The 7 Best Dog Foods for Yorkshire Terriers in 2023

This updated guide lists all of the best dog foods for Yorkshire Terriers this year.

Weighing around 5-7 pounds, the Yorkshire Terrier is a cuddly and cute toy breed with a big personality. Yorkies are generally very smart and require a nutritionally appropriate diet in small portions (approx. 150 calories per day).

Unfortunately, this cute breed is prone to health concerns like hypoglycemia, collapsing tracheas, and dental issues. So it is important to feed Yorkies a nutritionally balanced food developed specifically for them.

So what’s the best food for a Yorkie? I have compiled a list of The 13 Best Dog Foods for Yorkshire terriers.

Let’s dive in.

The 7 Best Dog Foods for Yorkshire Terriers

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Dog Food

Best Overall, Best For Adults

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Oatmeal, 4. Barley, 5. Menhaden Fish Meal

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,648 kcal
• Form: Dry

This Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula has a precise blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients for the health of your Yorkie. 

It contains real meat, fruits, and garden veggies for immune system health and glucosamine for joint health and mobility. Moreover, the carbohydrates and proteins offered by deboned chicken are perfect for the energy needs of small dogs like the Yorkie.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 26%, Fat (min.) 15%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 10%

Merrick Real Beef & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Puppy Food

Best For Puppies

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Beef, 2. Sweet Potatoes, 3. Peas, 4. Lamb Meal, 5. Potatoes

• Life Stage: Puppy
• Suitable for: Small, medium breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,673 kcal
• Form: Dry

If you’re hunting for a poultry-free, nutritious recipe for your pet, this Merrick Real Beef recipe uses deboned beef as its first ingredient. It also includes lamb, peas, and potatoes to provide your Yorkie with the necessary fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates.

This healthy recipe eats like comfort food but with nutritious value for your Yorkie. 

DHA provides healthy brain development; vitamins and minerals provide complete nutrition. The all-natural, gluten-free ingredients are a great daily treat for your pup. This recipe is ideal for dogs who are sensitive to poultry.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 28%, Fat (min.) 15%, Fiber (max.) 4.5%, Moisture (max.) 11%

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Dog Food

Best For Seniors

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Cracked Pearled Barley, 3. Brewers Rice, 4. Whole Grain Wheat, 5. Whole Grain Corn

• Life Stage: Senior
• Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
• Caloric content (per cup): 353 kcal
• Form: Dry

Finding appropriate dog food for a senior Yorkie can be difficult. Luckily, Hill’s Science Diet 7+ Small Bites has all the nutrients and quality standards your dog needs to stay active and disease-free in old age. The formula uses chicken meal, barley, and rice as the main ingredients for muscle repair and power.

Omega fatty acids help to nourish their fur and make it softer and lustrous. The kibbles feature a mini-size that is easier to chew for toy breeds like the Yorkshire terrier. According to owners, their dogs loved the taste.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 15.5%, Fat (min.) 10.5%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture (max.) 10%

Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Dog Food Trays

Best Wet Meal

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Beef, 2. Chicken Liver, 3. Beef Lung, 4. Chicken Broth, 5. Water

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 912 kcal
• Form: Wet

Cesar’s Classic Loaf in Sauce Variety Dog Food is the closest thing you can offer to a full-fledge buffet to a Yorkie. The 24-case pack offers four mouth-watering flavors; grilled chicken, filet mignon, beef, and porterhouse steak. Each can contains a juicy piece of loaf dipped in a delicious sauce that can make even the pickiest Yorkies drool. 

Each flavor contains proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals that dogs need daily. You can feed the canned food on its own or use it as a topper to give your dog a boost of hydration and nutrition. 

Analysis: Protein (min.) 9%, Fat (min.) 4%, Fiber (max.) 1%, Moisture (max.) 82%

The Farmer’s Dog

Best Fresh Option

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. brussels sprouts, 3. chicken liver, 4. bok‐choy cabbage, 5. broccoli

• Life Stage: All
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per lb): 721 kcal
• Form: Frozen

Get a customized diet plan made by expert veterinarians for your Yorkshire terrier with The Farmer’s Dog. The option we chose for this breed is the Pork recipe. This formulation includes lean pork meat and veggies like sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and green beans to keep your dog in good shape and have optimal digestive health.

