Do you have a picky dog? If so, you should get the best wet dog food for Yorkies instead of regular kibble. Wet dog food products have a stronger smell and flavor than dry food. With this, it ticks all the major boxes when it comes to enticing a finicky dog to eat its meals. You just have to be very meticulous about the food you’re going to buy to ensure that your Yorkie will receive ample nutrition.
In this post, I listed and reviewed 10 wet food products that Yorkie owners swear by. Each one has a delicious and balanced blend of ingredients to suit a feisty Yorkshire Terrier. See which of these dog food products will appeal to your pet’s taste buds.
Why choose wet dog food for Yorkies?
The first thing that will surely come to mind of every dog owner is this: why should I choose wet food?
To be fair, kibble or dry food has been the traditional option. It’s easy to store, mess-free and can be bought in large bags. Also, it’s not prone to spoilage. However, it does come with some downsides.
Dry food is often made with more preservatives than wet food. This is the reason why dry food lasts longer. Still, dry food remains a healthy choice as long as you choose one with premium quality.
To help you decide whether wet food is the right choice for your Yorkie, consider checking the following benefits:
- More palatable. Wet dog food products often have real meat chunks, making them more smelly and flavorful. Compared to dry food, a real slice of beef liver is quite irresistible to a picky Yorkie. The cherry on top is the gravy or sauce mixed into the real meat cuts.
- Fewer preservatives. As mentioned earlier, wet food has fewer preservatives than dry counterparts. This is possible since wet food is less processed. However, this is at the expense of shelf life and the risk of spoilage if not stored well.
- Ideal for weight loss. Since wet food has more moisture, it will help your Yorkie feel full while eating less. Wet food is also a great choice for weight loss since it contains more protein than most dry food products. However, you should know that the choice of food is just one of the aspects of a successful weight loss plan.
- Better hydration. This should go without saying, but many pet owners don’t realize the benefit wet food brings when it comes to hydration. Yorkies who aren’t fans of drinking will benefit a lot from the high moisture content of canned food.
- Easier to digest. Wet food is easier to break down into pieces, which is something Yorkies with small teeth will benefit from. This makes it a good choice if your pet has stomach problems. Of course, this should be based on the recommendation of your Yorkie’s vet.
10 Best Wet Dog Food For Yorkies
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Cesar Gourmet Wet Food Steak Variety Pack
When it comes to the best wet dog food for Yorkies, I swear by the Cesar Gourmet Steak Variety Pack. This contains 36 trays of six different steak flavors, including filet mignon, grilled steak, Porterhouse steak, and prime rib. Your Yorkie will also love the grilled New York strip and grilled steak & eggs flavors. You’ll get six trays for each of these flavors.
Moreover, all of these food trays are made with real beef. Ingredients vary per flavor, but most are blended with the internal organs of animals as well as veggies and fruits.
Take note that this Cesar Gourmet Wet Food is formulated specifically for small breeds. You’ll have peace of mind that your Yorkie is receiving nutrition suitable for its size.
Aside from that, this steak-flavored wet food bears the AAFCO seal for dog food nutrient profiles for maintenance.
Another thing I like about this wet food is its peel-away packaging. There’s no need for can openers since the plastic lid can be pulled easily. Also, each tray is small, so it’s unlikely that you’ll have leftovers for the day.
If your dog isn’t a fan of steak, you can also get this variety pack in Classics & Home Delights flavor. There’s also a poultry variety to suit your picky Yorkie.
Overall, this is a meaty food with real veggies you can see. However, some Yorkies may not like all the varieties on the box. It’s normal, which will help you find out what flavors your pet likes the most.
RUNNERS-UP
Hill’s Science Small Paws Wet Dog Food
If your Yorkie didn’t like the Cesar Gourmet, the next best choice is Hill’s Science Small Paws Wet Dog Food. This is available in various flavors like Chicken & Barley, Beef & Vegetables, and Chicken & Vegetables. It’s a high-protein blend made for small and adult breeds.
Aside from that, this dog food is made of real meat. For example, the Chicken & Barley variety has chicken meat and animal internal organs. This provides whole protein to your dog, not to mention that it also boosts the flavor of the dog food.
You can serve this dog food as a full meal, a topper, or a pair with dry food. It’s vet-recommended and made of natural ingredients that are easy to digest.
Unlike its dry food counterpart, Hill’s Science Small Paws Wet Food strengthens the bones and teeth. Nevertheless, both are high in protein.
Many pet owners consider this as food for spoiled dogs. However, not all flavors are a big hit for Yorkies, so you may need to test several to two varieties to find which your pet will like.
With each can containing 5.2% protein, 3% fat, and 1.5% fiber, your Yorkie will receive the nutrition it deserves. It also meets the AAFCO nutrient profiles for maintenance on adult dogs.
