Finding ways to feed your Yorkie when they have dental problems can be
challenging. However, you can use a few tricks and tips to make mealtime
easier and less stressful for your pup.
If you’re noticing any signs of dental problems, such as plaque buildup or
yellowing teeth, it’s important to make some dietary changes to help keep
their teeth and gums healthy.
Many Yorkies experience dental problems as they age, making consuming
their regular diet difficult or impossible. However, you can ensure your old
dog continues to eat correctly and stay in good health by following a few
simple steps.
Here are fourteen tips for feeding your Yorkie if it has dental problems.
- Choose Soft Foods
Soft foods are ideal for Yorkies with dental issues, as they can be chewed
more easily. You should look for soft dry dog foods such as cooked
vegetables or mashed potatoes to make things easier for your pup.
Additionally, make homemade meals using cooked chicken or other protein
combined with various cooked vegetables. In particular, if your pup cannot
handle commercial dog food, this is a great option.
Wet dog food and boiled eggs are ideal for a Yorkie with dental problems.
These are much easier to chew than harder kibble, providing the extra
hydration that can help keep your Yorkie’s teeth and gums healthy.
- Give Treats Sparingly
Treats should ideally be avoided, as they often contain crunchy substances
that can be difficult for a Yorkie with dental issues to chew. If you decide to
give your pup treats, look for soft treats such as those specifically made for
dogs with dental problems.
Opt for something like boiled chicken, commercially available soft treats, or
even baby food – just remember to double-check the ingredients before
giving anything new to your pup!
You should give your Yorkie treats sparingly if you want to reward good
behavior. Hard treats like bully sticks can be too difficult for them to chew, so
opt for softer treats like mashed liver.
- Add Supplements to Their Diet
Supplements are a great way to ensure that your Yorkie gets all the
essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins they need. Adding Omega 3 fatty
acids to their diet will help keep their coat looking shiny and healthy, and
there are supplements specifically designed for senior dogs or those with
dental problems.
Adding vitamins and minerals to your Yorkie’s diet can be a great way to
help keep their teeth and gums healthy. Look for supplements that contain
calcium, phosphorus, and zinc, as these can help to strengthen their teeth
and gums. Any new supplement you add to your pup’s diet should be
discussed with a veterinarian.
- Try Dental Chews
Many dental chews are designed to help clean teeth and improve dental
health. Look for chews made with natural ingredients and have a gentle
texture on the teeth, like green-lipped mussel powder or sweet potato.
Make sure your Yorkie is supervised while chewing, and never give them one
if it is too hard and could potentially cause damage to their teeth. Look for
chews that are specifically designed for small breeds, as these will be the
right size and texture for your Yorkie.
- Offer Wet Food
Try offering your Yorkie wet food in a Kong toy. You can entertain your dog
while they eat their meal in this way. Put some wet food inside the Kong and
then add treats or dried kibble around the edges.
They’ll have to work hard to get all the goodies out – but they’re sure to
enjoy it! Wet food is a great choice for a Yorkie with dental problems, as it is
much easier to chew than dry food. Plus, it contains more moisture, which
can help keep their teeth and gums hydrated.
- Change Their Diet Gradually
When transitioning to a new diet, introduce the new food to your Yorkie
gradually. Start by mixing small amounts of the new food with their old food
and progressively increase the amount over time.
This slow transition will help your pup get used to the changes while also
allowing you to monitor how they react to different ingredients. This will help
your Yorkie adjust to the new food and make sure that their digestive system
can handle the change.
Additionally, it’s best to consult a vet or pet nutritionist before making any
drastic dietary changes.
- Give Them Mashed Food
Don’t be afraid to give your pup highly-nutritious mashed foods as part of
their diet. You can mix different proteins, veggies, and grains and season it
with low-sodium broth (use bone broth for added nutrition) for added flavor.
This meal is especially beneficial for Yorkies who are missing teeth, as the
soft consistency will make it easier for them to eat. Just be sure to let the
food cool before serving to prevent potential burns from hot ingredients or
broth.
