best dog food for morkie puppies

Best Dog Foods For Morkies: Puppies, Adults & Seniors

Are you wondering what to feed your Morkie? You arent alone if you are looking for the best dog food for your Morkie. In fact, the Morkie is one of the most popular designer dogs in America right now. If you arent familiar with the breed, he is the puppy product of the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier. He is affectionate, playful, and generally, a joy to have around the home. This teddy-bear lookalike weighs anywhere between 4 to 15 pounds. They only measure between 6 to 11 inches tall, so the Morkie will be either a toy or a small-sized pup.

Toy and small-sized dogs have certain nutritional needs. Their needs differ from larger dogs, from how small their kibble pieces need to be to particular feeding amounts and routines. In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about the Morkie and what to put into his bowl.

We look at the very best high-quality kibbles for him during every stage of his life. We also dive deeper into the best weight loss dog foodsjust in case he becomes a porky Morkie. Lets take a closer look!

At a Glance: Our Favorite Morkie Dog Foods

Best For Seniors

Blue Buffalo Life Protection

Note: Clicking the above links will take you to Chewy.com, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Morkie Puppy Nutrient Needs

The Morkie needs to be fed a small-breed puppy food that is specifically designed for pint-sized puppies. Not only are the kibble pieces small enough to fit into his mouth, but they also contain optimized nutrients and essential ingredients for Morkie puppies. Nothing else will do for the Morkie pup, so its recommended not to feed them large-breed puppy food.

Remember to feed him between 3 to 4 meals a day. His little body will need regular meals to stabilize his sugar levels. In addition to regular meals, his body also needs a variety of vitamins and minerals. These are found in fruits, veggies, and added supplements to ensure that his immune system develops healthily.

When it comes to protein, the MSD Veterinary Manual recommends that puppies need a minimum content of at least 22%. High-quality protein ingredients include whole meats and meat meals.They also provide puppy growing power, energy, and glucosamine for his joints. Stick to identifiable ingredients and avoid by-products.

His gorgeous coat will need omega fatty acids to keep nourished and shiny. They also support his brain and eye development. Ingredients such as flaxseed, fish oils, and meat meals contain omega fats, and they are also beneficial for his overall development. Egg products, fish meals, and fish oils also provide key nutrients. Some of which ares docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). These are naturally found in mothers milk.

Adult Morkie Nutrient Needs

At around the age of 1-year-old, the Morkie will officially be an adult. As such, you need to switch him to an adult kibble, again, for small breeds. The MSD Manual suggests that adult dogs should be fed kibble with a minimum protein content of 18%.

The amount you feed him will be dependent on his age, size, and energy levels. At this age, you should look to feed him around 2 to 3 meals a day. Remember that the Morkie is prone to putting on weight quickly. Do not feed him more than he needs. Use the package instructions as a guideline to work out what his individual needs are.

Protein, energy, omega fatty acids, wholesome carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals are important. So is glucosamine, and adulthood is all about a well-balanced diet.

Senior Morkie Nutrient Needs

At around the age of 8 years, the Morkie will join the seniors club. At this time, youll need to slowly transition him to a senior kibble focusing on senior needs. As he ages, he will need much less energy and fat. Senior kibbles offer much less of these in every cup.

They usually do this by providing a higher fiber content. This keeps older Morkies feeling fuller for longer without adding extra calories. Healthy fats are still required because they nourish his drying skin and coat. They also offer supporting vitamins and mineral absorption, healthy cognitive and eye function, and overall wellness.

Like most living things, as the Morkie gets older, his bones and joints will get weaker. They will need extra support. Glucosamine and chondroitin are great here, so look out for meat meals, fish oils, and added supplements. They are rich in these much-needed senior nutrients.

Best Dog Food for Morkie Puppies

Getting nutrition right for your Morkie when they are puppies is important. These little dogs need all the nutrients they can get during their early years. Since their food sets the early stage for your Morkies growth, its important to consider food quality while balancing with a budget.

Morkies can be known to have sensitive stomachs. It may take you a few different types of food to test before finding the right brand & formula for your pup. There are several great food brands that will suit your puppy well during their first year. Lets take a look at our favorites.

