Yorkie nutrition: puppies, adult dogs, menu planning and food selection

When deciding to own a Yorkshire Terrier, the owner must be prepared to pay for food. This is an indoor, rather capricious breed that requires a balanced diet. All thoughts about economy and premium food can be dismissed immediately. The minimum is a super premium class, and ideally a high-quality holistic product. It is almost impossible for a veterinarian to create a natural diet without knowing all the intricacies of the Yorkshire Terrier’s body. And so that your pet does not get bored with the monotonous taste of “crackers”, the diet can be diversified with wet food. For those who are planning to get a Yorkie, but don’t know what to feed him, a rating of the best dry and wet food has been compiled.

The best dry food for Yorkies

Dry food forms the basis of the Yorkie's diet. Most breeders and owners prefer to feed miniature dogs with them because of their optimally balanced composition. Dry food eliminates the need to create your own diet in order to provide your pet’s body with all the necessary substances. Based on the opinions of veterinarians, reviews from breeders and a detailed analysis of the composition, we have selected the best dry food that is optimal for Yorkshire terriers.

Nutrition

York is a loyal friend.
The dog requires certain care: diet and diet. The initial stage (up to 1 month) is feeding with mother's milk.

Advantages:

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• The puppy’s body’s resistance to diseases;
• No disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.

From 1 month, feeding is introduced. Use dry food or canned food.

What Yorkies need:

• A complex that contains vitamins for the formation of a beautiful and healthy coat;
• Contains calcium and phosphorus.

It is better to use food for the Yorkshire Terrier labeled “Super-premium”. They have a convenient method of administration - granules in a reduced form. Contains vitamins and microelements for the growth of your pet.

Important information for the owner: read the instructions on the back of the package. There is a table showing the required amount of food for a certain age.

Feeding rules:

1. Overeating is unacceptable.
2. 20 minutes is the time at which the pet should go to bed.
3. Access to clean water (dry feeding).

What is not suitable for the breed: economy class food. Contains excess amounts of dyes and grains. Dogs experience allergic reactions and stomach and intestinal problems.

Holistic and super-premium class

MERA

Country: Germany.

The manufacturer takes into account the type of animal - you can choose food specifically for your pet.

Contains only natural fresh products. The special hypoallergenic formula makes this food safe for dogs with sensitive digestion or allergies.

High proportion of animal protein.

The food contains all the vitamins and nutrients your pet needs, and also contains prebiotics for stable intestinal flora and reliable digestion. The best way to purchase food is on the official website meradog.ru.

Price - from 3875 rub. for 12.5 kg.

Acana

Country: Canada.

A unique feed production process involves processing the ingredients with steam at low temperatures.

The proportion of protein is up to 90%.

A wide range, focusing on the characteristics of dogs.

A rich vitamin and mineral complex in every product of the brand.

The price ranges from 4900 to 6700 rubles per 11.5 kg.

Piccolo

Country: England.

The main consumer of food is small dogs.

The diet is designed for pets prone to allergic reactions.

Grain is replaced with healthy greens: vegetables, algae.

The proportion of protein is from 65 to 80%.

Price - from 3,500 rubles per 4 kg package.

Orijen

Country: Canada.

The manufacturer takes into account the type of animal and creates a special diet.

The products used are not frozen.

There are no grains.

Wide range, there are medicinal products.

Price - from 6500 for 11 kg.

Wolfsblut

Country: England.

High protein content - up to 90%.

The diet is as close as possible to the type of nutrition of a wolf in its natural habitat.

Natural additives, minimal grain content.

Price - from 7,000 for 15 kg.

Farmina

Country: Italy.

The manufacturer's line offers both economy class and holistic food.

The share of protein in holistic products is up to 70%.

Wide range of breed feeds.

Price - from 5000 to 8000 per 12 kg.

Pronature

Country: Canada.

Maximum natural ingredients, modern production lines, minimal processing.

Grains are replaced by vegetables, algae.

The line of foods includes both breed-specific ones or those intended for special needs, as well as universal ones.

Price - from 6000 to 8500 for 13.5 kg.

Applaws

Country: Great Britain.

It contains a large number of vegetables, spices and extracts from medicinal herbs.

