Yorkies are cute little balls of fur who make great family pets due to their size and sweet disposition. Your Yorkie most likely shows you endless amounts of love, and maybe you feel like you are not giving enough back.
One of the easiest ways to show your Yorkie how much you love them is by feeding them the right type of food that they need. The best dog food for Yorkies caters to the needs of their bodies and the needs of their palate.
For their bodies, Yorkies need food that gives them an ideal level of calories, the right energy source, and a combination of ingredients that will provide them the nutrients they need.
As for the needs of their palate no dog will eat something that does not smell good since it will not taste good; if the food your pick satisfies your dog’s cravings, then you are on the right path to having a happy and healthy Yorkie.
Best Dog Food For Yorkies
When seeking a Yorkie, puppy food, one of the best you can offer your dog is the Hill’s Science diet Dry Puppy Food for Small Breeds.
Key Features
- Easy to digest formula
- Supports healthy body development
- Has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Hill’s Science Diet has specially formulated this dry food for small breed puppies. Small breed dogs do not need as much to fill their bellies, so they need to pack as many nutrients, proteins, and beneficial ingredients into each easy to eat kibble piece.
All of the ingredients used come together to support healthy brain development so your puppy will learn faster and be easier to train. This diet is packed with all the antioxidants a growing puppy needs, like DHA, and Vitamins E and C.
While you will find grains in this diet, you will not find artificial ingredients, which are more harmful to puppies.
Pros
- Available in 4.5 and 15.5-pound bag options
- Clinically proven nutrition value
Cons
- Contains grains, which could risk being used only as filler ingredients rather than beneficial ingredients
Your Yorkie puppy will start right in life towards a healthy adult body thanks to the Hill’s Science Diet Dry Puppy Food for Small Breeds.
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection
An excellent small breed puppy formula caters to the specific needs a little puppy body needs. The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Food has all the nutrients a growing small puppy needs.
Key Features
- Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
- Has no by-product meals
- Contains LifeSource Bits
Blue Buffalo has always put your dog’s health at the top of their priority list, no matter your dog’s size or age. Puppyhood is a delicate time in your dog’s life, and Blue Buffalo will be there to ensure that your Yorkie will have all of the nutrients their growing bodies need.
As with all Blue Buffalo diets, their patented Lifesource Bits are mixed in, which promote a healthy immune system, fulfill their life stage requirements, and gives your pup a healthy oxidative balance.
You should see every aspect of your Yorkie puppy looking better and better as they continue to eat this diet from their skin and fur down to their teeth and bones.
Pros
- Available in 6 and 15-pound bag options
- Supports your puppy’s growth from the inside
Cons
- Contains oats and barely in the first five ingredients
Your Yorkie puppy will be growing faster than you can believe, so be sure to help them develop a healthy mind and body by feeding them Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Food.
3. Wellness Core
Start caring for your Yorkie puppy from the core by feeding them Wellness Core Natural Small Breed Puppy Formula.
Key Features
- Meant to support health and growth of small breed dogs
- Animal proteins are the first three ingredients used
This Wellness Core diet has optimal levels of DHA, which is vital to support cognitive development, especially bones, in small breed dogs.
Small breed dogs have more fragile bones compared to larger breed dogs, so they need all the bone support they can get. But this diet also includes Omega-Fatty Acids for healthy skin and fur and has a high-quality protein level to help your puppy develop strong muscles.
While animal protein is high in this diet, Wellness Core also adds healthy fruits and vegetables to balance out the nutrient needs of your small breed dog.
Pros
- Available in 4 and 12-pound bag food options
- Grain-free
- Protein-rich
Cons
- Contains Tomato Pomace, which is considered a controversial dog food ingredient
Small breed puppies need a specific diet that works alongside their individual development rate, so the Wellness Core Natural Small Breed Puppy Food diet is just the diet you need to benefit your sweet pup.
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness
One of the best wet food for Yorkies that you can buy for your Yorkie is the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed Wet Food.
Key Features
- Animal proteins make up the first four ingredients
- Protein-packed wet food
- Contains no wheat, corn, or soy products
Let your Yorkie feel the inner wolf in them by feeding them this wet food diet. This wet food uses both turkey and chicken for a high protein source that will give your fast calorie using Yorkie the energy that they need.
