food for your Yorkie, there are several factors you want to keep in mind. Your goal is to pick the most nutritious puppy food you can while making it easy for your puppy to eat and digest.

Puppies also need a high protein count in their food, whether you choose to use a wet or dry kibble. This protein will help to keep your Yorkie puppy's immune system strong and balanced while giving them energy.

The dog food you choose should also be organic and natural if possible because it can provide better nutritional balance for your Yorkie puppy. Organic and grain-free puppy food is also easier for your puppy to digest because there aren't as many artificial ingredients and chemical components to sift through.

Any puppy food you choose should be smaller pieces of kibble if possible because your Yorkie is a small dog, to begin with, but as a puppy, their mouths are even smaller. Smaller pieces will allow your puppy to eat their food comfortably and easily.

You should also realize that Yorkie puppies typically don't eat that much food in one sitting, so what they do eat has to have all of the nutritional value they need to stay happy and healthy. This can be difficult because there are so many choices of puppy food available to purchase.

We've taken the stress out of choosing a well-balanced dog food for you, and we've combed through dozens of different types of puppy food to find one of the best ones. We'll talk about why we choose this food as one of our favorites, things we liked, and things we didn't like about it.

1. Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food

Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe

Our pick for the best puppy food for your Yorkie puppy is Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food. This particular brand of puppy food is good for all breeds, and it comes in a variety of package sizes.

This puppy food is grain-free, and this helps to promote healthy digestion, healthy skin and coat, and increased energy levels. It also packs a very high protein value into every serving, so your puppy gets all of their nutritional needs met by eating this food.

You'll also find a good level of DHA, and this ingredient helps to promote your puppy's healthy brain development. All of Merrick's puppy foods are made in an organically certified kitchen as well.

Almost all of the ingredients in this premium puppy food are real whole foods that Merrick sources from local farmers. It contains 55% poultry or fish proteins and 45% fresh vegetables and produce with the top five ingredients being:

  • Deboned Chicken
  • Chicken Meal
  • Potatoes
  • Peas
  • Sweet Potato

Pet parents have tried this puppy food and they stated that they noticed an improvement in their puppy's digestion and they didn't seem to have so many loose stools. Additionally, they noticed their Yorkie puppy had more energy, seemed more eager to play, and the kibble was small enough that the puppies had no trouble eating it.

Things We Liked
  • Grain Free, Organic Formula
  • Small Kibble Sizes
  • Protein Dense with Chicken as the First Ingredient
Things We Didn't Like
  • Puppies Might Lose Interest After a Few Weeks
  • May Cause Digestive Issues
  • May be too Strong for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs

2. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Chicken & Rice Puppy

Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy Food

This chicken and rice formula is easy on your puppy's digestive system each time they eat it, and it contains a high amount of DHA to help promote healthy brain development as your puppy grows. You'll get a higher protein content with this food that can keep your puppy fueled and active as they play.

Real chicken is the first ingredient on the package, and this is quickly followed by a host of high-quality ingredients like beef fat, corn, and dried eggs to give your puppy a balanced diet.

There are also guaranteed live probiotics in this formula that will promote immune and digestive health in your puppy to keep them regular.

People who bought this food for their puppies liked that they could choose between three sizes and two styles to help get a kibble that their puppy could eat, and they were happy that it was made in the United States using high-quality ingredients.

Puppy parents did mention that the food was slightly greasy, and it's not possible to seal the bag once you open it.

Things We Liked
  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Higher amounts of DHA and protein
  • Made in the United States
Things We Didn't Like
  • Kibble has a slightly greasy feel
  • Can't seal the bag once you open it
  • Does have a decent amount of filler

3. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food

Purina ONE SmartBlend Puppy Dog Food

You can choose from dry or wet food, three flavors, and five sizes when you order this food to tailor it to your dog's needs, and real meat is the first ingredient on the label.

There is an impressive 28% protein content in this dry kibble, and this is enough to fuel your puppy while ensuing they have healthy muscle growth.

There is a higher amount of DHA in this formula, and this ingredient encourages healthy brain and vision development in growing puppies.

There are dried chicken pieces mixed into the dry kibble to entice your puppy to eat at mealtimes while preventing them from getting bored, and the kibble will help keep their teeth clean and healthy when the baby teeth give way to the adult ones.

