20 Best Foods for Yorkies with Allergies

Dealing with your Yorkie’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members Yorkie community on facebook the following question: “Those of you with Yorkie who have allergies…. what food do you use and why?” We received hundreds of replies, and summarized the top 20 responses here.

As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Yorkie’s diet. 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. Also, view our roundup of the Best Foods for Dogs with Allergies. 

20 Best Dog Foods for Yorkie with Allergies

Hills science diet sensitive stomach and skin plus home cooked chicken and rice

Author: Cindy B.

Likes: 4

Not a food recommendation, but I would HIGHLY recommend this allergy supplement on Amazon. Reduced my dog’s itching substantially. My vet said keep using it!

Author: Jay C.

Likes: 18

Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin , stopped itchy skin.

Author: Mary S.

Likes: 10

Primal is what I have used now for about 4 months and no stomach issues ..no itchies…she isn’t picky eating …she loves it ..especially the sardine and turkey …and she knows it’s her ‘molly’ food and only for her ..her brother the GSD doesn’t get it (it would cost a fortune to feed him that hahah) he gets pieces here an there …very happy gurl now since being on it ..Molly is 11 yrs old nowI do homemade as well on ‘special occasions’BUT primal is her raw diet and her go to..8 crumble up the nuggets and soak them in sodium free broth or just warm water til it’s mashed up …of course now she is so spoiled I spoon feed her ..but that’s a whole different topic

Author: Angela S.

Likes: 6

Baked chicken-mixed with white rice,mushed veggies and some chicken broth! This is the best for my Yorkie and he loves it! Good Luck!

Author: Jeanette R.

Likes: 5

Purina HA, my Yorkie suffers from Pancreatitis so low fat diet is a must.

Author: Michele R.

Likes: 2

My old yorkie had allergies to any food colouring, I spent years trying to control his anger issues until a friend of mine suggested maybe it could be the coloured bits in his kibble so I got hills science plan and it took a few weeks but it did improve a lot. He also had grass allergies and spent many hours biting his feet and scratching so I was prescribed a quarter of an antihistamine daily

Author: Linda C.

Likes: 3

It was a difficult process of elimination. My dogs have grain and poultry allergy.

Honest kitchen grain free beef clusters. Don’t start me with DCM and grain free. This breed isnt typically predisposed to DCM. I’ve always liked the brand and they are human grade. The only draw back to single batch like this is … sometimes there’s a slight difference in the food that every bag can cause soft stool. I just do a slow transition every bag change to prevent.

Author: Francis Dela C.

Likes: 7

Fresh pet is the only thing she’ll eat. Some vital, which I get at pet smart, she’ll eat (chicken flavor). Picky about snacks, too. Likes Nudges

Author: Rebecca F.

Likes: 2

No meat. Salmon only..Rachel Rays sweet potato and salmon dry. My girl is 12 yrs old. She ate everything until about 4 yrs old and then the allergies started. Shots, expensive RX shampoo for several years and for last several years, no issues as long as we restrict what she eats.

Author: Pat S.

Likes: 1

The best diet for any dog is home cooked salmon, beef , turkey , bake it all. Give vegetables like green beans broccoli some carrots, kale etc. Make sure you cook the veggies too , blueberries, apples , banana, and grain free fresh pet. No chicken dogs are allergic to it. There’s so much to cook for them just Google it.

Author: Cathy F.

Likes: 3

I make large batches, put in jars & refrigerate . Ground beef, chopped liver, brown rice, green beans, sliced carrots, crushed pineapple, eggs, & sometimes fresh blueberries. Everything is cooked in beef broth & olive oil. When Bonnie scratches I put a dropper of children’s Benadryl in her food.

Author: Marie Loden R.

Likes: 1

Iams small breed.

Author: Jody N.

Likes: 1

Royal Canine Sensitive

Author: Marina Steenson B.

Likes: 1

Fromm’s. Have never had any problems with it.

Author: Beverly Quiggins S.

Likes: 3

My wee Yorkie, Bobby has allergies that cause his skin to become lumpy, then burst, then dry out and flake. He’s been on a special diet of Royal Canin Anallergenic for a couple of years now which has made no difference. Hopefully next stage is taking skin allergy tests to find out what the problem is. Only antibiotics clear it up but he’s only good for a few months before it’s back again

Author: Vivian Cochrane C.

Likes: 0

Grandma Mae’s Country Natural Low-fat dog food. My Yorkie is allergic to milk and rice and also has issues with pancreatitis.

Author: Lisa Krohn J.

Likes: 1

IAMS used it for seventeen years puppy food the first year never had any problem’s.ps I used oatmeal shampoo

Author: Virginia S.

Likes: 0

Beef dog food by Wellness grain free 100 percent natural

Author: Diane L.

Likes: 2

Fresh Pet Sensitive Skin and Stomach

Author: TamiLynn D.

Likes: 0

I make their own food, Chicken, Pork, green beans, peas, carrots, brown rice, broccoli, and cauliflower, I chop it all up and make 2 weeks at a time and freeze it, since I started doing this my 9 year old runs around like a puppy again, the 7 year old has always been my wild woman and still is They are ready for Halloween

Author: Carol Rozett O.

Likes: 0

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foods for Yorkies with Allergies

1. What are common food allergies in Yorkies?
Yorkies are often allergic to ingredients like beef, chicken, dairy, corn, wheat, and soy. These allergens can trigger symptoms such as itching, ear infections, or digestive issues. Identifying and avoiding these ingredients is key to managing your Yorkie’s allergies.

2. How can I tell if my Yorkie has a food allergy?
Signs of a food allergy in Yorkies include constant scratching, skin rashes, hair loss, gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea), and frequent ear infections. If your Yorkie shows these symptoms, consult your vet for an elimination diet or allergy testing.

3. What ingredients should I look for in hypoallergenic dog food for Yorkies?
Look for limited ingredient diets that feature novel proteins like duck, venison, or salmon, and easily digestible carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes or brown rice. Omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics also support skin health and digestion.

4. Are grain-free diets better for Yorkies with allergies?
Not always. While some Yorkies are sensitive to grains, others may tolerate them well. It’s more important to avoid specific allergens identified through testing rather than eliminating all grains. Always consult your vet before switching to grain-free.

5. Can homemade food help with Yorkie allergies?
Yes, homemade diets can be beneficial as they give you complete control over ingredients. However, it’s crucial to work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your Yorkie gets a balanced diet with all necessary nutrients.

6. How long does it take to see improvement after switching dog food?
You may start to notice improvements within 4 to 6 weeks after changing your Yorkie’s food. However, complete resolution of symptoms may take up to 3 months. Stick to the new diet strictly and monitor your dog’s reaction.

7. Should I give my allergic Yorkie supplements?
Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), probiotics, and skin-supportive vitamins can help alleviate allergy symptoms. However, always consult your vet before adding supplements to ensure they’re appropriate and safe for your Yorkie.