Admin It’s no surprise that Yorkshire Terriers have consistently high rankings in the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breed1 lists. These adorable dogs belong to the toy group, and they’re known for their affectionate and spunky personalities.
Proper diet and nutrition are essential for these tiny dogs because this breed is susceptible to some common genetic health issues, including luxating patella, eye issues, and heart disease. Fortunately, you don’t always have to spend a large amount of money to find quality dog food. Walmart sells many reputable dog food brands, and you can often find them at lower prices.
In short, Yorkies do best with dog food that has formulas specifically designed for smaller dog breeds and has inclusions that support eye health and hip and joint health. Our reviews of the best dog food for Yorkies will help you become more informed of the best available options.
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners of 2023
The 10 Best Dog Food for Yorkies at Walmart
1. Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Dry Food – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Deboned turkey, chicken meal, salmon meal, oatmeal |
| Protein content: | 24% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 408 kcal/cup |
Wellness’ Complete Health Small Breed dog food for small dogs is the best overall dog food for Yorkies at Walmart because it uses high-quality natural ingredients and is a complete and balanced meal.
Turkey is the first ingredient, and other healthy sources of protein, such as chicken meal and salmon meal, are additional main ingredients. The recipe also includes a blend of nutrient-dense whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, including oatmeal, barley, blueberries, apples, and spinach.
The recipe does contain small amounts of tomatoes and tomato pomace. Contrary to popular belief, tomatoes aren’t poisonous to dogs2, and they can enjoy a small amount. However, if your Yorkie has a particularly sensitive stomach, it may not be able to digest this meal very well. Too much tomato can cause gastrointestinal upset, and the ingredient list of this dog food contains a wide variety of foods.
Along with containing healthy ingredients, the recipe is also fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine. All these elements are essential for daily functioning, and your Yorkie is ensured to have its nutritional needs met every day without any additional foods or supplements.
2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Dry Food – Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, soybean meal, whole corn |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 351 kcal/cup |
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Real Chicken & Veggies recipe is the best dog food for Yorkies in Walmart for the money you pay. Chicken and chicken meal are the first ingredients, and the recipe is supported with added essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine.
This dog food is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat and help keep a Yorkie’s long silky hair soft and smooth. The texture of the small kibble also helps to clean teeth and freshen your Yorkie’s breath.
This dog food is suitable for dogs of all life stages. So, if your puppy enjoys this meal, you don’t have to worry about switching to a new food as it grows to adulthood. It’s a generally good option for most Yorkies. However, it does contain fish meal, so if your Yorkie has difficulty digesting fish or has allergies, it shouldn’t be given this food.
3. Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Dry Food – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients: | Rabbit with ground bone, olive oil, rabbit liver, pumpkin seed |
| Protein content: | 46% |
| Fat content: | 32% |
| Calories: | 53 kcal/patty |
If you really want to splurge and pamper your pet, Walmart sells Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit, which is a premium dog food line that specializes in raw, freeze-dried meals. The rabbit dinner recipe is particularly good for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities because it doesn’t contain any common food allergens.
The food comes in the form of breakable patties, and you can serve the meal in different ways. It can be served dry, or you can moisten it with some water. Adding water can help with keeping Yorkies hydrated and letting Yorkies with dental issues have an easier time chewing on the food. However, it does tend to take a long time for the patties to soak up water, so make sure to break them into smaller pieces before you soak them.
Also, this meal’s protein content is on the higher end, which can end up being detrimental to some dogs’ health3, especially if they’re overweight or have kidney issues. While puppies need more protein, senior dogs do not. So, make sure you get your vet’s approval for high-protein diets for your Yorkie, especially if it’s an older dog.
4. Pure Balance Pro+ Puppy Dry Food – Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal |
| Protein content: | 27% |
| Fat content: | 17% |
| Calories: | 416 kcal/cup |
Pro Balance Puppy is Walmart’s in-house pet food brand. It’s sold exclusively at Walmart stores and the Walmart website, and you can usually find it sold at relatively affordable prices. This puppy dog food contains all the nutrients that young, small breed puppies need for healthy growth and development.