Yorkie puppy parents liked that this food came in a few different sizes, protein, and dry or wet so they could tailor their choice to their puppy's needs, and they also liked that it had higher DHA and protein content.

Puppy parents didn't like that this food only had a very small amount of dried chicken pieces mixed in.

Things We Liked
  • High protein and DHA
  • Meat is the first ingredient
  • Several choices available
Things We Didn't Like
  • Limited dried chicken pieces
  • Kibble is larger
  • Can cause loose stools

What is the Best Food for Teacup and Miniature Yorkies?

Fulfilling all of your dog's nutritional needs is critical to ensuring you have a happy, healthy dog throughout their lives. As your Teacup or Miniature Yorkie is a smaller dog, their metabolisms burn at a much faster rate, and they need nutrient-dense food to stay healthy.

Additionally, small breed dogs have very small stomachs, and this means the food they do eat during the day has to satisfy their calorie requirements. For example, say your 10-pound teacup or miniature Yorkie needs 400 calories per day to maintain their healthy weight while a 100-pound dog needs 2,250 calories a day to maintain their weight.

If you do the math, you'll find that your teacup or miniature Yorkie needs 40 calories per pounds, while the larger breed dog only needs 22.5 calories per pound. If you're not sure, most dog food has guidelines on the side of the bag, or you can always ask your veterinarian.

Any dog food you choose should have a good balance of fruits, grains, vegetables, meat, vitamins, and minerals to support their system. Small breeds also tend to live longer than larger breeds, so having a dog food with a high concentration of antioxidants can help to prevent any free radical damage that may occur as your miniature or teacup Yorkie ages.

Your dog's food should grow with your dog, and from age one to six you should concentrate on feeding your dog a dog food that offers total nutrition for keeping them active, and once they hit seven years old, look for dog food that promotes healthy skin and eyes, organ health, and one that enhances immunity. Senior dogs or dogs 11 and over should have dog food with glucosamine, vitamin C, fish oil, and Omega-3 fatty acids for improved mobility and healthy teeth, gums, and immune system support.

Hill's Science Diet Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet for Small and Toy Breeds

Hill's Science Diet dog food comes in two different flavors and five different stages so you can continue to feed your teacup or miniature Yorkie the same food throughout their lives. This premium formula contains no artificial dyes, flavors, or preservatives. 

Your dog will get a healthy dose of antioxidants and vitamin C and vitamin E to support and enhance your dog's immune system and to support a long, healthy life. The kibble itself comes in smaller pieces so your dog will be able to eat and digest every serving easily. 

The ingredients are very high quality, and this includes whole grain, rice, chicken meal, carrots, spinach, vitamins, minerals, high-quality proteins, and antioxidants. This dog food is also made in the United States, and it is held to very high manufacturing standards. 

You get the choice of several different sizes and optional treats so you can customize your order to suit your needs. This dog food is also the Veterinarians' #1 choice dog food to feed to their own pets throughout their lives. 

Pet parents who purchased this dog food stated that they noticed an improvement in their older dog's behavior and that they seemed to have more energy. They weren't excited about the price, as it is a higher priced dog food formula. 

Things We Liked
  • You can buy several varities of this food
  • Your dog can eat this food throughout their lives with the different stages
  • Contains natural ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Things We Didn't Like
  • May irritate your dog's stomach if they have sensitivities
  • Price - This is a more expensive dog food
  • Has a strong smell

Top 3 Dog Foods for Yorkies with Sensitive Stomach & Allergies

1. Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Natural

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This formula, designed for small breed adults, contains no soy, corn, wheat or artificial flavor or coloring and provides a high source of protein and fat. Brown rice and barley are two healthy sources of carbs used to provide a healthy amount of fiber.

Not only is the small kibble easier for your Yorkie to eat, but it also promotes oral health as it can scrape tartar and plaque off his teeth while chewing. This food contains prebiotics, probiotics, and chicory root which is gentle on the stomach while assisting in digestion.

Wellness Complete Health Small Breed is enriched with Omega-3, Omega-6, and antioxidants for optimal immune system health and a shiny, long coat.

One customer loves that this product keeps her dog's coat looking shiny and that her dog enjoys eating the food without needed to add in wet food. Some customers claim that this food has helped their dogs lose weight.

