Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall: Wellness CORE Natural Wet Grain-Free Dog Food
“Your little pooch deserves the best and there isn’t a more complete meal that you can give them than the Wellness CORE Wet Dog Food. It’s a high-quality meal for Yorkies at any life stage and your best partner in keeping your dog in perfect health.”
Best Budget Option: Nutro Cuts in Gravy Dog Food
“If you want to give your little one the best nutrition without spending a fortune, you can’t go wrong with the Nutro Cuts in Gravy Grain-Free Dog Food. It contains premium-quality, protein-loaded ingredients at a more affordable price.”
Best for Most Dogs: Merrick Lil Plates Wet Dog Food
“If you’re looking for a perfectly balanced and nutritious diet that’s not just ideal for your Yorkie but appropriate for other breeds as well, the Merrick Lil Plates Wet Dog Food is an excellent option.”
Despite their size, Yorkshire Terriers are deceivingly energetic and require a nutritious diet to sustain their bustling activity levels. Yorkies are a relatively demanding breed—that includes characteristics such as picky eating.
Their diminutive stature means they cannot hold as much food as their larger counterparts. If you’re just familiarizing yourself with general feeding guidelines, feeding a Yorkie may be trickier than most other breeds.
These flamboyant dogs also don long, silky coats that may not take well to generic foods—there is a lot you can’t feed them!
They, too, are prone to a handful of genetic predispositions and health issues. Without the appropriate nutritional value, your dog can contract heart disease and experience joint problems.
Featured Recommendations
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Featured Recommendations
- Best Wet Food for Yorkies
- 1. Wellness CORE Wet Dog Food
- 2. Nutro Cuts in Gravy Grain-Free Dog Food
- 3. Merrick Lil Plates Wet Dog Food
- 4. Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Wet Food
- 5. Solid Gold Mighty Mini Canned Meal
- 6. Instinct Original Recipe Wet Dog Food
- 7. Blue Buffalo Natural Adult Dog Food
- 8. CANIDAE Pure Petit Limited-Ingredient Dog Food
- 9. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food
- 10. Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food
- 11. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Trays & Toppers
- 12. Natural Balance Wet Dog Food
- 1. Wellness CORE Wet Dog Food
- Wet Vs. Dry Dog Meals for Yorkies
- Other Recommendations for Yorkies
- What Health Issues Do You Need to Look Out for in a Yorkie?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Wet Food for Yorkies
The key to a happy, healthy, and active Yorkshire Terrier is a balanced diet. Below are our top picks for the best wet food for Yorkies:
- Best Overall: Wellness CORE Wet Dog Food
- Best Budget Option: Nutro Cuts in Gravy Grain-Free Dog Food
- Best for Most Dogs: Merrick Lil Plates Wet Dog Food
- Best Curated Option: Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Wet Food
- Best Holistic Option: Solid Gold Mighty Mini Canned Meal
- Best Local Meat Option: Instinct Original Recipe Wet Dog Food
- Best for Vitamins and Minerals: Blue Buffalo Natural Adult Dog Food
- Best Simple Formula: CANIDAE Pure Petit Limited-Ingredient Dog Food
- Best for Small Stomachs: Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food
- Best for Puppies: Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food
- Best as a Treat or Entree: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Trays & Toppers
- Best Professional Formula: Natural Balance Wet Dog Food
1. Wellness CORE Wet Dog Food
Best Overall: High-quality meals for Yorkies of all life stages
Key Features
- It contains premium-quality, protein-loaded ingredients.
- It is suitable for small dogs with food allergies.
- It incorporates multiple types of meat.
Wellness CORE is renowned for its high-quality protein-filled choices that provide your dog with above-average nutrition. Like its line of adult dry dog food, its canned counterpart contains rich protein and fat, which include:
- Deboned turkey
- Turkey and chicken meal
- Sweet potatoes
- Dried ground potatoes
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It is also high in omega-3 fatty acids that support joint health and glucosamine that improves bone health.
Wellness CORE is free of flavors or preservatives and is specifically formulated by nutritionists and veterinary specialists.
Overall, this brand is a favorite among Yorkie owners. It is particularly beneficial for picky eaters, with a handful of flavors available to choose from.