You will not find any by-product protein meals in this diet, only the best raised and sourced animal proteins. As well, there are no corn, wheat, soy, preservatives, or artificial ingredients used only wholesome and nutrient-packed ingredients.
Pros
- Available in 5.5 OZ cans
- Complete and balanced wet food diet
- Contains natural ingredients
Cons
- Only for adult small breed dogs; not ideal for puppies or medium-sized dogs
Even small dogs can have a taste of the wild and will greatly appreciate it, so feed them Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed Wet Food to satisfy that wild need.
5. Rachael Ray Nutrish
Rachel Ray may be known for making amazing human food, but she also caters to the needs of your pets as shown in the Rachel Ray Nutrish Little Bites Small Breed Dry Dog Food.
Key Features
- Made with farm-raised ingredients
- Animal protein is the first ingredient used
- Has no artificial ingredients
USA raised turkey is the first ingredient used in this diet, which is a protein that is lean in fat but is still rich in protein that will keep your Yorkie going throughout the day.
There are no artificial ingredients ever used or preservatives, which can be harmful in large quantities to small dogs. Grains are used in this diet, but it is brown rice, which is a highly digestible carbohydrate low in fat and rich in fiber.
The addition of carrots and carrots adds antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals.
Pros
- Available in 6 and 14-pound bag options
- Uses real, wholesome ingredients
- Sourced and made in the USA
Cons
- Contains Beet Pulp and Pea Starch, which are controversial pet food ingredients
Make your own Rachel Ray inspired meal while your Yorkie is chowing down on the healthful and beneficial Rachel Ray Nutrish Little Bites Small Breed Dry Dog Food diet.
6. Purina Pro Plan
Do not give your Yorkie any dry food you see on the shelf since you are not sure if it will fully benefit them. Instead, know that you are giving your Yorkie the diet they need by feeding them Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Formula.
Key Features
- Real chicken is the number one ingredient
- Specially made to cater to small breed dogs
- Packed with essential vitamins and minerals
Purina Pro has made their small breed formula with an optimal protein-to-fat ratio that provides small adult dogs with the energy they need without risking them getting overweight.
The addition of Vitamin A, Linoleic Acid, and Omega-6 with help your Yorkie have smoother skin and a shiny, glossy coat of fur. A natural prebiotic fiber has also been added to the diet to make sure that your small dog has better intestinal health and better bathroom times.
Pros
- Available in 6, 18, and 34-pound bag options
- Comes as kibble or shredded blend formulas
Cons
- Contains by-product meals, which is questionable what goes in the meals
You will start to see how much better your Yorkie looks and feels a few weeks after feeding them Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Formula.
7. Cesar Simply Crafted
Simple isn’t always bad, especially in dog food. In this case, Cesar Simply Crafted Wet Dog Food uses limited ingredients that will benefit your pup’s overall health.
Key Features
- Ingredients stated on flavor are the only ingredients used
- Made of high-quality proteins and produce
Not every wet food has to have an extensive ingredient list to satisfy your dog’s needs, even a list of six ingredients is enough.
The Simply Crafted line from Cesar only uses the ingredients stated on the formula, so there are no hidden additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. Since your Yorkie will only be eating a few ingredients, they have a better chance of absorbing the needed nutrients that they need.
Since they are such high-quality formulas, you do not have to stick to just one flavor, which your dog will most likely be grateful for with all the flavor options available to them.
Pros
- Available in eight different flavors
- Can be used as toppers or a diet supplement
Cons
- Does not contain high nutritional content so best not to be fed on its own
Cesar Simply Crafted Wet Dog Food is made and looks so close to human food you may even be tempted to try the food yourself, but leave it for your Yorkie instead.
8. NUTRO
Your Yorkie will have a strong and healthy adult body when you feed them Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Formula.
Key Features
- Chicken is the first ingredient used
- Made with Non-GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Your Yorkie should not be eating low-quality foods, not when you want them to stay active and healthy throughout their adulthood. Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient used for a high yet healthy protein source.
