Yorkie Terrier Diet

As one of the most common dogs to own, Yorkshire Terriers--or "Yorkies"--are typically friendly and make good family pets. But just like other dogs, Yorkies have their own set of issues. While many of these problems are congenital, some can be avoided by taking certain precautions, such as feeding a diet that is right for your dog.

  1. Choosing Between Dry and Wet Food

    • Yorkies, like other small breeds, have small teeth. Because of their size, it may be hard for some these dogs to chew on dry, hard kibble. If you feed your Yorkie kibble, choose a brand, such as Royal Canin, formulated specifically for the needs of this breed.

      Eating dry food does has its advantages, such as keeping your Yorkie's teeth clean, which can be difficult to do otherwise. Wet food can build up plaque and tartar rather quickly on Yorkies' small teeth, which can cause serious dental problems. Older Yorkies sometimes need tooth extractions because of dental disease. In addition, bacteria under the gum line can enter into the bloodstream and cause serious problems with the heart and other organs. If you choose to feed your dog wet food, brush his teeth at home and have your veterinarian perform routine cleanings regularly.

    Avoiding Hypoglycemia

    • Yorkies, like other small breeds, can develop hypoglycemia, which occurs when the blood sugar levels become too low. A dog's liver stores energy, and in a small dog like a Yorkshire Terrier, it cannot store that much for long periods of time. If your dog goes too long without eating, the blood sugar levels can dip dangerously low. To avoid this, feed your Yorkie three times a day. You can also give your pet small treats throughout the day, such as carrots, green beans and healthy commercial treats. Whichever you prefer, make sure that they are small. It is very easy for a large piece of food to become lodged in a Yorkie's throat, especially in those who have collapsed tracheas, which is common in this breed.

    Essential Fatty Acids

    • Yorkies as a breed are prone to allergies, which can cause their skin and hair coat to become dry and itchy. To help alleviate this problem, feed your Yorkie an all-natural, organic diet that contains omega-3 fatty acids. You can also give your dog fatty acid supplements. If your Yorkie has allergies, try feeding her a food that contains a protein she has never had before and one that doesn't contain too many grains, as both of these ingredients have been suspected of causing allergies in dogs.