The 13 Best Dog Foods for Yorkshire Terriers in 2023

By Kevin Myers | 2023 Update

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 adorable 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 food for Yorkshire terriers based on my detailed 40-point inspection list. Compare your top options and choose the best one for your pooch.

Let’s dive in.

The Best Dog Foods for Yorkshire Terriers Reviewed

Top PicksRatingTop Ingredients
#1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Dog Food
(Editor’s Choice)
4.9Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley,
Menhaden Fish Meal
#2. Merrick Real Beef & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Puppy Food4.8Deboned Beef, Sweet Potatoes,
Peas, Lamb Meal, Potatoes
#3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Dog Food4.8Chicken Meal, Cracked Barley, Brewers Rice, 
Whole Wheat, Whole Corn
#4. Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Dog Food Trays4.8Beef, Chicken Liver, Beef Lung, Chicken Broth, Water
#5. Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food4.7Brewers Rice, Brown Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten
#6. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dog Food4.7Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils
#7. ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food4.7Beef, Wild Boar, Goat, Lamb, Lamb Liver
#8. CANIDAE All Life Stages Less Active Formula Dog Food4.7Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Rice Bran, Peas

#1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Dog Food

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
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

Give your small breed dog the nutrition they deserve with Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Dog Food. It 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.

#2. Merrick Real Beef & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Puppy Food

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

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

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

#4. Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Dog Food Trays

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
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 9% | Fat (min.) 4% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 82%
  • Form: Wet

Cesar’s Classic Loaf in Sauce Variety Dog Food is the closest thing you can offer to a full-fledged buffet to a Yorkie. The 24-case pack offers four mouth-watering flavors: grilled chicken, filet mignon, beef, and porterhouse steak. Each can contain 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.

#5. Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food

Ratings:

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
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 16% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

Royal Canin’s formula is specifically designed to address the distinctive needs of Yorkshire Terriers, including their small size, delicate digestive system, and picky eating habits. Real chicken is the primary protein source, aiding in maintaining lean muscle mass and promoting overall vitality.

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.

#6. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dog Food

Ratings:

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
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 34% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • 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. 

#7. ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Ratings:

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
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 38% | Fat (min.) 18% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 12%
  • 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. This recipe is an ideal option to help your Yorkshire terrier gain healthy mass if you can afford the premium price. 

#8. CANIDAE All Life Stages Less Active Formula Dog Food

Ratings:

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
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 24% | Fat (min.) 10% | Fiber (max.) 4.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

CANIDAE All Life Stages Less Active Formula Dog Food is an excellent choice for dogs who require a reduced-calorie diet without compromising on essential nutrients. This recipe 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. Choose CANIDAE for a balanced and wholesome diet that supports your dog’s specific needs.

#9. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food

Ratings:

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
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 34% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • 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. 

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

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

Ratings:

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

#11. The Farmer’s Dog

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

#12. Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Small Breed Dog Food

Ratings:

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
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 21% | Fat (min.) 11% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • 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. 

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.

#13. American Journey Active Life Formula Dog Food

Ratings:

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
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 25% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

Yorkshire terriers are active dogs that need 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.

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

Other Interesting Guides:

Best Dog Foods for Yorkshire Terriers – A Buyer’s Guide

Like other small dogs, this toy dog breed has tiny mouths and requires food to be appropriately sized. It is also essential to note that Yorkshire Terriers often face dental issues and have petite stomachs. Therefore, it’s advisable to provide them with meals containing small, bite-sized kibble portions. This approach promotes both their dental health and comfortable digestion.

Yorkies need three small feedings of allergen-free food a day. So, what to look for in a Yorkie Terrier’s food? This guide has all the information you’re looking for.

Essential Ingredients for Your Yorkie

Make sure the food you pick for your Yorkie has the following nutrition in premium quality.

