What’s the Absolute Best Dog Food for Yorkies?

Here is our review of the best dog food for Yorkies.

Remember your yorkies have a fast metabolism and this cute little breed has a delicate digestive system. Make sure you feed your friend enough calories, as a lack of calories may put him at risk for hyperglycemia.

The best dog food for yorkies requires different nutritional values than larger dogs.

Even some Yorkies have allergies they need different food , You can also view the detailed article on dog food for Yorkies with allergies.

Being a vet tech I have researched the best dog foods for Yorkies to help you find the best food for your Yorkshire terrier

But after reviewing…

I have found the Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health Dog Food the best overall dog food for Yorkies.

In addition to highlighting which food can cause health issues.I have reviewed the top brands for every category of dog food for Yorkies.

Now let’s get started and review them one by one.

9 Best Dog Food for Yorkies 2024

As you know this little furry friend is quite a picky eater as well, therefore you should find the best dog food for him or her which he loves the most.

You can review in detail with pros and cons and decide which of the following is best suits for your Yorkshire terrier.

There are 9 best dog food for yorkies in our list.

1-Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health Dog Food (Overall Best Dog Food for Yorkies)
2-Hill’s Science Mini Breed Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Senior Yorkies)
3-Blue Buffalo Homestyle Toy Wet Food (Best Wet Dog Food for Yorkies)
4-Wellness Core Small Breed Dog Food (Best Food for Small Breed)
5-Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Food (Best Dog Food for Yorkie Puppies)
6-Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Adult Yorkies)
7-Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Food (Best Budget Food for Yorkies)
8-Natural Balance L.I.D Small Breed Bites (Best Dog Food for Allergic Yorkies)
9-Taste of The Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Food (Best to support toy breed with Extra Energy)

Best Dog Foods For Yorkies Reviewed

We have considered all according to AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines.

1-Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health Dog Food – Best dry dog food for yorkies

• Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• First 5 ingredients: 1-Deboned Chicken, 2-Chicken Meal, 3-Turkey Meal, 4-Ground Brown Rice, 5-Ground Rice
• Caloric Content: 502 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: No Wheat, No Soy, No Corn
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Overall 

Due to small kibble size and for easy eating. This dry food is best for a toy breed to give him or her overall support to the whole body with a strong immune system. I would highly recommend this best dog food brands for yorkies

This dog food:

1. Promotes a healthy digestive system
2. Fills the appetite and prevents overeating
3. Increases energy levels
4. Provides protein for growth and development

This provides enough energy for small dogs with fast metabolisms. As these products contain high levels of protein and fat, they can provide enough energy to small breeds of dogs.

As you know, grains are a source of carbohydrates, which is why this product prevents hypoglycemia in yorkies.

2-Hill’s Science Mini Breed Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dry Dog Food – Best food for Yorkie puppy

• Guaranteed Analysis: 21% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Key feature: Reduces stomach irritation and skin irritation
• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearl Barley
• Caloric Content: 392 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Limited Ingredient Diet, Sensitive Digestion, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Grain-Free, Pea-Free, Chicken-Free
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Yorkshire terriers with sensitive skin and stomachs

This special product is best for toy breeds and is one of the best dog food for yorkies with sensitive stomach and skin problems breeds. As this dog food formula is easily digestible. 

This product is manufactured in two different flavors specially chicken and lamb with rice.

As there are no artificial ingredients in the kibble and it helps to manage sensitive stomachs.

With a balanced blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and antioxidants work together to support a healthy immune system in adult small and toy breeds.

Benefit

1-Real Animal Protein First

Every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure it’s safe, healthy and beneficial for your dog. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Breed Chicken Recipe features only real animal protein in every meal. This means the ingredients you see on the packaging are what’s inside the product, so your dog gets all the benefits.

2-Antioxidant Support

The antioxidants in Hill’s Science Diet Recipe help protect against cell damage from free radicals and help maintain a healthy skin barrier.

3-Healthy Digestion

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Breed Chicken Recipe is designed to promote healthy digestion for a happy, healthy pet.

4-Skin Nourishment

Your dog will love the Hill’s Science. This dog food keeps their skin looking its best. Every ingredient has been carefully selected to nourish the skin from the inside out.

