Fussy senior Yorkie won't eat senior food?

A senior dog who's tried and refused multiple foods is genuinely frustrating — and with a 12-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, the stakes are higher because they really do need the right nutrition at this stage. Senior dogs typically benefit from lower calories, easier digestibility, and more joint support, but getting a fussy small breed to actually eat it is half the battle. Before I point you toward something specific — what foods have you already tried and had rejected? And is she otherwise healthy, or are there any conditions like dental issues, kidney concerns, or digestive sensitivity I should know about?

That's a really useful picture — thank you. The fact that she'll eat the Purina One Small Dog tells us she's not off her food in general, she's just being specific about what she'll accept. A few things stand out: Yorkshire Terriers are notoriously particular eaters, and the foods you've tried are either too different in texture and smell from what she's used to, or they just don't appeal to small-breed noses. The grain-free option in particular can smell and taste quite different to a dog accustomed to standard formulas. Given she has stiff joints, you do want to move her onto something with glucosamine and chondroitin support — staying on a standard adult food long-term isn't ideal at 12. Can I ask: is she on dry kibble only, or would she accept wet food or a mixer?

Understood — and honestly, that openness is helpful because my recommendation is going to be a kibble, which should feel familiar to her. I'd suggest Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult 8+. I know 'breed-specific food' can sound like a marketing gimmick, but in this case it's genuinely not: the kibble shape and size is designed specifically for the Yorkie jaw and tooth structure, the palatability is notably higher than most senior foods because Royal Canin spend a lot of effort on aroma and taste for small breeds, and it contains the joint support — glucosamine and chondroitin — she needs at 12. It's also closer in protein profile to the Purina One she already accepts, which matters for a fussy dog. The transition still needs to be slow — mix it in at about 25% for the first few days, increasing gradually over two weeks — but this is the food I'd try before anything else in your situation.

It's mid-range — a 1.5kg bag runs around £14-16 on Amazon UK, which works out reasonably for a Yorkie given how little they eat per day. Worth buying the smaller bag first to confirm she'll accept it before committing to a larger one. During the transition, watch for any loose stools or reduced appetite — both are normal for the first few days but should settle. If she's still reluctant to eat the mixed bowl, try warming it very slightly with a little warm water to bring out the aroma; that often tips fussy dogs over the line. If after a genuine slow transition she still refuses it, that's worth a vet conversation because persistent food refusal in a 12-year-old can occasionally signal something worth investigating. But given she's eating her current food fine, I'd expect her to come around to this one.

Good plan — the small bag is definitely the right call. Slow transition, a little warm water if needed, and give it the full two weeks before you make a judgment. Fingers crossed she takes to it. If she does, it'll serve her joints and her digestion much better than staying on an adult formula at her age. Good luck with her.