A unique blend of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits will provide your dog with a natural fiber source, essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Nutro uses only Non-GMO ingredients and never goes near artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives; your Yorkie will only be eating beneficial ingredients every day.
Pros
- Available in 3, 5, and 15-pound bag options
- Specially made for small breed adult dogs
Cons
- Contains grains, so not ideal for dogs with allergies to grains
By feeding your Yorkie Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Formula you are ensuring your Yorkie will live a long and healthy life alongside you.
9. Castor & Pollux Organix
For a complete and balanced diet that will benefit your little Yorkie inside and out, feed them Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe.
Key Features
- Grain-Free
- Cooked in the USA
- Packed with superfoods
Castor & Pollux only uses ingredients sourced in the USA to ensure that the highest quality products are being fed to your dog. This is one of the few dog foods that are USDA Certified Organic.
Being that this food is organic and packed with superfoods, your Yorkie will both feel and look great as they eat this diet. Probiotics and prebiotic fiber are added to the food while cooking to help support healthy digestion and make transitioning to a new diet easier on your dog’s tummy.
You should be able to recognize near every ingredient in this diet, so you know what you are feeding your beloved Yorkie.
Pros
- Available in 4 and 10-pound bag options
- USDA Organic
Cons
- Contains flaxseed and sunflower oil, which is considered controversial pet food ingredients
If you love to eat organic why not offer that same quality to your Yorkie by feeding them Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe.
10. Merrick Lil’ Plates
Your Yorkie will be licking their lips when they see you holding a container of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food in your hand.
Key Features
- Animal protein is the first ingredient
- Grain and gluten-free
- All ingredients sourced in the USA
Deboned meat is always the first ingredient used in all of the flavors offered by Lil’ Plates, so your Yorkie will have a high protein source that will keep their little bodies going.
There is also a hearty mix of fruits and vegetables that further give your Yorkie a healthy serving of essential vitamins and minerals. Most of these foods have a delectable gravy to it to further add flavor to your Yorkie’s dry food in case they are a picky eater.
Pros
- Available in 10 different flavors
- Available in singles or a variety pack
Cons
- Meant to be a supplement to dry food
Not only does Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food offer a variety of flavors, but it also offers a well-balanced wet food.
11. Solid Gold Wee Bit
Even small dogs need a special diet that will give their small bodies the energy and nutrients that they need, and Solid Gold Wee Bit Small Breed Formula is one of the best dry foods for small breed dogs.
Key Features
- Bison is the first ingredient
- Has no by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients
- Made with holistic ingredients
Solid Gold is America’s first holistic pet food, and they take care to source all of their ingredients from local and holistic sources so your small dog will only have the best and most nutrient-packed ingredients offered to them.
Bison is the first ingredient used, which is a clean, high protein, and low-fat protein ideal for the needs your Yorkie’s body has. This food does use grains, but they are healthy grains that will benefit your Yorkie’s body, not just fill them up.
Pros
- Available in 4 and 12-pound bags
- Has nutrient-dense superfoods added to it
Cons
- Contains Tomato Pomace, which is a controversial dog food ingredient
You will be able to fuel your dog’s energy and their personalities when you feed them Solid Gold Wee Bit Small Breed Formula.
12. Halo Natural
Every sized dog has their specific dietary needs, which Halo Small Breed Formula aims to please.
Key Features
- Made specifically for small breeds
- Smaller kibble size
- Contains Halo’s DreamCoat formula
Every flavor made by Halo starts with real whole meat, whether it be meat, poultry, or fish. Non-GMO vegetables are added to provide much-needed vitamins and minerals that dogs need to prosper.
Better yet, this formula has smaller, easier to eat kibbles so that your Yorkie will not have a hard time trying to eat their dinner. Yorkies are known for their lovely coat, so you will be glad to know that Halo’s DreamCoat formula is specially made for smooth skin and shiny coats.
Halo will help your Yorkie feel and look good from the inside out.
Pros
- Available in 4 and 10-pound bags
- Available in three different flavors
Cons
- Some customers have stated that their dogs will not eat the new formula
Be sure that your Yorkie will have all of their dietary needs satisfied thanks to the size-specific formula offered by Halo Small Breed Formula.
