10 Best Dog Foods for Yorkies at Walmart – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
By Jessica Kim
Updated on
The Yorkshire Terrier is an extremely popular dog breed in the US, and these dogs have been delightful companion dogs for many people. Despite their small size, Yorkies have several specific dietary needs to ensure they get all the appropriate nutrients that support daily functioning.
When caring for a Yorkie or any other toy breed, owners have to be mindful of ensuring that their dog is eating a high-calorie diet1. Yorkies are also susceptible to eye issues and luxating patella2.
Fortunately, you can find many good dog food brands at your local Walmart, and they may even be priced lower than at other retail stores. We’ve compiled a list of Walmart’s best dog food for Yorkies along with reviews to help you determine which food will be best.
A Look at Our Winners of 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Wellness Complete Health Natural |
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Check Price |
Best Value
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Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed |
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Premium Choice
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Castor & Pollux Organix with Healthy Grains |
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Check Price |
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Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy |
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Check Price | |
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Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Small Breed |
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Check Price |
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Yorkies at Walmart
1. Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Dog Food – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Deboned turkey, chicken meal, salmon meal, oatmeal |
| Protein content: | 24% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 408 kcal/cup |
This Wellness Complete Health Small Breed dog food is a high-calorie diet combined with healthy natural ingredients. Turkey is the first ingredient, and there are also decent amounts of nutrient-dense whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
You’ll notice that the ingredient list includes tomatoes and tomato pomace. Tomatoes are very nutritious, and dogs can eat them if they’re adequately prepared. However, while they aren’t toxic to dogs, they may cause some gastrointestinal upset if you have a Yorkie with a very sensitive stomach.
This dog food also has an excellent blend of essential vitamins and minerals that will keep up with your Yorkie and provide a complete and well-balanced meal. The formula contains omega fatty acids to help maintain healthy skin and coat and antioxidants and glucosamine to boost and support joint health and the immune system.
Overall, this well-rounded recipe is filled with high-quality ingredients and nutrients that Yorkies need to stay healthy, making it the overall best dog food for Yorkies at Walmart.
- High-calorie diet
- Complete and well-balanced meal
- High-quality, natural ingredients
- Tomatoes may upset sensitive stomachs
2. Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed Dry Dog Food – Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, dried peas, whole ground potato |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 15% |
| Calories: | 430 kcal/cup |
Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed Dry Dog Food is a brand exclusively sold at Walmart, and it’s the best dog food for Yorkies at Walmart for the money you pay. This affordable brand of dog food doesn’t sacrifice quality and has a healthy and nutritious recipe made specifically for small dog breeds. Real chicken is the first ingredient, and the formula is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the immune system.
When you look at the ingredient list, you’ll find that it doesn’t contain too many ambiguous ingredients or low-quality foods, like by-product meals. However, it does have a significant amount of peas and pea products.
Dogs can eat peas and other legumes safely in small quantities. However, the FDA is currently investigating links between legumes and dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.3 So, it’s important to keep this in mind while shopping for dog food, especially if your Yorkie is at risk of developing heart disease.
- Chicken is first ingredient
- No low-quality ingredients
- Relatively affordable
- Only sold at Walmart
- Contains significant amount of peas
3. Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Small Breed – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients: | Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic oatmeal, organic barley |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 15% |
| Calories: | 405 kcal/cup |
This recipe may be a great fit if you have a Yorkie with food allergies or a particularly sensitive stomach. Castor & Pollux is one of the only dog food brands that produces USDA-certified organic dog food, so you can rest assured knowing that your dog is eating a clean meal.
Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Small Breed dog food for small breeds uses chicken as its single source of protein, so it’s an excellent option for dogs that can’t digest and process red meat very well. It also contains a blend of probiotics and prebiotic fiber to support healthy digestion.
With the use of top-of-the-industry ingredients, it’s no surprise that this dog food is relatively expensive. However, you’ll find that it provides a complete and balanced meal and is easily digestible. So, it’ll be worth the cost if your Yorkie enjoys eating it.
