A healthy diet is essential for Yorkies to maintain their energy, health, and shiny coats. These small dogs have specific nutritional needs, and selecting the right food can significantly improve their quality of life. Here’s a breakdown of what your Yorkie needs for optimal nutrition, portion control, and treat options, with a focus on pawTree recommendations.
Protein-Rich Foods
Yorkies, like all dogs, need a diet rich in high-quality protein to support their muscles, coat, and overall energy levels. Look for dog food with real meat (like chicken, lamb, or fish) as the primary ingredient.
pawTree Recommendation: The pawTree Real Meat & Brown Rice formulas are excellent options for Yorkies, offering balanced nutrition with real meat as the first ingredient. This ensures that your Yorkie gets the essential proteins and nutrients they need without filler ingredients.
Portion Control
Since Yorkies are small dogs, overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can strain their joints and heart. On average, Yorkies need about 150-200 calories per day, but this depends on their activity level, age, and size.
Guideline: Start by feeding your Yorkie a portion recommended on the dog food packaging, and adjust based on your vet’s advice or how your Yorkie maintains a healthy weight. Weighing your Yorkie and using a food scale for accurate portions is a great way to prevent overfeeding.
Essential Nutrients
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These help promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- pawTree Recommendation: The pawTree Salmon & Pollock Oil is rich in Omega-3s and perfect for keeping your Yorkie's coat in top condition.
Probiotics: Gut health is essential for Yorkies, as they can be prone to digestive issues.
- pawTree Recommendation: Gastro Pro Plus is an excellent daily probiotic that supports digestive health and immunity.
Joint Support: Yorkies are susceptible to joint issues such as patellar luxation.
- pawTree Recommendation: Adding Joint Support Plus can help maintain healthy joints, especially as your Yorkie ages.
Avoid Harmful Ingredients
Avoid foods with artificial preservatives, flavors, and fillers such as corn, soy, or wheat. These ingredients can cause allergies or digestive problems in Yorkies. Be cautious of foods with too much fat or sodium, which can lead to weight gain or health issues.
Also, avoid toxic foods such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and avocados. These can be deadly for Yorkies even in small amounts.
Healthy Treats
Treats are great for training, but they should only make up about 10% of your Yorkie’s daily caloric intake. Look for treats that are grain-free and contain natural ingredients.
pawTree Recommendation: pawTreats® come in various flavors, like turkey and sweet potato, and are made with wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for rewarding your Yorkie without compromising their health.
Conclusion
Feeding your Yorkie a balanced diet tailored to their specific needs is one of the best things you can do to ensure they live a long, healthy, and happy life. With high-quality protein, Omega-3s, probiotics, and joint support, products like those from pawTree offer ideal solutions for your Yorkie's nutrition. Combine this with portion control and avoiding harmful ingredients, and your Yorkie will thrive for years to come.
Written with love by Heather, proud owner of Setareh Yorkies. 🐾💖
For more adorable Yorkie updates, tips, and everything in between, visit us at Setareh Yorkies and be sure to follow our Yorkie adventures on Instagram @setarehyorkies. We can't wait to connect with you and share our love for these sweet pups!
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