Don’t let this tiny breed’s small stature fool you; they are four to seven pounds of vivacity bundled into the cutest little furball. The Yorkie is known for its big personality and high energy levels. And while they make for a feisty but loving companion, Yorkies can be a pretty high-maintenance breed.
Yorkies need a lot of attention, and grooming them takes a lot of effort. Also, as a Yorkie owner, you know how important it is to keep your little dog healthy. Feeding your furry companion a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet is one of the best things you can do. But you may be wondering what foods are good for Yorkies and why.
Below, we explore the best food for Yorkies in more detail.
What Food Is Good For Yorkies?
Yorkies don’t need much food, which means that what you do feed them is very important. You need to make sure they’re getting nutrient-rich food to ensure your Yorkie gets everything it needs.
When choosing dog food for Yorkies, here are a few things to look for on the label:
- Real, high-quality protein sources as the primary ingredient; poultry, fish, beef, lamb, or quinoa.
- Nutrient-dense superfoods, like flaxseed or sweet potato.
- Plenty of animal-based fat for energy (ideally 18% to 22% crude fat).
- Limited digestible carbs (low-starch veggies and whole grains).
- No preservatives, additives, byproducts, or fillers.
An important thing to consider is that experts prefer dry dog food over wet dog food for Yorkies because it is better for their teeth and gums.
However, many Yorkie owners prefer to go the homemade food route because it gives them more control over what their Yorkie eats.
A Yorkie’s diet should include three essential food types; protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Vitamins and minerals are also an important part of their diet.
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient because it supports the development and maintenance of your Yorkies’ muscles. Dogs can use the amino acids from plant and animal proteins, but animal proteins have a better combination of amino acids, making animal proteins a better option.
Carbohydrates
Yorkies also require carbs for a well-balanced diet. Carbs are sugars found in plants and starches. Basically, carbs are fuel for the body, and Yorkies run on carbs the same way humans do.
By adding carbs to your pup’s diet, you can add important compounds like fiber without feeding them a diet that is too high in calories or fat.
Fats
Yorkies can be especially sensitive to fat due to their small stomachs, so you do need to monitor their fat intake. However, fats are still necessary for a good nutrition plan, especially for active dogs like Yorkies.
Fats help metabolize fat-soluble vitamins and provide a good source of energy. They can be found in various foods like meat, grains, seeds, nuts, and vegetables.
What Is the Best Human Food For Yorkies?
Whether your Yorkies’ whole diet is homemade, or you simply want ideas of what foods are good to feed them, here is a list of the best foods for Yorkies.
Meats & Protein-rich Plants
Protein should make up approximately one-fourth to nearly one-half of your Yorkies diet. You can use a combination of meat and plant proteins or stick to one. However, keep in mind that animal proteins contain a more appropriate combination of amino acids.
Good meat and animal protein options for your Yorkie include lean beef, chicken, fish, venison, turkey, pork, and eggs. Each protein boasts a unique array of beneficial compounds and may provide certain therapeutic effects. For instance, lean beef is rich in iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamins B12, B3 and B6, supporting blood cell and nerve health. Fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and may help reduce inflammation.
Good plant protein sources include lentils, peas, soy, beans, whole grains, and starchy vegetables. Much like animal protein, each food provides different benefits. For instance, peas are rich in fiber, thiamine, folate, manganese, and vitamins A, C, and K and can help aid digestion.
Vegetables
Your Yorkie should be eating a small percentage of vegetables. Vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, providing essential nutrients without many calories. Approximately 10% to 20% of your Yorkies diet should include low-carb fruits and vegetables.
Broccoli is packed with vitamins C & K, calcium, and fiber, while carrots provide fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are a good source of calcium, iron, selenium, many B vitamins, and vitamin C, and green beans provide vitamin K, folate, and silicon. Other good options include zucchini, beets, peas, and mushrooms.
Grains
With gluten-free dog foods on the rise, many pet owners believe that their beloved fur babies are better off on a grain-free diet. However, experts warn against following this “trend.” At the same time, grain-free diets are a great solution for dogs with sensitive stomachs. However, grains provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber your Yorkie needs to thrive in most cases.
Grains are great for sustaining energy levels and can also support healthy skin coats, immune systems, and metabolism. Moreover, they contain important compounds, like B vitamins, iron, fiber, antioxidants, zinc, and copper.
Good grain sources for your Yorkie include wheat, quinoa, barley, brown rice, and oats. You should stay away from white rice and white flour.
Other Good Foods for Yorkies
There are several other foods for Yorkies that can contribute to a healthy and nutritious diet.
Fruits like apples, berries, melons, papayas, and bananas have a high content of essential vitamins and antioxidants. But stay away from grapes and raisins. Other foods to avoid include chocolate, dairy products, raw eggs, onions, garlic, hot, spicy food, salty food, and sugary snacks.
Of course, if you want to avoid the hassle of preparing homemade food for your Yorkie, you can opt for manufactured food. Just be sure to buy high-quality foods that contain no fillers and processed ingredients.
High-quality manufactured dog foods should contain the right amount of all the food groups and vitamins and minerals. Whether you give your Yorkie homemade or manufactured dog food is a personal choice and will depend on what you believe and how much free time you have on your hands.
You may consider adding CBD to the mix to optimize your Yorkies wellness. CBD has numerous potential health benefits, and many pet owners are now administering it to their furry friends. You can find CBD oil for sale from a few reputable American brands, and it’s easy to incorporate into your Yorkie’s diet; 500mg CBD oil for dogs is an excellent choice.
Final Thoughts
Tiny in size but big in personality and with high energy levels, Yorkies need a well-balanced and nutritious diet. The right food can play a huge role in your Yorkies’ quality of life and lifespan.
To make sure your Yorkie leads a happy and healthy life, you need to know what foods are good for them and why. Hopefully, this list has given you a comprehensive overview of what foods to include in your Yorkie’s diet. But always be sure to speak to your vet before introducing new dog food to your furry friend.
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