The Yorkshire Terrier or simply Yorkie is a cute and cuddly toy breed that has a big personality. Yorkies are intelligent and will require a nutritionally appropriate diet for their small size.
Yorkies only weigh on average around 5-7 pounds, with Teacup Yorkies weighing even less. By weight, the National Research Council of the National Academies recommends an average daily caloric intake of 150 calories per day.
Unfortunately, the genetics past down from breeding has left the Yorkshire Terrier with predisposition conditions such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, teeth and gum issues and collapsing tracheas. This is why it’s extremely important to feed your Yorkie a dog food brand that;s nutritionally balanced, complete and specifically designed for them.
So what’s the best dog food for a Yorkshire Terrier? Our team of dog food nutritionists researched and analyzed over 400 small and toy breed dog foods for the very best based off the nutritional needs of a Yorkies. Here are the best dog food brands for a Yorkie for 2024.
To qualify each dog food brand must meet the following requirements:
- Real Meat or Fish is #1 Ingredient
- Small Breed Specific Formla
- Protein and Fat Levels Balance
- No Corn, Wheat or Soy
- No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives
- Exceeds AAFCO Standards
Wellness® Toy Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice & Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food
Yorkies, just like their larger counterparts, need to be fed real meat to help live a healthy life. If you are looking for a lean meat source consider feeding real de-boned chicken. Wellness Complete Healthy Toy Breed is made with this highly palatable ingredient that Yorkies will love.
Additionally, the 5 star dry dog food is specifically formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs your Yorkshire Terrier requires. The kibble is not only perfectly bite-sized and palatable, it’s nutritionally complete as well. The balance Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed offers has perfect amount of protein, fat and calories your Yorkie requires on a daily basis.
Additional protein-concentrated chicken meal and turkey meal is added to exceeds AAFCO standard for protein levels (30.0% min). Furthermore, Wellness adds antioxidant rich fruits, whole vegetables and glucosamine for hip and joint health as well.
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Oatmeal, Peas, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Tomatoes, Carrots, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Apples, Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Mixed Tocopherols Added to Preserve Freshness, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Beta-Carotene, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Chicory Root Extract, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Caloric Content: 502 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 30.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 17.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 3.5% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.1% max |
| PHOSPHORUS | 0.7% max |
| VITAMIN E | 400 IU/kg min |
| ASCORBIC ACID | 100 mg/kg min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 3.5% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.75% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 200 mg/kg min |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 150 mg/kg min |
| BETA-CAROTENE | 5 mg/kg min |
| TOTAL LACTIC ACID MICROORGANISMS | 20,000,000 CFU/lb min |
Natural Balance® Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Chicken Meal & Duck Meal Formula Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food
Created by dog food expert nutritionists, Natural Balance Original nourishes the high energy needs your Yorkie requires. The gluten-free diet contains oat fiber which helps aid in proper digestion of those tiny tummies. Antioxidant rich cranberries, blueberries and spinach are also found in this 5 star small breed dry dog food brand.
In addition to rich antioxidants, DHA and EPA amino acids are added for healthy brain function. To help with hip and joint health in Yorkies, Natural Balance includes zinc and manganese as well. If your looking for high quality ingredients at an affordable price, Natural Balance is a great choice for a Yorkshire Terrier.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Pea Protein, Carrots, Duck Meal, Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oat Hulls, Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Vitamins(Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), L-Tryptophan, Dried Kelp, Dried Spinach, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Cranberries, Blueberries, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Caloric Content: 3750 kcal/kg, 410 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 23.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 13.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 3.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.2% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1.0% min |
| VITAMIN E | 100 IU/kg min |
| ASCORBIC ACID | 200 mg/kg min |
| TAURINE | 0.05% min |
| DHA & EPA | 0.25% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.5% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.4% min |
Blue Buffalo® Wilderness Toy Breed Adult Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This specifically designed toy breed dry dog food contains a perfect optimal blend of proteins and carbohydrates to help meet the high energy needs of a Yorkshire Terrier. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Toy Breed is made with deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein and peas for a protein-dense diet.
Per guaranteed analysis, the formula exceeds AAFCO Standards with a high 36.0% min protein level. The small-size kibble is then balanced out with healthy chicken fat (16.0% min) for a nutritionally power packed toy breed dry dog food brand.
The addition of potatoes, peas and sweet potatoes provide the necessary carbohydrates needed. Additional blueberries, cranberries and carrots are also added to provide healthy immunity as well.
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Dried Egg Product, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Pea Starch, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, DL-Methionine, Salt, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Carnitine, Copper Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
Caloric Content: 3,670 kcal/kg, 424 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 36.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 16.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 5.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.4% max |
| PHOSPHORUS | 0.9% min |
| OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.5% min |
| OMEGA 6 FATTY ACIDS | 3.0% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 400 mg/kg min |
Nutro® Ultra Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Nutro Ultra Toy Breed Dry Dog Food packs all the necessary proteins and fats your Yorkie needs. Made with farm-raised chicken, pasture-fed lamb and fresh Pacific salmon, the 3 lean meat formula is protein-rich.
The 5 star dry dog food is also mixed with a holistic superfood blend of antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables and essential oils as well. Whole grains are included which are nutrient-rich and help with promoting a healthy digestive system. To help support hearing and eye health in Yorkies, Nutro added taurine to the formula as well.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Lamb Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Rice Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Lamb Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Rice Bran, Salmon Meal, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Natural Flavor, Whole Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Dried Coconut, Whole Chia Seed, Dried Egg Product, Tomato Pomace, Dried Kale, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Spinach, Dried Blueberries, Dried Apples, Dried Carrots, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Selenium Yeast, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Caloric Content: 3588 kcal/kg, 348 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 26.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 15.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.0% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 0.9% min |
| ZINC | 250 mg/kg min |
| VITAMIN E | 80 IU/kg min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.5% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 3.5% min |
Taste of the Wild® Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
If you are looking to nourish your Yorkie’s dietary needs turn to none other than Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. The small breed dry dog food recipe is formulated with real venison, lamb meal, garbanzo beans, peas and lentils.
Additional whole vegetables, fruits, vitamins and minerals are added to help balance out and complete the formula. Additional probiotic fibers are added to help with digestive support for your Yorkie as well. The rich blend of healthy proteins and essential fats makes the formula extremely palatable for the pickiest Yorkie.
Ingredients: Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils, Pea Protein, Canola Oil, Egg Product, Duck Meal, Pea Flour, Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Ocean Fish Meal, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried BiFidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, RiboflAvin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.
Caloric Content: 3,719 kcal/kg, 370 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 32.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 18.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| ZINC | 150 mg/kg min |
| TAURINE | 0.12% min |
| SELENIUM | 0.35 mg/kg min |
| VITAMIN E | 150 IU/kg min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.8% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.3% min |
| TOTAL MICROORGANISMS | Not Less Than 80,000,000 CFU/lb min |