Rating of the best food for Yorkies and Chihuahuas for 2022

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.

Rating of the 10 best dry food for the Yorkshire Terrier

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.

Rating of the best food for Yorkies

We started compiling this TOP only after carefully studying the reviews of Yorkie owners, advice from veterinarians and breeders. Before being added to the review, each nominee in this TOP was considered from the standpoint of quality, safety, benefit, pleasure for the dog, ease of use, price ratio and effectiveness of use.

To determine the leaders, the following feed characteristics were analyzed:

• Type – dry or wet;
• Naturalness and variety of compositions;
• Taste and aroma properties;
• Hypoallergenic components;
• Daily norm;
• Best before date;
• Texture and consistency, depending on the type of food;
• Recommended frequency of use;
• Lack of addiction in pets;
• Acceptable age for introduction into the diet is puppies up to 1 year, adults and/or elderly dogs;
• Volume of packages available for sale;
• Economical consumption.

Also, when compiling a rating of the best food for the Yorkshire Terrier, we made sure to pay attention to the animal’s reaction.

Best Wet Dog Foods

1st Choice Breeders for miniature breeds with chicken (20kg)

The best option among super-premium feeds. It consists of high-quality meat, vegetables, and does not contain unnecessary third-rate components and by-products. The composition does not contain taste or smell enhancers or other artificial additives.

The price per kilogram (366 rubles/kg) is budget-friendly for a product of this quality. Product, there is a huge range of food for small breeds with other tastes, hypoallergenic types that are suitable for animals with a tendency to allergies.

pros

• There is no unpleasant smell, the animal’s mouth does not smell after eating;
• The condition of the coat improves;
• Does not cause digestive upset, suitable for animals with a weak gastrointestinal tract;
• Each product in the line is balanced according to the age of the animal for which it is intended (this product for adult miniature dogs contains the required 22% protein);
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

• It has the form of granules, which are much more difficult to digest when not chewed;
• Difficult to find in pet stores.

ProNature Holistic (for miniature breeds) (0.34 kg)

The best option from holisticists. The composition contains minerals, animal proteins, trace elements, vitamins. Consists of meat, fish, egg products, berries, fruits, vegetables, does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or other grains.

There are no chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers. Veterinarians consider the products of this brand to be among the best for the constant feeding of miniature breed dogs.

pros

• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time, eating a small portion;
• The appearance of the coat improves with constant holistic nutrition;
• No problems with the gastrointestinal tract, well absorbed by the animal’s body;
• Suitable for dogs with intolerance to certain foods;
• After eating, the animal's mouth does not smell;
• The small package has a convenient clasp, the food does not run out.
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

• Not found in all pet stores.

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.

The best wet food for your Yorkie

This is one of the main types of food for small breeds, which is able to satisfy their needs for energy, pleasure and nutrients. It comes in two types – canned and pouchy; Both are moist, they are sold either in jars or in bags. Typically, such food has a shorter shelf life than dry food, so it is not recommended to take it too much in advance. When deciding which food is best for Yorkies, we chose the 4 safest and most useful from the point of view of veterinarians.

Four-legged Gourmet Yorkshire sausages

These are canned foods prepared with Yorkies in mind. They have a balanced composition, which includes beef, offal, minced chicken, egg powder, milk powder, salt and drinking water. As you can see, it does not contain dangerous chemicals. This product replenishes the animal’s body with vitamins E and A, phosphorus and calcium, which are beneficial for teeth, bones, fur, and the immune system.

Four-legged Gourmet Yorkshire sausages are sold in a standard metal can that holds 240 g of canned food. At the same time, the daily norm for a pet of this breed does not exceed 80 g per 1 kg of animal weight. Accordingly, one package lasts on average 2 days. Thanks to the high concentration of protein, the dog's growth is accelerated and the muscle corset is strengthened. It also contains energy-providing carbohydrates and some ash.

Advantages

• Optimal energy value – 84 kcal per 100 g;
• Economical consumption;
• Good texture;
• Convenient packaging;
• Diverse composition.

Flaws

• Doesn't last very long after opening the package;

According to reviews, this is the best wet food for Yorkies in terms of balance between price and quality.

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care for Digestive Disorders

This wet food is not medicinal, but is quite suitable for use for gastrointestinal and digestive disorders in Yorkshire terriers. This is a complete dietary food recommended by leading European veterinarians. It is relevant in the prevention of obesity, diseases of the skin, joints, bladder and gastrointestinal tract. It is because of this that it is not recommended to give it to pets constantly - you should take at least short breaks.