- USDA certified organic
- Contains single source of protein
- Supports healthy digestion
- Relatively expensive
4. Purina Pro Plan Toy Breed Puppy Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, corn gluten meal, rice poultry by-product meal |
| Protein content: | 34% |
| Fat content: | 20% |
| Calories: | 533 kcal/cup |
Purina Pro Plan is a trusted veterinary brand that provides nutritional dog food for all types of dog breeds and life stages. Purina Pro Plan Toy Breed Puppy Food is designed for toy breed puppies and is packed with all the protein, fat, and calories that a Yorkie puppy needs for healthy growth and development.
This dog food contains DHA derived from natural sources, which is a necessary nutrient for brain and vision development. The formula is also fortified with guaranteed live probiotics, which are essential for digestive and immune health.
The recipe uses chicken as its first ingredient, and it’s made up of a tasty blend of poultry and fish flavors. However, it also contains poultry by-product meal, and it’s unclear what parts and types of poultry were included in the recipe. So, if you find that your Yorkie puppy has a highly sensitive stomach, this recipe may not be appropriate.
- Contains sustainable amount of protein and fat
- Fortified with DHA and live probiotics
- Chicken is first ingredient
- Contains poultry by-product meal
5. Nulo Frontrunner Small Breed Dry Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned turkey, chicken meal, oats, barley |
| Protein content: | 27% |
| Fat content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 432 kcal/cup |
Our next recommended dog food for Yorkies at Walmart is this Nulo Frontrunner Small Breed Dry Food. The formula consists of 77% animal-based proteins, which are more sufficient and efficient sources of essential amino acids than plant-based proteins. The recipe also excludes pea and potato protein powders.
You’ll also find plenty of natural and nutritious ingredients, like apples, flaxseeds, quinoa, and whole grains. The formula also contains natural sources of omega fatty acids to help nourish the skin and keep your Yorkie’s coat soft and silky.
One thing to be mindful of is that the recipe is considered a high-protein diet. Its crude protein percentage is on the lower end at 27%. Most high-protein diets range between 30-37% protein. So, if you have a particularly energetic Yorkie, it may need food with a higher percentage of protein.
- High quantity of animal-based protein
- Contains high-quality natural ingredients
- Good source of omega fatty acids
- May not contain enough protein for active Yorkies
6. 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 is a veterinarian-recommended brand that provides healthy and nutritious meals backed by research and science. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Bites Dry Dog Food is a good choice for adult Yorkies and contains antioxidants and vitamins E and C to support the immune system. It also has omega-6 fatty acids to help keep your Yorkie’s coat healthy and shiny.
While the recipe contains many natural ingredients, it has some additional flavoring, like chicken liver flavor and pork liver flavor. It’s unclear what the exact sources of these flavorings are. It also has a lower percentage of crude protein, so it may not be an appropriate option for young adult Yorkies that have a lot more energy.
- Veterinarian recommended brand
- Formula supports immune system
- Omega-6 fatty acids support skin and coat
- Contains additional flavoring
- Low crude protein percentage
7. 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 |
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food is a suitable option for adult Yorkies. It’s made with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients and doesn’t have any fillers or meat by-products. The formula is particularly beneficial for Yorkies because it contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. These components support and help maintain joint health.
The recipe also includes wholesome natural ingredients, like whole grains, kale, spinach, and chia seeds. It also uses a single source of protein, so it’s safe for dogs with beef allergies. The shape and texture of the kibble are also designed to help control tartar buildup.
The only concern is that split peas are one of the main ingredients, which is one of the ingredients being investigated by the FDA for links to heart disease. It’s also unsafe for dogs with kidney problems. So, if your Yorkie has any risks or lives with a chronic condition related to heart or kidney health, this dog food isn’t well-suited for it.
- No fillers or meat by-products
- Supports joint health
- Safe for dogs with beef allergies
- Kibble helps control tartar buildup
- Peas are one of the main ingredients
8. Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Wet Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Beef, beef broth, venison broth, beef liver |
| Protein content: | 8% |
| Fat content: | 3% |
| Moisture content: | 82% |
| Calories: | 90 kcal/bowl |
Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Wet Dog Food is suitable for dogs that may have difficulty chewing hard kibble. It contains a savory blend of beef and venison broth. It does have some egg whites in it, but it doesn’t contain any chicken meat, so it may be a good option for dogs with chicken allergies.