Many owners have claimed this food to provide excellent support for dogs suffering from severe genetic problems.
2. Nutro Cuts in Gravy Grain-Free Dog Food
Best Budget Option: A balanced meal that is the best value for your money
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Key Features
- It includes real meats, along with natural ingredients
- It is manufactured without GMO ingredients
- It doesn’t contain any artificial flavoring or meal by-products
Nutro Cuts is a premium, grain-free wet meal that is high in protein and carefully sourced ingredients. Its blends include components such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, and chicken.
This brand’s recipes are available for toy breeds and cover all life stages—from puppies to adult dogs and seniors.
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For pet owners on a budget, Nutro Cuts makes an ideal, affordable option. Unlike other budget buys, Nutro Cuts doesn’t sacrifice quality for savings.
Nutro Cuts is best-suited for small breed adult dogs and seniors. Many have claimed it to be an excellent option for geriatric dogs to maintain healthy body weight.
Picky eaters typically enjoy Nutro Cuts. Pet owners who travel frequently will benefit significantly from its ready-to-eat packaging.
Thanks to smaller-cut bites, small-breed dogs are enthusiastic fans of this flavorful meal.
3. Merrick Lil Plates Wet Dog Food
Best for Most Dogs: Ideal for Yorkies with differing health backgrounds
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Key Features
- It includes real meat, including deboned beef, chicken, and turkey
- It is a specifically formulated small-breed dog food
- It is gluten and grain-free
Merrick Lil Plates is a grain-free, small-breed formula that is rife with proteins and omega-3. It includes healthy ingredients such as:
- Lamb, salmon, and chicken meal
- Potatoes
- Peas
It also contains a healthy variety of probiotics, which improves digestive health. Its lack of grains and gluten promotes healthy skin and a shiny, luscious coat.
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Many have praised Merrick Lil Plates for its generous variety of flavors. If you haven’t quite figured out food for your Yorkie, Merrick will likely satisfy a picky eater.
Merrick appears to improve joint health in Yorkies that suffer from loose kneecaps compared to other commercial products. Rich in omega-3, Merrick Lil Plates is beneficial for your older Yorkie dog.
While slightly costlier than most, Merrick Lil Plates makes for a perfectly balanced and nutritious diet.
4. Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Wet Food
Best Curated Option: A nutritious and balanced Yorkie-specific meal
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Key Features
- It is highly accessible and available in all pet stores
- It is soft and chewable for smaller mouths
- It is specifically formulated for Yorkshire Terriers
Royal Canin is hailed for its breed-specific formulas that address particular chronic health concerns. Its Yorkshire Terrier line considers palpability for smaller, pickier eaters.
It incorporates select nutrients such as omega-3 and 6 acids, biotin, and vitamin B to support a long and silky coat. Its balanced formula also improves digestion and allows aging Yorkshire Terriers to maintain their health.
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Pet parents consider Royal Canin a highly reputable and dependable brand. Because of this, it has been a decades-trusted product that many consider the best food to feed your Yorkie.
Many reviews reinforce Royal Canin’s ability to enhance and maintain your Yorkie’s long coat. Owners who show their Yorkshire Terriers will enjoy the benefits Royal Canin can provide.
5. Solid Gold Mighty Mini Canned Meal
Best Holistic Option: Nutritionally complete and highest in protein
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Key Features
- Its single-serve cups are perfectly portioned for your small dog
- It includes pumpkin, which is an excellent source of fiber
- Each cup contains 75% moisture, which is ideal for dogs in hotter climates
Solid Gold’s Mighty Mini line is an ideal holistic option for your toy breed. Formulated to cater to sensitive stomachs, Solid Gold Mighty Mini is the best food for a Yorkie with digestive problems.
Mighty Mini also boasts one of the highest-protein content among other commercial products, ideal for Yorkies who need to put on a little weight.
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Free of corn, wheat, and soy fillers, Mighty Mini is jam-packed with superfoods beneficial for Yorkies that suffer from food allergies.
Thanks to its highly palatable gravy content, Mighty Mini acts as a tasty garnish for picky eaters who don’t take well to dry kibble.
While moderately priced, each small-tray container is likely enough to satisfy your small dog.