The share of protein is up to 75% meat or fish.

All products in the line contain probiotics.

Price - from 3500 to 4800 per 7.5 kg.

Duke's Farm

Country: England.

It contains grains, but of the highest quality, which are quickly absorbed by the dog’s body.

The diet contains vegetables and seasonal berries.

Price - from 6000 for 12 kg.

Savarra

Country: England.

The manufacturer focused on the quality of the product, the line is quite narrow.

The proportion of protein is up to 80%.

Easily digestible grains are present.

Price - from 5500 to 8500 per 12 kg.

Now Fresh

Country: Canada.

The brand is available in almost any store.

Does not contain grain.

High proportion of protein - up to 90%.

Wide range.

Price - from 4500 for 12 kg.

Feeding tips for miniature dogs

To maintain the health of a small dog, it is important to consider recommendations and advice on feeding and managing the animal’s diet:

1. It is advisable for miniature breeds to eat dry food daily. This is due to the fact that they often experience oral diseases: inflammation of the gums, unpleasant odor from the mouth, loose teeth, and excessive deposits of tartar. Diseases develop faster than in large individuals. Preference is given to holistic feeds; they do not contain dyes, preservatives, or by-products. Dry food reduces the risk of these diseases, but is not a panacea.
2. The diet should include wet food. Miniature dogs are prone to diseases of the urinary system; due to their size, the kidneys produce a small amount of urine, which contains a concentration of harmful inorganic substances. Wet food helps saturate the body with additional fluid and prevents the appearance of formations in the urinary system. It is not advisable to mix dry and wet food; it is better to offer them to the animal at different times.
3. Do not choose your own nutritional supplements for the animal and do not give food from your table. The advantage of ready-made dry food is its balance. The substances your dog needs are available in the right quantities. Homemade table food contains a lot of salt, fat, spices, and other substances harmful to the animal. A dog whose diet is based on dry food does not need additional biological additives. An excess of vitamins is more harmful than their deficiency.
4. Do not overfeed. Small individuals have a tendency to become obese. If you do not control the number of servings in the bowl, then over time the animal may become overweight. On packages of ready-made dry food there is a table on portion sizes and feeding frequency. Compliance with these standards will protect your dog from weight problems.

Orijen Original (6 kg)

Super premium product, suitable for all breeds, including small ones. Includes high-quality fish and meat, the content of which reaches a record 80% among other dry food, healthy herbs (dandelion, mint, turmeric).

All these ingredients help strengthen canine immunity. Does not contain third-rate by-products, chemical preservatives, flavor enhancers, aroma, vegetable proteins, gluten, or cereals. Orijen is suitable for active miniature dogs.

pros

• Record high animal protein content;
• Does not cause allergies;
• The composition contains several types of fish.

Minuses

• There is no fastener on the packaging so that the food does not dry out; it will have to be poured into a closed container;
• Strong odor and noticeable but short-lived odor from the animal's mouth;
• Rarely, problems with the gastrointestinal tract are possible.

NOW FRESH salmon, duck, turkey (2.72 kg)

Canadian quality holistic. Products of this brand do not include grain crops, by-products, chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers.

High-quality meat, vegetables, and cereals maintain the required level of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the animal’s body.

pros

• Unfastened packaging;
• Large granules may be difficult to digest if not chewed.

Minuses

• Pronounced smell.

What vitamins are needed when feeding small breed dogs

If the dog’s diet consists of natural food, ready-made vitamin complexes will serve as an additional source of vitamins and minerals. There are many types of multivitamins and specialty vitamins on the pet market designed for small dog breeds.

The vitamin multicomplex solves the problem of vitamin deficiency in the body of an adult animal.

For example, Farmavit Active, Wolmar Winsome Pro Bio Booster Ca Mini or Galakan Champion. These nutritional supplements are developed for small breed dogs, are hypoallergenic, and do not cause side effects.

What not to give to a Yorkshire Terrier

There is also a list of what you cannot feed a Biewer Yorkshire Terrier or Mini Yorkie, otherwise allergies, stomach upset, and hair loss may occur:

• seasonings and sugar;
• freshwater fish;
• smoked meats and fatty foods;
• lamb and pork, which put a tremendous strain on the stomach;
• legumes;
• citrus;
• sweets and baked goods;
• milk;
• juices;
• pearl barley

Remember, if you neglect the rules of nutrition, a number of diseases may occur: dermatitis, flatulence, indigestion, kidney failure and underdeveloped limbs.

