Yorkie Dog Food: Choosing a Yorkshire Terrier Formula

Because a Yorkie dog is prone to specific ailments, including tooth decay, diet is important. Their thick, flowing coat of fur looks best when your dog is eating a high-quality food.

While some manufacturers offer dog kibble specifically designed for Yorkshire Terriers, this food does not always contain quality ingredients. Shop wisely to ensure your dog is getting the best possible nutritional content from his food.

Foods Specifically Designed for a Yorkie Dog

Royal Canin makes a food specific to the Yorkshire Terrier breed. Don't be tricked into thinking this is the best food available for your dog. The first six ingredients in their Yorkshire Terrier formula are:

  • Chicken meal

  • Rice

  • Chicken Fat

  • Corn gluten meal

  • Rice flour

  • Dried beet pulp

The rice, corn gluten and beet pulp provide low-quality fiber. In addition, many dogs have allergies to corn. These ingredients are unlikely to benefit your dog in any way. Chicken meal, while better than meat by-products, are not as good as a true meat source like deboned chicken, lamb, beef or fish.

What to Look for in a Quality Yorkie Food

Any food he eats must have protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. Become accustomed to reading labels and checking to see what ingredients are listed.

The very first ingredient on the list of dog food ingredients should be a protein source. Look for deboned poultry, beef, lamb, venison or fish. Avoid by-products.

Also, try to stay away from foods with:

  • brewer's rice
  • white rice
  • corn products
  • wheat
  • soy

Brown rice or sweet potato are better sources of fiber.

Foods with fish oils are going to help keep your Yorkie dog's coat shiny. Salmon, mackerel and anchovies are popular ingredients in dog foods. Vegetables are great. They're packed with antioxidants that improve a dog's health. Foods containing cranberries can help keep UTIs from occurring, so it's worth looking for a food containing cranberries.

Yorkshire Terriers have small jaws. If the pieces of food are too large, the dog will have a hard time chewing it. Soaking the dog food in water or unsalted broth will help. Otherwise, look for small kibble.

Calorie Requirements for a Yorkie Dog

Your dog's level of activity dictates how much food he really needs. Most Yorkshire Terriers weigh approximately 10 pounds. For a dog to maintain his weight at 11 pounds, he needs 450 calories. If the dog is extremely active, you'll need to increase his portions.

Physical Problems Are Aided by a Quality Diet

Yorkshire Terriers are prone to many ailments, including spine and hip troubles. Having an overweight dog will worsen these issues. Remember that low-quality ingredients and excessive snacks are more likely to cause your dog to become overweight.

Tooth decay is a major problem. Dry kibble helps scrape away plaque and tartar. Make sure your dog gets dry food to eat every day. Brushing teeth every day also helps.

To keep their energy levels managed throughout the day, offer your Yorkie dog three small meals per day. If the dog food states 3/4 of a cup per day, divvy it up into 1/4 a cup portions offered in the morning, afternoon and evening. Avoid any urge to offer additional treats or snacks unless you reduce the portion of food first.

 

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