Feeding baby yorkies

All About Yorkie Food | Yorkshire Terrier Information Center

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Overview

Feeding your Yorkie a well-balanced and nutritious diet is one of the most important care tasks that falls under your responsibilities as a loving pet parent. Every bite of food that you offer will either be detrimental or beneficial. A dog's diet affects their health in a variety of ways, from allergic reactions to heart health and plays a big role in a dog's lifespan.

This section will cover everything you need to know about feeding your Yorkshire Terrier puppy or adult dog the best diet possible and answer your questions regarding timing, serving size, dry vs wet, grain-free vs grains, and more.

Don't need all the details and just want to see recommendations? Jump to Choosing the Best Food for a Yorkshire Terrier.

How Often to Feed a Yorkshire Terrier

The feeding schedule for Yorkshire Terriers is different than that for larger breeds, as they need to be fed small, frequent meals. While other breeds may do okay with just one main meal, going for such long times in between feedings can cause problems that range from low blood sugar (also known as hypoglycemia; signs include weakness and clumsiness) to stomach upset (which may include vomiting up yellow/white foam). With hypoglycemia, immediate treatment should be given which includes rubbing a dab of honey onto the gums and calling the vet for assistance.

For this reason, the following feeding schedule is recommended:

New puppies, up to 3 months old or at least 2.5 lbs: Free-fed meals. Young puppies should be be free-fed as they are being weaned and up until they have gained enough weight to handle a more structured diet which is typically by the 3-month mark or until they weigh 2.5 lbs. (1.1 kg). Free-feeding refers to when fresh food is left out and accessible to a puppy or dog at all times. Note that food should not just be topped off; it should be routinely tossed out and fully replaced to prevent stale food from accumulating near the bottom of the bowl.

3 months old (or 2.5+ lbs.) to 1 year old: It is time to now start scheduled meals. If you continue to free-feed at this age, housebreaking will be much more difficult since the timing of bowel movements will be erratic. In addition, when a dog has a well-scheduled day (can count on when things are going to happen, like walks and meals), this usually equals better behavior.

Feed your Yorkie puppy 3 to 4 meals per day. This will be morning, lunchtime, early evening (if 4 meals) and evening (no later than 2 hours before bedtime). Snacks, which should be dry treats, can be given in between meals.

1 year and older: A Yorkshire Terrier is an adult at the one year mark and while this often signifies the time to change to one mail meal a day for many dogs, this is not so for this tiny toy breed. There will, however, be some adjustments. It will be time to switch from a puppy formula to an adult formula. If large snacks are given, an adult Yorkshire Terrier can do okay with two meals per day; however, 3 meals per day is often best for adult Yorkies age 1 year and up. You may find that your Yorkie prefers a bigger breakfast and a smaller dinner or vice versa and that is just fine.

How Much to Feed a Yorkshire Terrier

Before we cover the details of serving sizes, it should be mentioned that different foods have varying levels of calories; some are calorie dense and others, not so much. So, the amount that a Yorkie will eat for a meal will vary depending on if the food is wet or dry and the exact ingredients. In addition, serving size is simply a recommendation. The exact amount of food that a Yorkie requires will depend on that particular puppy or dog's activity level, exact age, health status, and individual metabolism. Even the weather (winter vs summer) can affect how much food a dog needs.

In general, puppies require approximately 55 calories per each pound of body weight, adults require approximately 40 calories per pound of body weight, and senior dogs may require a bit less in the 35 to 38 calorie range if there is a decrease in activity. However, there is no need to start calculating calories.

Figuring out serving size for a Yorkie only requires 3 steps:

#1 Know how much your Yorkshire Terrier weighs. Do not make a guess, but rather weigh your Yorkie using a reliable scale (a kitchen scale can work well as long as your little guy or gal stays still) or ask the veterinarian to do a quick weigh-in (most will be more than happy to oblige).

#2 If you are offering manufactured food, read the recommended serving size on the labeling of the dog food bag or container. These are based on the standard range of what a puppy or dog requires which is based on both age and weight. Note that this is usually listed as the amount to give per DAY (not meal), so you will need to look at that amount and divide it by however many meals you are feeding your Yorkie, which for most adults will be 3.

