One of the cutest and most loved dog breeds are Yorkies. They are cuddly and loved by their owners and require a special touch when it comes to feeding and care taking. We are going to take a look at the best dog food for yorkies and establish a few brands that will keep your yorkie healthy and happy during feeding time.
Yorkies are susceptible to many ailments that include hypoglycemia, teeth problems and pancreatitis. Smaller dogs require extra care and it all starts with a good diet. Yorkies tend to weigh no more than 4 to 7 pounds. They have silky coats that require maintenance and with the right food these little creatures will look like they have just stepped out of the parlor on any given day.
While your yorkie is still a puppy it is important to make sure they sustain a healthy and calorie-rich diet that will ensure development and sturdy growth. As previously mentioned yorkies can easily develop low blood sugar so a full bowl of food is necessary at first. This will make sure that he or she gets sufficient calories and crucial vitamins that are required.
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What You Should Look For In The Best Dog Food for Yorkies
Buying the cheapest brand is not a good option and you should take time to find a brand that provides your yorkie with the following:
- Natural ingredients that have no artificial additives
- It is very important that your selected brands include real animal protein for example chicken, fish and meat
- Low-fat foods should not be considered as yorkies need a moderate to high-fat diet for a healthy coat and growth
- Easily digestible carbs to avoid any low blood sugar episodes
- A well-balanced diet of the best wet and dry dog food for yorkies
Other Nutritional Facts to Consider With Your Yorkie’s Diet
Yorkies are sometimes considered finicky but this is a misconception as a high-quality diet is a must to maintain good health and excellent growth. Even though small portions are a requirement for yorkies it is important that these portions are packed with the right nutrients and minerals to guarantee a healthy and happy yorkie.
Why do Yorkies Need Dry Dog Food Included in Their Diet?
Good teeth health is important to your yorkie and with dry dog food you will provide your yorkie with a crunchy texture that will keep their teeth clean. Dry food also scrubs away plague and won’t get stuck in their teeth as easily.
What Nutrients are Most Important to Your Yorkie?
All dogs require a good balance of nutrients, protein and carbohydrates to live healthy. Your yorkie requires pretty much the same but with real protein like chicken, meat and fish. There should never be any byproducts added to your yorkie’s food. Non-muscle meats contain byproducts that aren’t easily digestible by your yorkie.
What are The Daily Calorie Requirements of a Yorkie?
If your yorkie is less than a year old you would need to make sure he or she gets a total of 400 calories per day, which can be divided into 4 meals. This is crucial for yorkie pups as they need to build up a healthy digestive system to grow.
Why are Yorkies Susceptible to Hypoglycemia?
Yorkies are as sweet as sugar but unfortunately very easily get hypoglycemic. Small breed dogs like yorkies easily get this condition because they are prone to difficulties with the consumption of food. A huge factor could be teeth development causing reduced food intake and lower sugar counts.
Because of their small stature, they have difficulty maintaining the right temperature which in turn causes too little sugar being produced by their bodies to create energy. With older yorkies, hypoglycemia can occur from a poor diet, too much exercise or too much stress.
Why Should You Include Wet and Dry Food in Your Yorkie’s Diet?
Our dogs need sufficient hydration and wet food helps with that. It is certainly important to have a bowl of fresh water available but wet food just helps with easy consumption. Make sure to keep your dog’s food and water out of the sun so it doesn’t get hot. It is also important to maintain good portion control when feeding a balance of wet and dry food.
Keeping it Natural
Natural foods seem to иу gaining more traction and the cheaper food brands that are filled with byproducts and unhealthy ingredients isn’t the first choice for dog owners anymore. As we take more time to consider what we eat we should also consider what we are feeding our pets.
We did some careful research and tried a few brands to help you with your yorkie food shopping list. Here are some of the best dog food for yorkies and what we think about it.
Best Dry Dog Food for Yorkies, 4 Years and Up
Royal Canin Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food Yorkshire Terrier
A Tried and Trusted Brand in Most Households
This brand is specifically made with adult yorkies in mind and offers a formula that supports long life expectancy and sufficient omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids and biotin for healthy and glossy hair. The shape of the kibble is designed for the small muzzle and bit of your beloved yorkie.
Why We Like It:
- This brand is well-known.
- Easily chewable kibble.
What We Don’t Like:
- Old fashioned brand, needs a revamp
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed Dry Dog Food
A Brand Catering to The Protein Needs of Our Dogs
For a more natural approach you might want to look at this brand as it is also considered as one of the best grain-free options when looking at the best dry dog food for yorkies. This natural recipe is packed with delicious real chicken and exclusive Blue life source bits that is filled with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. This is a great natural choice.
Why We Like It:
- A natural option great for yorkies
- Real protein ingredients
What We Don’t Like:
- A high price tag compared to similar.
Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe
Combining Meat and Vegetables as a Healthy Meal
For a delicious meat and veggie combo you can get hold of a grain-free option that will give your yorkie a healthy skin and coat. The combination of this food includes probiotics which assures a functioning and working digestive system.
Why We Like It:
- Sweet potato with chicken is delicious.
- Delicious variety for finicky eaters.
What We Don’t Like:
- High price tag.
- Not economical.
Best Food for Your Teacup Yorkie
Teacup yorkies are incredibly popular and it is understandable, they are incredibly cute and fit perfectly offering a lot of love. When considering toy breeds we should always take into consideration they are smaller and require the right food that is easily digestible and a healthy option for them.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Dog Food for Small & Toy Breeds
A Natural Option to Keep any Teacup Yorkie Healthy
This great brand will provide your teacup yorkie with farm raised chicken and non-gmo additives. Another great blend of chicken, sweet potato and brown rice. This formula has been put together containing all the required nutrients and antioxidants for your teacup pup.
Why We Like It:
- Essential nutrients for teacup breeds.
- Tailored nutrition for a healthy yorkie.
What We Don’t Like:
- The price isn’t great.
- The packaging is fairly boring.
Solid Gold Small & Toy Breed Wet Dog Food
A Luxury Brand for Our Loved Teacup Yorkies
This is a brand that offers natural and holistic food option for our toy yorkies. The formula has been made to help with sensitive tummies and is very easily digestible. A great combination of ingredients that don’t include additives that are harmful to your yorkie.
Why We Like It:
- The colorful packaging looks great.
- Caters for sensitive tummies
What We Don’t Like:
- A high price to pay for wet food.
DIAMOND NATURALS Small Breed Dog Real Chicken Recipe
A Yummy Alternative Made With Real Chicken
A healthy alternative with a combination of super foods that will ensure your yorkie gets all the important nutrients and vitamins that he or she needs. High-quality protein makes up a healthy diet with this brand.
Why We Like It:
- Most important ingredients.
- Small business, family owned.
What We Don’t Like:
- Not related or attractive packaging.
- Fewer flavors.
Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed & Toy Breed
Keeping our Yorkie’s Teeth Healthy and Strong
A brand that is grain free with freeze-dried and cage-free chicken that is made with sufficient amounts of calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones. This brand boasts that its recipes are made up of natural and raw ingredients which is great for your small dog breeds.
Why We Like It:
- Helps with teeth conditions.
- Promotes strong bones.
What We Don’t Like:
- Raw foods contain more bacteria.
Now that we have covered some of the best dog foods for yorkies we would like to share a few tips with you on taking care of your yorkie.
Tips to Further Provide Your Yorkie With The Best Possible Care
This information will help new yorkie owners and owners with established yorkies in their household. Yorkshire Terriers have been around for a while and are considered one of the most popular breeds for owners that are looking for smaller dogs that require love and attention.
Create a Space for Your Yorkie
All dogs like to play when their owners are away. Yorkies are naturally playful and can easily cause a bit of chaos while you are away. Create a safe play space for your yorkie at home to play in. Make sure you include enough toys that tickle their fancy and enough stimulation.
Stick to a Well-Balanced Diet
As previously make sure that you stick to a good diet for your yorkie with sufficient nutrients and minerals to keep them in the best condition possible.
Grooming is Important
Soft long hair and a shiny coat is one of the most beautiful traits of yorkies. Make sure that they get bathed, a good brushing and coat care. You should also trim their nails frequently and make sure to take care of their teeth as yorkies easily get teeth problems.
Daily Exercise, Stick to a Routine
Your Yorkie needs to meet his or her daily exercise requirements. This can include fun activities such as play or perhaps just a daily walk will do the trick. Your yorkie will love the time spent with you and stay healthy with this routine.
Stay Informed About Precautions
Yorkshire Terriers are susceptible to many conditions and health issues, do sufficient research about these and make sure you take the necessary precautions to keep your pup happy, safe and healthy.
Daily, Weekly and Monthly Commitments
Adopting a yorkie includes adopting a schedule of sufficient care that includes all treatments that are required for example grooming, flea and tick treatments and paw protection. Make sure you keep up to date with these important dates in your schedule.
Regular Vet Visits and Check-ups
Find a vet that you are comfortable with and build a good relationship with him or her. You would need to take your yorkie for all his required visits and scheduled check-ups to make sure your pup is healthy and that the care you are providing is sufficient.
Love and Attention, a Must for Yorkies
Certain dog breeds are independent and cope with certain periods of loneliness. Yorkies, however, need ample amounts of love, care and attention. They easily feel neglect and abandonment and will get depressed which will in turn effect their health.