It’s fortified with DHA for brain development, antioxidants for immune health, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. This recipe also contains a high amount of protein for healthy muscle development.
While the ingredient list is pretty simple, it does contain a significant amount of brown rice. While brown rice is highly nutritious, it can be difficult for some dogs to digest4, and puppies tend to have extra-sensitive stomachs. So, make sure to closely monitor your puppy for signs of an upset stomach while you’re transitioning to this food.
5. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Small Breed Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Salmon, rice, canola meal, fish meal |
| Protein content: | 28% |
| Fat content: | 17% |
| Calories: | 478 kcal/cup |
This Purina Pro PlanS ensitive Skin and Stomach Small Breed recipe is a considerable option for Yorkies with digestive issues or particularly sensitive stomachs. It contains easily digestible ingredients and omits any common allergens.
The formula is also fortified with omega-6 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation, alleviate irritated skin, and nourish the skin and coat. The food contains live probiotics to help with digestion and boost the immune system.
While the recipe is a generally safe option for dogs with food allergies, it does contain a small amount of beef fat. While this ingredient doesn’t typically trigger reactions, it may affect some dogs with extremely sensitive allergies.
6. Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain barley, split peas |
| Protein content: | 24% |
| Fat content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 352 kcal/cup |
This Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed dog food is often a bit more expensive than other dry dog food, but it uses high-quality, non-GMO ingredients, and it doesn’t contain any animal by-product meals. Chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients, making this recipe a great source of protein and a sustainable source of energy for active dogs.
This dog food is especially beneficial to Yorkies because the crunchy kibble texture helps control tartar buildup, and the recipe contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. These compounds support bone and joint health.
Our only concern with this recipe is that it lists peas as one of the main ingredients. It’s important to note that the FDA is currently investigating5 and researching the link to legumes and the rise in cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.
7. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Bites Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Lamb meal, brown rice, brewers rice, whole grain wheat |
| Protein content: | 19.5% |
| Fat content: | 12.5% |
| Calories: | 370 kcal/cup |
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Bites is another premium dog food brand that you can find for slightly cheaper prices at Walmart. It’s a popular brand that’s recommended by many veterinarians. This particular recipe provides a well-balanced meal for small dogs that are between ages 1 to 6.
It’s fortified with omega-6 fatty acids to nourish and support healthy skin and coat. The antioxidants and vitamins C and E in the formula help to support the immune system, and the total blend of ingredients promotes strong, lean muscles.
While the meal is nutritious, it may not be tasty for picky Yorkies. Lamb meal is the first ingredient, rather than whole cuts of lamb meat. It also contains additional natural flavors to enhance the flavor, but it doesn’t seem enticing enough for many finicky eaters.
8. Freshpet Healthy & Natural Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken liver, ground oats, rice bran |
| Protein content: | 13% |
| Fat content: | 11% |
| Moisture content: | 67% |
| Calories: | 283 kcal/bowl |
Freshpet Healthy & Natural Dog Food provides fresh and nutritious meals to pets without tying down customers to a subscription plan. This recipe has a simple ingredient list that uses real chicken, chicken liver, and eggs. Carrots, spinach, and oats are other nutrient-dense foods included in this dog food.
If you live in a multi-dog household, this dog food is a considerable option because it’s a complete and balanced meal for adult dogs of all sizes. So, you can feed any adult dog the same meal without worrying about any nutritional deficiencies.
Since this dog food is fresh, it expires much more quickly than dry dog food. It must be refrigerated at all times and consumed within 7 days of opening. So, make sure to be extra careful with feeding schedules to avoid any food poisoning.