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care is suitable for both large and small breeds, which includes the Yorkie. It is part of the “Super-premium” group and is sold in two flavors - liver and pork. This food is suitable only for adult dogs; its composition is quite varied - it includes grains, vegetables, herbs, and meat. It contains protein, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and many other useful substances.

Advantages

• Great taste;
• Neutralizes free radicals due to its antioxidant content;
• High concentration of vitamin A and E;
• Good energy value – 103 kcal per 100 g;
• A small daily ration depending on the weight of the animal;
• Excellent consistency.

Flaws

• After prolonged use, your pet sometimes develops loose stools.

This food for Yorkies is the best of all options for mixing with dry food within the same diet, without leading to any gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, most similar options in this regimen only harm the stomach and intestines.

Belcando

...I gave this food to my obstinate Yorkie to try, and he began to eat it the first time, and very willingly. Obviously, it has a pleasant taste and smell, and it also has the optimal consistency - there is no liquid or pieces left at the bottom...

Expert opinion

These are premium canned goods made from selected meat. They potentially cannot harm the dog due to the absence of flavors, soy products, preservatives and dyes in the composition. This selection of components guarantees the high biological value of the food, which is also due to the saturation of the animal’s body with vitamins A, D3 and E, the concentration of which is very high here.

Belcando is a supplier of crude protein, fat, ash and fiber, beneficial for the normal functioning of the stomach and intestines. It is also a source of calcium and phosphorus, without which there can be no talk of healthy joints, skin, coat and teeth. It is available in two packages - 400 and 800 g, but small packages are not always on sale.

Advantages

• German production;
• Nice tin;
• After opening the container it does not disappear for a long time;
• Helps quickly;
• The fur begins to shine;
• Doesn't get boring for a very long time.

Flaws

• The high rate per day is up to 2400 g for a dog weighing 25-50 kg.

Cesar

Compared to previous wet foods, this food is presented in the form of a mixture (pouch) of small pieces, due to which it is digested faster and better absorbed. It is produced taking into account the vitamins and minerals needs of small breed dogs. The composition is based on offal and meat, which accounts for at least 40%. The remaining components are vegetables, fiber and grains, which give the dog energy.

Cesar contains a large amount of protein necessary for normal growth of puppies. There is a little less fat and ash, and it also contains some fiber, which improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The vitamins included are tocopherol and retinol, which give the coat a well-groomed appearance. The reaction of the pet's body to it is normal - no side effects were identified, and bloating, which is sometimes mentioned in reviews, is usually associated with exceeding the norm.

Advantages

• Dogs eat it with good appetite;
• Super premium product;
• Hypoallergenic composition;
• Low consumption - usually up to two packs per day;
• Long shelf life.

Flaws

• Sold in only one volume - in packs of 100 g.

Go! Natural Holistic (holistic menu) Go & NOW Natural (690 g)

Suitable for all dog breeds, especially miniature ones. It contains only natural ingredients, calf meat, turkey, lamb, duck, fruits, berries, vegetables.

The product is perfectly balanced, the necessary animal proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, microelements, acids are present, there are no harmful soybeans, preservatives, odor and taste enhancers, or low-quality by-products. All components retain their properties thanks to gentle processing.

pros

• Convenient sealed packaging with a zipper: the food does not expire and does not lose its properties;
• The amount of excrement is significantly reduced, and its smell becomes less pronounced;
• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time;
• The coat becomes more shiny and smooth in appearance with prolonged constant feeding;
• Does not cause allergies or dental problems;
• The condition of the skin and eyes improves noticeably over time;
• Can be found in every pet store;
• Does not have a pronounced odor.

Minuses

• Large granules that are difficult to digest if the dog does not chew them;
• Possible odor from the animal's mouth;
• Occasionally, problems with the gastrointestinal tract occur.

A little about the breed

The Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua are both miniature dog breeds. Their height is about 12-20 cm. Yorkies come from Great Britain, and Chihuahuas come from Mexico.

In addition to their small size, these two dogs are united by their cheerful disposition, energy, courage and intelligence. They may seem silly at first glance, but both of these breeds are highly trainable. In skillful hands, such dogs will become obedient and disciplined. Therefore, you should not ignore this point.

Yorkies and Chihuahuas also get along quite easily with other animals and are distinguished by their affection for their owner. If we talk about the Chihuahua, then in the family he chooses his favorite, to whom he will be devoted, and will experience only friendly feelings towards the rest.

