9 Best Foods For Yorkies With Allergies – No Irritations Guaranteed!

Best food for Yorkie with allergies. Yorkies have sensitive skin that’s quite prone to allergies. Aside from proper grooming, it’s also crucial to be meticulous with their food. This is to avoid food-related skin irritations. But since there are literally thousands of dog food products in the market, it’s tricky to find the best food for Yorkie with allergies. But fret not, because, in this post, I scouted 30+ dog food products and reviewed these 9 picks your Yorkie will love.

See which of these dog food matches the preference of your Yorkie in terms of flavor. Make sure that you check the nutritional value as well!

Best food for Yorkie with allergies

Signs that your Yorkie has skin allergies

Take note that any dog breed can have allergic reactions to just about any food ingredient. Also, there are some lucky dogs who don’t seem to be allergic to anything. But if you suspect that your Yorkie has sensitivities, you must look for the following symptoms:

• Hives or itchy skin
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Lethargy
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes

If your dog exhibits a few of these symptoms, especially the first ones, it’s likely suffering from an allergic reaction. This can be due to food or environmental irritants. It’s crucial to assess your dog’s diet and when the symptoms usually occur.

Allergy vs. intolerance

Before we continue, I deem it crucial to clarify the difference between an allergic reaction and intolerance. This way, pet owners will be guided accordingly on how they will approach the problem.

Allergy and intolerance differ on where it occurs on a dog’s body. Allergy is immune system-mediated, while intolerance occurs in the digestive system.

In short, allergies occur because your Yorkie’s immune system wrongfully detects a specific food ingredient or substance as harmful. This is despite the fact that the substance is 100% safe and edible. It results in an immune system overdrive, which, in some cases, can lead to anaphylaxis.

On the other hand, intolerance is a Yorkie’s inability to digest food ingredients. Like allergic reactions, intolerance levels vary widely among dogs. Some dogs can easily digest a food ingredient, while others will experience sensitivities.

Such difference is important to know so that pet owners will approach dog allergies properly. And if your Yorkie is indeed suffering from allergies, the 9 food products below are a good choice. It might be time for you to make the big switch for your dog.

Best Food For Yorkie With Allergies – Top 9 Picks!

OUR #1 CHOICE

OUR TOP PICK: Natural Balance L.I.D. Adult Dry Dog Food

When it comes to the best food for Yorkie with allergies, I highly recommend the Natural Balance L.I.D Adult Dry Dog Food. This dog food is available in sweet potato & venison, potato & duck, sweet potato & fish, and a lot more flavors. It’s easy to find the flavor that suits your Yorkie’s taste while avoiding potential allergens.

Moreover, this is a grain-free formula to reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions. It also makes the food easy to digest, not to mention that it’s pack with healthy fibers.

For added flavor, this dog food is blended with Menhaden fish oil. Even the pickiest Yorkie will surely find this food irresistible.

This Natural Balance dog food is high in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. It will give your Yorkie a shiny coat to help it recover from a previous allergy attack. And since the protein is sourced from a single animal, it’s perfect for doggos with food sensitivities.

Each serving of this dog food contains 20% protein, 10% fat, and 5% fiber. It’s also a good source of phosphorus, calcium, zinc, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

The only thing I noticed is that this food is kind of stinky. Other than that, my Yorkies are quite obsessed with it, and they never had an irritation ever since.

RUNNERS-UP

CANIDAE PURE Healthy Weight L.I.D. Dog Food

Another dog food I recommend is the CANIDAE PURE Healthy Weight Formula. While this is intended for weight management, its limited ingredients make it a perfect choice for Yorkies with allergies.

This formula has chicken as the main ingredient. You can also get it in salmon, lamb, goat, venison, bison, and more. Like the one from Natural Balance, it’s easy to pick the protein source that suits your Yorkie.

