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10 Best Dog Foods for Yorkies in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on September 23, 2024 by Dogster Team

10 Best Dog Foods for Yorkies in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Yorkshire Terrier with a bowl of foodHaving a Yorkie in your home is the perfect way to bring added joy to your life. If you’re like most pet parents, however, finding the right dog food is always on your mind. Yorkies are small dogs, with big attitudes and hearts. They deserve only the best. This means dog food made for larger breeds simply won’t do. In this review, we’ll take a look at the 10 best dog foods for Yorkies on the market today. This will allow you to choose the food you feel is best for your little one, without all the worries and hassles that come along with it.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Paws Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Paws
  • Ideal for small dog breeds
  • Helps build the immune system
  • Features key ingredients for healthier dogs
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Cesar Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Dog Food Trays Cesar Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Dog Food Trays
  • Affordable pricing
  • Cans are convenient for mealtimes
  • Great flavor and nutrients for dogs
  • Third place
    CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient
  • Simple recipe
  • Features high-quality protein
  • Best for Puppies
    Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food
  • Great for dogs under 10 months
  • Promotes strong immune systems
  • Kibble is easy for small dogs to eat
  • Purina Beneful IncrediBites with Farm-Raised Beef Small Breed Purina Beneful IncrediBites with Farm-Raised Beef Small Breed
  • Farm-raised beef is the first ingredient
  • Small bites suitable for adult Yorkies
  • Fortified with added vitamins and minerals
  • The 10 Best Dog Foods for Yorkies

    1. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Food – Best Overall

    Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food

    Size: 15.5-pound bag
    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Type: Dry Food

    Our pick for the best overall dog food for Yorkies is Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Chicken and Rice. While this brand has lots of dog food options, this one is specially formulated for small dog breeds and perfect for your little Yorkies. You can rest easy knowing all your pet’s needs are being met by a balanced recipe that supports muscle growth, healthy coats, and strong bones.

    This dry dog food features omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, high-quality proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins C and E. This formula is also all-natural and free of any artificial colorings, flavors, and preservatives. This food is also made in the USA and is intended for small dogs, under 25 pounds, and 1 to 6 years of age.

    Unfortunately, this dog food isn’t specialized for dogs with stomach issues. Keep this in mind if your Yorkie has a tricky tummy.

    Pros
    • Features key ingredients for healthier dogs
    • Helps build the immune system
    • Ideal for small dog breeds
    Cons
    • May not be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs

    2. Cesar Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Dog Food Trays – Best Value

    CESAR Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Beef Recipe

    Size: 3.5-ounce trays
    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Type: Wet Food

    Cesar Gourmet Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack is our pick for the best food for Yorkies for the money. Dogs are known for loving wet food options. With Cesar, they will get all the nutrition they need while enjoying the flavors they love. This food is packed with vitamins and minerals while also being softer for smaller dogs. If your pups aren’t fans of certain flavors, no problem. Cesar offers several varieties to make every dog in your home happy.

    Another great aspect of choosing this dog food for your Yorkie is the price. If you’re on a budget, these convenient trays make quick, affordable meals. There are 24 trays included in this variety box. You can offer your Yorkie a different flavor for each meal throughout the day without worrying about making a huge dent in your bank account. The only issue we found with this variety pack is that some dogs may not like each flavor inside. This is a downside of choosing a pack like this and not flavors you know your dog enjoys.

    Pros
    • Cans are convenient for mealtimes
    • Great flavor and nutrients for dogs
    • Affordable pricing
    Cons
    • Some dogs may not like all flavors inside the box

    3. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Dog Food

    Canidae Pure Real Lamb, Goat & Venison Meals Recipe

    Size: 24-pound bag
    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Type: Dry Food

    If money is no issue when it comes to dog food, our premium choice could be the best food for your little dog. The Canidae Grain-Free Lamb, Goat, & Venison Meal reduces the ingredients used to help avoid causing stomach upset or allergy flare-ups in dogs. It is also completely grain, soy, wheat, and corn-free which is another great advantage for small dogs or those with stomach issues. You’ll also find no fillers or additives that can be harmful to your pet.

    Real lamb is the first ingredient in this food. Venison, goat, and veggies round out the 8 ingredients of this food. This recipe also includes Canidae’s HealthPlus Blend to ensure your dogs get all the probiotics, antioxidants, and omegas they need for great health.

    Besides the price, the only issue we found with this dog food was the smell. While it doesn’t bother some dogs, others don’t find it appealing. This can cause them to avoid eating it no matter how great it may taste.

    Pros
    • Simple recipe
    • Features high-quality protein
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Has strong odor

    4. Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best for Puppies

    Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food

    Size: 13-pound bag
    Life Stage: Puppy
    Food Type: Dry Food

    Making sure your Yorkie puppy gets the right nutrition, straight out of the gate, is a huge responsibility. That’s why our choice for the best puppy food for Yorkies should be at the top of your list. Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Food is packed with all the things your puppy needs to grow up healthy and strong. A trusted blend of omegas, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals helps your puppy grow, look great, and play with the best of them.