If we talk about care, it will be a little more difficult with Yorkies. Due to its long coat, a representative of this breed needs periodic grooming and washing, and this dog also needs to be brushed every day. Well, your Yorkie will also need to trim its nails from time to time. There is an erroneous assumption that a representative of this breed does not need a walk. But your Yorkie still needs physical exercise, so you need to walk him once or twice a day.

Chihuahuas do not require as much care. The owner will only need to bathe him once a month, trim his claws, and wipe his eyes. As for walks, Chihuahuas love to spend time outside. Accompanying the owner always and everywhere will become their favorite pastime.

Health of Yorkies and Chihuahuas

If we talk about the health of the Yorkshire Terrier, many can develop hypoglycemia at an early age. This means that your pet's blood sugar decreases. In this case, the puppy may tremble, be lethargic and drowsy, and his body temperature may drop. This disease can also appear in adult dogs, but it is rare. Neurodermatitis is also a common disease. It can be caused by stress or boredom. In this case, it is better to change the situation and make the pet’s life more interesting. It is not uncommon for a Yorkie to get cancer, usually stomach or blood cancer. But this disease appears in dogs older than 10 years.

Chihuahuas have good health, but some diseases still occur here. First of all, it is worth noting that such dogs cannot tolerate temperature changes. Therefore, with the onset of the first cold weather, it is worth taking care of your pet’s clothing. Chihuahuas quickly develop plaque on their teeth, so you need to carefully monitor your dog’s mouth. Otherwise, he will develop oral diseases or dental problems. Since this is a miniature dog, it has small and fragile bones, so the owner must ensure that it does not get injured, special care must be taken with the bones of the skull.

Also, these two breeds have a sensitive digestive system. Therefore, the feeding process must be approached with extreme caution. Otherwise, your pet will become obese, which will lead not only to dieting, but also to health complications.

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.

Composition of quality feed

How to choose food for your pet to keep it healthy. First of all, you should pay attention to the contents of the food and how much it costs. If the average price is less than the cost of meat, then the description on the package does not correspond to reality. The product is worth buying if the manufacturer has indicated all its details on the packaging and, in addition, there are detailed dosage instructions depending on weight and the required data:

• the first line of the composition is the types of meat products and their quantity;
• sources of proteins and fats are indicated;
• there are easily recognizable fruits and vegetables in the form of pieces;
• no dyes or flavors;
• there are no by-products (food waste) and cheap fillers;
• The energy value is indicated and corresponds to the needs of the animal.

An indicator of dishonest work is aggressive advertising by the manufacturer. Before choosing a product, you should look at reviews of it from other dog owners.

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.

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.

https://dog-care.ru/zdorove/pitanie/luchshih-suhih-kormov-dlya-yorkshirskogo-terera.html

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

Grandorf (3 kg) Lamb with rice Mini

Suitable for a small breed dog. Veterinarians often mention this brand as the most suitable for dogs prone to allergies. The composition is completely free of chicken and grains.

In addition to meat, it contains components such as vegetables and grains. It is better to take this food for an active dog. If she is lazy, then Grandorf will make her overweight.

pros

• High meat content - >60%;
• High calorie content, the dog will be full for a long time;
• No chemical flavors or additives;
• Improves the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, restores intestinal microflora (and is even indicated for those dogs who have digestive problems);
• Improves the condition of the coat.

Minuses

• High in fat, a lazy dog ​​will quickly gain weight.

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.

Recommendations

In order to provide your pet with everything necessary, you need to purchase only premium food for Yorkies. In no case should you skimp on health, because this can provoke the occurrence of serious diseases with the risk of progressing to the chronic stage.

Premium Yorkie puppy food contains natural ingredients, among which animal protein predominates.

• Dry food for Yorkies helps prevent the risk of tartar formation; thanks to its solid structure, it literally cleans your pet's teeth, which has a positive effect on their health.
• However, you cannot rely on only one food in this aspect; it is also necessary to purchase additional products that will keep your pet’s mouth clean.

In addition to this, it is recommended to visit a veterinarian on a regular basis, thanks to examinations you can be confident in your health.

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.

Proper feeding of a Yorkie

First of all, you need to remember that the Yorkie breed is very picky about the quality of food. Pets should consume foods with high energy value. This need is due to the fast metabolism of these animals. However, it is worth remembering the dosage and not giving more portions than normal. Otherwise, the pet is at risk of being overweight and obese.