9. Blue Buffalo Delights Small Breed Wet Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Beef, chicken, potatoes, chicken liver |
| Protein content: | 8% |
| Fat content: | 6% |
| Moisture content: | 78% |
| Calories: | 114 kcal/bowl |
Picky dogs and senior dogs may enjoy this meal because it’s savory, easy to chew, and easily digestible. As long as you’re on top of brushing your dog’s teeth and keeping them clean, you shouldn’t have to worry about dental issues when feeding them Blue Buffalo Delights Small Breed wet food.
The recipe uses healthy natural ingredients, like real beef, potatoes, carrots, and flaxseed. It’s a great source of protein and can be served as a standalone meal or a meal topper. It doesn’t contain any artificial flavors and preservatives or animal by-product meals.
While the name of this dog food only mentions beef, the ingredient list actually contains chicken and chicken liver. So, if your Yorkie has a chicken allergy, it shouldn’t eat this meal.
10. Purina Beyond High Protein Small Breed Adult Dry Food
| Main ingredients: | Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic cassava root flour, organic pea starch |
| Protein content: | 27% |
| Fat content: | 17% |
| Calories: | 468 kcal/cup |
Purina Beyond High Protein Small Breed Adult Dry Food is USDA-certified organic and has a very clean ingredient list. Organic free-range chicken is the first ingredient, and you can rest assured in knowing that none of the ingredients were grown with any added antibiotics or growth hormones and synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
The recipe also contains ingredients that support eye health6, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin E. The kibble also comes in various shapes to make it a more palatable texture for picky dogs.
While the foods in this recipe are all organic, a good amount of ingredients are pea products. Since Yorkies are predisposed to heart diseases, you may want to err on the side of caution with this recipe if your Yorkie is older or has risk markers for heart disease.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food for Yorkies at Walmart
Small dogs and toy breeds have dietary needs that vary from larger dog breeds. On top of that, Yorkies are predisposed to certain genetic health conditions. So, it’s essential to find dog food that meets and sustains a Yorkie’s nutritional needs. Here are some factors to remember when shopping for new dog food.
Calorie-Rich Food
In general, smaller dogs have higher metabolic rates than larger dogs. So, they actually need calorie-dense meals. Some small dog breeds also require diets with higher protein and fat, which are their primary energy sources.
It’s helpful to consult with your veterinarian to make sure that your Yorkie gets the right amount of calories and is eating food that properly nourishes its body. Ask for recommended brands, along with any brands that you should avoid.
Antioxidants
In short, antioxidants are molecules that protect your body from unstable molecules that can harm cells in the body. Research has shown that they’re linked to lowering the risk of developing heart disease.
Since Yorkies have a predisposition to heart diseases, feeding them food that’s been fortified with antioxidants can be especially beneficial for them.
High-Quality Ingredients
Yorkies are also at risk of developing liver diseases as they get older. So, feeding them dog food with high-quality ingredients is vital. When shopping for dog food, look at the ingredient list on the food label.
High-quality dog food will have natural and wholesome ingredients, like real meat, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. Avoid food containing low-quality or ambiguous ingredients, such as animal by-product meal, added sugars, and artificial flavors.
Conclusion
Based on our reviews, Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food is the best dog food for Yorkies that you can find at Walmart because it uses high-quality ingredients and provides a complete and balanced meal for small dog breeds.
A good budget-friendly option is Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe Natural Food for Dogs. This dog food has a clean ingredient list, and it’s suitable for all life stages. If you’re interested in premium dog food, Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Patties Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Dry Dog Food is a tasty and nutritious meal that picky Yorkies will enjoy.
Pure Balance Pro+ Puppy Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for Puppies is Walmart’s exclusive brand, and it’s another healthy and affordable option for growing Yorkie puppies. Lastly, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Small Breed Dog Food is an option recommended by veterinarians, and it’s especially good for Yorkies with digestive issues.
Finding the right dog food for your Yorkie dramatically improves its quality of life and reduces the risk of developing certain illnesses. Fortunately, you can find several reputable brands at your local Walmart, which makes feeding your Yorkie nutritious meals an easier process.
Featured Image Credit: Scorpp, Shutterstock