The formula is fortified with glucosamine, chondroitin, and high levels of omega fatty acids. It also has prebiotics and probiotics to help with digestion.
Just keep in mind that not all dogs should eat a grain-free diet. Dogs benefit greatly from eating whole grains4 unless they have a severe health condition, such as a wheat allergy, that prevents them from eating grains. So, consult with your veterinarian before making the switch to grain-free food.
- Suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
- Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids
- Helps with healthy digestion
- Grain-free may not be good for all dogs
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 |
Blue Buffalo Delights Small Breed Wet Dog Food is another excellent option for older dogs that have difficulty chewing dry kibble. It comes in individual serving trays, making mealtimes easier and more convenient. The first ingredient is beef, and it also contains healthy vegetables, like potatoes, carrots, and peas. Keep in mind that even though the recipe name only lists sirloin, chicken and chicken liver are also included. So, it’s not a meal for Yorkies with chicken allergies.
The tasty blend of natural ingredients is appealing to picky eaters, and it can be served as both a meal topper and a standalone meal. However, since this recipe is also grain-free, make sure to check with your veterinarian before you choose to use this dog food as your Yorkie’s main meal.
- Convenient serving trays
- Beef is first ingredient
- Contains natural ingredients
- Not for dogs with chicken allergies
- Grain-free may not be appropriate for some dogs
10. Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, soybean meal, whole corn |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 351 kcal/cup |
This Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites dog food is a budget-friendly option with quality ingredients. It’s suitable for small dog breeds of all life stages, so if your Yorkie puppy enjoys this food, you don’t have to worry about transitioning to a new adult formula food.
Real chicken is the first ingredient, and the recipe also doesn’t use any by-product meals. The formula has added vitamins, minerals, and taurine to support and sustain your Yorkie’s overall health.
The recipe does use a lot of plant-based proteins and fibers. While ingredients like corn and soy are nutritious for dogs, they aren’t as palatable. So, if your Yorkie is a particularly picky eater, it may turn its nose up at this dog food.
- Budget-friendly option
- Suitable for all life stages
- Chicken is first ingredient
- No animal by-product meals
- Picky eaters may not enjoy this food
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Food for Yorkies at Walmart
Shopping for dog food for Yorkies can be overwhelming because there are so many different options. Here are some factors to keep in mind so that you can select healthy and nutritious food for Yorkies.
High-Protein and High-Calorie Foods
Yorkies and other small dog breeds require a higher intake of protein and calories than larger dogs. Their bodies tend to metabolize food faster, and their tiny bodies don’t have as much space to store energy. So, they do best with calorie-dense foods with higher crude protein percentages.
Joint and Mobility Support
Since Yorkies are susceptible to developing joint-related health issues, they may benefit from a diet formulated to support joint health. Older Yorkies in particular will benefit from nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. Omega fatty acids can also help with reducing inflammation. Some dog food will also indicate that it has minerals, like calcium and phosphorus, to support bone health.
Antioxidants
Yorkies are also predisposed to heart disease, so foods with antioxidants will benefit their health significantly. Many superfoods are also packed with antioxidants. So, if you want to ensure that your Yorkie’s getting nourishment through natural foods, look for recipes containing a good blend of superfoods.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve read our reviews, you’ll see that Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food Turkey & Oatmeal is the best dog food for Yorkies that you’ll find at Walmart. It’s at a fairly decent price point and contains high-quality natural ingredients.
A great budget option that doesn’t sacrifice quality is Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed Chicken & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food. If you’re looking for premium, high-quality dog food, Castor & Pollux Organix with Healthy Grains Organic Small Breed Dry Dog Food is a great option with one of the cleanest ingredient lists you’ll find.
Yorkie puppies will get a strong start and solid foundation by eating Purina Pro Plan High Protein Small Breed Puppy Food DHA Chicken & Rice Formula. Lastly, Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa Small Breed Dry Dog Food is another great choice for your dog.
When shopping for Yorkie dog food, look for high-calorie, high-protein recipes rich in antioxidants. You can find plenty of options at your local Walmart or purchase the right dog food through its online store.
Featured Image Credit: Valerie Nik, Shutterstock