A customer stated that she noticed quality differences from when she bought this product locally versus online. She stated that the food she purchased from a store was noticeably darker in color and smelled stronger while the product purchased online contained "dust" on the kibble as if she was at the bottom of the bag.

Keep in mind that this brand is backed by their Wellness Guarantee which means in cases such as this, a refund or exchange is possible.

Things We Liked
  • Does not contain soy, corn, wheat, or artificial flavor or coloring
  • High source of protein and fat which is great for a small dog's energy requirements
  • Utilizes brown rice and barley which provides a healthy amount of fiber
  • Kibble size is easy to digest and promotes oral health
  • Enriched with Omega-3 and 6
Things We Didn't Like
  • Quality varies based where product is purchased
  • No novel proteins so it might not be best for a dog with food sensitivities
  • Does not have a grain-free formula

2. Lucy Pet Formulas for Life - Sensitive Stomach

Lucy Pet Products Sensitive Stomach Skin Dog Food

This sensitive stomach food is suitable for all life stages from puppy to senior, and it comes carefully formulated to support digestive health, gut health, and sensitive stomachs without being difficult to digest.

This is a grain-free formula that features wild caught Alaskan salmon that is rich in fatty acids.

The kibble in this food comes designed to have all of the essential nutrients puppies, adult, and senior dogs need to thrive, and it features salmon, quinoa, and pumpkin for protein and fiber.

Each ingredient in this food comes carefully sourced from trusted places to ensure that it's very high-quality, and you get the choice of three sizes when you order to tailor them to your needs.

People who bought this food for their small dogs liked that it contained pumpkin for fiber with salmon as the meat source to make it easy for their dog to digest, and they liked that they could choose from three sizes.

Pet parents didn't like that the pellets were on the larger side and difficult for puppies or seniors to eat.

Things We Liked
  • Has salmon and pumpkin
  • Available in three sizes
  • Suitable for all life stages
Things We Didn't Like
  • Pellets are on the larger side
  • Price for the amount you get
  • Can have a strong smell when you open the bag

3. Forza10 Dermo Sensitive Skin Dog Food

Forza10 Dermo Sensitive Skin Dog Food

This food comes formulated to help improve any dry skin issues your dog has while providing relief for minor allergies and skin ailments.

It comes packed with raw fish proteins and fatty acids to promote a healthy digestive system and skin, and it also has no GMOs, artificial colors, gluten, or artificial flavors in the formula.

There is hydrolyzed fish protein mixed into the kibble that can help prevent food allergies or inflammatory bowel disease from flaring up, and it has a lot of fiber to keep your dog regular.

It works well for itching, dermatitis, hot spots, redness, and dandruff, and it has therapeutic plant extracts with aloe, vitamin C, and rosemary to seal in moisture and keep the skin and coat healthy.

Dog parents were happy that they got the choice of two sizes with this food so they could try it out before they bought a large bag, and they liked that it contained papaya, pomegranate, aloe, and wild-caught salmon.

Dog parents did say that this food is more expensive, and it only comes with one flavor for the protein.

Things We Liked
  • Promotes skin, coat, and digestive health
  • Therapeutic plant extracts included
  • Smaller kibble sizes
Things We Didn't Like
  • Only one protein source available
  • Has a greasy residue
  • Strong smell when you first open the bag

Top 3 Wet Dog Foods for Yorkies

1. Cesar Variety Pack Soft Wet Food

Cesar 36 Count Variety Pack

You get 36 of 60 3.5-ounce cans with this food that contains a host of flavors like pot roast with vegetables, beef stew, slow cooked chicken, filet Mignon, grilled chicken, and porterhouse steak to keep your dog from getting bored with the same types of food.

The protein is the first ingredient listed on the label with this food, and it comes packed with minerals and vitamins to keep your Yorkie happy, healthy, and active.

This food comes with a list of ingredients that get sourced from trusted places around the United States to ensure a high-quality level, and you're able to serve it as a topper to dry dog food or as a meal by itself.

The trays come portioned in a single serving with a peel-away top to ensure it's always fresh, and your dog will get a thick gravy with vegetables in each portion.

People who bought this wet dog food liked that it was all portioned out so they could just open it and feed it to their dog at mealtimes with no mess. They did say that it has a strong smell and it can dry out quickly.

