| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food |
| Best for Puppies | Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Food |
| Best for Senior Dogs | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Dog Food |
| Best Dry Dog Food | Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food |
| Best Canned | Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Canned Dog Food |
The right food for other toy dogs may not be right for Yorkies. This breed, which is more formally known as a Yorkshire terrier, has specific needs and potential health conditions that we’ll address below. It’s important to purchase the best food based on their current stage of life since puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional and caloric requirements. And be sure to adapt your Yorkie’s food to their changing needs as they grow.
We’ve compiled a list of the best overall options for Yorkies based on their stage of life and whether they tend to prefer wet or dry foods so you can select the best food for your furry friend.
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Highly rated and veterinarian-recommended
- Made with highly digestible ingredients
- Includes an antioxidant blend specifically for lifelong immune support
- Contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Made with natural ingredients
- DHA from fish oil helps with eye development
- Uses a balance of minerals to promote strong teeth and healthy bones
- Contains a proprietary antioxidant blend
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Contains the ingredients to support the overall health and well-being of older dogs
- Features real meat as the first ingredient
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support your aging dog’s joint health and mobility
- Doesn’t include chicken or poultry by-products
Check Chewy Check Amazon- A breed-specific diet that is uniquely formulated for your Yorkie
- Contains biotin, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids that help maintain your dog’s skin and hair
- Includes vitamin C, EPA, and DHA help support your toy dog’s vitality
- The kibble shape and texture helps reduce tartar formation
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Complete and balanced canned dog food
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin for long glossy hair
- Support your dog’s healthy intestinal transit with soluble and insoluble fibers
- Designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Yorkshire Terriers
A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Dog Food for Yorkies
#1 Best Overall: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food
Our choice for the best overall dog food for adult Yorkies is Hill’s Science Diet Dry Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food.
This highly rated, veterinarian-recommended dog food is formulated by food scientists for adult small breeds and it’s made with highly digestible ingredients that are easy on your Yorkie’s stomach.
This food provides high-quality protein to maintain lean muscle in small breed dogs from ages one to six. The recipe includes an antioxidant blend specifically for lifelong immune support in toy and miniature dogs. Plus, the small kibble is suited for a little canine mouth. It’s made in the U.S.A. from natural ingredients, including nourishing omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin C, and vitamin E that help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Also, it does not include artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
The only drawback to this product that we can find is that some customers found the kibble to be a little too small for their pets. This resulted in them swallowing it rather than chewing it.
Pros and Cons of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This food is veterinarian-recommended and formulated by scientists. | The kibble can be too small for some pets, resulting in them swallowing it rather than chewing it. |
| It contains highly digestible ingredients. | |
| The unique blend of antioxidants promote a healthy immune system. | |
| Omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin C, and vitamin E promote a healthy skin and coat. | |
| This food is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. |
- Highly rated and veterinarian-recommended
- Made with highly digestible ingredients
- Includes an antioxidant blend specifically for lifelong immune support
- Contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E
2. Best for Puppies: Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Food
The puppy stage is the most important stage of your dog’s life, and it’s essential that they eat the correct nutrients. That’s why we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food for your beloved pooches.
This dog food made with natural ingredients is tailored to the developmental needs of small breed dogs one-year-old and younger. Using a small kibble size designed for your mini puppy, this premium pet food supports your pup’s brain and eye development using DHA from fish oil, while high-quality protein helps your toy pup build lean, strong muscles.
Because skeletal development is so important for puppies, this dog food uses a balance of minerals to promote strong teeth and healthy bones. Finally, because small breed dogs require special immune system support, this food contains a proprietary antioxidant blend.
Hill’s pet foods are developed by over 220 veterinarians, food scientists, technicians, and Ph.D. nutritionists. They’re analyzed closely to ensure that they include the essential nutrients that your pet needs. Also, they never contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or chicken by-product meals.
Unfortunately, a small number of pup parents reported that this food gave their puppies diarrhea, while a few others found that their pets simply wouldn’t eat it.