The only caveat I have over this canned food is its lid. It’s hard to open, and you risk cutting yourself while pulling on the tab.
Purina Beneful Medleys Wet Food Variety Pack
Do you want a wet dog food product with ingredients you can see? If so, you should put your money on Purina Beneful Medleys Wet Food Variety Pack. This is available in three flavors: Tuscan, Mediterranean, and Romana Style. All of these are blended with chopped vegetables that you can see and identify.
All of these flavor varieties are made of real meat and veggies like spinach, carrots, and brown rice. It’s guaranteed flavorful on every bite. It also has a nice texture that will add to its appeal to your dog. You can use the Purina Beneful Medleys as a topper or full meal for your Yorkie.
Many pet owners swear by this wet food when it comes to picky eaters. The combination of real meat, broth, and veggies will surely entice the appetite of your pet.
I also like that this dog food is made of small chunks that are easy for pups and senior dogs to chew. The texture is also delicate and won’t require a lot of chewing to break down.
Moreover, all flavors contain 9% protein, 2% fat, and 1.5% fiber. It’s also blended with vitamins and minerals to boost your Yorkie’s coat health.
The only downside I see on this wet dog food is its price, which is a tad higher than most. But if you’re keen to provide your dog with quality meals, the Purina Beneful Medleys won’t disappoint.
Nutro Cuts in Gravy Wet Dog Food
The Nutro Cuts in Gravy Wet Dog Food is a grain-free option ideal for Yorkies suffering from stomach upset. Like the other options here, this is available in beef, chicken, lamb, and turkey varieties. You can also get this in a 36-tray box with nine trays for each flavor.
The first ingredient in this dog food is real meat, followed by broth, beef liver, chicken, carrots, sweet potato, peas, and other veggies. It’s also blended with vitamins and minerals for the complete and balanced nutrition of your Yorkie.
Moreover, this is made for all breed sizes and ages to help boost dogs’ coats and overall health. Rest assured that this food doesn’t contain soy, wheat, corn, chicken by-products, or artificial colors. Your Yorkie will receive wholesome nutrition on every bite.
Every tray of this hearty wet food contains 8% protein, 4% fat, and 1.5% fiber. It’s also a good source of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, and biotin.
Overall, this dog food offers unbeatable value in terms of price and quality. My dog licks his bowl clean whenever I’m giving this to him. That says a lot for a finicky Yorkie that will only eat real meat.
Royal Canin Puppy Loaf in Sauce
For Yorkies who love loaf in sauce, this one from Royal Canin would be an excellent choice. It’s made for small breed puppies up to 10 months of age.
This dog food is made with chicken, pork, pork liver, fish oil, wheat gluten, brewers rice flour, and more. It’s also blended with Vitamin B-complex as well as other nutrients to boost your dog’s health. You can serve this dog food as a topper to dry food or a standalone meal.
Aside from that, I like that they added beet pulp, which gives dogs a dose of fiber. The proteins are also highly digestible and won’t irritate your Yorkie’s GI tract.
Take note that this specific formula is for healthy development. Royal Canin also made one for appetite stimulation as well as healthy growth & development.
Overall, I can say that this gives the best value for the price. I just wish they will make the gravy amount consistent with all the trays, but I don’t see it as a major deal-breaker. If your Yorkie prefers more moisture, you can add a small amount of warm water to the wet food.
Nature’s Recipe Original Wet Food Variety Pack
For Yorkies obsessed with chicken, Nature’s Recipe Original Wet Food is a smart choice. It has real chicken as the first ingredient together with broth, salmon, pumpkin, brown rice, sweet potato, tomatoes, and more. True to its brand name, your Yorkie will be treated to a ‘nature’s recipe’, thanks to the natural ingredients on the list.
Aside from that, you’ll have peace of mind because this wet food doesn’t have artificial flavors, poultry by-products, wheat, corn, or soy. Each bite is packed with nothing but wholesome nutrition that’s easy to digest.
Your dog will also receive a dose of vitamins and minerals on this diet. It even smells like real human food, so it doesn’t have harsh chemicals. While other wet dog food products stink, this one makes my mouth water.
For this package, you’ll receive a box containing 24 trays. It has meat chunks and ingredients you can see, which are a good sign in terms of the product’s quality.
One pet owner even described the Nature’s Recipe Original Wet Food to be “miraculously delicious” or his finicky canine. It also suits all breeds and life stages, including aging senior dogs.
I also like the plastic trays that are easy to open. However, you should store it properly since the material is thin and can be squished easily.
CANIDAE Small Breed Wet Dog Food
If budget isn’t an issue, the CANIDAE Small Breed Wet Dog Food is the premium option you should consider. It’s available in multiple flavors/varieties, including beef, chicken & vegetables in gravy. You can also try giving your dog the lamb & carrot morsels, salmon & shrimp pate, and a lot more. There are so many options that not finding one suitable for Yorkie is impossible.