    This puppy formula is intended for small and toy dog breeds. Pups should be less than 10 months old and no more than 22 pounds to make use of this formula. You’ll also find it has no dangerous additives or fillers and each piece of kibble is sized for small dogs to enjoy.

    While this is easily one of the best puppy foods available for small dogs, the protein included isn’t of the highest quality. The other ingredients come together to boost your pup’s immunity and help their digestion but if you want only the best protein used in their foods, you may need to look for another option.

    Pros
    • Great for dogs under 10 months
    • Promotes strong immune systems
    • Kibble is easy for small dogs to eat
    Cons
    • Low-quality protein

    5. Purina Beneful IncrediBites with Farm-Raised Beef Small Breed Dry Dog Food

    Purina Beneful IncrediBites With Farm-Raised Beef, Small Breed Dry Dog Food

    Size: 14-pound bag
    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Type: Dry Food

    Purina Beneful IncrediBites With Farm-Raised Beef Small Breed Dry Dog Food is a dry kibble that features farm-raised beef as its first ingredient. Other prominent ingredients include whole-grain corn and barley. The food has a 26% protein ratio as well as 4% fiber and 12% moisture.

    It is fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure your Yorkie is getting a full nutritional diet every day. There are no artificial preservatives or flavors, and the kibble is small enough for Yorkshire Terriers’ mouths.

    The food is inexpensive, but while it is a fully balanced meal that uses farm-raised beef as its number 1 ingredient, it would benefit from some other higher-quality ingredients near the top of the list. It is a good choice as an inexpensive food although its larger bites mean it really is only suitable for adult Yorkies: puppies will find the pieces a little too big.

    Pros
    • Farm-raised beef is the first ingredient
    • Fortified with added vitamins and minerals
    • Small bites suitable for adult Yorkies

    Cons

    • Bites too small for puppies
    • Would benefit from some other meat ingredients


    6. CARNA4 Easy-chew Fish Formula Sprouted Seeds Dog Food

    CARNA4 Easy-chew Fish Formula Sprouted Seeds Dog Food

    Size: 2.2-pound bag
    Life Stage: All
    Food Type: Dry Food

    CARNA4 Easy-chew Fish Formula may seem strange at first. When thinking about ingredients for dog food, fish isn’t the first one that comes to mind. Luckily, however, lots of dogs enjoy the taste of fish, especially when it’s included in an easy-to-chew kibble tailored for small dog breeds. Featuring fresh-caught perch and herring, each piece of this kibble is made into small, easy-to-chew pieces. This is ideal for Yorkies as there is less chance they will break their teeth trying to eat hard pieces. If your dog is older, this food can also be very valuable. We all know that when a dog ages, it becomes harder for them to chew.

    Beyond all the needed nutrition your dog will get with this dog food, you also get peace of mind. Each piece is carefully checked for pathogens or toxins before being bagged to promote healthier dogs, no matter the breed.

    While this is great dog food, the reason it finds its way so far down on our list is due to the pricing. This food is very expensive and won’t fit into most people’s budgets.

    Pros
    • Easy-to-chew pieces
    • Fish recipe
    • Checked for toxins and pathogens before packaging
    Cons
    • Very expensive

    7. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

    Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

    Size: 4-pound bag
    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Type: Dry Food

    The next dog food on our list is Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe. Like a few others on our list, this kibble comes in smaller sizes to make it easier for Yorkies to eat. By using deboned chicken as the main source of protein, a favorite of many dogs, this kibble will most likely be eaten the minute it hits the food bowl. For pet parents, knowing your little one is getting all the needed vitamins, minerals, and omega acids needed for a healthier lifestyle makes your day better.

    The blend used in this recipe is crafted to promote healthier hips and joints while also being easy on digestion. Unfortunately, however, since grains are included in this recipe, it may be too hard on some dogs. Yorkies with sensitive stomachs or who have issues with grains should avoid this food if possible.

    Pros
    • Features deboned chicken as the main ingredient
    • Small-sized kibble for easy chewing
    Cons
    • Not intended for sensitive stomachs

    8. Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Canned Dog Food

    Wellness Complete Health Natural Wet Canned Dog Food

    Size: 12.5-ounce cans
    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Type: Wet Food

    If you’re searching for a wet dog food that promotes overall better health in your Yorkie then Wellness Complete is the food your pup needs. This food uses ingredients specially selected by animal nutritionists and veterinarians to ensure each can offer dogs what they need for better health. The quality protein sources used are great for your Yorkie’s muscles and promote overall muscle health. The high fiber content is also great for healthier digestion.

    The only real issue we found with this dog food is the can size. When it comes to feeding Yorkies or any small breed of dogs, smaller cans are ideal. If you do choose this food, be prepared to properly store leftover portions until your pup’s next feeding. If not, you’ll be spending a lot of money on dog food your little dog can’t eat in one sitting.