- Offer Plain Yogurt for Its Probiotic Benefits
Offering plain yogurt to your Yorkie can provide them with probiotic benefits.
Plain yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that can help improve your Yorkie’s
digestion, boost their immunity, and reduce their risk of developing certain
diseases.
As plain yogurt contains lactose, some dogs may have difficulty with it. Make
sure to observe how your Yorkie reacts when feeding it yogurts.
9. Avoid Giving Sugary Treats
Avoiding sugary treats is highly recommended for Yorkies with dental
problems. Sugary treats can cause periodontal disease, cavities, and bad
breath.
Besides, sugary treats can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health
problems in Yorkies. The best way to ensure your Yorkie’s health is to avoid
sugary treats and offer them healthy snacks and treats instead.
10. Don’t Leave Food Out for Free-Choice Feeding
It is not recommended to leave food out for free-choice feeding for a Yorkie
with dental problems. Free-choice feeding can lead to overfeeding, leading
to obesity in Yorkies, even those with dental problems.
Also, leaving food out for free-choice feeding can make monitoring your
Yorkie’s eating habits more difficult and ensuring they get the proper
nutrition.
It is best to feed your Yorkie with dental problems on a regular schedule and
only to leave out the amount of food that your Yorkie needs for one meal.
This will ensure that your Yorkie is getting the proper amount of food and
will help to prevent them from becoming overweight.
- Avoid Giving Your Yorkie Raw Beef Bones
Raw beef bones can splinter and cause internal injury, which is not good for
a Yorkie with dental problems. Additionally, bones can contain a lot of
calcium, which can be very firming to your Yorkie’s stool and can lead to
constipation.
It is recommended that you offer your Yorkie edible bones such as from raw chicken
wings and chicken and turkey necks, which are softer and do not contain
marrow.
- Check Their Teeth Regularly
Ensure your Yorkie’s dental health is checked by frequently examining their
teeth and gums. Dental issues can arise quickly, and diligently monitoring
your pup will help you identify any abnormalities early on.
Look for signs of plaque, tartar, or discoloration, as these can indicate dental
problems. You may also want to consult a veterinarian to get an expert
opinion on your Yorkie’s tooth health, as they will be able to see if there’s a
need for specialized diets or treatments.
- Brush Their Teeth Using a Toothbrush
A crucial step in your pet’s dental health routine is brushing their teeth
regularly. Using a specially made toothbrush will allow you to brush all sides
of the teeth properly.
Make sure to use soft bristles, as this will be more comfortable and less
abrasive on their gums. You can also use a fingerbrush. For extra efficiency, use pet toothpaste designed to remove any odors from your pup’s mouth.
When brushing their teeth, use gentle, circular motions, and don’t forget to
reach the back teeth. If your Yorkie doesn’t tolerate brushing, try using
dental wipes or dental chews.
14. Offer Dental Wipes
You can keep your Yorkie’s teeth clean by using dental wipes. These wipes
come in different forms, including disposable and washable materials.
Dental wipes are designed to clean and remove plaque from the teeth and
gums, so using these will help keep your pet’s oral health in check. Be sure
to use the wipes as directed and monitor your Yorkie’s teeth for any signs of
dental disease.
Conclusion
As your Yorkie ages, keeping their dentistry in good condition is vital. With
the right food, treats, and supplements, it is possible to give your Yorkie the
nutrition they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
If you intend to change your puppy’s diet, consult your veterinarian first.
They will advise you on the best type of food for your dog and inform you of
potential health risks associated with a dietary change. They will also
recommend a suitable food tailored to your dog’s needs. Here is a complete
guide on how to feed your Yorkie puppy.
Cathy Bendzunas
Dog Blogger, Former Dog Groomer
I have adored Yorkies for well over 50 years. As a young adult, I began to show and breed them. Now, I just write about them and have several in my little pack of small dogs.
I have had dogs all my life and have trained as a dog groomer. I also have been a kennel worker, worked in a pet hotel through PetSmart, and still am a pet sitter.
Check out my bio for more information about me.