The Yorkshire Terrier, one of the smallest dog breeds, is also one of the most beautiful. Known for their long silky hair and their daring personality, these dogs are quite interesting.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed that is 8 to 9 inches tall and weighs 4 to 7 pounds. Although these dogs are also small, they pack a lot of personality into their tiny bodies, and they absolutely love to play. This breed makes an excellent pet because they get along with cats, and they can support themselves with large dogs. Just be careful with children, because they are very fragile because of their small size.
Unfortunately, the Yorkshire terrier – a breed prone to many health problems – is the curse of small breed dogs. To make your dog live a healthy life, feed it with a healthy diet made from high-quality ingredients. You need to buy your dog the best dog food you can afford.
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Understanding the requirements of the Yorkshire Terrier Diet
The basic dietary requirements of all dogs are the same. Protein is the most important nutrient because it helps your Yorkshire terrier puppy to develop strong muscles and helps it maintain muscle mass in adulthood. Fat provides a concentrated source of energy, which is especially important for small breeds. Both of these nutrients are the best of animal sources, because your dog’s body can digest animal products better than vegetable products.
Your Yorkshire Terrier does not have special carbohydrate requirements in its diet, but it can provide energy, fiber and essential nutrients. The main thing is to make sure that they are easily digested so as not to upset your dog’s stomach. Some Yorkshire terriers can digest whole grains, while others better cope with a cereal-free diet. You should also look for beneficial supplements such as chelated minerals, prebiotic fibers, probiotics and nutrients for the joints.
- Yorkshire Terrier puppy – like a puppy, your Yorkshire terrier needs at least 22% protein and 8% fat. The more fat, the better for puppies of this breed, because they need a high-calorie diet to maintain growth and development. They should also eat frequently to prevent hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
- Diet for Yorkshire terriers for adults – When your Yorkshire terrier becomes an adult, you can go to the recipe for an adult small breed that contains at least 18% protein and 5% fat. However, the best range is from 25 to 30% protein and from 15 to 20% fat.
- Older Yorkshire Terrier Diet – When your Yorkshire terrier is aging, its metabolism may slow down and it may be less active. In such a case, you might think about feeding him a little less or switching to a senior dog food recipe to prevent obesity and provide additional nutrients that support the joint.
In addition to ensuring that your Yorkshire Terrier meets its nutritional needs, you must also ensure that its diet remains fairly stable. This breed is prone to sensitive digestion, so a change in diet can lead to an upset gastrointestinal tract
Special dietary considerations for Yorkshire terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Although these dogs are usually not healthy, they can not affect their lifespan.
The Yorkshire Terrier may be inclined to:
- bronchitis
- cataract
- Rolled trachea
- Dental problems
- distichiasis
- hypoglycemia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Let’s take a closer look at some of these health problems.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small size. For example, the Yorkshire terrier is very prone. Hypoglycemia. This is more than a puppy. It can be very dangerous to make sure your dog is a problem.
These dogs are also subject to a number of musculoskeletal problems, such as the Legg-Calvet-Perthes syndrome and patellar dislocation. Legg-Calve-Perthes Head Patella dislocation is a condition in which it is slides in and out of place. Both can be cured as much as possible. Yorkshire terrier gets a lot of nutrients that support the joint.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a distorted and progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive retinal atrophy. A cataract is an obstacle to vision. It can not be treated if it erodes. Distichiasis is a condition in which eyelashes grow abnormally, irritating the eyes.
In addition to these health conditions, the Yorkshire Terrier also has a sensitive digestive system. It can predispose him to food allergies and diet. It is made from high-quality ingredients for the digestibility.
Yorkie feeding chart
When it comes to feeding your Yorkshire terrier, there are a few things you need to think about – the amount of food, the frequency of feeding and the type of food. First of all, be aware that small breeds have a fast metabolism – your Yorkshire terrier may need up to 40 calories per pound of body weight per day to maintain his fast metabolism. His rapid metabolism in combination with the risk of hypoglycemia also means that he needs several small meals during the day – three or four.
When your Yorkshire terrier gets older, you may have to adjust its diet. You may have to make it a little smaller or go on an older diet to prevent obesity. Throughout his life, make sure you feed your dog with a recipe for a toy or small breed. They contain large amounts of protein to maintain lean muscle mass and increased fat levels to meet the high energy needs of the dog. Just follow the feeding guidelines according to the age and weight of your dog to see how much to feed her.