6. Instinct Original Recipe Wet Dog Food
Best Local Meat Option: Top-quality U.S. meats in every bite
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Key Features
- It is made with actual poultry and without corn, soy, or wheat
- It is high-protein and nutrient-dense
- It can be used as a topper or mixed with dry food
Instinct's Original Recipe line offers a diverse variety of flavors made with real, high-quality U.S. meat. These ingredients include cage-free chicken and grass-fed lamb.
It also includes a recipe professionally tailored to meet the needs of Yorkie puppies and adults.
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Made with raw ingredients, Instinct Original Recipe can do wonders for Yorkies suffering from tooth decay and foul breath. Additional phosphorus also makes this delectable diet suitable for dogs who have weak bones.
Many pet parents have credited Instinct Original Recipe as their dog’s favorite topper. If your dog isn’t quite interested in more aromatic wet meals, Instinct Original Recipe can get even the pickiest of dogs to scarf down a meal in a matter of minutes.
Dogs with dental issues will find this meal enjoyable, tasty, and easy to consume.
7. Blue Buffalo Natural Adult Dog Food
Best for Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in antioxidants and necessary components for better health
Key Features
- It is easy to digest for dogs with stomach problems
- It does not contain by-product meals, corn, artificial flavors, or preservatives
- It can be served as a treat, add-on, or entree
When it comes to finding the best dog food for Yorkies, Blue Buffalo never disappoints. Made with high-quality proteins such as chicken chunks and beef, there is no denying the hype that comes with this wholesome meal.
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This pate-style food is enhanced with vitamins and minerals that improve your dog’s skin and coat and keep them nutritionally balanced. Antioxidant-rich ingredients also enhance muscle strength and make for an excellent natural choice.
Pet owners have reported improvements in their Yorkies with joint problems thanks to Blue Buffalo’s glucosamine and chondroitin content.
Sensitive dogs tend to take to Blue Buffalo’s formula, which doesn’t use wheat as a thickener.
This nutrient-packed food, however, may come with a higher price tag than most.
8. CANIDAE Pure Petit Limited-Ingredient Dog Food
Best Simple Formula: A straightforward yet balanced and complete meal
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Key Features
- It’s made fricassee-style, ideal for smaller dogs who are finicky eaters
- Its formula is simple and suitable for dogs with digestive issues and sensitive tummies
- It is free of allergy-inducing ingredients
CANIDAE Pure Petit is among the best dog food for Yorkies thanks to its enriching yet straightforward formula. Its various flavors include nutritious ingredients such as:
- Chicken meal
- White and brown rice
- Rice bran
- Peas
If your dog is a little overweight or not as active as it once was, CANIDAE Pure Petit might make for an ideal choice.
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CANIDAE Pure Petit’s salmon variant can counter dehydration, as its main ingredient contains 60% moisture.
Because of its pea content, CANIDAE Pure Petit has proven an excellent fiber source and is perfect for dogs lacking vitamins and minerals.
Its lack of artificial ingredients and anonymous ingredients also make this the best food for sensitive eaters.
9. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food
Best for Small Stomachs: Ideal for Yorkies with sensitive stomachs and irritable bowels
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Key Features
- It is made without artificial coloring or flavors
- Its high-quality fibers aid digestion
- Most veterinarians recommend it
Hill’s Science Diet varies from curated recipes for small dogs with sensitive bowels and compact body composition. Full of lean protein, this wet dog food is the best food for Yorkies who need to rebuild and strengthen muscle.
Its gentle fiber content aims to promote gut health, digestion, and overall health. Hill’s Science’s various wet meals feature real meat and vegetables packed in easy-to-peel cups that you can serve instantly.
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Thanks to constant backing from over 220 veterinarians, Hill’s Science Diet is constantly revamped to provide the best possible dog foods for Yorkies.
Individuals catering to Yorkies with multiple health problems find that Hill’s Science is most helpful for improving immunity and gut function.
Because of its veterinary endorsement, Hill’s Science has become a reputable and highly-trusted brand and a top choice for food for Yorkies.
10. Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food
Best for Puppies: Whole and balanced for younger dogs
Key Features
- It prioritizes full-body wellness and nutrition
- Veterinarians and nutritionists curate it
- Its all-in-one recipe improves your puppy’s immune system and overall health
If you’ve been on a relentless hunt for the best food for your Yorkie puppy or toy breed, look no further than Wellness Complete. Nutrient-rich and with limited ingredients, Wellness Complete for puppies promotes healthy digestive functions and healthy coats.
Though high in protein, this food for Yorkshire Terriers maintains the optimal calories per pound, keeping puppies from gaining unnecessary weight.
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Despite its overall protein content being slightly lower than its CORE counterpart, Wellness Complete Health has better proven hypoallergenic properties—this is good news for Yorkie puppies with food allergies.
Its million-colony forming units of gut-friendly bacteria also soothe Yorkie puppies who frequently experience upset stomachs.
Owners have claimed that this food reduces flatulence, irritable bowel movements, and general pickiness.
11. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Trays & Toppers
Best as a Treat or Entree: Perfect as a topper or full meal
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Key Features
- It contains natural protein ingredients
- It can be served as a treat or main meal
- It is manufactured with natural grain and gluten-free materials
This tasty food is a small-breed recipe abundant in healthy fats, high-protein meats, and the ideal calories per pound. Your picky Yorkie is bound to enjoy one of its chicken or duck-featured meals packed in a single, convenient cup.
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Without artificially processed materials, this is among the best food for Yorkies of all life stages—from puppy to senior. Other varieties of the Wilderness line come in stews, single servings, and trail toppers.
Pet owners have found Wilderness’s sterling features to be in its high-energy and immune support formula. It is the best dog food for pets who suffer from joint disorders and general lethargy.
Wilderness’s perfectly portioned packs have also done wonders for dogs with weight issues.
12. Natural Balance Wet Dog Food
Best Professional Formula: Curated by nutritionists and veterinary professionals
Key Features
- It includes Yucca Schidigera extract, which improves functionality in the gastrointestinal system
- It includes added vitamins
- It is made with antioxidant nutrients
Considered one of the best dog foods on the market, your toy breed will benefit from Natural Balance Original Ultra just as much as their larger cousins. It boasts an optimum balance of proteins and is formulated by experienced nutritionists.
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Natural Balance is the best food for Yorkies who have a little bit too much energy. Its balanced formula improves strength and relaxes muscles.
For pickier pups, Natural Balance includes fun ingredients such as sweet potato, peas, and carrots.
Because Natural Balance includes DHA and EPA-enriched ingredients, many Yorkshire Terrier owners have credited general bodily improvements to this in-demand product.
Owners have also reported improvements in dental health, skin and coat, and even temperament.
Wet Vs. Dry Dog Meals for Yorkies
Whether your Yorkie requires a wet or dry meal will depend on the life stage it’s currently experiencing. For instance, you’ll want to feed your Yorkie primarily dry for clean teeth. An older Yorkie with deteriorating and tar-filled teeth might require a wet diet.
As a rule of thumb, you’ll generally want to feed your Yorkie a majority of dry meals as compared to canned meals. However, note that protein levels will vary between the two types.
When shopping for the best food for Yorkies, ensure that the product is labeled with an “AAFCO statement” seal, which indicates the appropriate level of nutrition in every meal. It also pays to study manufacturers and whether they consult with professional nutritionists.
Other Recommendations for Yorkies
Joints
If your Yorkie suffers from joint stiffness and muscle pain, the best dog food for their circumstances should include fish oil. This ingredient helps to ease inflammation related to issues such as arthritis.
Skin & Coat
Does your Yorkie have a dull coat? If so, consider the best dog food containing chia seeds, coconuts, liver, wild salmon, and sweet potato.
These materials are rich in vitamins, O-6 fatty acids, saturated fats, and other beneficial ingredients that can help your Yorkie’s coat get healthy and shiny.
Digestion
If your toy breed suffers from frequent indigestion or simply cannot stomach an unsavory meal, consider pet food that incorporates simple ingredients.
Avoid products rich in grains to avoid skin allergy outbreaks.
What Health Issues Do You Need to Look Out for in a Yorkie?
