All proprietary brands of dog food contain the correct balance of nutrients or give advice on what, if anything, should be added to ensure that the food is nutritionally balanced.

Labels and packaging often also include guidelines on the amount of food required by different sized dogs. However, these are inevitable approximate and only you can judge the proper quantities for your yorkie.

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging. Not all foods are ‘complete diets; some require supplements.

Proteins

Protein is as vital to the yorkie’s diet as it is to a human’s. The amount of protein in dog food governs the animal’s daily life, its metabolism and capacity for work or exercise. As food passes through the digestive system, the protein content is digested and broken down into amino acids, the building blocks of a healthy lifestyle.

Dogs, like yorkies – require 20 amino acids, but the dog, being such a clever animal, can manufacture many of this itself or synthesize them from other components of its diet. In fact, only nine amino acids must be specifically included in the diet.

A shortage of any of these will quickly result in deficiency symptoms.

Fresh Food

Most dogs love food, but it should also include a balanced mixer meal to ensure an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. Many owners cook poultry or meat for their yorkies once or twice a week and rely on the more convenient and scientifically formulated prepared dog foods for the rest of the time.

Most dogs love raw meat, but it is best to keep to beef or lamb; poultry, pork and fish need cooking to destroy any harmful bacteria. Fish, poultry, and chop bones are sharp or splinter easily and should always be removed before giving fresh meat to the yorkie.

Liver, kidneys, heart, and other similar meats should be given only once or twice a week.

On the other hand, vegetarian diets are gaining popularity for people and dogs. It has become fairly available in many pet supplies shops. Until years ago, it was usually manufactured in dried form – either flaked or pelleted – but canned vegetarian food is now more widely available.

You may think that it would be easy to prepare vegetarian food for the yorkie yourself. However, unless you are fairly knowledgeable, you could have considerable difficulty in achieving the correct balance of nutrients.