Holistic Select Puppy Formula

• DHA for brain development.
• Active prebiotics and probiotics.
• Healthy grains including brown rice.
• Free of meat and poultry by-products.
• Protein boost for healthy muscles.
• 481 Calories per cup.
• 30% Protein, 20% Fat, 3.4% Fiber.

This recipe is rich in protein and uses anchovy and salmon meals as the first ingredient. Its rich in fish oils for his DHA and ARA needs. It also provides plenty of nourishment for his coat. With chicken meal being the second ingredient, you can be sure that your Morkie will love the taste too.

A long list of exotic fruits and veggies, such as pumpkin, papaya, pomegranate, and blueberries, are also included. With extra added supplements, his immune system will become well-equipped to fight off illnesses. Prebiotic fibers and probiotic solutions ensure that his gut flora is healthy too.

We love that this recipe is designed specifically for both toy and small breeds. If you have a very minuscule Morkie, hell probably find this kibble much easier to eat.

Canidae Pure Puppy Recipe

• Grain-free formula.
• Contains probiotics and antioxidants.
• Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
• Salmon is the first ingredient.
• Limited ingredient formula.
• 525 Calories per cup.
• 24% Protein, 13.5% Fat, 4% Fiber.

This is a limited-ingredient recipe that ensures every ingredient is beneficial. There is nothing in there that he doesnt need. This means its a great option for those with sensitive stomachs. Each kibble piece is covered with antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and probiotics solution.

This grain-free option uses beans and lentils to provide energy and fiber. The protein sources are packed full of omega fatty acids for his coat and overall development. This has the highest calorie count for those extra energetic pups.

We love that this recipe is chicken, turkey, and egg-free. This means its great for Morkies allergic to these commonly used ingredients.

Merrick Lil Plates Puppy Formula

• Deboned chicken is the first ingredient.
• DHA for brain support.
• Prebiotics and probiotics for digestion.
• Made with real fruits and veggies.
• Made in Texas.
• 397 Calories per cup.
• 28% Protein, 15% Fat, 4.5% Fiber.

Deboned chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients in this list. This formula offers high protein content and plenty of glucosamine to support his quickly growing bones and joints.

Peas, sweet potatoes, and blueberries offer high fiber and antioxidants. Flaxseed, zinc, folic acid, biotin, and Salmon oil provide omega fatty acids for his skin and lustrous coat.

We love that this recipe has the highest fiber content on this list. This makes it a great choice for those Morkies whose digestive system needs a little bit of extra help to remain regular.

Wellness Complete Puppy Formula

• Source of DHA for brain health.
• Made with real fruits and veggies.
• Smaller sized kibble for small breeds.
• Healthy grains including oatmeal.
• Balanced formula with antioxidants.
• 480 Calories per cup.
• 28% Protein, 19% Fat, 4.25% Fiber.

This recipe is part of the Complete range of dog foods. It offers a well-balanced diet to suit the needs of Morkie puppies. With gentle brown rice and oatmeal, his fiber needs are met. Turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal provide protein for energy.

DHA can be found in fish oils and salmon meal. This is important for his brain and eye development. Its also important for probiotic ingredients and prebiotic fibers to support his gastrointestinal health. The kibble pieces are fortified with vitamins and minerals to support a strong immune system.

We love that this recipe will focus on your Morkies complete health. It offers all the high-quality ingredients he needs to develop into a healthy adult.

Diamond Naturals Puppy Formula

• Made with real cage-free chicken.
• Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
• DHA for brain health.
• No corn, wheat, or artificial flavors.
• Made in the United States.
• 419 Calories per cup.
• 32% Protein, 22% Fat, 3.5% Fiber.

This kibble is amongst the cheaper brands. This is great for those on a tighter budget without compromising on quality. Thanks to the whole chicken and chicken meal, it has the highest protein content. It also lists easy-to-digest fibers that provide him with lots of energy and guaranteed levels of probiotic cultures.

This recipe is full of superfoods, too, such as kale, chia seed, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, coconut, and papaya, which keeps his immunity strong.

We love that this recipe has the highest protein content on this list. This is great for those particularly energetic or larger Morkies.

Best Dog Food for Adult Morkies

Morkies transition to adulthood around the one-year mark. At this time, you should transition them to adult dog food formulated for small breeds. Because puppy food is more calorie-dense, your Morkie could gain a few extra pounds if hes not transitioned to adult dog food around that age.

If that happens, youll need to transition to a lower-calorie formula to strip off the unwanted pounds. Morkies arent the most active breed. Setting them up with the right food during each life stage is important. Lets look at our top picks for adult Morkies in further detail.

The Farmer's Dog

• Cooked fresh, flash-frozen, and shipped to you.
• Personalized meal plans.
• 4 healthy, vet-designed options: beef, chicken, turkey, or pork.
• Made with human-grade ingredients (no fillers or preservatives).
• Manufactured in the United States.
• Calories and nutritional values vary based on recipe.

The Farmers Dog offers four tasty flavors to satisfy your Morkie. Whether they love Turkey, Beef, Chicken, or Pork (or all four!), the company customizes your meal plan to ensure your pup receives a nutritious diet in flavors she loves.

This grain-free meal plan is sure to satisfy your dogs cravings and is made with human-grade, whole foods such as fresh meat and vegetables. But if you and your vet feel your dog needs more carbs to balance things out, feel free to cook rice to fill the bowl. This can also help spread your purchased meals out over a longer period of time, extending your budget to afford more toys for your playful pooch!

We love that this meal plan mixes real ingredients you recognize and can pronounce while offering convenience with at-home delivery.

American Journey Adult Recipe

• Made with wholesome brown rice.
• Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient.
• Made with real fruits and vegetables.
• DHA for brain health.
• Omega 3s and 6s for healthy skin and coat.
• 365 Calories per cup.
• 25% Protein, 15% Fat, 6% Fiber.

This grain-inclusive recipe made by American Journey is made with whole brown rice and other gentle grains. Those grains include barley and oatmeal. These ingredients, along with dried beet pulp, carrots, and sweet potatoes, contribute towards the highest fiber content on this list. This is great for those Morkies who are forever hungry.

Deboned chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients. Fish oils and egg products provide DHA and ARA that support healthy cognitive function.

We love that this recipe is designed for all breeds. If you have a larger Morkie who prefers heftier kibble pieces to munch on, this might be the perfect one. American Journey has many different flavors, so there is some variety depending on your pups taste.

Canidae Pure Adult Recipe

• Grain-free formula.
• Limited ingredient recipe.
• Salmon is the first ingredient.
• Kibble is uniquely freeze-dried for taste.
• Omega 3s and 6s for healthy skin and coat.
• 525 Calories per cup.
• 24% Protein, 12.5% Fat, 4% Fiber.

This recipe is the adult version of our recommended puppy recipe. If your Morkie loved this recipe as a pup, this would make a great option for him. Its a grain-free recipe, and their HealthPLUS solution is added to every kibble piece after cooking. This contains extra probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids for overall health.

Salmon is the star of the show, which is great for his skin and coat. Its also good for his muscle needs, brain, and eye function. It has a high number of calories per cup which is great for bouncy Morkies.

We love that this recipe is made solely with salmon as the meat protein. This makes it a great option for Morkies allergic to chicken or other commonly used meats.

Merrick Lil Plates Adult Formula

• Grain free recipe.
• Deboned lamb is the first ingredient.
• Made with real fruits and vegetables.
• Made with probiotics and prebiotics.
• Poultry-free recipe.
• 393 Calories per cup.
• 30% Protein, 15% Fat, 4.5% Fiber.

Merrick created this protein-rich recipe using deboned lamb, lamb meal, and whitefish meal. This is crucial to ensure muscle maintenance and maintain energy levels. Its also full of glucosamine for his joint health, which is impressively much more than most senior kibbles.

This formula is full of healthy prebiotic fibers and carbohydrates. This includes sweet potatoes, peas, and chickpeas, to ensure his digestive system is well cared for. It also includes lactobacillus casei and acidophilus help to create healthy bacteria in his digestive tract too. This is a grain-free recipe.

We love that this recipe is another poultry-free kibble. It is made with lamb, which is super tasty for those fussy Morkies.

Wellness Complete Small Breed Adult

• Formulated for small breeds.
• Made with turkey and oatmeal.
• Real meat is the first ingredient.
• Vitamins A and C for immune system health.
• Omega 3s and 6s for skin and coat health.
• 420 Calories per cup.
• 28% Protein, 15% Fat, 4% Fiber.