The recipe’s high omega fatty acid content helps nourish your dog’s skin and makes their coat shinier, softer, and more lustrous. It’s also a favorite choice of picky eaters, and owners have reported improved digestive health and overall vitality after making the switch. Since the company customizes the food according to your dog’s age, breed, weight, and health history, it’s unlikely to cause allergic reactions, sensitivity issues, or obesity.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 11%, Fat (min.) 8%, Fiber (max.) 1.5%, Moisture (max.) 72%

Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food

Best Premium Option

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Brewers Rice, 2.  Brown Rice, 3. Chicken By-Product Meal, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Wheat Gluten

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,802 kcal
• Form: Dry

This recipe from Royal Canin is protein-packed and includes Taurine, Brewers Rice, Corn, and Fish Oil; it is formulated exclusively for Yorkshire Terriers over ten months old. It offers exceptional flavor and aroma for fussy eaters and is a healthy choice for your Yorkie.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 26%, Fat (min.) 16%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture (max.) 10%

Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dog Food

Best Budget Option

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Venison, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Garbanzo Beans, 4. Peas, 5. Lentils

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,596 kcal
• Form: Dry

Taste of the Wild Appalachian Vallery Dog Food provides a fantastic combination of nutrition and taste at a reasonable price. It contains venison meat in generous quantities (32% protein) and easily-digestible carbs like peas and lentils. The recipe also contains canola oil and fruits as a source of micronutrients. 

More importantly, the formula offers probiotics and prebiotics for improved digestive health, a common issue with Yorkshire terriers. Omega fatty acids help improve skin health and make your dog’s coat healthier. The smaller kibble makes the food more appealing to toy breeds like Yorkies. All of this comes from sustainably-sourced ingredients in the USA. 

Analysis: Protein min. 34% | Fat min. 15%, | Fiber max. 6% | Moisture max. 10%

ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Best For Weight Gain

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Beef, 2. Wild Boar, 3. Goat, 4. Lamb, 5. Lamb Liver

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,860 kcal
• Form: Dry

Help your Yorkie gain weight with whole-prey-inspired Orijen Regional Red that’s full of lean meat and natural ingredients. This recipe mimics the diet of wolves in the wild and contains 85% animal ingredients, including whole meat and organs from goat, lamb, boar, and mackerel, along with non-grain carbs like lentils and chickpeas to give dogs an energy boost. 

For micronutrient support, you will find plenty of fruits and veggies like pumpkins, apples, and collard greens in the food. These tasty ingredients give the kibble an incredible meaty taste, topped off by a freeze-dried coating. Orijen Regional Red is an ideal option to help your Yorkshire terrier gain healthy mass if you can afford the premium price. 

Analysis: Protein min. 38% | Fat min. 18%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 12%

CANIDAE All Life Stages Less Active Formula Dog Food

Best For Weight Loss

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Brown Rice, 3. White Rice, 4. Rice Bran, 5. Peas

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,336 kcal
• Form: Dry

This food from Canidae is free of common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy and is appropriate for dogs of all life stages. It includes chicken meal, brown rice, white rice, rice bran, and peas as its first five ingredients. This formula is for less active and overweight dogs — a good pick for the less active Yorkie.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 24%, Fat (min.) 10%, Fiber (max.) 4.5%, Moisture (max.) 10%

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food

Best For Sensitive Stomach

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Cracked Pearled Barley, 3. Whole Grain Wheat, 4. Whole Grain Corn, 5. Whole Grain Sorghum

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,596 kcal
• Form: Dry

Offering precise nutrition to promote a healthy lifestyle for your Yorkie, this Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food contains prebiotics, added fiber, and Omega-6 fatty acids to protect dogs with sensitive stomachs and sensitive skin. 

What’s more: The combination of Vitamin C, E, and antioxidants work together to promote a healthy immune system for adult small and toy breeds.

Analysis: Protein min. 34% | Fat min. 15%, | Fiber max. 6% | Moisture max. 10%

Natural Balance L.I.D. Small Breed Bites Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food

Best For Allergies

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Menhaden Fish Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Cassava Flour, 5. Potatoes

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,450 kcal
• Form: Dry

Featuring the right ingredients and kibble size for toy breeds, this Natural Balance LID Formula is our go-to choice for Yorkies with allergies. It contains salmon and sweet potatoes — both known for their high digestibility and great taste in the dog food world. They work together to give your dog energy and protein to stay lean.

Besides that, the food only contains a handful of oils, vitamins, and mineral supplements. Any ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction, such as meat by-products, peas, grains, wheat, corn, soy, and chicken, are eliminated from the recipe. The smaller, crunchier kibble design is more manageable for Yorkies to chew and helps scrub tatar from their teeth.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 24%, Fat (min.) 10%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 10%

Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Small Breed Dog Food

Best For Picky Eaters

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Ground Whole Grain Corn, 2. Poultry By-Product Meal, 3. Brewers Rice, 4. Corn Gluten Meal, 5. Soybean Meal

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small breeds
• Caloric content (per kg):3,490 kcal
• Form: Dry

Made specifically for smaller dogs like the Yorkie, this Pedigree dog food gives your petite pup big nutrition. The recipe includes roasted chicken, vegetable flavor, and rice, which gives your pet all the energy required to stay healthy. 

