Anna has a passion for keeping pets healthy and happy. She grew up with a Great Pyrenees as a family dog. Currently and currently has an orange tabby. She worked at a dog grooming and bathing salon where she learnt more about canine behavior and bathing. She lives in Wisconsin, in the United States. When she is not writing, she helps her partner run their small business, knitting, and enjoying local parks.
Finding the best food for your pet dog can be a major challenge. A Yorkshire terrier, for example, needs a food that will support their overall health and keep their unique coat shiny and silky. They also need something high-calorie to keep their blood sugar at the right level. Luckily, we’ve made a list of five healthy Yorkshire terrier diet tips to find the best food for your Yorkie.
Choosing The Perfect Yorkshire Terrier Food
Check with your veterinarian before putting your pet on any specialty or specialized diet food. If you are changing foods, make sure to do it gradually over a period of weeks. This will prevent stomach upset. Keep in mind a Yorkshire terrier can be picky about what they eat. Below are five more healthy Yorkshire terrier diet tips.
1. Stick To Dry Food
Selecting a healthy kibble is vital to a Yorkshire terrier’s dental health. The crunchy texture keeps their teeth clean. Canned wet food may be appealing, but won’t provide the same benefits for your Yorkie’s teeth. If your Yorkie won’t eat just kibble, try putting low-sodium broth or warm water in it.
2. Feed Meals Throughout The Day
Since they are very small, Yorkshire terriers can develop hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This can cause dizziness, fainting, and confusion. You can prevent hypoglycemia by splitting your Yorkie’s food for the day across 3-4 meals. Unless your Yorkshire terrier is obese, you can also let them free-feed through the day.
3. Avoid Meat Byproducts
Make sure whole meat or meat meal is one of the first ingredients in your Yorkshire terrier’s food. Avoid any food which lists meat byproducts in its ingredients. Byproducts contain a lot of indigestible fibrous material. Look for healthy sources of fiber and carbs, like brown rice, oatmeal, or sweet potato, instead.
4. Look For High-Quality Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are vital in supporting your Yorkshire terrier’s skin health. They also help keep your Yorkie’s coat silky and shiny. Good sources of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids include fish oil, poultry, nuts, flaxseed oil, and eggs.
5. Consider A Home-Cooked Diet
Though it is not feasible for every owner, a home-cooked diet for your Yorkshire terrier helps you control what goes into their food. In addition, you can appease the finicky nature of your dog, since Yorkies tend to prefer warmer, wetter food. This may be an especially good option if your Yorkie has food sensitivities or allergies. Talk with your vet before starting a home-cooked diet.
Anna has a passion for keeping pets healthy and happy. She grew up with a Great Pyrenees as a family dog. Currently and currently has an orange tabby. She worked at a dog grooming and bathing salon where she learnt more about canine behavior and bathing. She lives in Wisconsin, in the United States. When she is not writing, she helps her partner run their small business, knitting, and enjoying local parks.