This recipe lists turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal. Its full of amino acids for healthy muscle mass but also offers a variety of tastes from a trio of proteins. It is grain-free and lists prebiotic fibers such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and chicory roots. Its grain-inclusive, using oatmeal and ground brown rice.

Salmon oil and flaxseed also ensure a luxurious coat. Superfoods such as apples, blueberries, and spinach help to keep his immune system strong.

We love that this recipe targets his complete health. This includes skin, coat, energy, digestive health, eyes, teeth, gums, and immunity.

Solid Gold Mighty Mini Recipe

• Gluten-free food with holistic grains.
• Made with nutrient-rich fruits and veggies.
• Single meat protein source.
• It contains Omega fatty acids.
• Small bite-sized kibble formula for small breeds.
• 450 Calories per cup.
• 30% Protein, 18% Fat, 4% Fiber.

This recipe is protein-rich and lists chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal as the main ingredients. Its great for his muscles, energy needs, and joints. This grain-free recipe lists sweet potato, peas and chickpeas, and pumpkin ingredients. It also contains prebiotic fiber that is gentle on his digestive system.

Every pound of kibble guarantees 90 million living probiotics. This recipe really focuses on his digestive tract. It is formulated with 20 superfoods, including blueberries, cranberries, broccoli, and kelp. All of which are great for his oxidative health, immune system, and bones.

We love that this recipe is designed for both small and toy breeds. This makes it a great option for those tiny Morkies who struggle to fit most small-breed kibbles into their mouths.

Best Dog Food for Senior Morkies

As Morkies transition to their senior years, they will be more likely to experience eye issues than hip or joint issues. They will lose some mobility and can be prone to arthritis as they age. Because of this, we recommend moving your Morkie to a Senior Dog food at around age 7 or 8.

Morkies can live until they reach 13-15 years of age or more. Making sure they have the right dog food to support their aging body is critical for fighting off sickness and supporting their overall health. Lets look at our favorite Senior Dog Foods for Morkies in no particular order.

Blue Buffalo Small Breed Senior

• Chicken is the first ingredient.
• Made with whole grain brown rice.
• No corn, wheat or soy.
• No meat by-products.
• Glucosamine & chondroitin boost for joint health.
• 371 Calories per cup.
• 23% Protein, 13% Fat, 6% Fiber.

This recipe is made with deboned chicken and chicken meal to give his aging body the protein it needs. Its not too protein-rich, which some seniors do much better on. It also lists glucosamine and chondroitin to help support his joints. Its made with gentle grains such as brown rice and oatmeal are listed.

L-carnitine is listed, which keeps his metabolism functioning as it should. Salmon oil and flaxseed keep his skin and coat nourished. Taurine is listed to support his cardiac health and added vitamins and minerals.

We love that this recipe has Blue Buffalos exclusive LifeSource Bits. That contains 7 superfoods that are full of the senior nutrients his body needs. This food is one of our favorites for seniors and is often compared to Wellness recipes or rated against American Journey.

Hill's Science Diet Youthful Vitality

• Recommended by vets.
• Antioxidants and minerals for senior health.
• Vitamin C and E for a healthy immune system.
• Fatty acids for skin and coat health.
• Easy to digest ingredients.
• 363 Calories per cup.
• 19% Protein, 11% Fat, 3% Fiber.

This recipe is grain inclusive and uses rice, peas, oats, and corn as its fiber and energy source. It offers the lowest fiber content, which is important for some seniors. Chicken is the first ingredient, with egg products and fish oil also listed.

This ensures that his protein and DHA needs are met while simultaneously offering the lowest protein and fat content. This suits some seniors better than others. L-carnitine and taurine are listed as well. Other vitamins and minerals, such as spinach and carrots, are included to aid his aging immunity.

We love that this recipe is made for small and mini breeds. If you have a tiny Morkie senior, this might make an easier option for him to eat.

Merrick Lil' Plates Senior Recipe

• Deboned chicken is the first ingredient.
• Gluten-free and grain-free.
• Lower calories to prevent weight gain.
• Probiotic and prebiotic fibers.
• Made in Merricks Texas facility.
• 348 Calories per cup.
• 32% Protein, 12% Fat, 3.5% Fiber.