This dog food is made for small breeds, so your Yorkie will get the nutrition it needs. Aside from that, this has ingredients that you can see upon opening the can.
Topping its mouth-watering ingredients are chicken broth, chicken meat, and beef. It’s also mixed with sweet potatoes, green beans, chicken fat, and tomatoes. And for wholesome nutrition, this wet food is also blended with vitamins and minerals.
Each can of the CANIDAE Small Breed Wet Dog food contains 10% protein, 2% fat, and 1% fiber. Your pooch will surely an indulgence in this savory wet food.
The only thing I noticed is that this wet dog food is quite rare to find on actual store shelves. The good thing is that you can now check it out using our link in this post.
Tiki Dog Petites Wet Dog Food Pate
The Tiki Dog Petites offer a better option for Yorkies who are allergic to common meat ingredients like chicken and beef. This pate is made of real turkey and turkey broth. It’s also blended with spinach, turkey liver, lentils, and carrots as you can see on every serving.
Each can of this wet dog food contains 9% protein, 6% fat, and 2% fiber. The meat on this one is shredded, so it’s easier for your Yorkie to chew. The turkey meat is also soft and meaty, so your pet gets wholesome protein on every bite.
Moreover, this is grain-free to prevent stomach upset. You can use it as a topper, a mix with dry food, or as a meal itself. If the turkey doesn’t appeal to your Yorkie, you can get this in lamb, duck, pork, and beef varieties.
For this package, you’ll get 10 cups of Tiki Petites Wet Dog Food. It’s high in protein, delicious, and free from artificial additives. This meal is also complete and balanced for all life stages across breed sizes.
Overall, this has a smooth texture, and the cup is easy to open. I also appreciate that they use a BPA-free internal resin liner to prevent the metal from mixing with the food. It’s a neat feature, which only a few dog food product manufacturers use.
Nutro Ultra Filets in Gravy Wet Dog Food
If your Yorkie didn’t like the Nutro Chunks, you might have better luck with the Nutro Ultra Filets in Gravy. This wet food is available in a wide variety of meat pairings. You can get chicken & trout, lamb & chicken, duck & potato, and more. Most of these have novel protein sources for top-notch nutrition without the risk of allergies and irritations.
Aside from that, this wet dog food has real meat as the first ingredient. For example, the chicken & trout variety has real chicken and chicken liver. It’s paired with chicken broth, potatoes, green beans, trout, and more. It’s also blended with vitamins and minerals for optimal nourishment.
The Nutro Ultra Filets contain 8% protein, 3% fat, and 1.5% fiber. For this package, you’ll receive 24 peel-away trays, though you can also get it in packs of 12.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing that this dog food doesn’t contain wheat, soy, or corn which are notorious for triggering allergic reactions in Yorkies. This product is also free from colors, artificial flavors, and synthetic preservatives.
However, some pet owners find the price a bit prohibitive, but it’s due to the excellent formula quality. If you want the best diet for your dog, shelling out a few more bucks won’t hurt.
Purina Mighty Dog Wet Dog Food
My last pick for this roundup is the Purina Mighty Dog Wet Dog Food. This 12-pack canned food comes in an assortment of hearty beef dinners, lamb & rice, and chicken & smoked bacon combo. All of it has the smell and flavor that picky Yorkies can’t resist.
Aside from that, this dog food contains the right balance of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. This also meets the AAFCO food nutrient profiles necessary for the growth of puppies as well as the maintenance of adult dogs.
This wet food is packed with protein to support your Yorkshire Terrier’s active lifestyle. This is why each can contain 10% protein except for the lamb & rice which has 8% protein.
Moreover, this dog food is made for small dogs like Yorkies. I also think that two packs of 12-tray wet food like this are already a steal for its price.
However, my only gripe is that the cans came dented. Nevertheless, this is a shipping problem, but the food quality is at par with standards.
How to choose the best wet dog food for Yorkies
There are literally hundreds of dog food brands in the market. Each one produces its own version of wet food, using various ingredient blends. To help you find the best pick for your Yorkie, here are the aspects you should consider:
✔️Small breed formula
You should first check whether the canned food is suitable for small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers. This is crucial as large dog formulas are packed with a higher protein content that could damage the kidneys of small breeds.
The best choice is a small breed formula, though an ‘all-breed sizes’ blend also works. Just make sure that the protein content isn’t excessively high.
✔️Wet dog food type
Next, you should decide about the type of canned food you’re going to get. The following are the most common types in the market and their characteristics:
- Pate. Also known as ‘loaf’, this canned food is made of minced meat, veggies, fruits, and other ingredients. It’s like canned meatloaf, but softer and made for dogs. Compared to other canned food types, the loaf has a firmer texture, higher calorie content, and the least moisture level.
