Best dog food for a Yorkie
Choosing food for a Yorkshire Terrier comes down to matching kibble size and calorie density to a genuinely small dog, since a Yorkie's needs are shaped by their size far more than by the breed name on a bag. This is a buying guide across the main formats — dry, wet and grain-free — rather than a single recommendation, because which suits your dog depends on their preference and any sensitivities they have.
Why size drives the choice more than breed
A small-breed or toy-breed formula typically has smaller kibble pieces sized for a tiny mouth, and a higher calorie density per gram, since small dogs have a faster metabolism relative to their size than large breeds do. A Yorkie struggling with an oversized kibble piece, or on a food formulated with a large dog's slower metabolism in mind, isn't getting a food that suits their actual size.
This matters more for Yorkies specifically because very small dogs, and toy breeds in particular, can be more prone to low blood sugar episodes if they go too long without eating, which is one more reason a calorie-appropriate small-breed formula and regular small meals tend to suit the breed well.
Dry, wet or grain-free
Dry food in a small-breed formula is a common, practical choice and tends to support dental health slightly better than wet food purely through the mechanical action of chewing, which matters for a breed prone to dental crowding and tartar build-up. Wet food can suit a Yorkie with a smaller appetite or dental discomfort, and mixing a little wet into dry is a common way to make meals more appealing without switching formats entirely.
Grain-free isn't inherently better for the breed — it's a separate choice from small-breed sizing, useful only if your individual dog has a specific grain sensitivity rather than as a general rule for Yorkies.
Dental health at the bowl
Yorkies are one of several small breeds prone to dental crowding and a build-up of tartar, partly because their mouths are small relative to a standard set of teeth. A dental-formulated dry food, or dental chews alongside a normal diet, can support this alongside proper tooth brushing, though neither replaces regular dental checks with your vet.
Whatever food you choose, keeping portions accurate for a dog this small matters — it's easy to overfeed a tiny dog without realising, since even small amounts of extra food are a larger proportion of their daily needs than the same amount would be for a big dog.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Alpha Sensitive Salmon & Rice
A salmon and rice dry food for adult dogs with sensitive digestions, made without wheat gluten, soya or dairy.
£49.00
Alpha Working Dog Maintenance Chicken
An energy-controlled chicken dry food for working dogs with lower energy needs or a tendency to put on weight.
£29.00
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
£82.35
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Bakers Superfoods Chicken with Vegetables Dry Dog Food
Bakers Chicken with Vegetables dry dog food, 14kg, complete nutrition for adult dogs
£39.15
Harringtons Adult Dog Salmon & Potato
Complete salmon and potato dry dog food with 21% protein in a 1.7KG bag
£6.25
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food Turkey Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for adult dogs, evenly balanced with potato in the mix
From£12.75
Forthglade Cold Pressed Small Dog Turkey
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for small dogs and puppies, built on turkey
£16.99
Lily's Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Common questions
- Do Yorkies need a small-breed specific food?
- It's a sensible default. Small-breed formulas have smaller kibble sized for a tiny mouth and a calorie density suited to a fast metabolism, both of which fit a Yorkie better than a food designed for a large breed.
- Are Yorkies prone to any specific food-related health issues?
- Dental crowding and tartar build-up are common in the breed, and very small or toy-sized Yorkies can be prone to low blood sugar if they go too long without eating, both of which are worth discussing with your vet.
- Is wet or dry food better for a Yorkie's teeth?
- Dry food generally supports dental health slightly better through the mechanical action of chewing, though neither replaces proper tooth brushing and regular dental checks for a breed prone to dental issues.
- How many meals a day does a Yorkie need?
- Small, frequent meals tend to suit Yorkies well, particularly puppies and very small adults, partly because of their faster metabolism and susceptibility to low blood sugar if meals are too spaced out. Your vet can advise a schedule suited to your individual dog.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.