By the way, if you are interested, you can read: What is the difference between a mini Yorkie and a standard Yorkie?

Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15 kg)

German quality holistic specialist. The products of this brand include only those components that are easily absorbed by the dog’s body, without causing any digestive problems.

No wheat, oats, corn, starch or gluten. Meat makes up more than half of the food - cod, mackerel, haddock, pheasant, rabbit, trout, salmon, lamb.

pros

• Excellent balance of vitamins, minerals, healthy supplements;
• Complete absence of chemical ingredients (flavor and aroma enhancers and dyes);
• Moderate size granules;
• No noticeable odor;
• Elegant, high quality packaging;
• The company has an official website with a detailed description of the product and instructions;
• The condition of the coat improves.

Minuses

• Rarely available in pet stores;
• In isolated cases may cause constipation

Briefly about the main thing

1. Food allergies in dogs are the most common type of disease.
2. It can appear in childhood or at any time in life.
3. There is a whole list of products to which reactions most often occur.
4. The symptoms are different, one or the other may appear. It all depends on the degree of damage to the body.
5. At the first symptoms, you should visit a veterinarian for testing to identify the allergen.
6. The dog is put on an elimination diet, removing from its diet everything that is suspect.
7. Start taking antihistamines prescribed by the doctor.
8. Select food that is declared by the manufacturer as hypoallergenic.
9. The choice is made from premium, super premium or holistic formulations.
10. Selection is carried out by buying small packages of dry food, carefully observing the body's reaction.
11. Choose a product that is affordable and available in stores.

There is no universal food that can be recommended for an allergenic pet. Even the most expensive products can contain components that can cause a negative reaction. The main thing for the owner is to identify the initial irritant and be prepared for the fact that the dog may be allergic to other ingredients of the composition.

Royal Canin for healthy skin and coat 2 kg (for small breeds)

Famous French super-premium food. It is of good quality, but lower than that of competitors (discussed in paragraphs 1-9).

Royal Canin Mini contains grains and vegetable proteins.

pros

• Does not cause allergies;
• Nutritious, but does not cause excess weight in the animal (the energy intensity of the diet and the protein content in the product are precisely calculated);
• Available at many pet stores;
• High-quality packaging;
• Moderate size granules;
• Restoring the condition of the coat;
• Contains sodium polyphosphate, which prevents the formation of plaque;
• The composition includes many useful microelements;
• Improved digestion.

Minuses

• With constant feeding of this food, it is impossible to do without additional supplements with vitamins and microelements;
• Inconvenient packaging without fastener;
• Contains poorly digestible grains and artificial additives (preservatives, dyes.);

Among these foods, the best choices for a miniature animal would be 1st Choice Breeders Miniature Breed with Chicken (20kg) and Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15kg).

The first is the highest quality, and at the same time inexpensive, super-premium food.

The second is a natural holistic company, and the company has a detailed official website with all the information on the food and instructions.

Both products have a minimum of disadvantages, which are offset by advantages from the balance of nutrients, vitamins, microelements and the absence of harmful preservatives to convenient packaging.

How to properly feed small breed dog puppies

When a puppy is just born, its digestive system is on its way to development; a diet of the right foods is the key to health for years to come. Newborn puppies can be supplemented with milk or a specialized formula. At the age of about 1-3 months, you need to feed puppies with natural food: lean meat, eggs, fish, porridge, fermented milk.

Protein should make up at least 70% of the diet. We add healthy fats and boiled vegetables to the rest of the diet. This menu may seem boring to humans, but puppies do not need a variety of foods.

Their gastrointestinal tract is just learning how to digest food, and preference is given to simple and healthy foods. The diet should not contain fatty, fried, sweet foods; they are prohibited for puppies and cause serious health and digestive problems.

Ontario Mini Weight Control with Turkey and Potatoes (2.25 kg)

Czech super-premium product. Recommended by veterinarians due to its perfectly balanced composition. Does not contain cereals or grains. The composition includes high-quality fish, meat products, vegetables (for example, tomatoes).

