One of the most critical responsibilities of a Yorkshire Terrier owner is to feed it with a nutritious and well-balanced diet. However, nutritious foods prepared explicitly for Yorkies come at a cost. So, how much does it cost to feed a Yorkshire Terrier monthly?
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How Much Does It Cost to Feed a Yorkshire Terrier Monthly?
The cost of feeding a Yorkshire Terrier ranges from $20 to $50 per month, depending on the type of food and how often you feed the dog.
The cost can increase to hundreds of dollars in case of special diets and supplements that a vet might recommend. You might also spend an additional $10 to $50 per month on treats.
Keep in mind that what you feed your Yorkie will directly impact its health and overall lifespan. Therefore, it is advisable to invest in well-balanced foods that don’t contain lots of calories. Let’s look at the cost of well-balanced foods rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and fats.
Carbohydrate Rich Foods
Yorkies are playful and energetic dogs, and they need carbohydrates to sustain their high energy requirements. When you are buying food for your Yorkie, you need to check for the carbohydrate content on the labels. Some of the ingredients in the food that can indicate higher carbohydrate content include:
- Barley
- Brown rice
- Sweet potatoes
- Oatmeal
Keep in mind that cheap brown rice might contain arsenic, so be careful when buying brown rice foods. It is also advisable to avoid corn and soy foods, especially if your Yorkie has a sensitive stomach.
Keep in mind that high carbohydrate content is not good as it can lead to obesity. Dog foods with well-balanced carbohydrate content, such as Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Food, goes for $35 to $45.
High Protein Foods
Proteins are essential for the growth and development of Yorkie puppies and to boost the health of adult and senior Yorkies. Assuming that your dog has a healthy weight, it is advisable to give it at least one gram of protein per pound of its weight.
It is advisable to feed your Yorkie with animal proteins such as beef, mutton, turkey, and chicken, as they contain amino acids for lean muscle development. Considering that animal proteins are a bit expensive, Yorkie foods rich in animal protein can range anywhere from $30 to $100.
Fatty Foods
Fats play a vital role in the appearance of a dog’s coat. Fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3 can help make the coat of your Yorkie shiny and long. Fats also work as a reserve for energy, helping boost the energy levels of your Yorkie during long walks, hiking, or jogging.
Keep in mind that fat contains twice the calories you can get in carbohydrates and proteins combined, and so too much fat can lead to health issues such as pancreatitis. Therefore, it is advisable to regulate the fat intake of your Yorkie to around 20% of the overall diet.
However, fat improves the flavor of the food, making the food more appealing to the Yorkie. If your dog has a low appetite, you can consider adding some fat content to its food. Foods rich in fat content, such as the Hill’s Science Diet, costs around $40.
Vitamin Supplements
Like humans, dogs require a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables for a healthy lifestyle. Vitamins help boost the immune system and break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Although the Yorkie only requires a small number of vitamins, you will need to buy some vitamin supplements that can go from $20 to $50.
Cheap Yorkshire Terrier Foods to Avoid
Although many dog owners prefer cheap dog foods to cut the costs, cheap foods might lead to health issues and expensive treatments and you should try to avoid feeding them to your Yorkie. Some of the cheap ingredients you should check out when buying dog foods include:
- Byproducts: Many brands reduce the cost of manufacturing animal protein dog foods by including meats that are not fit for human consumption, such as the brain, intestines, and lungs. Although these byproducts can seem like a source of protein, they can lead to serious health problems.
- Fillers: Fillers are cheap ingredients added to food products to increase their quantity without any nutritional value. Sometimes fillers cause intestinal distress and dietary deficiencies
- Artificial flavors and colors: Although they help to improve the color and taste of food, they are chemicals added to low-quality and what would be less appealing foods
Related Questions
Between Yorkie’s Dry Foods and Wet Foods, Which Ones Are Cost-Effective?
Dry foods are cheaper and can last longer than wet foods. Typically, a packet of dry food can last six weeks after opening, saving on the overall monthly expenses.
Can I Feed My Yorkie With Human Food Instead of Buying Dog Food?
You can give your Yorkie human food as it contains most of the nutrients the dog needs. You should, however, mix it with dog food as human food can be fatty for the Yorkie to digest.
Final Thoughts
The overall cost of feeding your Yorkie per month depends on whether you are feeding it with dog food only or mixing it with human food. Keep in mind that regular treats and vitamin supplements can significantly increase costs.