- Shredded. This is often made of chicken or beef, where the meat ingredient is pulled or shredded. It’s like canned corn beef mixed with broth or a gel-like mixture. It has lower calories and is one of the most appealing to canines.
- Minced. Unlike shredded wet food, minced types are chopped into cubes or morsels. It makes the main meat ingredient bite-sized for easy consumption. It’s often mixed with either gravy or broth.
- Stew. This canned food has meat chunks mixed with peas, carrots, potatoes, and other vegetables that you can easily identify. It’s paired with gravy or broth.
The choice of canned food type depends on your Yorkie’s preference. You may need to purchase a few to see what works best for your pet.
✔️Ingredients
After choosing the canned food type, you should read the ingredients list next. The following are some of the ingredients you should look for in a wet Yorkie food product:
- Real meat. The first ingredient on the list should be real meat. This means that the mean comprises the majority of the food formula. It also guarantees that your Yorkie will receive whole protein from its diet.
- Animal-based fat. Contrary to misconceptions, not all fats are bad. Fatty acids are much-needed to maintain your dog’s healthy coat. It also delivers energy to the body while playing an integral role in nutrient absorption. Around 18% to 20% of crude fat would be ideal.
- Whole carbohydrates. Carbs are the main source of energy for your dog. Make sure that it’s not just simple sugars but those sourced from whole grains as well as low-starch vegetables.
- Fruits and vegetables. The likes of potatoes, carrots, spinach, peas, and more will give your Yorkie a dose of fiber. Fruits like blueberries and tomatoes are a good source of nutrients that complement the other ingredients. You can also look for a mix of herbs to boost the health benefits of the wet food product.
As much as there are ingredients you should look for, you should also mind a few ingredients you need to avoid. You shouldn’t purchase dog food mired with artificial preservatives, excessive grains, unnecessary dyes, and large amounts of meat by-products.
✔️AAFCO complete and balanced label
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends nutrient profiles that suit dogs. While these are only recommended profiles, many manufacturers consider it the standard among dog food products.
A canned food product with an AAFCO Complete and Balanced label is guaranteed healthy for Yorkies. As long as your pet doesn’t have health problems or unique dietary needs, this AAFCO seal will help you find the best pick.
✔️Price range
Lastly, always consider the price of the wet dog food product you’re going to buy. I recommend investing in premium wet food to ensure its nutritional value. In the long run, investing in your pet’s health will save you from hefty vet bills.
Remember, cutting back on your dog’s nutrition is a mortal sin as a pet owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does wet food makes dog poop more?
A: No, wet food won’t necessarily make your dog poop more. But if your Yorkie’s stool became runny or elimination has become more frequent than usual, you should consult the vet. This might be a sign of an adverse reaction, which may become worse the more you feed the specific dog food product.
Q: How much wet food should I give my dog?
A: Generally, dogs should eat 3 ounces of wet dog for every 3.5 lbs. of its body weight daily. You will divide this serving into two meals. For puppies, you need to break down the servings into 4 to 5 small meals throughout the day.
Q: Can I mix wet food with dry food?
A: You can mix wet food with dry food, especially if you’re still transitioning your Yorkie to the new diet. Just make sure that you’re blending the right proportions to avoid over-feeding your dog. Make sure that the food products also have the right blend of nutrients to match your dog’s needs.
Q: Does wet food need to be refrigerated?
A: To avoid spoilage, you should store opened wet food cans inside the fridge at a temperature ranging from 40 to 45F. Also, an open can of wet dog food should be consumed within 3 to 5 days, even if stored in the fridge. This is to prevent contamination, which is fairly common for this food type.
Q: Is wet dog food healthier than dry food?
A: There’s no specific answer as to whether wet food is healthier than dry food. It all boils down to the ingredients and the overall health of the Yorkie eating it. Nevertheless, you should always choose wet food with no synthetic preservatives, artificial colors, and too many by-products.
Are the Shampoo and Conditioner Brands Suitable for My Yorkie if I Feed it Wet Dog Food?
When it comes to grooming your Yorkie, using the best shampoo and conditioner is essential. However, if you feed your furry friend wet dog food, it is crucial to choose brands specifically formulated for dogs. These specialized grooming products ensure that your Yorkie’s coat stays healthy, shiny, and free from any issues related to their diet.
Final words
The best wet dog food for Yorkies is a great option to deliver ample nutrition with added hydration. It’s also a wise choice for finicky dogs that shun all types of kibble. Still, you should check the ingredients, nutritional profile, and overall value of the food to guarantee its quality.
What do you think of these wet dog food products? Have you tried feeding any of these to your Yorkie? Let us know below!