  • 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 potatoes, 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. I have listed some important factors you must consider before making your buying decision:

  • LID formulation: This simply refers to the fact that pet food should have limited ingredients and do not contain preservatives or allergens. LID formulation also ensures that there is only one primary source of nutrients, such as beef, chicken, and turkey.
  • Fiber Richness: Many pet owners may argue that fiber is not very significant for a dog’s diet. However, proper intake of fiber promotes the health of the digestive system. 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 protect the colon from excess water and also help resolve 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 vitamins 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.

Yorkshire Terrier Health Concerns

Yorkshire Terriers are adorable small dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Proper nutrition can play a significant role in mitigating these problems. Some common health problems include:

  • Dental Issues: Yorkies often experience dental problems due to their small mouths. Feeding them dental-specific kibble or small-sized kibble designed to promote dental health can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally, dental treats can be beneficial for oral hygiene.
  • Hypoglycemia: Yorkies are susceptible to low blood sugar levels. Feeding them regular, balanced meals throughout the day can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Choose dog food with complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
  • Skin and Coat Problems: Many Yorkies have long, silky coats that require special care. Foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can support skin and coat health, reducing issues like dryness and itching.
  • Allergies: Yorkies can develop allergies to certain ingredients. Opt for hypoallergenic dog foods that exclude common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. Limited-ingredient diets can also help identify and manage food sensitivities.
  • Digestive Issues: Their sensitive digestive systems can benefit from easily digestible proteins and a moderate amount of dietary fiber. Look for high-quality, balanced dog food with probiotics to support healthy digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

In the debate between dry and wet dog food for your Yorkie, dry food is often preferred due to their sensitive teeth. However, consult your vet for personalized dietary advice tailored to your Yorkie’s specific needs.

How much food should I feed my Yorkie?

Each dog has different dietary needs based on factors like activity level and age. Active dogs require more food, and puppies eat more than adults. Calorie requirements vary by age and food type, so always check the food label and consult your vet for personalized feeding advice.

Can I feed scrambled eggs to my Yorkie?

Although scrambled eggs won’t cause any serious harm to your dog, there are better ways to feed eggs to your Yorkie. Eggs are full of protein and quite healthy for dogs. Moreover, different forms of eggs 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.

What food should Yorkies not eat?

Yorkshire Terriers have sensitive teeth and stomachs, so it’s crucial to avoid feeding them foods that are difficult to chew or digest, such as onions, garlic, grapes, macadamia nuts, chives, broccoli, fruits with seeds, and bones. Always read the ingredients carefully before selecting dog food to ensure it’s suitable for your furry friend’s specific dietary needs.

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

For Yorkies with small mouths and stomachs, opt for soft, easily digestible dry food. Make sure the food contains essential proteins like chicken, carbs such as sweet potatoes, and healthy fats like fish oils to meet their specific dietary needs.

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 a decreasing amount of old food until it has been completely replaced.

Is grain-free food good for Yorkshire Terriers?

Yorkshire Terriers are susceptible to dental issues, so it’s wise to steer clear of foods with a crunchy or brittle texture, like grains. To keep them healthy and content, opt for grain-free, soy-free, and wheat-free food that meets their nutritional needs through sources like chicken, sweet potatoes, and fish oil, providing essential fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Can Yorkshire terriers eat cucumbers?

Cucumbers are a safe, low-calorie snack for Yorkshire Terriers. To ensure their safety, cut cucumbers into small, manageable pieces, particularly for small dogs with sensitive teeth and small mouths. Avoid feeding them a whole cucumber.

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 the 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?

Yorkshire Terriers often enjoy soft foods, including fruits like bananas, apples, kiwis, oranges, and pears, which are some of their favorites due to their vegan-like preferences for veggies and soft plants.

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 Yorkie.

Further reading:

Final Words

In conclusion, when it comes to selecting the best dog food for Yorkshire Terriers, it’s vital to consider their unique needs, such as small size, sensitive stomachs, and dental health. You can confidently choose any of the products we’ve reviewed in this guide, as they represent the best and highest quality dog food options available for Yorkshire Terriers. These carefully selected foods are designed to cater to the specific requirements of your beloved Yorkie, ensuring a healthy and happy life for your furry companion.

Cheers!