What’s more: Omega-6 fatty acids ensure a shiny and healthy coat while the precise blend of whole grains supports healthy digestion for your small-sized adult Yorkshire.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 21%, Fat (min.) 11%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 12%

American Journey Active Life Formula Dog Food

Best For Active Dogs

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Rice Bran, 5. Peas

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,476 kcal
• Form: Dry

Yorkshire terriers are active dogs needing a constant supply of calories to keep up with their daily adventures. American Journey’s Active Life Formula is our recommended dog food. It features a 25% protein from deboned chicken to provide amino acids for muscle repair. 

Most calories are from a blend of easily-digestible carbs like sweet potatoes and brown rice and whole grains such as barley. Your Yorkie will also maintain a robust immune system and healthy fur with the food’s abundance of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. Best of all, the recipe is free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives that might irritate the stomach of sensitive Yorkies.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 25%, Fat (min.) 15%, Fiber (max.) 6%, Moisture (max.) 10%

Other Interesting Guides:

• The Best puppy foods for small breeds 
• The Dog Food Guide
• The Bestselling Raw Dog Foods

Frequently Asked Questions about Yorkshire terrier Food

What should I feed my Yorkshire terrier?

Adult dogs require a combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins such as vegetables, fish oil, and potatoes. So your Yorkie’s food must contain all-natural ingredients with turkey, lamb, chicken or fish as the primary ingredient

For Yorkies, which is better dog food – dry or wet?

When looking for canine food, you must have noticed that there are two main types available: dry and wet dog food. If you are wondering which one is better for your Yorkie, then the answer is dry food. The reason being that Yorkies have sensitive teeth and so it is better to provide them dry food. For detailed information, you must consult your vet.

How much food should I feed my Yorkie?

The answer may vary from dog to dog as each one of them has different needs. If your pet, for example, is more active, then he is going to need a lot more food as compared to other dogs. Moreover, younger dogs eat more as compared to the older ones. Usually, a puppy consumes 45 to 55 calories per day whereas adult dogs consume a different number of calories so you cannot define because all foods have a different amount of calories.

Can I feed scrambled eggs to my Yorkie?

Although scrambled egg won’t cause any serious harm to your dog there are better ways to feed eggs to your Yorkie. Eggs are full of protein thus they are quite healthy for dogs. Moreover, different forms of egg are filled with essential amino and fatty acids which contribute positively to your dog’s health.

Are Yorkshire Terriers fussy eaters?

Yorkies are very picky eaters and possess selective eating habits which may be because of their sensitive teeth. Adult Yorkies often avoid grains and pellets, for example, since hard food often causes an upset stomach and discomfort in their teeth. Such a situation can even lead to tooth loss which is why Yorkies tend to be very fussy eaters.

What food should Yorkies not eat?

Yorkshires should not be given any food that is hard to chew or digest such as Onions, Garlic, Grapes, Macadamia Nuts, Chives, Broccoli, Fruits, seeds and Bones. This is because Yorkies have very sensitive teeth and stomach which can get upset due to digestion of wrong food. Thus it’s necessary to read ingredients before giving any dog food to your furry friend.

What should I look for in a Yorkshire terrier’s food?

Yorkies have small stomachs and small mouths thus dry food for this breed is made softer so it can be easily chewed and digested. You must check that dog food contains essential proteins like chicken, carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, and fats such as fish oils, for your Yorkie.

How much should my Yorkie eat in a day?

The recommended amount of food is given under the food label of dog food box – your dog may require less or more than it. In general, Yorkshire Terriers eat 1/4 to a half cup of dog food daily. While puppies may consume 3 to 4 meals a day, adult Yorkies should eat only twice a day.

When should I change my Yorkie’s food?

It is recommended to switch food every one to three months – or plan it during the time when you replenish the supplies of your dog’s food. During this switch period, dog owners must feed an increasing amount of new food and decreasing amount of old food until it has been completely replaced.

Is grain-free food good for Yorkshire terrier?

Since Yorkies are prone to dental troubles, it’s better to avoid foods which have crunchy or brittle texture; such as grains. Yorkshire Terriers need the right type of food to stay healthy and happy so it is essential to provide grain-free, soy-free and wheat-free food which fulfills the requirement of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates via other supplements such as chicken, sweet potatoes and fish oil.