Things We Liked
  • Large flavor variety
  • Works like a full meal or a topper
  • Two styles and sizes
Things We Didn't Like
  • Dries out quickly
  • Strong smell
  • Can't re-seal the portions

2. Blue Buffalo Delights Small Breed Wet Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Delights Small Breed Wet Dog Food

This is a grain-free wet dog food that lists real meat as the first ingredient on the label, and this helps to support higher energy needs and healthy muscle growth and maintenance.

You'll get perfectly portioned cups that work well for a full meal for your smaller dogs, and this also helps to ensure that everything stays fresh until you use it.

This food only uses the best natural ingredients with a host of vitamins and minerals to give your dog support both inside and out, and it has no poultry or chicken by-product meals, soy, corn, artificial flavors, wheat, or artificial preservatives, so it's healthier for your dog.

You get a 12 pack with two different flavors each time you order this food.

People who purchased this wet food for their dog liked that it had several different flavor profiles available to help keep their dog interested, and they all come sealed to keep them fresh until you need them. They did mention that there wasn't a lot of sauce in the food.

Things We Liked
  • Individual portions
  • Stays fresh and sealed until you need it
  • Premium ingredients
Things We Didn't Like
  • Not a lot of sauce
  • Can dry out quickly
  • Only get two flavors per order

3. Nutro Cuts in Gravy Wet Dog Food

Nutro Cuts in Gravy Variety Pack

When you order this food, you can choose from an adult or puppy formula, three sizes, and 10 flavor varieties to help customize your order to suit your dog's tastes.

This is a grain-free food that contains slices of meat in a thick gravy that is easy for your dog to eat, and it contains no GMO ingredients in it to make it healthier.

There is no soy, corn, wheat, artificial preservatives, chicken by-product meal, artificial colors, or artificial flavors in this formula, and it is made in the United States using top-quality ingredients that are easy for your dog to digest.

The company partners with facilities throughout the United States to source ingredients from around the world for the formula.

People who purchased this food for their dog liked that it has a large variety of flavor combinations, styles, and sizes that allowed them to tailor their choice to their dog's tastes, and they were also happy that it was sealed into single-serving sizes.

They did mention that there is a lot of product waste with each container.

Things We Liked
  • Available in adult and puppy formulas
  • Single serving individual packaging
  • Full meal or as topper for dry food
Things We Didn't Like
  • Lot of wrapper waste per serving
  • Expensive for the quantity
  • Strong smell

Top 2 Picks for the Best Dog Food for Picky Yorkies

1. Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Dry Dog Food

This is a grain-free dog food that has freeze dried chicken mixed in with the dry kibble to entice your dog to eat it, and it has phosphorous and calcium to promote strong teeth and bones in your dog.

There is also a decent level of chondroitin and glucosamine to help promote healthy joints as your dog ages, and real chicken is the first ingredient on the bag.

There are no potatoes, grains, soy, wheat, artificial colors, by-product meals, or artificial preservatives in this formula to make it healthier for your picky eater, and the fatty acid and probiotic content in each serving helps to ensure that your dog has a healthy coat, skin, and digestive system.

Any aged dog can eat this food from puppy to senior, and it has smaller kibble pieces that are easy for your dog to pick up and eat.

People who purchased this food for their picky dog liked that it came with a mix of raw, freeze-dried chicken pieces and dry kibble to entice their dog to eat.

They did mention that you don't get a lot of chicken pieces and that you can't seal the bag once you open it.

Things We Liked
  • Promotes healthy joints, teeth, and bones
  • Freeze-dried chicken pieces
  • All life stages
Things We Didn't Like
  • Can't seal the bag
  • Not a lot of chicken
  • Slightly greasy residue

2. Bil-Jac Picky No More Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Bil-Jac Picky No More Small Breed

The first ingredient on this bag is farm-raised, fresh chicken, and this food also has a nice amount of chicken liver to entice your dog to eat.

The vacuum-drying, low-temperature process extracts all of the moisture from the ingredients without lowering the nutritional value or fat content.

You'll get complete and balanced nutrition in each serving that has naturally sourced fatty acids that nourish your dog's skin and their coat.

There are no wheat, gluten meals, soy, fillers, protein concentrate, or sprayed-on rendered fat, and this makes it easier for your picky dog to digest each time they eat it while reducing the chances of them developing an upset stomach.

Yorkie parents who purchased this food for their picky eater liked that it had both chicken and chicken liver in the formula to entice them to eat, and they were happy that it doesn't have any gluten meal, wheat, or soy.

Yorkie parents did say that this food had a very strong meat-based smell when they first opened the bag.

Things We Liked
  • Chicken and liver bits
  • Smaller kibble pieces
  • Naturally-sourced fatty acids
Things We Didn't Like
  • Very strong meat-based smell
  • Can't re-seal the bag
  • Kibble can get hard

Top 2 Dog Foods for Overweight Yorkies

1. Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food

Nutro ULTRA Weight Management Small Breed Dog Food

This food has salmon, chicken, and lamb for the protein sources, and these are lean meats that can help boost your dog's energy levels while promoting healthy weight loss.

Meat is the first ingredient listed on the label of this food, and it has a higher protein content to help keep your dog feeling full for longer between meals.

This food features high-quality ingredients with minerals and vitamins to ensure that your dog gets a balanced meal with every portion, and it has a blend of 15 superfoods like chia, coconut, blueberries, and kale to support the main three proteins.

There are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, wheat, soy, corn, or chicken by-product meal in this formula to make it a healthier choice, and the ingredients come from trusted sources around the United States to ensure their quality.

People who bought this dog food for their overweight dog liked that it had a higher protein content to keep their dog fuller on smaller portions, and they also liked that it had over 15 superfoods blended into the formula.

They did say that the kibble was slightly harder, and it tended to dry out quickly.

Things We Liked
  • Trio of protein sources
  • 15 superfoods blended in
  • Easy to digest
Things We Didn't Like
  • Kibble is very hard
  • Food tends to dry out quickly
  • Can cause mild digestive upset

2. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low Calorie Dry Dog Food

Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low Calorie Dog Food

This food comes in three different sizes that allows you to tailor your order to suit your dog's needs, and it has targeted levels of L-carnitine that can help your dog get to a healthy weight by influencing their metabolism.

There is a special protein and fiber blend in this formula that helps your dog feel full for longer on smaller portions.

There are fiber and wholesome grains in this food that helps support a healthy and regular digestive system, and it also has zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E to help support your dog's immune system.

Your dog will get complete and balanced nutrition each time they eat it, and you'll get smaller kibble in an irregular shape that is easy for your dog to pick up and eat.

People who bought this food for their overweight dog liked that it came with targeted L-carnitine levels that can positively influence their dog's metabolism, and they liked that it had a fiber and protein blend to help their dogs feel full.

They did mention that the price was slightly higher per bag for this food.

Things We Liked
  • Three sizes available
  • Wholesome grains and fiber
  • L-carnitine and vitamins included
Things We Didn't Like
  • Slow-acting formula
  • Could have too much fiber
  • May cause loose stools

Yorkshire Terrier Nutrition Guide

Nutritional Requirements for Yorkshire Terriers

Happy Healthy Yorkie

Toy breeds, such as Yorkies, have both small stomachs along with tiny mouths. It is important to keep this in mind when purchasing dry food for your dog.

The standard kibble size can often be too large for smaller breeds which is why there are dry foods specifically designed for toy breeds and small breeds. In such dry foods, the kibble is typically half the size of a standard kibble and can sometimes be softer so it can be chewed and digested easily.

Due to their small stomachs, Yorkies cannot handle a large quantity of food at once. Thus, their meals need to be spread out throughout the day in smaller portions which can vary depending on their age.

If your Yorkie is weaning, which can begin anywhere from 4 to 7 weeks and end around 3 months, it is critical that you make food readily available throughout the day. Providing additional food during the day will allow him to eat when he feels hungry reducing the risk of hypoglycemia, help him gain weight, and assist him in getting used to an eating regime that differentiates from milk.

Once the weaning stage ends, which is typically around the third month, you can begin to create a feeding schedule with your pup as it will make it easier to begin potty training as well as improve your puppy's behavior. Until your puppy is one year old, it is advised that you feed him three to four small meals a day, which can be in the morning, afternoon, early evening, and evening, however, he should be feed at least two hours before he goes to sleep.

If your Yorkie is an adult, one year or older, you can now begin feeding him one small meal and one larger meal instead of three or four meals a day. However, not all Yorkies can handle two meals a day so adjust accordingly.