Moreover, this dog food is made of 10 main ingredients that nourish and satisfy your canine’s taste buds. It’s also-grain free, so it doesn’t have corn, soy, or wheat that could trigger allergies.

It’s also fortified with Canidae’s HealthPLUS. It’s a blend of antioxidants, probiotics, and Omega fatty acids that will boost your dog’s immunity. It will also help prevent allergic reactions while giving your Yorkie an added dose of protection against diseases.

Each serving of this dog food contains 28% protein, 9% fat, and 5% fiber. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals, including glucosamine and chondroitin for the joints.

Like the one from Natural Balance, this is quite a pungent dog food but aromatic for the picky Fido. It’s a trade-off I don’t mind dealing with.

Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food with Real Meat

Is your Yorkie allergic to animal meat? If so, you should consider getting the Merrick Real Salmon+Sweet Potato Recipe. Deboned salmon is its main ingredient blended with whitefish meal and sweet potatoes. It’s guaranteed to have topnotch flavor and smell that your Yorkie can’t resist.

Aside from that, salmon is rich in Omega fatty acids that will help ease allergy-stricken Yorkie skin. This dog food is also made of real foods, making it nutrient-packed and easy to digest.

Overall, this dog food has the right combination of healthy fats and protein, ideal for canines with allergies. It’s grain-free and gluten-free, so it’s also very friendly gentle on your Yorkie’s tummy.

Every serving of this dog food contains 32% protein, 14% fat, and 4.5% fiber. It’s also a good source of Omega fatty acids and glucosamine, and chondroitin that will keep your Yorkie’s joints in check.

With this dog food, your Yorkie will experience fewer allergies while having better energy levels. Since it’s high in protein, it will also help build muscle mass. The cherry on top is its irresistible flavor.

But since it has real fish, expect it to be smelly. Other than that, this is an amazing choice for Yorkies with sensitivities.

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried L.I.D. Dry Dog Food

For a wholesome diet, I highly recommend the ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dry Dog Food. This is a limited ingredient diet with a farm-to-bowl approach in nutrition. It has beef, beef internal organs, and New Zealand mussel as main ingredients. It’s a powerhouse in protein as well as chondroitin sulfate that will keep your Yorkie’s joints healthy.

For Yorkies with allergies, this ZIWI dog food is the right choice, thanks to its limited ingredients. Unlike kibble pieces, these are sliced pieces of real meat, air-dried to retain its utmost nourishment.

Moreover, this is a low-carb and grain-free food that lessens the risk of sensitivities among dogs. Also, it doesn’t use fillers that will give your dog unnecessary calories.

With this formula, your pooch will get 38% protein, 30% fat, and 2% fiber. It naturally promotes mobility and well-being in every serving, not to mention that it’s also very flavorful.

If your Yorkie is allergic to beef, you can get this same formula in lamb, mackerel & lamb, chicken, venison, and tripe & lamb flavors. All of it is made of real meat to deliver whole protein and nutrients.

The only downside here is that the pieces are prone to crumbling. You should ensure that the bag is always sealed to keep the food fresh.

Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

If your Yorkie thrives in a combination of kibble and raw, you should consider the Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. Cage chicken is the main ingredient of this dog food blended with peas, chicken fat, herring meal, Menhaden fish meal, and other tasty additions.

Inside the bag, you’ll see brown and cream-colored pieces. The brown ones are kibble, and the light-colored pieces are freeze-dried raw meat blends. It’s a powerful combination that delivers premium protein and loads of nutrients for your Yorkie.

Moreover, this Instinct Raw dog food also contains a probiotic boost and Omega fatty acids that will help ease allergy-related itchiness on your Yorkie. It’s also a good source of antioxidants to keep your dog’s immune system strong.

Another good thing about this dog food is it doesn’t contain soy, wheat, corn, and grains. It’s also free from by-products that don’t offer a lot of nutrients.

Each serving of this dog food contains 37% protein, 20.5% fat, and 4% fiber. It’s also packed with zinc, Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as Omega fatty acids.