13. Instinct
Satisfy your Yorkie’s cravings for a heartier, meatier diet by feeding them Instinct Original Small Breed Wet Food.
Key Features
- Grain-Free
- Has no artificial ingredients
- Contains no corn, potato, wheat, or soy products
- Raw-inspired diet
Instinct is known for making raw diets, and their small breed formula is no different. Their small breed wet food is packed with high-quality animal proteins raised and sourced in the USA to ensure quality control.
Fresh vegetables like carrots and spinach are added so that your Yorkie is not denied the essential nutrients that their bodies desire. There are no artificial ingredients or filler ingredients used to prevent your Yorkie from reacting to the food.
Pros
- Available in beef, chicken, and rabbit formulas
- Available in 3.5 OZ containers
- Ideal for all life stages
Cons
- Does not specify what the natural flavors are
Made in the USA, the complete and balanced Instinct Original Small Breed Wet Food will keep your Yorkie stronger and healthier throughout their lifetime.
14. Earthborn Holistic
Yorkies should not weigh more than 20 pounds, so to be sure that your Yorkie is not at risk of becoming overweight feed them Earthborn Holistic Small Breed Natural Dog Food.
Key Features
- Grain-Free
- Balanced nutritional content
- Smaller kibble sizes for smaller mouths
Earthborn uses premium protein sources that help your Yorkie build strong and lean muscles. Antioxidant vegetables and fruits are a wholesome addition to the diet that provides essential nutrients that will help your Yorkie develop a healthy inner body.
Omega Fatty Acids will nourish your Yorkie’s skin so that they will have a glossy coat. Since this diet does not contain any grain, gluten, or potatoes, you can be sure each ingredient is entirely beneficial.
Pros
- Available in 5, 14, and 28-pound bags
- Made specifically for dogs weighing under 20 pounds
Cons
- Contains chicken meal instead of a whole chicken
Well-balanced dog food diets are not as tricky to come by when you are searching in the right place, and the Earthborn Holistic Small Breed Natural Dog Food is as right as it gets.
15. Royal Canin
If you want to be super sure your Yorkie is getting the best diet for their bodies, feed them Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Dry Dog Food.
Key Features
- Made specifically for adult Yorkshire Terriers
- Helps maintain a healthy body inside and out
This dry food is formulated to be highly palatable and packed with specific nutrients that will support a long life in your Yorkie. The high content of Omega Fatty Acids will help your Yorkie grow their unique fur in longer, softer strands while keeping their skin flake-free.
Yorkies have small mouths and may struggle with kibble sizes, but they should not have any problem eating these kibble sizes made explicitly for their mouths.
Pros
- Available in 2.5 and 10-pound bags
- Kibble shape made specifically for Yorkies
Cons
- Contains grains and by-product meals
The Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Dry Dog Food is specifically made to maintain your Yorkshire Terrier’s body to their full potential.
Bottom Line
All of the foods that we have suggested will make great choices for your Yorkie to ensure happy brains, fit bodies, and overall positive health.
By choosing to go with lower quality foods, you are just filling up your dog’s stomach, not providing them a meal packed with the essential nutrients that their small bodies need. You do not have to go above and beyond and invest in expensive foods as there are plenty of affordable yet high-quality dog foods out there.
Any of the dog food that we have suggested will be excellent choices for your Yorkie without breaking the bank. If none of the foods we have suggested catches your interest, use our list instead of as a guide for what to look out for in the dog foods you have available to you.
The more that you know about what goes in the food that you are feeding your Yorkie, the better you will be able to supplement them and ensure that they have a happy and long healthy life.
The Review
Best Dog Food For Yorkies
Here's our review of the best dog food for Yorkies to help you choose which brand to buy.
Review Breakdown
- Hill's Science Diet
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection
- Wellness Core
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness
- Rachael Ray Nutrish
- Purina Pro Plan
- Cesar Simply Crafted
- NUTRO
- Castor & Pollux Organix
- Merrick Lil' Plates
- Solid Gold Wee Bit
- Halo
- Instinct
- Earthborn Holistic
- Royal Canin
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