Foods for a Picky Yorkie

The lovable and often pampered Yorkie can often present as a picky-eater. When working with a Yorkie's eating habits, we need to remember that they are small in physique which comes naturally with a small stomach that does not take a lot to fill. In addition, Yorkie's are grazing dogs -- which means they will eat small amounts throughout the day. Therefore, the most important rule is to feed them a nutritious food, so that when they do eat, they'll get what their bodies need to stay healthy.

  1. Dry Kibble

    • Offer small amounts of dry kibble.

      The first choice in working with a picky Yorkie should be to offer dry kibble in a manner that only provides small amounts at a time. Buy a dry food feeder that gradually releases small amounts of food -- or only set out small amounts in a bowl on a schedule -- morning, afternoon and night. Select a nutritious brand such as Canidae All Stages, Life's Abundance, Blue Buffalo or Royal Canin Mini 28.

    Wet Food

    • Feed nutritious canned and supplement with hard treats.

      Some dogs prefer wet food to dry. Provide three small wet-food meals each day. You can wet a nutritious dry kibble with low-sodium chicken broth. Or you can select a wholesome canned food like Merrick's Grammy's Pot Pie which does not contain any byproducts. Also check out AvoDerm or Natural Blue Buffalo Blue's Stew canned dog food. However, you should also feed additional hard-food treats to help keep the dog's teeth clean, when feeding with mostly wet foods.

    Preparing Food

    • Prepare low-fat meals with chicken breast for your Yorkie.

      If you have the time and patience to prepare your own dog food, a good mixture of low-fat, low-sodium ingredients can be cooked in large batches and frozen in small containers. Defrost a container each day for the next day's feeding.

      A recipe of one pound, boiled and diced white chicken breast with one small tender-cooked mashed yam and one-quarter cup cooked mashed green peas mixed with one-quarter cup small curd cottage cheese provide ample nutrition.

    People Food

    • Some dogs want whatever you're eating.

      Like other dogs, when a Yorkie refuses to eat any type of food offered, often it is a sign of the dog trying to train the owner to get whatever you're eating. Reverse the role and apply your own training regimen. Take the dog for a long walk before you sit down to eat a meal. The dog's body will naturally signal for food after exertion. Place whatever dog food you choose up on the table while you eat and have the dog wait until just before you finish your meal. Then take the food from the table and put it down for your Yorkie to eat.