#3 When you are preparing the food, do not guess the measurement. Use a dry measuring cup (level cup, not with a pour spout) or use a kitchen scale like the Mueller Digital Kitchen Scalewhich is a very accurate means of doling out correct servings.

Keep in mind that it is assumed that your dog will be given a few treats each day. Dogs that are not given any snacks or training treats may require slightly larger meals.

This all said, the average meal size for Yorkshire Terriers is relatively very small, at least in comparison to larger dogs and certainly to us humans. Yorkie puppies in the 2 to 4 pound range (.9 to 1.8 kg) and 3 to 12 months old will only need 1/3 to 1/2 cup per DAY (not per meal). Adults on the smaller end of the expected weight range, near 3 or 4 lbs. (1.4 to 1.8 kg) will generally eat the same 1/3 to 1/2 cup per day and adult Yorkies near the larger end of the weight range or a bit over that, in the 7 to 8 lb. range (3.2 to 2.3 kg) may consume up to 2/3 cup per day.

Offering such small meals leads to many owners feeling as if their Yorkie is not eating enough; however, in most cases if a puppy is gaining weight as expected or an adult is maintaining, they are indeed ingesting the right amount of food. This is a tiny breed that eats tiny meals.

A word of caution: Do not assume that a Yorkie does not need a meal if they just lightly pick at the food and seem to barely eat. This breed eats very small meals, so those tiny nibbles are providing much-needed sugars and nutrients. Without this throughout the day, there is a significant increased risk of hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous and fatal in some cases.

Dry vs Wet Dog Food

A lot of dogs prefer wet canned dog food but this is not the best choice since it does not promote healthy teeth and gums and can cause runny stools. So, you'd be wise to never teach your Yorkie what canned food is. If it's too late for that, you can mix a bit of canned food into a dry kibble to offer a compromise.

Making Dry Kibble More Appealing

Aside from mixing canned food with dry kibble, there are other ways to make kibble more appealing or more tolerable for dogs that have trouble eating hard kibble (due to tooth loss or other issues). Kibble can be soaked for a short time in warm water (just a minute or two, but this can be longer for Yorkies with few or no teeth remaining) or low-sodium chicken or beef broth can be drizzled over the kibble.

It can also help to warm the food; many Yorkies find this much more appetizing than room-temperature food and most will outright refuse to eat chilled or cold meals. Meals can be warmed in the microwave; keep in mind that small meals typically need 10 seconds or so to warm up and the food should be stirred well to prevent hot spots.

Grains vs Grain-free Dog Food

Grain-free dog food in the past: A grain-free diet was usually a quick recommendation for dogs with known or suspected grain allergies. However, in most cases the actual trigger was certain grains with high levels of gluten, specifically wheat or rye. But, going completely grain-free averted any gluten as well as low-grade fillers (like cereal by-products, middlings, etc. ), so in general dogs did really great on these diets. Allergies lessened or resolved and they were ingesting few or no fillers.

Recently: There have been some concerns regarding grain-free diets and a possible link with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which is a serious heart disease. Breeds not prone to DCM were developing the disease and were found to be eating mainly grain-free meals.

In December of 2018, Lisa Freeman DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, announced, via a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a suspected link between not just grain-free dog foods but more specifically those that fall under a BEG diet. BEG stands for boutique brands with exotic meats (non-traditional proteins like kangaroo, alligator, and ostrich) along with being grain-free and with peas, legumes and/or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients.

In June of 2019, the FDA released an alert. In analyzing data, they identified 16 brands of grain-free dog food that showed up in their database of DCM incidences 10 times or more. They are, in alphabetical order, just the grain-free formulas of:

4Health (32 reports)
Acana (67 reports)
Blue Buffalo (31 reports)
California Natural (15 reports)
Earthborn Holistic (32 reports)
Fromm (24 reports)
Merrick (16 reports)
Natural Balance (15 reports)
Nature’s Domain (29 reports)
Nature’s Variety (10 reports)
Nutrisource (10 reports)
Nutro (10 reports)
Orijen (12 reports)
Rachael Ray Nutrish (10 reports)
Taste of the Wild (53 reports)
Zignature (64 reports)