The caloric intake of your dog can vary depending on age and activity level, yet there is a recommended rule of thumb.

  • Puppies200 calories per day are ideal as they are more energetic.
  • Adults150 calories per day are recommended as they still burn calories throughout their day, but not as quickly as a puppy.
  • Seniors120 calories per day are advised as they are more sedentary than adults and puppies, so they do not nearly as many calories.

Best Dog Food Ingredients for Yorkshire Terriers

While we just discussed the important of how much and when you should be feeding your Yorkie, it is just as - if not more - crucial to know what your Yorkie should be consuming and why.

Protein: Protein is necessary for your Yorkie's diet as it is a major source of energy as well as it keeps their immune system strong. A great protein source should come from the muscles of animals such as chicken, lamb, deboned turkey, beef, and fish; it should not come from anywhere other than the muscles because that means it is likely processed which is not good for your Yorkie.

Carbohydrates: While Yorkies can digest some carbohydrates, steer clear of dog foods that contain corn or soy as they are often hard on a Yorkie's stomach. Ingredients such as sweet potatoes and brown rice listed in high-quality foods are great sources of carbs that will be much kinder on your Yorkie's tummy.

Fats: Healthy fats are a great way to maintain your Yorkie's overall health as well as give him a long, shiny coat. Fish oil is a great source of fat that can be found in high-quality foods and can even be drizzled on top of food for added benefits.

Should Yorkies Eat Dry Dog Food or Wet Dog Food?

The two most common types of dog food are dry and wet. While wet food does provide different benefits than dry, Yorkies should mainly eat a dry food diet as, like most small breeds, they have dental issues.

Dry kibble naturally assists in cleaning their teeth of tartar and plaque because of its brittle texture. Keep in mind that Yorkies should be fed kibble that is small as they can easily chew it in their mouth and digest it.

Feel free to use wet food as a supplement to your Yorkie's diet by mixing it together with dry kibble, but it is not necessary.

How Much Dry Food Should You Feed Your Yorkie Daily?

There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question as every dog, even Yorkies, has specific needs that need to be met.

A younger puppy will need to consume more calories in a day than an adult or a senior, however, an active adult may eat just as much as a puppy that is not as energetic.

Ideally, a puppy should consume at least 45 to 55 calories per pound of body weight daily whereas, adults should consume less per pound. However, not all dry foods have the same calories per measurement, so it is best to go off the serving sizes provided on the label.

Typically, the dog food labels will list the serving size and calories so that you can ensure you are not underfeeding or overfeeding your Yorkie.

Feed your Yorkie less if you are preparing his food yourself as food prepared at home tends to be more calorie packed and can result in overeating and weight gain.

Common Health Issues to Watch Out For

Yorkie chilling with a friend

Smaller breeds are known for having major health problems. While most small dogs live healthy lives, Yorkshire Terriers are predisposed to certain ailments that you should be aware so that you can seek proper medical attention in the event that one of these issues arises.

Collapsing Trachea

This occurs when the trachea's cartilage rings cave in making it hard for air to pass through the windpipe. While the cause is unknown, some signs of this condition include a barking cough, shortness of breath, and the gums appearing a bluish color.

Dental Issues

Because Yorkies' have incredibly sensitive teeth, tartar and plaque build up can easily result in premature tooth decay and gum infections. Dry food helps prevent this issue has it naturally removes tartar and plaque build up due to the kibble's texture being chewed against the teeth.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid glands cannot produce enough of the hormone thyroxine, which assists in maintaining the metabolism. Since this hormone is not being produced in a large enough quantity, this condition can result in weight gain along with a fluctuating weight.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

This condition decreases the amount of blood that is provided to the top of the rear leg bones causing them to deteriorate. Signs of this condition include walking with a limp, which can begin as early as six months old.

Luxating Patellas

This occurs when the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal location, which is in the groove of the femur. While this is common in small breeds, the symptoms can vary based on the severity of the dislocation but it typically includes the hind legs moving irregularly as well as hopping.

Sensitive Stomachs

Since Yorkshire Terriers commonly have sensitive stomachs, it is best to monitor the amount of food they are given daily, what times they are fed and the ingredients listed in their food to avoid symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. We also have a guide created for sensitive stomach dog foods that may help you.