Pros and Cons of Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Food
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This food is specially formulated for small breed dogs under one year old. | Not all dogs like this food. |
| It contains DHA to support brain and eye development. | Some customers reported that this food gave their dogs diarrhea. |
| The high quality protein in this food promotes the development of lean muscles. | |
| This food contains a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals to support strong teeth and healthy bones. | |
| The proprietary antioxidant blend in this food supports a healthy immune system in small dogs. | |
| Tis food is free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and chicken by-product meals. |
- Made with natural ingredients
- DHA from fish oil helps with eye development
- Uses a balance of minerals to promote strong teeth and healthy bones
- Contains a proprietary antioxidant blend
3. Best for Seniors: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Dog Food
The nutritional requirements for senior dogs are different from other life stages and that’s why we suggest the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Dog Food.
This food features all the necessary ingredients to support the overall health and well-being of senior dogs. It is also formulated to meet the specific needs of small-breed dogs.
Based in the United States, Blue Buffalo makes premium-quality dog food featuring real meat as the first ingredient to help your senior Yorkie build and maintain healthy muscles. This food also contains wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit. It also includes glucosamine and chondroitin to support your aging dog’s joint health and mobility. The added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote a healthy skin and coat, while vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants support a healthy immune system. Another great feature of this food is that it doesn’t include chicken or poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
However, as this food is grain-free it is important to remember that this diet may not suit all dogs. Also, some pup parents found that the kibble pieces were a little too large for seniors that are lacking teeth.
Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Dog Food
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The first ingredient in this food is real meat. | A grain-free diet may not be suitable for all dogs. |
| This food is specially formulated to meet the need of small-breed seniors. | The kibble pieces are too big for dogs that lack teeth. |
| This food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support aging joints. | |
| The added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote a healthy skin and coat. | |
| This food contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support a healthy immune system. | |
| This food is free from chicken and poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives. |
- Contains the ingredients to support the overall health and well-being of older dogs
- Features real meat as the first ingredient
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support your aging dog’s joint health and mobility
- Doesn’t include chicken or poultry by-products
4. Best Dry Dog Food: Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food
Our selection as the best dry dog food is the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food.
This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your Yorkie with specific nutrients that help small dogs thrive. The specialized kibble shape and texture are designed for this toy breed’s small jaw, making it easy for them to pick up and chew.
Biotin, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain your dog’s healthy skin and glossy, long hair. Targeted nutrients including vitamin C, EPA, and DHA help support your toy dog’s vitality. Also, the combination of this food’s kibble shape and texture helps reduce tartar formation by encouraging your dog to chew.
However, as this food is breed-specific it is a more expensive option that others on the list.
Pros and Cons of the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This food features a specialized kibble shape which is specifically formulated to meet the shape of a Yorkie’s jaw and in turn helps to remove tartar build up. | This food is an expensive option due to its breed-specific nature. |
| It contains vitamin C, EPA, and DHA to support vitality. | |
| The added biotin, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids in this food promote a healthy skin and coat. |
- A breed-specific diet that is uniquely formulated for your Yorkie
- Contains biotin, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids that help maintain your dog’s skin and hair
- Includes vitamin C, EPA, and DHA help support your toy dog’s vitality
- The kibble shape and texture helps reduce tartar formation
5. Best Canned Dog Food: Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Canned Dog Food
Most dogs love wet food, so that’s why we recommend the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Canned Dog Food.
Royal Canin partners with pet experts to develop formulas that are perfect for each particular breed. They study the breed’s lifestyle, life stage needs, and their tendency for certain health issues. This food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Yorkshire terriers aged from 10 months old to eight years old.
This soft dog food comes in a delicious pâté that is highly palatable and appeals to a Yorkie’s appetite, as well as encouraging even the fussiest eaters to take a bite. It’s a complete and balanced canned dog food that can be fed alone or mixed with Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food.
The recipe will maintain your Yorkie’s coat and skin with a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin. Also, it will support your dog’s healthy intestinal transit with soluble and insoluble fibers.
Once again, as this food is breed-specific it is a more expensive option. However, that’s the only drawback to it that we could find.