From 2014 to April of 2019, there were 524 case reports of DCM with mostly dogs and several cats that were eating grain-free formulas. Just specifically with Yorkshire Terriers, there were 4 cases:

A 6-year-old male Yorkshire Terrier that was eating Zignature Kangaroo kibble
An 8-year old female Yorkshire Terrier that was eating Zignature Kangaroo canned food
A 1-year-old male Yorkie mix that was eating Castor & Polloux freeze-dried nuggets
A 9-year-old female Yorkshire Terrier that was eating Acana Light & Fit and Acana Small Breed Adult

Going forward, there will be more data compilation and many more studies. Right now, there are no recalls of grain-free brands. Most veterinarians are recommending that breeds prone to DCM do not eat grain-free dog foods and if they must due to allergies that the protein base is a traditional meat and not an exotic meat.

If you are wondering if your Yorkshire Terrier should be on a grain-free food or be eating grains, this should be discussed with your dog's veterinarian and will be based in part on your particular dog's health history. In the meantime, there are some points to consider:

The Yorkshire Terrier is not a breed that is prone to DCM; the list does include the Afghan Hound, American Cocker Spaniel, Boxer, Dalmatian, and mainly larger dog breeds.
However, seeing as there were few reported cases of DCM with Yorkies, adding in some healthy whole grains should be considered.
If you believe that your Yorkie is allergic to grains, it may actually be a matter of a gluten sensitivity. Wheat contains very high levels of gluten and if that is kept out of the diet, your Yorkie may do very well with grains that are gluten-free such as rice (brown or white), oatmeal, and quinoa (technically a seed). Barley, though it does have some gluten, tends to also be very well tolerated.
If you opt for grain-free, choose a recipe with traditional proteins (to avoid exotic meats). Options include chicken, turkey, beef, duck, lamb, or fish.

Recommendations for both grain-free and kibble with healthy grains are next.

Choosing The Best Food for a Yorkshire Terrier

What to Avoid:

When choosing a food for your Yorkie, it is just as important to know what to avoid as it is to know what you want the kibble to contain. There are countless dog food brands that contain extremely detrimental ingredients. This includes:

Chemical preservatives. These can cause allergic reactions (itching, hot spots, skin rash) and/or intestinal distress and some are known carcinogens.
Artificial coloring or flavoring. These additives can also cause mild to severe allergic reactions and certain dyes (Blue #2, Red #40, Yellow #5 and #6, 4-MIE) are also linked to behavioral issues (hyperactivity and anxiety), and some forms of cancer.
Fillers. These are inexpensive ingredients loaded into food to plump it up but offers little to no nutritional value. Ingestion of fillers can cause nutritional deficiencies and intestinal distress and is one cause of coprophagia (eating feces).
By-products. Added as a cost-saving method to reach protein quotas, this may include lungs, intestines, brain, and other meats or tissue not fit for human consumption.
Generic meats or oils. This can legally be roadkill and meat from diseased animals.
Made in China. Pet foods with ingredients sourced from China are responsible for thousands of deaths.

What to Look For:

Steering clear of the above, your Yorkie's food should have:

Natural preservatives. Dog food can be successfully preserved using a vitamin blend (usually listed as mixed tocopherols) and/or certain herbs or plant extracts including rosemary and spearmint.
No artificial coloring or flavoring
Wholesome traditional meats (this may include whole or meal (compressed) chicken, turkey, goose, duck, rabbit, lamb, beef, or a variety of fish including whitefish and salmon)
Fruits and vegetables
Omega-3 fatty acids. While one source is flaxseed, the best source is fish oil. This is important for joint health.
Small-sized kibble. To facilitate comfortable eating.
Made in the USA or Canada. In addition, ingredients sources from New Zealand are considered very safe.

Recommendations:

Top 3 with Grains:

1. Wellness Complete Health for Toy Breeds.

This is a top-quality kibble with lots of extras for optimal health. The base of this formula is chicken and brown rice (typically a very well-tolerated whole grain). Other ingredients include turkey, white rice, oatmeal, peas, flaxseed, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. All other ingredients are natural plant-based preservatives or vitamins and minerals.