The only issue some pet owners find in this food is that some dogs don’t like the freeze-dried bits. If you have a picky eater, it’s something to keep in mind.

NUTRO ULTRA Puppy Dry Dog Food

If you’re feeding a Yorkie pup, you shouldn’t miss the NUTRO Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food. This one has chicken as the first ingredient, followed by whole brown rice, chicken fat, oatmeal, and other natural additions. While it’s not grain-free, the selection is whole and has intact nutrients to reduce the risk of irritations.

Moreover, this dog food is packed with 15 superfoods, including blueberries, kale, chia, coconut, and more. These promote healthy digestion and wholesome nutrition without allergies.

Aside from that, each serving of this dog food has 28% protein, 15% fat, and 4% fiber. It’s also rich in DHA that supports the brain development of Yorkies. Your doggo will also receive a dose of Vitamin C and Omega fatty acids to help with skin itchiness.

Overall, this is an excellent formula for Yorkie puppies with notorious allergies. It’s formulated with the right balance of fat and protein to support puppy growth. It doesn’t have artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives that could trigger allergies or intolerances.

While this puppy food costs more than other options, it delivers topnotch nutrition. In the end, investing in your Yorkie’s diet will pay off.

Nulo Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

Are you looking for hypoallergenic food for both puppy and adult Yorkies? If so, you can hit two birds with one stone in the Nulo Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food. It’s a grain-free formula made especially for puppies and adults.

It’s an allergy-friendly formula since it doesn’t have eggs, soy, chicken, corn, and wheat that are the most notorious allergens among Yorkies. It also offers probiotic support, thanks to its GanedenBC30 probiotics that help Yorkies digest food better.

Moreover, the Nulo Dry Dog Food has deboned salmon as its main ingredient. It’s also blended with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, miscanthus grass, and other superfoods.

Every serving of this hearty dog food contains 30% protein, 18% fat, and 5.5% fiber. It’s also a good source of DHA for brain support as well as Vitamin C and Omega fatty acids. All of these boost your Yorkie’s immune system so that it won’t suffer from severe allergies.

Overall, this dog food is made with ingredients that canines tolerate well. However, dog owners often complain about the price, but it’s somewhat justified considering the quality of the product.

Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food

The Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food is designed to deliver nutrition without irritations. It’s made of deboned turkey, turkey meal, peas, potatoes, and a lot of superfoods. It only has a single source of protein, so your Yorkie will be less likely to suffer from allergic reactions.

Aside from that, this is fortified with antioxidants and fatty acids to boost your Yorkie’s coat health. It’s also a good source of taurine and probiotics for better digestion.

The Wellness Simple Dry Dog Food is free from soy, corn, wheat, gluten, and artificial add-ons. This is a wholesome formula that offers topnotch nourishment on every bite.

Every serving of this food has 26% protein, 12% fat, and 5.5% fiber. Your dog will also get a dose of Vitamin C and E for better coat health.

Overall, this is a hypoallergenic formula suitable for Yorkies with sensitivities and a picky appetite. The turkey-based formula is also a better alternative to chicken, which is a common allergen among dogs.

The only issue of some pet owners is that it tends to be bland for their dogs. Also, it’s a little pricier than other options in the market.

Canine Caviar Alkaline Holistic Dog Food

My last pick for this roundup is the Canine Caviar Alkaline Holistic Dog Food. It has herring meal as the main ingredient, together with split peas, fish oil, coconut, and sun-cured alfalfa. This offers a rich flavor and aroma that Yorkies will find irresistible. It’s also a topnotch choice for Yorkies that are allergic to red meat.

Moreover, this is free from gluten, soy, corn, egg, and dairy, which are the most causes of allergies in canines. It’s guaranteed hypoallergenic and easy to digest, even for Yorkies with bad tummies. Another good news is that this food doesn’t contain artificial preservatives, fillers, or colors that will wreak havoc on your pet’s digestion.