Can Yorkshire terriers eat cucumbers?

Cucumbers offer a low-calorie snack for dogs and are perfectly safe for them to eat. This is one of the Best Dog Foods for Yorkshire terriers. However, in order to prevent your pet from choking, it is essential to cut cucumbers into manageable-sized pieces. This precautionary measure is especially for small dogs who have small mouths and sensitive teeth. It is also advisable to not feed a whole cucumber to your Yorkshire

Can Yorkies eat peanut butter?

Generally, peanut butter is a nutritious and healthy snack both for humans and dogs. Yorkshires, in particular, can benefit from fats and proteins of peanut butter in many ways. However, it is essential to feed them only a small amount of it. Dogs with the risk of high-level cholesterol may also be fat peanut butter in a very controlled portion.

What can I feed my picky Yorkie?

Small dogs, such as Yorkshires, are picky eaters since they have sensitive teeth, small mouths, and small stomachs. When it comes to being offered human food, Yorkies tend to be very fussy. The best advice is to offer them a small-sized kibble and leave it in the bowl without offering any other food. You can also soften the kibble with a little bit of water if that helps

Are bananas good for Yorkies?

Soft foods, in particular, are very pleasant to dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers. The reason being, Yorkies are kind of vegans because they enjoy eating veggies and soft plants. Thus fruits such as bananas, apples, kiwis, oranges and pears are amongst their favorite food options.

What can be a good treat for Yorkshire Terriers?

Raw carrots can be given as snacks to your Yorkies as a treat. A good serving size includes 1-2 baby carrots for puppies and 2-3 carrots for adults. Other vegetables such as green beans, sweet potatoes, zucchini, sweet baby peas, and regular potatoes can also be given to your pet as a treat.

The Buyer’s Guide: Food for Yorkshire terrier

Like other teddy bear dogs, this toy dog breed has tiny mouths thus they require food to be appropriately sized. It is also essential to note that Yorkies have bad teeth and tiny tummies. Thus it’s best to feed them small kibble sized meals.

Yorkies need three small feedings, of allergen-free food, a day. So what to look for in a Yorkie Terrier’s food?

Essential Ingredients for Your Yorkie

• Fats: Healthy Fats are essential for your fur baby! Yorkies are unlikely to get weight problems so you can always opt for foods that contain a higher level of fats. Apart from that, fats are great to keep Yorkie’s coat shiny and smooth.
• Proteins: Crude proteins top the list of necessary ingredients in your Yorkie’s food. A protein-rich diet will boost the energy levels of your furry friend along with promoting the development of strong muscles. Therefore, the majority of Yorkies dog foods contain meats as a primary ingredient so as to ensure optimal protein intake. The most common sources of protein for your Yorkie include meats such as turkey, bison, lamb, fish, and chicken.
• Carbohydrates: Your Yorkie’s diet must also contain carbohydrates of high quality since they contain essential fibers and thus provide sufficient energy to your dog so they can play and enjoy. The most popular sources of Carbohydrates include potato, sweet peas, brown rice, and pasta.

Factors to Consider When Picking Food for Yorkshire terrier

One may struggle in picking the best dog foods for Yorkshire terrier – but that is very common. I have listed a few important factors which you need to consider before making your buying decision:

• LID formulation: This simply refers to the fact that pet food should have limited ingredients and does not contain preservatives or allergens. LID formulation also ensures that there is only one primary source of nutrients such as beef, chicken or turkey.
• Fiber Richness: Many pet owners may argue that fiber is not very significant for a dog’s diet. However, proper intake of fibers promotes the health of digestive systems. Keeping in view that Yorkies have small tummies, it is important to consider that they can easily get stomach diseases. In such a scenario, fibers help in protecting the colon from excess water and also help in resolving constipation
• Vitamins and Minerals: In order to save your pets from poor growth, malnutrition or any other diseases, vitamins are extremely important. Some of the most important vitamins and minerals to look for in a dog’s food are Vitamin A, B, C, D, and E, copper, calcium, iron and phosphorous. These ingredients play a crucial role in maintaining your furry baby’s health and growth.

Further reading:

• https://petcentral.chewy.com/keep-yorkshire-terrier-fit/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkshire_Terrier
• https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier/

Final Words

Now that you are aware of Yorkie’s nutritional needs, you are ready to shop for the Best Dog Foods for Yorkshire terriers. Don’t forget to look for products made with wholesome natural ingredients and no artificial additives.

Cheers!