Yorkshire Terriers, or ‘Yorkies’, are small in size, but big in personality.
Yorkies are genetically predisposed to certain health concerns, including; allergies, breathing issues, Liver Shunts, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease and hypoglycemia. Fortunately, finding the best dog food for your dog through a thoughtfully crafted raw diet and supplements, can play a crucial role in managing or even preventing many of these common issues.
Allergies
Yorkies are particularly prone to itchy skin, ear infections, and gastrointestinal upset caused by environmental and food allergies. Their small size also makes them more sensitive to common allergens such as chicken, beef, wheat, and artificial additives.
Venison is a novel protein, meaning most dogs have not been exposed to it and are therefore less likely to react allergically. It’s also naturally lean, rich in B vitamins, and easy to digest. Raw feeding also eliminates processed ingredients and synthetic preservatives, which are two common allergy triggers.
Collapsed Trachea & Breathing Issues
Yorkies are genetically prone to breathing issues because of their small size and fragile cartilage. A collapsed trachea occurs when the rings of cartilage in the windpipe weaken and collapse, leading to a characteristic “goose-honk” cough.
Keeping your dog at an optimal weight can help prevent breathing issues. Unlike processed kibble, which often contains starches and fillers that lead to weight gain, a raw venison diet promotes lean muscle mass without added carbohydrates and fillers.
Adding green-lipped mussels to your dog’s diet can also help strengthen the cartilage in the trachea, as they contain glucosamine and chondroitin.
Liver Shunts (Portosystemic Shunt)
Liver shunts occur when blood bypasses the liver, preventing toxins from being properly filtered. Research shows this congenital condition is far more common in Yorkies than in many other dog breeds and can cause neurological issues, digestive upset, and stunted growth.
A raw venison-based diet offers high-quality, low-purine protein, which is gentler on the liver compared to traditional meats like beef or chicken. The lack of additives and toxins in raw diets also reduces the liver’s detoxification burden.
Including goat tripe can also support gut health in your dog, assisting digestion and reducing ammonia levels that can build up with liver shunts.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD)
LCPD is a condition affecting the femoral head (hip joint), causing degeneration due to poor blood supply. It typically appears in Yorkie puppies between 5–12 months old and can lead to pain, limping, and reduced mobility.
Venison is high in natural protein and zinc, essential for tissue repair and muscle maintenance around affected joints. Supporting strong muscle development can help stabilize the joint and alleviate discomfort during movement.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar is a common issue in toy breeds like Yorkies, especially puppies and very small adults. It can cause weakness, tremors, seizures, and even death if not managed properly.
Unlike carbohydrate-heavy commercial foods that cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, a raw venison diet provides steady, protein-based energy. This helps maintain more consistent glucose levels throughout the day.
Goat tripe can also add healthy fats and slow-burning energy to meals, assisting with blood sugar regulation.
Yorkshire Terriers may be petite, but they have complex nutritional needs. A raw diet featuring venison, goat tripe, and green-lipped mussels gives your Yorkie the best possible chance at avoiding, or managing, many of the breed-specific ailments they are prone to.
Whether you’re managing a specific health condition or simply aiming for longevity and vitality, real, raw food is a powerful foundation.
Feeding your Yorkie a raw venison diet, such as Huntaway Raw Venison, complemented by our Venison and Green-Lipped Mussel Chews and Goat Tripe treats, offers a natural and nutrient dense approach to managing breed-specific health issues.