Every serving of the Canine Caviar Alkaline Holistic Dog Food contains 31% protein, 17% fat, and 6.3% fiber. It’s also a good source of phosphorus, calcium, and Omega fatty acids. Your dog will also receive a dose of taurine.

I only wish they would make the kibble size smaller, but it doesn’t seem to be a big problem for adult Yorkies. And just like with many dog food products, many pet owners find the steep price intimidating.

How to choose the best food for Yorkie with allergies

Since there are many dog food options in the market, it’s important that you know what you’re looking for. Here are some of the basic points you need to consider:

✔️Formulation and nutrition

The very first thing you need to consider is the formulation of the dog food you’re buying for your Yorkie. Make sure that it’s suitable for small breeds, or at least an all-breed type. This is crucial as life stage rating affects the amount of protein and nutrients the dog food product contains.

And speaking of nutrients, it’s important to check the guaranteed analysis of the dog food product. You have to be meticulous with the protein, carbohydrates, and calorie content. You should also check the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that the food contains.

For the best nourishment, try to look for dog food with an AAFCO seal. AAFCO stands for Association of American Feed Control Officials, and they provide recommended nutrient profiles for dog food products. A product with an AAFCO seal is a good choice.

✔️Dry vs. wet

When it comes to allergies, the choice between dry and wet food isn’t really the biggest factor to consider. In the end, it’s all about what your dog prefers.

For picky Yorkies, wet dog food might be a good option. Wet food has a stronger odor, and the flavors are often better since you can find it in gravy, sauce, and pate types. However, wet food requires additional storage needs. 

On the other hand, dry food is easier to store and serve to your Yorkie. However, picky Yorkies may get tired of it easily unless the flavor is extremely appealing.

✔️Ingredients

When talking about Yorkie allergies, the most important consideration is the ingredients of the food. After all, the food ingredients are the main reason behind the irritation.

Take note that each Yorkie will react to food ingredients differently. For example, one can be allergic to beef while another will not be. It’s crucial to observe as you introduce your pet to a new diet.

Overall, you should opt for a Limited Ingredient Diet for your Yorkies with allergies. These dog food products have minimal ingredients, which makes allergen detection much easier. And since the ingredients are only a few, it will be easier for your dog to absorb – preventing the occurrence of irritations.

In a nutshell, here’s a quick rundown of the main components of dog food:

✔️Protein

Real meat should be the first ingredient of your Yorkie’s dog food. If your pooch has a history of allergies, consider ‘wild’ protein sources like turkey, venison, wild-caught salmon, bison, and duck. While it’s not always the case, many Yorkies tend to be allergic to the likes of pork, beef, and chicken.

Aside from that, the meat should be wholesome and not some form of by-products. While by-products itself have protein content, it’s stripped of the essential nutrients that your Yorkie needs.

✔️Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy in dog food. The likes of potatoes, brown rice, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole fruits are some of the good sources of this nutrient. Aside from energy, these carb sources are also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

For Yorkies with allergies, you’d want to avoid excessive grains. Specifically, you should avoid corn, soy, and wheat. While these aren’t totally evil, many Yorkies find it hard to digest. Also, the nutrients in the grains can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs.

✔️Fat

Contrary to long-held beliefs, fats aren’t always bad. It’s actually one of the most important nutrients in your Yorkie’s food. For example, Omega fatty acids help soothe skin irritations brought by allergic reactions on your dog.

Also, fats aid in the absorption of various vitamins and minerals in your Yorkie’s food. Just make sure that the fats are unsaturated since these are the ones dubbed as ‘good fats’.

✔️Vitamins and minerals

Make sure that your Yorkie’s food has the right balance of vitamins and minerals. In general, dogs don’t need large doses of these nutrients. You should also watch out for calcium levels as small breeds shouldn’t consume too much. The same goes for some minerals.

✔️Flavor

Aside from ensuring that your Yorkie’s food is nutritious, you also have to check its flavor. Yorkshire Terriers can be quite finicky with the taste of their food, so you have to ensure it’s as flavorful and smelly as possible.

Dog food products with real meat are often more appealing to the taste than those with by-products. Watch out, though, as some brands use artificial flavoring to compensate for the bland taste of their formula. The artificial ingredient has no nutritional value and can even trigger allergies on your Yorkie.

✔️Value for money

Lastly, make sure that the dog food is worth the price. Going cheap and cutting back on quality will just wreak havoc on your dog’s health. It’s always best to buy quality dog food with premium ingredients guaranteed to help reduce allergic reactions in dogs. In fact, there are formulations that are made especially for canines with sensitivities.

How to transition your Yorkie to a new food

Switching your dog to a new food or diet must be done gradually. This is to avoid adverse reactions, much so for Yorkies that are prone to allergies. To help you out, here are some of the tips to keep in mind:

• Start with a small amount. When transitioning your Yorkie to a new diet, you should start substituting a small amount of its original food with the new one. After a few days, you can increase the substituted portion. This way, your Yorkie’s body can adjust to the new formula slowly.
• Involve the vet. It’s crucial to involve your dog’s veterinarian in the process. This way, you’ll get proper advice on how to perform the diet switch properly. Also, you’ll get supervision in case your Yorkie exhibits further allergic reactions.
• Mind the life stage. Many dog food products are formulated to support specific life stages of dogs. Always check the label to ensure that the nutrients are suitable for your Yorkie’s age. If you don’t want to make multiple diet switches, you can get dog food made for all life stages.
• Take your dog’s cue. When it comes to food choices, it’s also important to consider what your dog likes. You should listen to your dog’s body, how it reacts to a specific food product, and which flavor you should choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What foods are Yorkies allergic to?

A: Like most dogs, Yorkies tend to be allergic to dairy, beef, soy, corn, and other grains. However, it doesn’t mean that all Yorkshire Terriers will have an allergic reaction to these ingredients. It all boils down to the sensitivity of your dog. It’s best to observe your pet and consult the vet.

Q: How can I help my Yorkie suffering from allergies?

A: If your Yorkie has allergies, you can help it by providing healthy and limited ingredient dog food. This diet is less likely to cause allergic reactions and irritations. It’s also important to seek the advice of a veterinarian for the right choice of food. The vet can also advise on how to alleviate allergy symptoms on your dog.

Q: How do I know if my dog is allergic to his food?

A: A dog that’s allergic to his food will suffer from itchy skin, diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. If you notice these on your pet, you should bring them to the vet right away. The veterinarian will conduct allergy tests to identify which ingredient is causing the irritation. After that, you’ll have to transition your dog to a new diet.

Q: Is it safe to give Yorkie Benadryl for allergies?

A: It’s generally safe to give dogs Benadryl for allergies. However, you have to consult your pet’s veterinarian to identify the right dosage you need to give. Also, Benadryl only offers temporary relief, and you still need to get to the root of the allergy problem.

Q: Can a Yorkie outgrow allergies?

A: Dogs like Yorkies can have their allergies worsen or fade over the years. However, there’s no guarantee of this. Also, exposing your dog to the allergen won’t make it immune to the substance. In fact, it will just worsen the irritation.

Q: Should Yorkies eat wet or dry food?

A: The choice between wet and dry food depends on what your dog prefers. Wet food is often a good choice for picky eaters since it has a better odor and flavor. On the other hand, dry food is better if you want food that’s easy to store and serve. Also, dry food helps reduce plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth, thanks to its crunchy texture.

Final words

The best food for Yorkie with allergies will help both you and your pet avoid adverse health problems. It will also give your pet its much-needed nutrition, whatever life stage it is in. Just make sure that the ingredients are premium and have excellent nutritional value.

What do you think of these dog food products for Yorkies? Share your thoughts below!