Pros and Cons of the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Canned Dog Food
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This food is suitable for Yorkies aged from ten months to eight years old. | This food is an expensive option as it is breed-specific. |
| It comes in a delicious pâté form that is highly palatable and enticing to even the fussiest of eaters. | |
| This food can be fed as a stand-alone meal or mixed with dry food. | |
| It contains omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin to promote a healthy coat and skin. |
- Complete and balanced canned dog food
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin for long glossy hair
- Support your dog’s healthy intestinal transit with soluble and insoluble fibers
- Designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Yorkshire Terriers
Special Food Considerations for Yorkies
Yorkshire terriers sport long, silky, non-shedding coats in the show ring, but many pet owners keep their pet’s coats in a short puppy cut. Skin allergies and itchy, dry skin are common among this breed. That’s why it’s important to feed this breed a diet that’s rich in biotin and omega fatty acids that will promote healthy skin and hair.
These dogs often have a delicate digestive system that manifests as vomiting or diarrhea when they consume foods other than their usual diet. Purchasing the same high-quality, breed-appropriate dog food every time will minimize this problem.
Yorkies are also prone to tooth problems, including periodontal disease. While it can’t replace dental care provided by your veterinarian, eating crunchy kibble can help to remove tartar and keep teeth clean.
Choosing the Best Dog Food for Yorkies: What to Look For
When choosing the best dog food for your Yorkie there are really three factors you need to consider: price, quality, and type (dry or wet). Here is how to consider the best dog food for Yorkies across each of these factors:
Price
Inexpensive dog food generally includes ingredients that you wouldn’t want to feed to your precious Yorkie. On the other hand, quality dog food doesn’t include inferior ingredients, such as chicken or poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives. These ingredients have little to no nutritional value and may be detrimental to your dog’s health.
Quality
High-quality dog foods include real food such as meat as their first ingredients. They also list real vegetables and fruits, and targeted vitamins and minerals that will enhance your pet’s health. Dog food that is formulated specifically for Yorkies will also include omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin to encourage their long, silky, hair to grow.
Type
The dog food discussed in this review is available in dry (kibble) and wet (canned) recipes.
The Different Types of Dog Foods for Yorkies: Pros and Cons Compared
When choosing the best type of dog food for your Yorkie, first you need to understand the different types. There is dry dog food (kibble) and wet (or canned) dog food. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type:
- Dry dog food provides health-supporting nutrients and textures that help remove tartar from your canine friend’s teeth. It comes in bags and can be stored for long periods in sealed plastic containers. However, it will spoil if it comes into contact with water.
- Wet (canned) dog food is suitable for dogs with dental problems, that are dehydrated, or have finicky appetites. However, it must be refrigerated after opening.
Our Criteria: How We Chose the Best
Keeping the needs of your breed in mind, we chose dog food fortified with everything your little pup needs for its overall health. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with biotin and vitamin E will nourish you pup’s skin and hair, leading to a soft, silky coat. Your small breed needs protein-rich food to build and maintain lean muscle. Plus, our choices contain antioxidants to promote immune health.
Up Next
- Choosing the Best Dog Food: Everything You Need to Know — Check out our complete guide to dog food here!
- The Best Dog Food for Small Dogs — Find our top-rated suggestions for food for small dogs here.
- Best Dog Food Brands — Discover the best-rated dog food brands.
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food |
| Best for Puppies | Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Food |
| Best for Senior Dogs | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Dog Food |
| Best Dry Dog Food | Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food |
| Best Canned | Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Adult Canned Dog Food |
The Best Dog Food for Yorkies (Senior, Puppy, and Adult) FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What amount of dry dog food should I feed my canine?
Most dog food companies include a chart on each bag of dry dog food. Oftentimes, the weight of a dog is what dictates how much dry food it needs. So, it’s best to go by the weight chart on the back of a dry dog food bag to ensure you’re giving your dog the proper amount of nourishment.
Can I mix a combination of dry and wet dog food together?
Yes, wet and dry dog food can be mixed together. Many owners mix a little wet food in with dry food to make the food more appealing and tastier for their dogs. However, keep in mind that when mixing foods, it is important to make sure both the wet and dry foods are designed to match the dietary needs of your dog. For example, this means that you should avoid mixing dry puppy food with wet adult food.
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