Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

30 Best Foods for an Overweight Yorkie

By: Zyra Capalac
Zyra is a Special Project Coordinator of HomeLife Media and a writer for iHeartDogs.com. She has 3 dogs namely Skye, Luna, and one of them is a rescue, named Tesla.Read more
| May 3, 2023
Does your Yorkie have a few extra pounds they need to lose? You’re not alone. Members of our I Love My Yorkie Facebook community recently shared their insights on the following question: What food would you recommend for an overweight Yorkie? We received hundreds of helpful replies and below have compiled some of the best responses.

Always remember to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your yorkie’s diet, especially if they are overweight, and may have other related health issues. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

30 Best Dog Foods for a Yorkie That Needs to Lose Weight

Our yorkie loves mashed cooked carrots, and cucumbers for treats. She gets boiled chicken with a sprinkle of cheese mixed in now and then.

Author: Linda W.

Likes: 20


I give mine Ultra weight management for dogs she was always gaining weight can get it at petsmart

Author: Carole Upton O.

Likes: 2


I make my own food in crock pot chicken broccoli carrots sweet potato pumpkin spinach string beans apple and add little rice at the end of cooking! I a lot and put it in containers and freeze it till I need it! Mine love it and I know what’s in the food

Author: Lily Condell M.

Likes: 10


I just discovered Freshpet, I live in Florida & I can purchase it at Publix & Supertarget. Both have the refrigerators at their pet food section. You can get the type that you slice or in a bag in either case it has to be refrigerated. It’s not as expensive as The Farmers Dog & my dog loves it.

Author: Virginia G.

Likes: 3


Acana is great. We soak them in hot water and let the kernels get soft and all four of my dogs eat it. We use the pork and squash acana.

Author: Trish C.

Likes: 1


I have a Yorkie. She is 7 years old. I feed her Purina Beneful Medleys. She will not eat dry. She weighs 10 pounds I feed her one can in the morning and one at night.

Author: Joyce B.

Likes: 0


I make homemade meals for my Yorkies. My Yorkie who passed away on May 1, 2022 lived for 17 years on these meals. Yorkies are finicky eaters.

Author: Sue M.

Likes: 2


I give my dogs Purina One Healthy Weight Formula

Author: Lori S.

Likes: 2


I have 4 yorkies. Always fed them canidae for less active dogs with no problems.

Author: Jeanette A.

Likes: 2


How about a little more exercise for all of the overweight babies? We have two young girls that love chasing birds and squirrels as well as playing fetch with mini tennis balls! It wears them out and they are very trim. They eat Pedigree small bites with no issues.

Author: Suzy W.

Likes: 0


My Yorkie s chicken. He also loves Purina puppy chow. Deli roast beef for treats. His weight is perfect since he gets lots of exercise.

Author: Sharon A.

Likes: 3


I use Royal Canin, low fat, gastrointestinal from my vet. A dog won’t starve itself, it will eat once it figures out that it’s all it is going to get. That dog is working you. Be strong, you’re in charge.

Author: Kate C.

Likes: 2


My Yorkie eats Nutro lamb and rice. He maintains a great weight

Author: Stacey B.

Likes: 2


I feed my yorkies Cesar 1/2 can per meal (2 meals a day) and add cottage cheese in the morning and boiled sweet potato in the afternoon . Once a week 1/2 boiled egg. Cucumber, pumpkin , apple for snack. Very import that last meal is before 5pm. I got this recommendation from vet and very happy with it.

Author: Alla V.

Likes: 1


My vet put my little guy on Hills Science Metabolic canned. He loves it and has lost a pound. It must taste good because his tiny sister always dashes in and steals a mouthful.

Author: Karen S.

Likes: 2


My picky Silky eats Stella and Chewy dried raw. They also have frozen. It’s the only dog food he’ll eat. I also supplement with baked chicken, lean beef, turkey breast, or salmon with a sprinkle of cheese.

Author: Lisa H.

Likes: 0


I have a Shih Tzu and a Morkie and had trouble getting them to eat until I swapped to Cesars. I get both the ‘wet’ in the little packs and also the dry. In morning I split a pack of wet between them and at night I give them another split pack with dry added on top. It is a little bit more expensive but worth it to me because they eat so well now.

Author: Judy H.

Likes: 2


I have been an AKC Yorkie breeder for 33 years. Our dogs are on Solid Gold “WeeBit” or “MightyMini”. We highly recommend this holistic dry food, full of good nutrition. And they love carrots, sweet potato and banana for treats.

Author: Jo S.

Likes: 4


We give ours Blue Buffalo chicken & brown rice for small dogs, 1/4 cup in the morning & 1/4 cup for dinner. Heat in microwave for 10 seconds makes it smell better for her. Also cut back on treats, ours likes crunchy part of lettuce. Exercise helps, long walks & fetch with her favorite toy.

Author: Leslie N.

Likes: 1


I bake chicken breast and add veggies. She loves green beans and also carrots. Also do ground beef with long grain/wild rice with green beans . She won’t eat any dog food. I know. She is spoiled

Author: Audrey N.

Likes: 0


My yorkies are prone to boots of pancreatitis, but they won’t eat the prescription food, so they eat boiled chicken and a mix of brown and white rice. I also put out a bowl of Blue Buffalo Small Breed Senior dry food and they occasionally nibble. But my two did have a weight problem, so I cut back on treats.

Author: Debra G.

Likes: 1


I feed my dog IAMS in the blue bag. Both of my dogs eat it. It is the low cal version. I squeeze a little beef or chicken broth on it and heat it for 10 seconds. I also add cooked carrots if I have any.

Author: Shelley Goren F.

Likes: 1


I only feed my Yorkies, dog food and dog treats. I may give her a tiny bite of bread off my sandwich so she thinks she’s getting something. Purina pro plan, or Pedigree small dog. Never had a weight problem with 3 Yorkies over, nearly 40 years.

Author: Marvin R. V.

Likes: 2


Royal canin Weight management my baby is very picky eater but she loves this food

Author: Pong G.

Likes: 0


My Yorks eat 1/4 cup in the morning and 1/4 cup in the evening. They love this food.

Author: Jeff G.

Likes: 0


Mine is on primal. He was overweight also. Beginning to see a difference and he loves it. Look it up! All healthy food

Author: Christie G.

Likes: 0


Our Yorkie would alternate between purina one ground chicken and rice and Fromm duck and chicken pate watched how much we gave her she got back to her normal weight and was good she would eat everything and anything if we let her

Author: Felicia W.

Likes: 0


I feed my fur babies (12 lbs and 11 lbs) fresh veggies. They will eat sliced carrots as a snack. And I make doggie veggie soup with chicken , peas , carrots, green beans, potatoes or sweet potatoes, or rice. No salt no bouillon seasonings,  just the chicken broth from cooking the chicken. They love it!!!

Author: Connie A.

Likes: 0


I buy Rachael ray’s probably a half cup a day or feed also egg and blueberries protein

Author: Judy Rae D.

Likes: 0


Bil-Jac Picky No More; ever since we changed over, our Yorkie has done very well on it!

Author: Julianne Spino C.

Likes: 0


In conclusion, providing an obese Yorkie with the right diet is crucial to ensure their journey towards a healthier weight is both enjoyable and effective. By focusing on high-quality protein sources, low-glycemic carbohydrates, and essential nutrients, you can support your dog’s weight loss while maintaining their overall health. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your pet’s diet. With patience, dedication, and the right food choices, your beloved Yorkie will be well on their way to achieving a leaner, happier, and more energetic life. Embrace the journey together for a stronger bond and a healthier future.
iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links above may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog