8 Best Dog Foods for Yorkie Puppies — 2023 Reviews & Top Picks

 If you have a Yorkshire Terrier, you’re in good company. This adorable pooch is the 12th most popular breed, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).1 You may wonder what you should feed your pup that will provide everything he’ll need for a healthy life.

We love our pets and want to treat them to the best foods. After all, dry dog food sales alone topped nearly $13.4 billion in 2017.2 Estimates forecast another 20% increase by 2022. Choosing the best food for your Yorkie puppy means understanding the particular needs of this breed.

Our guide is here to help!

We’ll decipher the ingredients and nutritional value in our reviews of our top seven dog foods for Yorkie puppies. We’ll also provide some tips about the recommended feeding schedule to ensure that your pooch gets the best start in his young life.

Divider 3Comparison of our Winners (updated in 2023)

Rating Image Product Details

Best Overall

Winner

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription

Extremely high in protein

Turkey as the first ingredient

Fresh dog food with no fillers

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Best Value

Second place

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Nutro Wholesome Essentials

Manufactured in the USA

Excellent fiber sources

High protein content

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Third place

Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier

Formulated to prevent hypoglycemia

Smaller size kibble

Uses third-party testing for quality control

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Diamond Naturals Diamond Naturals

Excellent protein content

Produced by a family-owned company

Processed meat by-products are the top ingredients

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Hill's Science Diet

Hill's Science Diet

Good fat content

Made in the USA

Affordably priced

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The 8 Best Dog Foods for Yorkie Puppies

1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Turkey Recipe – Best Overall

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For most Yorkie puppies, we recommend The Farmer’s Dog Turkey dog food. This recipe includes USDA turkey, chickpeas, and carrot. Turkey provides the protein and amino acids that your puppy needs to thrive and grow, plus several veggies are also included, such as chickpeas and parsnips. Some of these veggies are decently high in protein, which is likely why they are included.

Keep the added protein content these veggies bring in mind when looking at the complete protein content, though.

Compared to other dog foods, this one is extremely high in protein at 38%. Much of this protein comes from the whole turkey that is included. This turkey is lean and very high in protein, which also explains why this food is not very high in fat.

This food does not include grains. Some dogs do better with a grain-inclusive recipe, so you’ll need to keep this in mind when deciding if this food is best for your dog.

Pros

Extremely high in protein

Turkey as the first ingredient

Fresh dog food with no fillers

    Veggies added

Cons

    No grains included

2. Nutro Wholesome Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best Value

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy

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Growing puppies have a ravenous appetite. That’s part of what makes finding the best dog food for Yorkie puppies for the money a must-have. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Dry Dog Food fits the bill in a tasty way. Fiber sources feature prominently in this product to help pups avoid water loss with plenty of bulk. It has an excellent lineup of nutrient additives, too.

The nutritional profile is adequate for growing puppies. We would like to see the food geared more toward smaller and larger breeds because of their different dietary needs. It has decent amounts of fats and omega-3 fatty acids to keep your Yorkie’s coat supple. We also liked the fact that it is a USA-made product, although the portion size seems large for a small pup.

Pros

Manufactured in the USA

Excellent fiber sources

High protein content

    Contains no wheat, corn, or soy

Cons

Larger size bag not available

    Not formulated specifically for small breeds

3. Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Dog Food

Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dry Dog Food scores high marks as a food formulated especially for Yorkies and presumably other small breeds. The manufacturer produces several unique formulations for different dietary needs, making this offering an excellent fit with its product line. The fat and protein are more than adequate, considering the special requirements for this breed.

The ingredient list seems sparse compared to other products. We’re also not sure about by-products as the top one. The nutritional profile seems adequate, although we wondered about the salt content, considering its place in relation to the others. The manufacturer takes the extra steps to ensure a quality product, which we liked. We can’t help but wonder if it is bland considering the few ingredients.

Pros

Formulated to prevent hypoglycemia

Smaller size kibble for little pups

A by-product is the top ingredient

    The manufacturer uses third-party testing for quality control

Cons

Very expensive compared to other brands

    Lack of fruits and vegetables in the formulation

4. Diamond Naturals Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food

Diamond Puppy Formula Dry

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The Diamond Naturals Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food stands out for its high protein content to give your puppy an excellent start with a solid nutrient base. It has one of the highest percentages in the market. The bulk is from by-products instead of higher-quality sources. The ingredient list isn’t as cut-and-dried as we’d like with lots of unknown additives that aren’t understandable from the get-go.

The protein content is high at 31%. However, the fat percentage is also up there, making us wonder about digestive issues for sensitive tummies. Added flavor is a red flag for us because we’d prefer to see unprocessed ingredients. The food does contain probiotics, which may counter some of these negative effects.

Pros

Excellent protein content

Produced by a family-owned company

    Processed meat by-products are the top ingredients

Cons

No small bag available

No special formulation for small breeds

    High fat content

5. Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Paws

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The team at Hill’s Science Diet formulated its Small Paws Dry Dog food specifically for smaller breeds and their dietary needs. The result is a product with decent protein and fat content suitable for growing puppies. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Of the 20 found in nature, 10 are essential because dogs can make them in their bodies.

Hill’s Science Diet contains all of these nutrients. However, many are derived from grain and plant sources. That fact makes the product more affordable. On the other hand, dogs with sensitive digestive systems may have trouble metabolizing some of the ingredients. The debate continues about whether dogs are true carnivores. This food doesn’t have as much variety in it as comparable products.

Pros

Formulated for small breeds

Good fat content for a soft coat

Made in the USA

    Affordably priced

Cons

Lack of size choices

High grain content

    Lack of fruits and proteins

6. Blue Buffalo Life Puppy Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dry Dog Food is a nutritional powerhouse. We appreciated the list of wholesome ingredients like chicken, blueberries, and carrots. The protein content exceeds the industry requirements for puppies. We also liked seeing brown rice and barley high on the list to provide adequate fiber for growing pups. It is nutrient-dense at 398 calories per cup.

Part of the caloric content comes from several fat sources. At 16%, it is double what the industry guidelines require. Pets with a sensitive digestive system might find it too rich. The package provides helpful information on transitioning your puppy to make it easier for him. We recommend reading the extensive list carefully to avoid issues with ingredients that may not agree with your pet.

Pros

Contains no wheat, corn, or soy

High protein content

Exceed many of the minimum requirements for vitamins and minerals

    Has flaxseed and omega 3 fatty acids for a soft coat

Cons

Too rich for some pups

    Expensive

7. Eukanuba Puppy Lamb & Rice Dry Dog Food

Eukanuba Puppy Lamb & Rice

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Eukanuba Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is an excellent alternative for puppies who cannot eat beef. The product contains lamb and chicken as its primary protein sources. The protein and fat content well exceed the minimum recommendations. We also liked how prominent rice is in the content to help young puppies digest this nutrient-dense food.

On the downside, it’s expensive, especially given the large serving size. Except for beet pulp, there is a noticeable lack of fruits and vegetables as sources of fiber and other nutrients. The food does contain a full slate of vitamins and minerals as additives to ensure a well-rounded diet. We’d prefer a product formulated for small breeds instead of one for any dog.

Pros

Lamb-based food for pups allergic to beef

Excellent protein content

    Nutrient-rich for growing puppies

Cons

Expensive

Large recommend serving size

    Lack of fruits and vegetables in the ingredients

8. American Journey Puppy Dry Dog Food

American Journey Chicken & Brown

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American Journey Puppy Food offers a chicken-based product in a varied formulation meant for puppies of any breed. We always like to see products that begin with a list of recognizable ingredients like chicken, brown rice, and peas. It contains healthy sources of fiber, too. The caloric count is the lowest of the products we reviewed at 365 calories per cup.

The food doesn’t contain wheat, corn, or soy, which makes it an excellent choice for pups with allergies. It also doesn’t contain by-products, which isn’t necessarily a good or bad thing. It’s simply a matter of the type of protein source. The product is affordable, but the size is huge for a Yorkie puppy with the recommended serving size. Dogs either seem to love it or not want it.