Feature

1-All Natural Ingredients

Hill’s Science Diet is formulated with only real animal protein and naturally occurring ingredients. This means you can trust it to be safe and effective, without all the unwanted additives and fillers that can be harmful to your dog. This is the best dog food for yorkies with skin allergies.

2-Complete Nutrition

Every ingredient in Hill’s Science Diet helps your dog stay in good health. It’s formulated with vitamins and minerals that promote healthy cell growth, support a healthy immune system and help keep skin healthy and strong.

3-High Protein Content

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Breed Chicken Recipe has a high protein content of 26%. This helps ensure your dog gets enough protein for a happy, healthy lifestyle.

4-Easy to Use

Hill’s Science is designed to make feeding time easy. Every meal has its own specially designed cup that makes measuring and feeding your dog a breeze.

3-Blue Buffalo Homestyle Toy Wet Food – Best dog food for teacup yorkies

• Guaranteed Analysis: 9% Crude Protein, 6% Crude Fat, 1.5%  Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 185 kcal/cup or 1184kcal/kg
• Key feature: Appealing wet food for fussy eaters
• First 5 ingredients: 1-Chicken, 2-Chicken Broth, 3-Chicken Liver, 4-Carrots 5-Peas
• Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
• Best for: best dog food for picky yorkie
• Life Stage: Adult

Pros:

• It is a perfect treat for dogs.
• This best canned dog food for yorkies
• It is made from natural ingredients.
• It contains no artificial colors or preservatives.
• It is a healthy food for dogs.
• It can be used as a training tool for dogs.
• It is a natural way to feed dogs.

Cons:

• It is expensive.

As super formulated products are high in protein and organs include chicken liver.

Which is a source of vitamin A and other nutrients.although crude protein is low as compared to other dry food due moisture.

This food is best for muscle maintenance due to the balance of protein and carbohydrates.That acts as a source of energy for small dogs with high metabolism. 

4-Wellness Core Small Breed Dog Food

• Guaranteed Analysis: 36% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Key feature: Special Premium grain-free high-protein diet
• Caloric Content: 396 kcal/cup
• First 5 ingredients: 1-Deboned Turkey, 2-Turkey Meal, 3-Potatoes, 4-Peas, 5-Dried Ground Potatoes
• Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, High Protein, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Small Breeds, Extra Small & Toy Breeds

Benefit

1-Protein

It has a balanced protein level for your dog’s needs. This product has a higher percentage of protein than most other brands of dog food, making it a very important part of your dog’s diet.

2-Complete Diet

It contains all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy and active.

3-Dogs Love It

This dog food is a favorite for small breed dogs.

Feature

1-Dogs Love It

We created this dry dog food because we know dogs love it and our customers love our products. We want you to enjoy the same success. I have written detailed article on whether you Can You Mix TWO Brand Dry Dog Food Together or not?

2-Packed with Protein

With a higher protein content than most other brands of dog food, this dry dog food can keep your dog healthy and strong.

3-Packed with Fiber

Fiber is an essential part of a dog’s diet. Our small-breed dry food has more fiber than other brands on the market.

This grain free dry dog food for small breeds is crafted into a smaller kibble size for easy eating.

Thai special Premium food is enriched with high-quality protein content and provides Yorkies with a high energy diet.

Yorkie owners have also reported digestive health improvements in small breeds with food allergies.

5-Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Dry Dog Food

• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• First 5 ingredients: 1-Chicken By-Product Meal, 2-Brewers Rice, 3-Chicken Fat, 4-Corn, 5-Dried Plain Beet Pulp
• Caloric Content: 380 kcal/cup
• Key feature: Breed-specific formula exclusively for Yorkie puppies
• Type of Product: Small Breed puppies
• Best for: Yorkshire Terrier puppies
• Life Stage:Extra small and Toy breeds, Small Breeds

Benefit

1-Royal Canin

The brand you trust and rely on to feed your family.

2-Yorkshire Terrier

The exclusive diet was created specifically for the breed and is nutritionally complete for healthy growth and development.

3-Tailored Nutrition

Each size of Royal Canin puppy food was created with your Yorkshire Terrier in mind. This unique diet offers a carefully selected balance of essential nutrients and antioxidants to help ensure proper nutrition and support your puppy’s optimal growth and development.