Sensitive Stomach
While there is no direct explanation for why Yorkies have sensitive stomachs, the condition frequently occurs. Because of this sensitivity, immune responses tend to manifest as skin allergies.
Foods with artificial coloring and chemicals can contribute to indigestion, so you’ll want to consider natural products that don’t contain any grains. Fresh foods that include a healthy mix of vitamins and minerals can also soothe sensitivity.
Consider skin-and-coat-specific brands or incorporate fresh, boiled meat for healthy skin.
Hypoglycemia
Like most toy or small breeds, Yorkies suffer from low blood sugar. When glucose levels drop, your dog is at risk of impaired neurological function.
They are most vulnerable to developing hypoglycemia within the first five months of birth, after which complications can cause liver disease and frequent low-energy levels. Long-term dietary changes can help reverse the effects of hypoglycemia in your Yorkie.
Floating Kneecaps
Kneecap dislocation is a common congenital disease in Yorkies. Popped kneecaps typically occur when congenital disabilities stunt the development of tendons and tissues around the joint.
Though your dog’s kneecaps always return to normalcy after slipping out, this can become painful if experienced frequently.
Correct floating kneecaps by introducing foods rich in omega-3 to your dog’s diet. These fatty acids help to improve joint strength and ease muscle discomfort.
Hypothyroidism
While hypothyroidism more often occurs in middle to large-sized breeds, it can also affect smaller dogs, such as Yorkies. This disease is caused by inflammation and the shrinking of the thyroid gland, leading to rapid weight gain, loss of fur, and low energy.
Fortunately, hypothyroidism in dogs is not fatal. Incorporate hormonal medications such as levothyroxine into your dog’s diet to improve their condition.
Providing the appropriate nutrition is also key to improving overall thyroid help. Introduce dog foods that contain a balanced level of amino acids, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Make sure your dog is consuming pet food that helps them maintain healthy body weight.
Dental Disease
Dental disease affects all pets—roughly 80% of dogs will potentially contract a dental problem by the age of two. However, Yorkies are more prone to tartar build-up in the teeth, which can rapidly progress into gum infection.
Without the appropriate nutritional adjustments, your dog will become at risk of losing its teeth or damaging its liver, kidney, heart, and joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Change My Yorkie’s Food?
As with any breed, rotating your Yorkie’s food can increase their intake of vitamins and minerals, omega-6 fatty acids and improve their overall health. Fortunately, Yorkies are not inherently carnivorous. Instead, they are omnivorous, which means they can enjoy a variety of other meals.
Many different Yorkie brands will consider their dietary needs at different life stages and whether they suffer from congenital diseases. By combining various foods throughout your dog’s lifetime, you can prevent protein allergies and sensitive stomachs, among other things.
Consider rotating your Yorkie’s food every three months. Transition your pet over a week, decreasing amounts of their old kibble until they are fully introduced to their new meals.
What Foods are Yorkies Allergic To?
Yorkies are genetically predisposed to food intolerance and can experience anaphylactic shock. Because this breed is particularly prone to digestive problems, they are more sensitive to flavors or preservatives.
Other allergens that may pose a danger to your Yorkie include:
- Dairy products
- Chicken eggs
- Soy or gluten
The best way to determine your Yorkie’s food allergies is to perform an elimination trial over a few weeks. This method involves eliminating a particular ingredient until your dog no longer experiences a bad reaction.
After identifying your dog’s specific food allergies, you can introduce them to the appropriate recipe.
What Percentage of Wet and Dry Dog Food Should I Feed My Yorkie?
A balanced mixture of dry and wet meals can provide your Yorkie with the hydration and nutrients it needs. However, wet food contains fewer calories per gram than dry food. Thus, you’ll want to consult with your veterinarian before determining the appropriate mix for your Yorkshire Terrier.
Depending on your dog’s size and body weight, a Yorkie should typically consume ¼ to ½ cups of food daily. For picky eaters, mixing a teaspoon of wet food into dry kibble can stimulate your dog’s appetite.
Otherwise, you don’t need to combine wet and dry food in the same bowl. Instead, opt for a 2-is-to-1 ratio when feeding toy breed dry dog food and wet meals.
Want to learn more about the best dry kibble for your Yorkie? Take a look at our guide here!