This recipe has the highest protein content on this list thanks to deboned chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal. Meat meals and salmon oil provide him with omega fatty acids, DHA, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

Wholesome veggies and fruits are listed, such as sweet potatoes, peas, apples, and blueberries. These help to keep his digestive system regular and his immune system strong. L-carnitine is also listed for his slowing metabolism. This senior recipe completes the Merrick Lil Plates recommendations for the Morkies in every life stage.

We love that this recipe has leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin. This is crucial in supporting his aging joints.

Wellness Complete Small Breed Senior

• Made with deboned Turkey and Peas.
• Supports heart health with low sodium.
• Includes glucosamine and chondroitin.
• Low-calorie formula for weight loss.
• Omega 3s and 6s for healthy skin and coat.
• 437 Calories per cup.
• 25% Protein, 12% Fat, 5% Fiber.

This is the other complete set that we have suggested for the Morkie. If your pup has done well on this throughout his life, he will undoubtedly do well too. This recipe is designed to keep him energized but also healthy. This recipe contains lean proteins such as deboned turkey and chicken meal, select healthy fats and carbohydrates.

It guarantees optimum levels of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones. It also includes antioxidants such as spinach and blueberries will keep his immune system strong. Taurine is also listed for his heart health.

We love that this recipe provides a lot of energy. This is important for those senior Morkies who are still as energetic as they once were.

Simply Nourish Small Breed Senior

• First ingredient is deboned chicken.
• Omega 3s and 6s for skin and coat health.
• Made with real fruits and vegetables.
• Glucosamine for healthy joints.
• Vitamins and minerals for immune system health.
• 365 Calories per cup.
• 25% Protein, 14% Fat, 7% Fiber.

If your Morkie loves deboned chicken, chicken meal, and chicken cartilage, then he will go mad for this recipe. These ingredients are great for keeping his muscles strong and energized. They also provide plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin for his joints.

This recipe is fortified with vitamins and minerals supplements, as well as dried pumpkin, carrot, kale, and blueberries, all high in antioxidants. Prebiotic fibers and gentle grains such as oatmeal and brown rice are listed. This will help to keep his gut flora healthy.

We love that this recipe has the highest fiber content. Many senior Morkies will need help to keep their digestive tract regular and feel fuller for longer.

Best Dog Food for Overweight Morkies

There might come a time in your Morkies life when he needs to be placed on a diet. Morkies arent the most active Yorkie mix, and as such, they can gain weight unintentionally. This is especially true as their metabolism slows down in the later years of their life.

If they start to get overweight, there are weight management kibbles that will help them to lose weight with increased exercise. Lets look at our favorite weight-loss kibbles for the Morkie.

Nutro Ultra Weight Management

• Made from three animal proteins.
• Natural diet formula.
• No artificial colors or flavors.
• No artificial preservatives.
• Weight management for heavier pups.
• 288 Calories per cup.
• 24% Protein, 13% Fat, 4% Fiber.

This grain-inclusive recipe offers a protein content of 24%, thanks to chicken, lamb, and salmon. This is great for his energy needs and taste buds while still being low in fat and calorie count. It also ensures he receives vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep his immune system healthy. The fat content is 10%, the fiber content is 4%, and the calorie count is 288 per cup.

We love that Nutros weight management formula does a good job of balancing cost with low-calorie nutrition. They are one of our favorite foods for weight loss, and Nutro has a great reputation in the dog food industry.

Halo Holistic Healthy Weight

• Made with real salmon and whitefish.
• Non-GMO vegetables and ingredients.
• Smaller kibble size for small mouths.
• NO meat-meals used.
• Made in the United States.
• 383 Calories per cup.
• 27% Protein, 12% Fat, 5% Fiber.

This grain-free recipe is made with salmon and whitefish as the main protein sources. This offers a protein content of 27%. The fat content is 12%, the fiber content is 5%, and the calorie count per cup is 383 calories. Despite being slightly higher in fat and calories, it lists L-carnitine. This keeps his metabolism functioning as it should, assisting with weight loss.

We love that this recipe has fish as the first ingredient. This means its a little lighter on the stomach for most breeds, including the Morkie. This is important since Morkies can have sensitive stomachs.

Final Thoughts

The Morkie is a wonderful little canine, but in order for him to be both happy and healthy, he needs to be fed high-quality kibble that will meet all of his nutritional needs. Our above recommendations meet all of that and more, so stick with them, and neither you nor your Morkie will be disappointed.