The standard weight of an adult is 3-3.5 kg

Feeding is carried out 4 times a day until the age of 10 months, then transferred to 2 meals a day.

Note! Your pet should always have constant access to clean water.

It is necessary to give vitamins and mineral complexes, but they must be selected by a veterinarian. When compiling a diet, it is also important to take into account that you cannot mix wet and dry food, as well as products from different manufacturers.

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.

How to choose the right food

Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua are representatives of miniature dog breeds. Therefore, their daily diet should not exceed 150-200 grams of food at a time, but at the same time the pet must receive all the necessary minerals and vitamins. If the dog owner decides to feed him specialized food, then certain nuances should be taken into account.

First of all, you should divide all feed into classes. The economy option does not contain the beneficial substances that such dogs need. Meat here is replaced by soy, and such food also contains more hormones, flavor enhancers and other harmful additives that will have a bad effect on the dog’s health. There is also premium food, here the meat will be replaced by offal, the food will also contain preservatives and additives to enhance the taste, but there will be less of them than in economy class food. Manufacturers also add vitamins and minerals that the dog needs.

But still, high-quality food should contain at least 40% meat, and this option would be super-premium or holistic food. There is also an optimal amount of vitamins and minerals. If we talk about dry food, then manufacturers in this case cover the granules with a special film, which is necessary to remove plaque.

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.

What can you feed Yorkshire Terrier puppies?

Hypoallergenic cat food: which one is better?

For the first weeks after birth, puppies should be fed mother's milk. The first complementary foods are introduced at the age of 1 month, gradually adding new foods.

Menu example:

• 1 month - feeding 6 times a day with lean meat, cottage cheese, kefir and warm milk.
• 2-5 months - fed 5 times a day until 4 months, then 4 times. You can give meat, sea fish, kefir, low-fat cottage cheese, green apples, beets.
• 6-12 months - beef heart or liver is added to the above products. The number of feedings is 3-4 per day.

Puppies must be weighed daily for the first 2 weeks.

Natural Products for Yorkies

Some owners prefer to feed their pets natural products. In this case, you need to study the list of healthy and prohibited foods so as not to harm the dog.

When planning a diet for a Yorkshire Terrier, you should pay attention to the following points:

• Half of the daily portion should be proteins (fish, meat), the rest should be carbohydrates in the form of cereals, as well as vegetables and fruits;
• from offal you can give offal, udder, heart, lungs and liver;
• fish should be given only boiled;
• low-fat cottage cheese is suitable for dairy products;
• you can give egg yolk;
• dishes are complemented with a drop of olive or linseed oil.

Note! Before serving, all products must undergo heat treatment, especially meat and fish.

What is strictly forbidden to feed your Yorkie?

The list of prohibited products includes:

• pork, lamb;
• sweets and baked goods;
• bones;
• smoked meats, sausage;
• milk;
• cabbage and potatoes.

Most of these products negatively affect the digestive processes, put additional stress on the liver, and contribute to flatulence and diarrhea. Eating sausages can cause your pet to develop kidney problems.

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.

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.

Features of feeding pregnant and elderly Yorkies

Food for kittens: which is better, rating of dry and liquid options

During pregnancy, you should not dramatically change your dog's diet. It is necessary to ensure that the bulk of the diet consists of animal proteins, and it is better to get rid of fast carbohydrates. Premium food for Yorkies will be the ideal nutrition for the period of pregnancy and beyond. Such products often contain all the necessary substances for the healthy functioning of the body.

You should not overfeed your pet, as excess weight contributes to difficult childbirth. Until the second half of pregnancy, portions should be normal, and then they are gradually increased to about 30%. This will allow excess food not to go into the dog’s excess weight, but to feed the fruit. Sometimes the female’s appetite disappears or worsens; this is a normal phenomenon and the animal should not be force-fed.

With proper care, a pet can live 12-15 years

From the age of 8, it is necessary to more carefully monitor the animal’s nutrition. If your pet has been eating dry food all its life, then you should choose products marked “for older dogs.” Such lines are aimed at strengthening the cardiovascular system and joints. When feeding naturally, the percentage of animal protein should be increased. This will help protect the animal from infections and maintain muscle tone. It is necessary to increase the content of vitamins A, E and C in foods. They slow down the aging process and protect cells from destruction.

Unlike large breeds, Yorkies are more susceptible to the effects of poor quality food on the body. To ensure a long life for your pet and avoid a number of digestive problems, it is necessary to monitor your pet’s diet from childhood.