What's the Best Dog Food for Yorkshire Terriers?
The lively Yorkshire Terrier is full of charm and spunk. A breed that enjoys excellent longevity, the right diet is important to helping this dog breed live life to the very fullest. Whether you share your home with a puppy, adult, or senior Yorkshire Terrier, it’s important to find the right food to support your dog’s health and wellness through each stage of its life.
AKC Classification: Toy Group
Exercise Required: Up to 30 minutes/day
Ideal Weight
Healthy Male: 4-6 lbs
Healthy Female: 4-6 lbs
Breed Summary
Yorkshire Terriers are a big dog in a small package. A breed that is deeply self-assured and confident, the Yorkie has a playful streak and loves to enjoy the active lifestyle with its beloved family. The Yorkshire Terrier traces its roots to Yorkshire, England where the breed was employed ridding the region of nuisance creatures such as rats and other rodents.
As one of the smallest breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier reaches a maximum adult weight of 6 pounds and has an average life expectancy of 12-15 years. The breed has energy to spare, and thus, requires regular daily exercise up to a maximum amount of 30 minutes. This will help the Yorkie to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, an important component of wellness in toy breeds.
The Yorkshire Terrier is an intelligent breed. A dog with a fierce streak of independence, Yorkies can be very stubborn and will often resist opportunities to learn new things.
A loving and devoted family companion, the Yorkshire Terrier thrives in its role as a lap dog. The breed can be highly vocal, loving the sound of it own voice. To keep happy relations with the neighbors, the Yorkie should be taught a no bark command.
Though the Yorkshire Terrier is an active breed, it is also small of size, meaning it is well suited to life in any living situation including apartment life so long as its exercise requirements are met.
Physical Traits
Sturdy, silky-haired, muscular, compact, active
Personality Traits
Spirited, lively, loving, energetic, stubborn
Health Considerations for Yorkies
Yorkshire Terriers are generally a very healthy breed. However, as with all dog breeds, there are some health conditions the Yorkshire Terrier can be genetically predisposed to developing. Diet can be a great help in exacerbating symptoms or preventing injury or illness from occurring.
Among the most common health problems that can plague the Yorkshire Terrier are bronchitis, portosystemic shunt, and cataracts.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition that can be acute or chronic in the Yorkshire Terrier. It occurs when the airways are negatively impacted by swelling. This inflammation can spread into the lungs as well. To prevent Bronchitis in your Yorkie, make sure to keep him or her at a healthy weight and reduce exposure to inhaled irritants that may have allergic effects. Vaccinating against Bordatella bronchiseptica is important, too.
Portosystemic Shunt
A problem that can be common to Yorkshire Terriers, portosystemic shunt is evidenced by a blood vessel that functions abnormally by causing blood to move from the intestines without first moving through the liver for proper filtration of toxins. A diet with high-quality, hiigh-digestible proteins to support optimal health in the Yorkshire Terrier can be helpful.
Eye Health
Yorkies do have susceptibility to eye issues, as do many dogs. Cataracts, particularly, are common in Yorkshire Terriers. While cataracts typically can't be prevented, overall eye health can be aided by diets with certain ingredients, like these below:
Complete a nutritional assessment to view individualized diet recommendations specifically for your pet.
Foods We Recommend: Yorkshire Terrier Puppies
How long do Yorkshire Terriers need puppy food?
Until they're 10-12 months old
The Yorkshire Terrier puppy thrives on a puppy food designed specifically to meet the needs of active toy breeds. This type of diet is comprised largely of moderate amounts of protein and fat with an emphasis on the inclusion of lean meat, easily digestible carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Also important is the addition of the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorous to support a healthy rate of bone growth in puppies. Some of our top dog food picks for Yorkie puppies include:
Foods We Recommend: Yorkshire Terrier Adults
When do Yorkshire Terriers become adults?
10-12 months old
The mature Yorkshire Terrier requires a well-balanced diet that is comprised of excellent quality ingredients to thrive. The best dog foods for this breed base their foundation on a lean, easily digestible meat. The carbohydrate content should be comprised of foods rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants to support good digestion and a healthy immune system. Here are some of the foods we like best for Yorkie adults:
Foods We Recommend: Yorkshire Terrier Seniors
When do Yorkies become seniors?
Around 8 years old
Senior Yorkies are no longer as active as they were in their youth. As a result, they require a diet that is lower in calories while still maintaining excellent quality, intense flavor, and exceptional eating satisfaction. Supplements included in the Yorkie’s food can be a great boost for cardiac, eye, and joint health. A probiotic is also an excellent idea to assist with fluid digestion. Some of our nutriitionists' favorite foods for senior Yorkies are: