Living with a Yorkshire Terrier who has allergies can be challenging. Food allergies are common in Yorkies, and finding the right food can be a frustrating process. This article will discuss some of the challenges of finding the right food for Yorkies with allergies and offer five different options to consider. We will also provide tips on how to choose the best food for your Yorkie.
Challenges of Finding the Right Food
One of the biggest challenges of finding the right food for a Yorkie with allergies is identifying the specific allergens that are causing the problem. Common allergens in Yorkies include beef, chicken, wheat, and soy. Once you know what your Yorkie is allergic to, you can start looking for a food that is free of those ingredients.
Another challenge is finding a food that is high in quality protein. Yorkies are small dogs, but they need a lot of protein to stay healthy. Look for a food that is made with real meat, such as chicken, lamb, or salmon, as the first ingredient. Avoid foods that are made with fillers, such as corn or wheat.
Five Food Options to Consider
Here are five different food options to consider for your Yorkie with allergies:
- Hill’s Prescription Diet Chicken and Rice This food is made with chicken and rice, which are two common hypoallergenic ingredients. It is also free of gluten, wheat, and soy.
- Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier: Hypoallergenic This food is specifically formulated for Yorkshire Terriers with allergies. It is made with hydrolyzed protein, which is a protein that has been broken down into smaller pieces to make it less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Systems Salmon and Rice This food is made with salmon and rice, which are two less common allergens. It is also free of gluten, wheat, and soy.
- Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Salmon & Sweet Potato This food is made with salmon and sweet potatoes, which are two easy-to-digest ingredients. It is also free of gluten, wheat, and soy.
- Wellness and Complete Health Turkey and Oatmeal This food is made with turkey and oatmeal, which are two gentle ingredients. It is also free of gluten, wheat, and soy.
Royal Canin Small Sensitive Skin Care Dry Dog Food is a tailored nutrition for adult small dogs with sensitive skin and coat. It is rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, including EPA & DHA and GLA, which nourish dry skin and promote a healthy coat. This dry food can be mixed with Royal Canin Sensitive Skin Care Wet Adult Dog Food for picky eaters. Keeping your dog's bedding and favorite resting places clean is also essential to help protect their sensitive skin.
- Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids nourish dry skin and promote a healthy coat
- Formulated to care for dogs' sensitive skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat
- Pairs perfectly with Royal Canin Sensitive Skin Care Wet Dog Food in can or pouch
- Some customers find the price a little too high
- Some dogs may not like the flavor
- Some customers have reported that their dogs did not want to eat the food
A gentle salmon and rice recipe soothes itchy skin and upset tummies in sensitive dogs.
- First ingredient: nutrient-rich salmon for protein power.
- Prebiotic fiber and antioxidants support digestion and immunity.
- Easy-to-digest rice and oatmeal calm sensitive stomachs.
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids nourish healthy skin and joints.
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial stuff.
- Formulated for sensitive dogs, it addresses common issues like digestive upset and itchy skin with easily digestible ingredients and beneficial nutrients.
- Nutrient-rich salmon as the first ingredient: A high-quality protein source provides essential amino acids for muscle health and energy.
- Prebiotic fiber supports gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria and aiding digestion.
- Antioxidant Blend: Helps strengthen the immune system and fight free radicals.
- Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy joints and skin, potentially reducing inflammation.
- Easy-to-digest rice and oatmeal: Gentle on sensitive stomachs, minimizing digestive discomfort.
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients: excludes common allergens and potential irritants.
- **Affordable: **Compared to other specialty dog food brands, Purina Pro Plan offers a more competitive price point.
- Grain-inclusive: Not ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities or strict elimination diets.
- Limited protein sources: Only a salmon-based recipe might not appeal to dogs who prefer different protein options.
- Processed kibble: Some owners prefer fresh or homemade food options for sensitive dogs.
- Potential for ingredient sensitivities: While formulated for sensitive dogs, individual reactions are possible.
- Not a cure-all: While helpful for managing symptoms, may not completely eliminate all skin and digestive issues
Blue Basics: Gentle food for sensitive pups with fewer, carefully chosen ingredients.
- Made with real meat, pumpkin, and easy-to-digest carbs.
- Limited ingredients reduce food sensitivities.
- Single-animal protein sources are not often used in dog food.
- Blue Buffalo, makers of premium pet food.
- Limited-ingredient formula: ideal for dogs with food sensitivities as it minimizes potential allergens.
- Single animal protein source: Less common meat options like salmon or rabbit reduce the risk of triggering allergies.
- Easily digestible carbohydrates: Pumpkin and other simple carbs help sensitive stomachs handle digestion better.
- No common allergens: Free from corn, wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs, common culprits in food sensitivities.
- Real meat is the first ingredient. High-quality protein provides essential nutrients and promotes satiety.
- Made in the USA: peace of mind for some regarding ingredient sourcing and quality control.
- Well-established brand: Blue Buffalo boasts a strong reputation for premium pet food.
- Limited ingredient variety: Only a few protein options are available, limiting dietary choices for picky eaters.
- Higher cost: Compared to standard kibble, Blue Basics carries a premium price point.
- Not a cure-all: While helpful for managing sensitivities, it may not completely eliminate all symptoms.
- Nutrient composition concerns: Some veterinarians raise concerns about certain nutrient levels in the formula.
- Grain-inclusive: Not ideal for dogs on strictly grain-free diets.
- Limited availability: may not be readily available in all pet stores or online retailers.
Tips for Choosing the Best Food
When choosing a food for your Yorkie with allergies, it is important to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you identify the specific allergens that your Yorkie is allergic to and recommend a food that is right for them. It is also important to start your Yorkie on a new food slowly. This will help to prevent any digestive upset.
I hope this article has been helpful. Please remember that I am not a veterinarian, and you should always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your Yorkie’s diet.