4-Eco-Friendly

Our packaging is made from biodegradable materials that are 100% recyclable.

Feature

1-Omega-3 & Omega-6

Optimizes essential fatty acid levels in the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, joints, skin and coat.

2-Gluten-Free

Grain-free formula eliminates the risk of potential wheat allergies.

3-Zinc & Copper

Important minerals for optimal skin and coat condition and healthy hair growth.

4-Taste

Puppy food is often bland and difficult to digest. Royal Canin’s dog food has a balanced taste that is more palatable to your dog.

This formula contains 27% proteins which supports the healthy growth in Yorkies.

As small Yorkies suffer from hyperglycemia due to lack of carbohydrates so this tailor-made nutrition created just for your Yorkie puppy to get adequate levels of carbohydrates and maints blood sugar.

This formula also contains Proteins and prebiotics that support healthy digestion to promote optimal stool quality and reduce unpleasant odors.

Some picky puppies owners appreciated the Royal Canin Formula because of the easily chewable kibbles and pleasant aroma.

6-Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food – Best food for yorkies

• Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 320 kcal/cup
• First 5 ingredients: 1-Chicken, 2-Chicken Meal, 3-Brewers Rice, 4-Split Peas, 5-Whole Brown Rice
• Key feature: Non-GMO senior formula for small breeds
• Type of Product: Non-GMO, No Corn, No Soy, No Wheat,
• Life Stage: 8 years and older
• Best for: Yorkie Seniors

This special formula is designed for your small breed senior dog’s health and energy needs.

Presence of antioxidants in the food supports the dog’s immune system.

High-quality 26% protein from chicken meat and formulated with adequate levels of calcium to support strong bones and joints in eledely senior Yorkies. And high natural fiber to keep your senior yorkies digestive system healthy.

7-Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food 

• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• First 5 ingredients: 1-Chicken, 2-Chicken Meal, 3-Ground White Rice, 4-Chicken Fat, 5-Cracked Pearl Barley
• Caloric Content: 345 kcal/cup
• Key feature: Budget-friendly formula that contains superfoods
• Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Budget-friendly Yorkies food

This formula dog food contains a superior nutrition formulated from the high quality ingredients.

The right balance of protein, fat, and other vital nutrients to support your little guy’s healthy lifestyle.

Many dog owners feeding this formula report that it improves their dog’s bowel movements. However, picky eaters may not enjoy the taste.

A K9 strain proprietary probiotic is included in each serving, plus antioxidants and prebiotics to support digestion and immunity of your yorkies puppy.

8-Natural Balance L.I.D Small Breed Bites 

• First 5 ingredients: 1-Salmon, 2-Menhaden Fish Meal, 3-Sweet Potatoes, 4-Cassava Flour, 5-Potatoes
• Caloric Content: 380 kcal/cup
• Key feature: Limited ingredient diet based on salmon and sweet potatoes
• Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Life Stage: Adult
• Type of Product: Limited Ingredient Diet, Sensitive Digestion, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Grain-Free, Pea-Free, Chicken-Free
• Best for: Yorkies with Allergies

Combination with chicken and sweet potato provide easily digestible carbohydrates, which makes it best dry dog food for small features making this grain-free food suitable for Yorkies

A small dog’s stomach can be sensitive to allergens. However There is no way to completely cure dogs from allergic reactions. But Simple diets without additives and fillers are the best way to manage allergies. I highly recommend this best dog food for yorkies.

Some dog owners appreciate the custom sized kibble for small breeds however some reviews warn that picky eaters may not be crazy about the flavor.

Some of Dog owner said : Good dog food for my dog who has terrible skin allergies

View more reviews click here

9-Taste of The Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 ingredients: 1-Venison, 2-Lamb Meal, 3-Garbanzo Beans, 4-Peas, 5-Lentils
• Caloric Content: 370 kcal/cup
• Key feature: Limited ingredient diet based on salmon and sweet potatoes
• Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4.0% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Life Stage: Adult Yorkies
• Type of Product: Grain-Free dog food
• Best for: Best for Yorkies who needs extra energy

With the combination of venison ,lamb,duck and fish provides 32% of crude protein which is the main source for small dog breeds to stay long lasting energy.

This formula dog food contains 18% crude fat to supply your Yorkie with energy long-term, and Omega fatty acids ensure a healthy coat for your Yorkie.