The Best Dog Food For Yorkies
Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
Overall Best Food for Yorkshire Terriers: If you want to feed your Yorkshire Terrier the best of the best, try this Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Toy Breed Chicken Recipe. This recipe features high-protein kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw pieces, so your dog still gets the dental benefits of dry food with the nutritional benefits of raw food. This recipe is all-natural, made with high-quality ingredients like cage-free chicken, turkey meal, chicken fat, peas, and chickpeas. It contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support as well as dried fermentation products for healthy digestion.
Pros: High-quality natural ingredients, premium animal proteins and fats, 37% protein and 16% fat, high-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw bites, probiotics, chelated minerals
Cons: Could be higher in fat content, expensive to feed as a staple diet
Taste of The Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food Appalachian Valley
Most Popular Food: When you’re not sure what to feed your Yorkshire Terrier, going with the same choice that other dog owners make is an option. This Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe is one of the most popular recipes for small breeds on the market and for good reason. It is loaded with premium animal proteins like venison and lamb with an ideal balance of omega fatty acids and antioxidants for immune support. This recipe is made from all-natural ingredients that are sustainably sourced and it is free from artificial additives. All in all, this nutrient-rich recipe provides 32% protein and 18% fat which is more than enough for your Yorkshire Terrier.
Pros: Naturally grain-free, several sources of premium animal proteins, rich in essential fatty acids, fresh fruits and vegetables, digestible carbohydrates, probiotics and chelated minerals
Cons: May be too high in fat for some dogs, contains some plant protein (pea protein
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw
Super Premium Food: If you’re not worried about sticking to a particular budget, this Stella & Chewy’s Lil’ SuperBlends Small Breed Chicken Recipe is a great option for your Yorkshire Terrier. This recipe is freeze-dried rather than cooked to retain more of the original nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients. It features cage-free chicken as the main ingredient with fresh fruits and vegetables for essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains no grains, glutens, or fillers and is completely free from artificial additives. You can choose whether to rehydrate it before feeding or keep it dry for the dental benefits.
Pros: Freeze-dried not cooked, all-natural ingredients, cage-free chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables, contains 45% protein and 28% fat, formulated for small breeds
Cons: Very expensive as a staple diet, some dogs don’t like the texture
Solid Gold – Wee Bit With Real Bison, Brown Rice & Pearled Barley
Best Food for Yorkshire Terriers with Allergies: If your Yorkshire Terrier suffers from food allergies, you need a high-quality recipe free from common allergens that is easy to digest. This Solid Gold Mighty Mini Chicken, Chickpeas & Pumpkin Toy & Small Breed Recipe is a great option and, as a bonus, it is formulated specifically for toy breeds. This recipe is holistic by design, so you can rest easy knowing that it is made with the highest quality ingredients with no grains or glutens. It features fresh chicken and chicken meal as the main ingredients with digestible grain-free carbohydrates like chickpeas and peas. All in all, it provides 30% protein and 20% fat.
Pros: Holistic recipe with natural ingredients, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, formulated for toy breeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, probiotics, 30% protein and 20% fat
Cons: Contains some plant protein (pea protein)
Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Salmon & Potato
Best Food for Yorkshire Terriers with Sensitive Stomachs: If your Yorkshire Terrier has a sensitive stomach, you need to feed him a limited number of ingredients and should consider a grain-free diet. This Wellness Simple LID Grain-Free Small-Breed Salmon & Potato Recipe hits the mark on both, plus it is made from all-natural ingredients. It features a low number of high-quality ingredients such as fresh salmon and salmon meal, green peas, and plenty of beneficial supplements. It is uniquely designed for small breeds and rich in fiber to ensure digestibility. Overall, it provides 29% protein and 14% fat.
Pros: Limited number of main ingredients, grain-free, easy to digest, rich in essential fatty acids, beneficial supplements, provides 29% protein and 14% fat
Cons: Could be higher in fat, main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics about your Yorkshire Terrier’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for the best Yorkshire Terrier food. Remember to look for a product that is made of wholesome natural ingredients including premium animal proteins, high levels of fat for energy, digestible carbohydrates, and no artificial additives.
