As dedicated Yorkshire Terrier enthusiasts and breeders, we believe in providing the best possible nutrition for our beloved companions. We have tried different diets and found that highly beneficial for the overall health and well-being of Yorkshire Terriers is species appropriate diet. Raw diet, or raw dog food which are more commonly used are effectively synonyms of species appropriate diet in case of dogs, as dogs are carnivores. In this article, we will explore the advantages of raw feeding and why it may be an excellent choice for your Yorkshire Terrier.

While dry food isn’t the worst thing in the world to feed your Yorkshire Terrier, it’s not ideal. For starters, commercial dry food typically contains carbohydrates that your dog simply does not need at all as a carnivore. Your dog’s digestive system isn’t really designed to digest and utilize all the nutrients of plant-based ingredients, either. What their bodies truly need are good strong proteins. Aside from that, you’ll be looking for raw foods that help supplement their nutrition, ingredients that contain the vitamins and minerals that help support a well-rounded and balanced diet. Medicinal herbs are also a great addition in micro amounts.

1. Enhanced Nutritional Quality: Raw feeding involves providing your Yorkshire Terrier with a diet primarily composed of raw, unprocessed ingredients. This approach closely mimics the natural diet of their ancestors, the wolves. By feeding them a raw diet, you ensure that they receive a wide range of essential nutrients, including high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and natural enzymes, without the potential degradation that occurs during cooking processes.

2. Improved Digestion: Yorkshire Terriers can be prone to sensitive stomachs and digestive issues. Raw feeding can alleviate such problems by providing easily digestible food in its most natural form. The raw diet is rich in digestive enzymes, which aids in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Additionally, the absence of fillers, additives, and artificial ingredients commonly found in commercial pet foods can reduce the risk of digestive disturbances and allergies.

3. Healthy Skin and Coat: Yorkshire Terriers are known for their beautiful, long, and silky coats. A raw diet can contribute to a healthy skin and coat, as it provides essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, in their natural, unaltered state. These fatty acids are vital for maintaining skin integrity, promoting a lustrous coat, and minimizing skin conditions, including dryness, itching, and flakiness.

4. Dental Health: Dental issues, such as tartar buildup and gum disease, are common among Yorkshire Terriers. Raw feeding can help improve their dental health naturally. Chewing on raw meaty bones, such as chicken wings or beef ribs, provides a natural tooth-cleaning action that helps remove plaque and tartar. The act of chewing also strengthens their jaw muscles and promotes healthy gums.

5. Weight Management: Yorkshire Terriers are a small breed, and weight management is crucial for their overall health. Raw feeding allows you to have better control over their food intake and composition. You can customize their portions to meet their individual needs, ensuring they receive an appropriate balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. This control can help prevent obesity, which can lead to various health problems, including joint issues and cardiovascular diseases.

6. Increased Energy and Vitality: Many Yorkshire Terrier owners have reported that raw feeding improves their dogs’ energy levels and vitality. Providing a nutrient-dense, biologically appropriate diet can enhance their overall energy, stamina, and overall well-being. Yorkshire Terriers on raw diets often exhibit increased enthusiasm for exercise and play, allowing them to thrive and enjoy an active lifestyle.

7. Stronger Immune System: Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting a strong immune system. A raw diet, rich in natural nutrients and devoid of artificial additives, can boost your Yorkshire Terrier’s immune function. The nutrients found in raw ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, help support optimal immune responses, reducing the risk of illness and promoting a long and healthy life.

Important Considerations: When transitioning your Yorkshire Terrier to a raw diet, it’s essential to do thorough research to ensure a balanced and complete diet. It’s crucial to provide a variety of protein sources, include appropriate amounts of organ meats, and incorporate nutrient-rich vegetables and supplements as needed. Fortunately, raw dog food is becoming very popular in the UK and lot’s of brands are offering convenient (frozen) raw dog food with next delivery. Buying already prepared raw food makes this very convenient and hassle free, as all you need to remember is to have defrosted portion ready for the feeding. You must defrost all raw dog food products in the fridge, as raw food is naturally moist and therefore, prone to bacteria growth when it is placed in a warm environment. Defrosting in the fridge takes away the risk of the meat becoming warm at room temperature and allowing bacteria to grow and multiply.

Here are few of the brands we have tried and comfortable to suggest:

Paleo Ridge – Premium Raw Dog Food. Doesn’t come with premixed veg, but you can always add it yourself. Comes in paper boxes, which is very environment friendly. Once defrosted package does become soggy, so you just need to move the content to another reusable container.

ProDog Raw – Honest Raw Food, Treats & Supplements.