Pros

Doesn’t contain wheat, corn, or soy

Affordably priced

    Well-rounded ingredient list of proteins, fruits, and vegetables

Cons

Not formulated for small breeds

Picky dogs might not like it

    Large bag size for a small dog

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Yorkie Puppy Food

The most important thing to understand about puppy foods, in general, is that they are not the same as adult products. The calorie counts and nutritional values vary.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets the bar for the nutritional value of pet foods. For example, their standards call for 18% protein and 5% fat by volume for adult dogs. For puppies, it is 22% and 8%, respectively.  Also, only give dog food to your puppy instead of those for cats. Nutritional needs are different between the two animals.

Ingredients in Puppy Foods

Choosing a food formulated specifically for smaller breeds is an excellent start to a healthy diet. The reason lies with their different biology and metabolism. Your Yorkie puppy will mature quicker than a Saint Bernard. Thus, your pup needs energy-dense foods to match his different growth patterns.

Reading Pet Food Labels

Because of the oversight of the AAFCO, you can get a lot of information to help you select the right food for your Yorkie. The wording of the product tells you what percentage of the named ingredient that the product contains. If it says “All Chicken,” it means 100% poultry. On the other hand, a name such as “Puppy’s Beef Food” has 95% beef by weight.

You’ll also see a lot of pet foods with labels like “Chicken Platter” or “Beef Entree.” These products must have 25% of the named ingredient by weight. The terms are important, especially if your puppy has food allergies or intolerances. The AAFCO also requires a guaranteed analysis and nutritional adequacy statement.

That’s where you’ll see foods identified for the growth stage. A food marked for puppies, therefore, provides adequate nutrition for a dog of this age. Other things you’ll find on the label include:

    Any additives

    Feeding directions

    Calories per serving

    Name and address of the guarantor, i.e., who is responsible for what’s in the bag

Types of Ingredients

This part of the labels tells you how much protein, fat, fiber, and water are in the puppy food. You’ll also see ingredients from the greatest to smallest portion by weight. What you see is what you get. Premium products or the so-called pet store brands often have the highest quality ingredients—for a price. The advantage of these items is that they also contain fewer filler ingredients.

You’ll often find other things on the label, such as by-products, different types of meals, and added nutrients. While it is true that by-products typically include organ meats, it’s not a bad thing for your puppy. Many are nutrient-dense and make these foods a healthier choice for your Yorkie. Rest assured that the AAFCO and FDA have the safety of your pet in mind with their regulations.

Health Issues in Yorkshire Terriers

Likewise, Yorkies need a diet that matches their health needs. This breed is prone to some serious medical issues that make choosing the right food essential.

Dog Food for Yorkie Puppies

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Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is a common issue in puppies, especially toy breeds like Yorkies. This condition occurs when their bodies use more energy than they’re replacing with food. The symptoms are similar to what happens in people. Your pup may be lethargic and sleep more than usual. He may appear weak and not himself. It can become life-threatening if left untreated.

Luckily, you can prevent it with small, frequent meals. The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America recommends that you give them three to four portions daily. Makes sure that there is plenty of fresh water available, too. That will help him metabolize it quicker to keep his energy levels stable.

Gum Disease

Another concern with Yorkies and other toy breeds is dental health. The best way to prevent gum disease is by brushing your pet’s teeth. While not a replacement for this task, feeding your puppy dental foods and treats with the Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council is another thing you can do to keep their teeth clean.

Weight Management

Obesity, of course, is always a concern with any pet. Those extra pounds can increase your Yorkie’s risk of diabetes and other chronic health conditions. It can aggravate other problems, too, such as luxating patellas. Following a proper feeding schedule is imperative even as a puppy to establish good habits for a better quality of life.

However, the concern goes both ways. An underweight pet is also vulnerable, especially if they aren’t meeting all of their nutritional needs. It can also increase your puppy’s risk of hypoglycemia. We suggest monitoring your pup’s weight in these formative weeks. Metabolism may vary between animals, depending on their activity level. Use the recommended serving size as a guide.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right food for your Yorkie puppy is a vital consideration. It’s the best way to ensure that he gets a complete diet to support healthy development. As we’ve learned, there is a lot of variation in these products. The key takeaway is to give your pup something meant for his life stage as a smaller breed. That way, you can rest assured that he’s getting adequate nutrition for his particular needs.

The Farmer’s Dog ticked off all the boxes for a food that will give a Yorkie puppy an excellent start in life. It offers a wealth of nutrients in the amounts recommended by the AAFCO with high-quality ingredients.