Several dog lovers reported that the formula in this dog food contributes to their dogs’ well-being and appearance.

This grain free food is present in a small size kibble for your small dog’s teeth and tummy.

Guide to Buying Dog Food for Yorkies

Understanding Yorkie’s Diet Requirements

It is important to understand that You Yorkies need the correct amount and ratio of Protein, fats, and carbohydrates to keep your Yorkies health at balanced.

Protein requirements

Yorkies as an omnivore breed need a sufficient amount of proteins from animal sources to live a healthy life everyday. Due to high energy needs for these breeds, the dog owner has to increase his or her protents requirements.

Yorkies should get at least 21% of crude proteins to live a happy and healthy life in a day

You can select from the  above list of food and check which protein requirements meets to Your friend Yorkie.

High fats requirements

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in meats and seed oils, are essential for maintaining healthy joints, skin, and coats. In addition, they contribute to the flavor of food and are an energy source.

Alway look for brands that have at least 10%  fat content. And ingredients that provide Omega fatty acid such as fish oil, which helps the Yorkie’s coat shine..

Carbs

These carbohydrates help to minimise the stomach problems , it also helps to digest the food of your pal Yorkie.

Unlike larger breeds, toy breeds can’t store significant amounts of carbohydrates as glycogen in their bodies. To maintain their blood sugar levels, they must continually consume carbohydrates.

This macronutrient is abundant in whole grains. The carbohydrates in grain-free options are also digestible because they are derived from nutritious ingredients, such as sweet potatoes.

How To Choose Food For Your Yorkie

If the food meets basic nutritional requirements, select a formula that meets your Yorkie’s specific needs.

LID formulation

Using a simple recipe to meet nutrient requirements, limited ingredient diets eliminate exposure to common food allergens. 

There is usually only one type of animal protein in these formulas. The development of new allergies can be limited since most allergens are proteins.

There are usually no fillers or artificial additives in elimination diets. These ingredients often cause digestive upset in dogs with food intolerances.

A limited ingredient diet may be beneficial for Yorkies with sensitive stomachs or allergies.

High Fiber

Fiber is essential to a healthy digestive system. Beet pulp, for example, is a healthy source of fiber that serves as a prebiotic and improves nutrient absorption.

Unlike humans, dogs do not rely primarily on dietary fiber for energy. However, fiber feeds beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion. Your Yorkie’s gut health and proper nutrient absorption help him digest the energy he eats.

Probiotic blends are also included in some dog food formulas to enhance digestion. Probiotics add beneficial bacteria to your dog’s digestive system. It is beneficial to feed probiotics to senior Yorkies and puppies since their digestive systems are sensitive.

Vitamins & Minerals

It is vital for proper growth and development to have a balanced ratio of vitamins and minerals. It is important that the dog food you buy meets the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines.

The right amount of vitamins and minerals is especially important for puppies. Phosphorus and calcium are essential for bone development. A mineral deficiency can cause skeletal disorders.

The vitamins you give your Yorkie improve his health throughout his life. Antioxidants are some vitamins. These antioxidants prevent free radical damage. Antioxidants are especially important for Yorkies with joint discomfort.

Smaller size bits

A dog breed like a Yorkie has a small mouth and needs small pieces of food. Their mouth and digestive systems cannot handle larger pieces of food.

Large pieces that are difficult to swallow can cause a Yorkie to choke. It is more difficult to digest unchewed food if it is consumed unchewed. Despite feeding your dog a balanced diet, this can lead to nutrient deficiency in your pet.

Caloric Needs

The average dog needs 30 calories per pound per day. Dogs of medium size, for example, consume about 800 calories daily. 

Larger breeds have a slower metabolism than small breeds. Consequently, they need more calories in smaller meals to maintain their energy levels.

A toy breed needs about ten more calories per pound of bodyweight than a large dog to maintain its weight. It is also important that Yorkies have access to food throughout the day to prevent blood sugar dips.

Yorkshire Terrier Daily Calorie Requirements

weight(lbs)	Calories
4	160
5	200
6	240
7	280

Yorkshire Terriers weigh around 4-7 pounds and require 160-280 calories per day on average.