    Pros
    • Formulated by vets and nutritionists
    • Promotes muscle health
    • Utilizes easy-to-digest fiber
    Cons
    • Can the size is too large for small dogs

    9. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Dog Food

    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Size: 15-pound bag
    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Type: Dry Food

    Blue Buffalo has always offered great foods for dogs, and this dry food is no different. Featuring deboned chicken as the main protein source, this food offers Yorkies everything they need to stay healthy and strong. Complete with omega 3s, 6s, vitamins, and minerals to keep your dog feeling its best, this dog food also packs a great taste they will love. Featuring fresh veggies and fruits, your Yorkie will have a well-rounded meal created from the work of holistic veterinarians and nutritionists.

    While this dry food is formulated to be small for little dogs, we noticed that it may be a bit too small. Even for small breeds like Yorkies, this food is tiny. You should take note of this when feeding your dog and keep a close eye on potential issues with choking or swallowing pieces whole.

    Pros
    • Well-balanced formula
    • Features fresh fruits and veggies
    Cons
    • Pieces are very small

    10. Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner Wet Food

    Merrick Lil’ Plates Premium Grain Free Natural, Soft Wet Dog Food

    Size: 3.5-ounce trays
    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Type: Wet Food

    Rounding out our list of best dog foods for Yorkies is Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Wet Food Trays. One of our favorite things about this dog food is the convenient trays it comes in. When you’re ready to feed your Yorkie, you can simply pop the top and let them eat if need be. These small containers are also easy to store after being purchased.

    This grain-free formula is great for your dog’s digestion and offers well-balanced nutrition to keep adult Yorkies looking and feeling great. The deboned turkey used as the first ingredient will also have them running to the bowl when it’s time to eat.

    The downside we noted with this dog food is that some picky eaters won’t even give it a chance. Possibly the smell is an issue, but if your dog doesn’t like trying new things, plan on buying this to sample before you purchase larger portions.

    Pros
    • Easy-to-use packaging
    • Grain-free formula
    • Deboned turkey is the main ingredient
    Cons
    • Picky eaters may not enjoy

    Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-03

    Buyer’s Guide: How to Purchase the Best Dog Food for Yorkies

    Knowing what to look for when choosing food for your Yorkie is just as important as choosing their name. It is up to us, as pet parents, to ensure we feed our fur babies only the best. Let’s take a look at the things you should keep in mind when deciding which dog food is best for your little guy or gal.

    Ingredients

    The most important part of choosing dog food is understanding the ingredients. If your dog suffers from stomach issues, it’s especially hard to find the best foods for them. Often, when reading product labels, it’s difficult to tell what’s good and what’s not. As we reviewed these foods for Yorkies, we took the time to investigate the ingredients for each one.

    The main ingredient for dog food should be protein. Whether it is chicken, turkey, beef, or even fish, a great source of protein helps make your dog healthier. The addition of healthy grains, veggies, and fruits will provide your pet with all the vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids needed to grow and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and skin.

    Yorkshire terrier eating from feeding bowl
    Image By: New Africa, Shutterstock

    Price

    Whether we want to admit it or not, price is a factor when buying our dog’s food. If you live on a budget, the most expensive foods aren’t always an option. When buying for your pup, keep in mind how much they consume and how often you will need to refill their food supply. This is a great way of stretching our money and allowing ourselves to buy them better food options.

    Wet vs Dry Food

    All dog owners are aware of their pet’s love for wet food. The real question is which is better for them, wet or dry? Wet food has been known to cause loose stools and touches of diarrhea. Dry food has been known to sit in the bowl for ages before a picky dog will eat it. While we reviewed both types of food, we feel it best for pet parents to offer their dogs the best of both worlds. If you supplement wet food into your dog’s diet they will get the benefits of both food types. This is especially true for small dog breeds that may not be able to constantly eat the harder dog foods.

    wet and dry food
    Image By: Yuriy Golub, Shutterstock

    Taste

    Last but not least is taste. Yes, you want to choose foods you feel your dog will enjoy. You know your dog better than anyone else. If you notice they take to chicken or turkey better than beef or steak, stick with what they enjoy. You can easily switch between poultry types to give them variety. The last thing you want is your dog avoiding a meal because they don’t like the taste.

    If you’re ever uncertain or have doubts about the best food for your dog, your vet is the best person to ask. They’ll be able to recommend brands they trust and consider best for your dog’s needs.

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    Our Selection Process For Dog Foods for Yorkies

    To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog foods we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog foods. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog foods to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.

    Why Trust Dogster?

    Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.

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    Final Verdict

    For the best overall dog food for Yorkies, we feel that Hill’s Science Diet is the best out there. This food is well-balanced and ideal for small dog breeds. Our choice for the best value, Cesar wet food allows you to have great food on hand without breaking the bank. However, if you want the best of the best, with no worries on price, Canidae Lamb, Goat & Venison dry food will surely have your Yorkie licking their lips. Just remember, whichever food you choose, make sure your little Yorkie loves it.


    Featured Image Credit: Valerie Nik, Shutterstock

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