There are no low-quality ingredients, chemical preservatives, or meat and bone meal. Suitable for dogs with excess weight problems.

pros

• High content of lycopenes;
• Suitable for dogs with poor health, problems with joints and immunity;
• Does not cause a bad odor from the animal's mouth;
• All useful microelements in the form of chelates are absorbed by the dog’s body 100%;
• Small granules that are easy to digest;
• Distributed in pet stores;
• Hermetically sealed packaging.

Minuses

• Pronounced smell.

Diet for a pregnant miniature dog

Pregnancy of a pet is an important moment; it is necessary to organize the correct diet for the animal. It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in diet; pregnancy is stressful for the pet and changing the diet can aggravate the pet’s condition. The main part of the menu should be animal proteins. An overweight towards fast carbohydrates and fats can cause excess weight.

It is better to choose premium dog food intended for pregnant females; they have a good composition and contain a balanced set of vitamins and minerals necessary for a pregnant animal. It is important to monitor the portions you consume. Excessive feeding can lead to excess weight gain; there is no need to feed your pet for two or three. Additional weight can weaken the dog’s labor and add increased stress to the internal organs.

In the first half of pregnancy, the animal is fed according to the usual schedule, maintaining the portion size that was before pregnancy. To avoid weight gain, small pets need to remain active, but remember - you should not overwork the animal during pregnancy. If it was decided to switch the animal to another food, then the best time for this is the first half of pregnancy. The transition is carried out smoothly, on average about 8-10 days. If the new food is not suitable for a particular pet, the return to the previous one should be gradual.

In the second half of pregnancy, active growth of puppies in the womb begins; if before this excess nutrition was spent on the pet’s excess weight, now all the excess will go to feed the fetuses. The animal’s body gives all its resources to its offspring. It is important to gradually increase the pet's diet; by the end of pregnancy, the bitch should receive about 30% more food than usual.

There are periods when the female’s appetite decreases or disappears. There is no need to force feed; when the dog feels better, it will begin to eat properly again. During this period, it is better to offer food often and in small portions. During pregnancy, the uterus puts a lot of pressure on the internal organs, and large portions of food will worsen the condition, and a lack of food will provoke the birth of weakened offspring.

If your miniature dog has digestive problems due to food

A common reason for visiting a veterinarian is gastrointestinal problems. Not a single animal is safe from them.

The reasons for their appearance are usually similar: either a specific brand of ready-made dry or wet food is not suitable for the animal, or the owner decides to save money and buys cheap brands of food that have an unbalanced and even harmful composition.

The most common digestive disorders are:

• Diarrhea, constipation
• Allergies that cause a skin reaction
• Intolerance to components included in the finished feed
• Uncontrollable vomiting
• Poisoning

For each of these symptoms, the dog should be shown to a veterinarian to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Self-medication or self-diagnosis is fraught with the emergence of new diseases. If you do not review your dog’s diet, then over time, minor problems with the gastrointestinal tract will lead to the development of chronic diseases of the internal organs.

The damage will mainly be caused to the stomach and liver, and various parts of the intestines.

To solve the problem, it is enough to change the brand of food, choosing a diet without harmful and poorly digestible components. A competent veterinarian can advise which food is best to introduce, based on the health of a particular dog. Change the food gradually; too sudden a change will cause severe digestive upset. The replacement should be made within a week, mixing the new type of food with the old one.

Acana Heritage (6 kg) (for small breeds)

This Canadian product is a good choice for a miniature breed dog. It is suitable for both active animals and completely lazy ones. The food is holistic, that is, it contains only natural ingredients.

There are no cheap low-quality components in the products of this brand; feed wheat and bone meal are completely absent. Contains only meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and high quality dairy products.

pros

• High concentration of animal proteins;
• Fresh ingredients;
• There are no carbohydrates (the dog’s body does not need them);
• A variety of fruits, vegetables, tonic herbs in the composition, which strengthen the heart and improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Reduces insulin levels, strengthens the liver;
• High quality packaging.

Minuses

• May cause allergies;
• Noticeable fishy smell;
• High fat content.

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