[kjc]

I usually feed two brands of mid- lower protein kibble mixed, then soaked in water to soften, and add Cesar's or any type canned for flavor.

Then top with a dollup of cottage cheese (2% milk fat, not non-fat), yogurt (most flavors), whipped cream (mine tolerate dairy). , Parmesan cheese, hardboiled egg whites, cooked rice, blenderized chicken (they can't pick it out), low-sodium chicken broth, veges: carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, etc., and fruits: apples, peaches, bananas, cereals: Cheerios. Sometimes I offer a taste of raw meat. And I rotate everything, so they don't get tired of it. I have better luck with the softened kibble, and leave some out dry at all times.

I know a lot of folks look for low-fat, but fat is what gives the food flavor, so I try to not get the lowest fat food, but something mid range.

Also watch the amount of treats they get during the day. These need to be figured in with their total intake. High protein, high fat (which many are) will cause decreased interest in their regular, more nutritionally correct diet. I also hide treats they like in their food. Sometimes a bite or two helps them get started eating.

If you feed any kind of table scraps, don't feed them from the table or your plate. (I rinse in water to remove any sauces/seasonings) Mix them in or offer it 'on the side' with their regular food. And never give them so much as to fill them up... your goal should be to encourage them to eat their regular diet.

And remember, Yorkies are small dogs (even the teapots!) and their tummies are small. Sometimes I feed a little less than the recommended amount (measured, not eyeballed), so they can finish a meal. Then very gradually increase the amount, and hopefully they get into the clean plate habit.

Also consider exercise. Mine eat less on rainy days if we haven't gone for a walk. Try an extra walk, or longer walk to increase their consumption.

Hope this helps...

PS: For those feeding commercial diets: as long as they eat 60% of the commercial food, they will get sufficient nutrients to maintain health, so additional supplementation won't be neccessary.

PPS: Please become familiar with the list of foods that should not be fed to dogs, and/or discuss options with your vet. Always be on the lookout for signs of pancreatitis, as Yorkies are very often predisposed to coming down with it. Some foods will agree with your dog, some may not.

And, finally, watch their poops. What goes in, will come out. For hard poops, I increase water and fiber (added to the food). Too soft poops, I back off on the fruits and veges. Goal should be firm enough to pick up, uniform in consistency and color, and it shouldn't smell really horrible (vet check in order).

It's not a bad idea to have routine fecals done at least twice yearly, and quarterly for problem eaters. If your dog hasn't been checked in a while, that would be a very good place to start. As would a general health check with bloodwork and a Bile Acid Test, to rule out any medical problems going on.

The absolute best thing you can do to help doggies digestion would be to get them on probiotics/digestive enzymes. These can help the pups get past minor flare ups day to day, and help prevent problems from really taking hold and reeking havoc with their systems.