Age

Age can affect a dog’s nutritional requirements. For example, Yorkie puppies require more protein to grow properly. Digestion of carbohydrates prevents hypoglycemia.

To support their highly-active metabolisms, adult Yorkies require a diet high in fats and proteins. The carbohydrates in their diet also help them maintain an active lifestyle.

Yorkie seniors do not need as much protein as they did when they were younger.

However, their weakened immune systems still require balanced nutrition. Joint-supporting ingredients can also be beneficial to older dogs.

How Diet Can Help Yorkies with Common Health Issues

Diet and nutrition can directly affect your Yorkie’s health. Food can help manage some of these common health issues. some people asked what is the best dry dog food for yorkies, some asked what are best wet dog food? actually it al depends on the age and breed of the dog.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar level is abnormally low. Diets that are high in energy can prevent this condition.

The diet of your Yorkie should meet his minimum calorie requirement. Balanced macronutrient ratios will help control blood sugar levels and limit the risks associated with this condition.

The small size of Yorkie dogs makes them predisposed to this condition. They cannot store enough glycogen as sugar.

Shaking, seizures and weakness are symptoms of this condition. My diabetic dog has experienced hypoglycemia in the past. I know how dangerous it can be.

Floating kneecap

This condition, also called the luxating patella, occurs when a dog’s kneecap moves away from its normal position. Yorkies are genetically predisposed to this condition.

Adequate antioxidant intake can limit the damaging inflammation associated with the condition. The addition of glucosamine can help ease joint pain caused by this disorder.

Tracheal collapse

When the cartilage rings of the trachea collapse, it causes airway obstruction in dogs. All breeds of dogs are at risk for genetic disease, but the Yorkie is the most affected.

The cause of the tracheal collapse is unclear, but symptoms may be triggered by eating foods that are inappropriate for toy breeds.

Sensitive stomach

Yorkies are also prone to digestive disturbances due to their sensitive stomachs. Food intolerances are often responsible for these conditions.

When feeding a limited ingredient diet to your dog, you can determine if it has a food intolerance. In addition, probiotics help regulate digestion and soothe sensitive stomachs.

FAQ about Best dog food for yorkies

What dog food do vets recommend for Yorkies?

There are several dog foods that veterinarians recommend for Yorkies. Yorkies are a small breed that require a diet that is high in protein and low in fat.

Here are some of the top dog foods that vets recommend for Yorkies:

• Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food
• Hill’s Science Diet Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food
• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Dog Food
• Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food
• Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Adult Turkey and Oatmeal Recipe

Can I add water to soften the kibble for Yorkies?

Your pal might have trouble chewing hard kibble, so you can soak it for a few seconds in water to make it softer. Don’t make it too spongy by overdoing it. It will hinder the teeth-cleansing effects of crunchy foods.

What is good food for Yorkies?

According to vets and Yorkie owners, Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health Dog Food is the best dog food for Yorkies. If you want to learn more about alternatives, you can see our article above.

Should I rotate foods or keep serving the same one?

You shouldn’t worry about keeping your dog on a consistent diet. Simply rotating balanced dog foods once in a while can improve appetite

Is dry food or wet food better for Yorkies?

It is well known that Yorkshire Terriers are picky eaters. When it comes to palatability, wet food is generally the best option, but dry food is more convenient.

What should I not feed my Yorkie?

Raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, dairy, walnuts, onions, garlic, raw eggs, cat food, cooked beans, salt, corn, and nutmeg.

What should I do if my Yorkie is a picky eater?

Choose wet food for a picky eater like your Yorkie. You can easily mix extra kibble into meals if your dog prefers wet food to dry.

Is grain-free dog food good for Yorkshire terriers?

Diets from digestible carbohydrates are ideal for Yorkies. However, grain-free diets can also be beneficial if they provide adequate calories through fat and protein.

Our Verdict

Our verdict on best dog food for yorkies.

An ideal diet for Yorkshire Terriers must provide highly digestible energy. Hypoglycemia can occur if they don’t eat food that meets their nutritional needs.

Yorkies are adorable and tiny.However, they require nutrient-rich food that is high in protein.

Each Yorkie is unique. Consult your veterinarian for advice about the right diet. However, Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health Dog Food for Yorkies is a terrific choice for adding high-energy and high-nutrient content to your Yorkie’s diet.