There are lots of antioxidants for immune health, omega-3 for skin and coat health and glucosamine for joint health.There is no corn, soy, by-products, chemical preservatives, or artificial dyes or flavoring. This is preserved naturally and is made in the USA. And, the kibble size is ideal for Yorkies.

2. Halo Natural for Small Breeds - Chicken and Liver.

This is a holistic formula that puts an emphasis on cage-free, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, and factory farming-free meats as well as locally produced non-GMO (genetically modified) fruits and vegetables which makes this one of the best kibbles for Yorkshire Terriers. In addition, all of the meat ingredients are whole, not meals, which may lend toward easy digestion.

The ingredients include a nice blend of proteins, veggies, and fruits including chicken, chicken liver, eggs, peas, oatmeal (easy on the tummy), pearled barley, peas, flaxseed, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potatoes. All other ingredients are natural plant-based preservatives or vitamins and minerals.

There is no corn, soy, by-products, chemical preservatives, or artificial dyes or flavoring. This is preserved naturally, is made in the USA, and the kibble pieces are a small size that works well for toy breeds like the Yorkie.

3. Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe.

Merrick is another top brand that puts lots of thought and care into their recipes. This has a base of chicken and brown rice. One thing that makes this formula a bit different than other recommendations is that they choose to forgo potatoes. Other ingredients include turkey, barley, oatmeal, quinoa (very healthy), salmon (excellent source of omega fatty acids), chicken liver, apples, flaxseed oil, blueberries, and chia seeds. All other ingredients are natural plant-based preservatives or vitamins and minerals.

This has no chemical additives or by-products, is made in the USA and is sized nicely for small dogs.

Top 2 without Grains:

Before we dive into the details, if you have not yet read over our update regarding grain-free foods, you may wish to do so first.

1. Wellness CORE Grain-Free for Small Breeds.

This CORE differs from the aforementioned Complete recipe mainly for its grain-free formula but also its added extras of omega-3 fatty acids via salmon oil (which is superior to flaxseed), its added levels of glucosamine, hydrochloride, and chondroitin (for good joint health), and having a wider array of vegetables.

The base is turkey, chicken, and potatoes. Other ingredients includes peas, flaxseed, salmon oil, spinach, broccoli, carrots, apples, blueberries, kale, and sweet potatoes. All other ingredients are natural plant-based preservatives or vitamins and minerals.

As like all of these recommendations, there is no wheat, corn, by-products, synthetic preservatives, or artificial coloring or flavoring. This is made in the USA and is sized ideally for Yorkshire Terriers.

2. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Small Breed.

This is a good choice if you are on a tight budget but are looking for a grain-free kibble that has traditional meats. The one thing that this recipe is lacking is a good blend of vegetables and fruits. However, it has all necessary vitamins and minerals and has no fillers, wheat, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, or by-products. There are several recipes including Salmon & Whitefish and Chicken & Turkey. And, for Yorkshire Terriers that have a chicken allergy (uncommon but possible) the Beef, Pork & Lamb recipe has zero poultry. This is sized well for small dogs and is made in the USA.

Home Cooking

This can be a good choice since homemade food eliminates the possibility of meals having chemicals, artificial coloring, fillers, by-products, and other nasty additives, and Yorkies tend to really love the texture and flavors of fresh, warm food.

Meals can consist of: :

Protein - White chicken meat or turkey (de-boned, no skin, baked or broiled), lean beef, fish (mackerel, whitefish, salmon, herring, walleye, flounder, haddock, cod), lamb, veal, bison, chicken livers, and/or pork (should not be the main protein source, but can be blended into meals). Other protein sources include eggs and beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans (must be cooked).
Vegetables - Includes peas, sugar snap peas, carrots, spinach, potato, sweet potato, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, string beans, kale, and butternut squash.
Grains- If you wish to include grains, this can consist of rice (white or brown), pasta, quinoa, oats, oatmeal, and/or pearled barley.
Fruits - Includes blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches (no pit), plums (no pit), nectarines (no pit), fresh pineapple, and apple (no core, no seeds).
Extras - Includes whole white yogurt, cottage cheese, certain shredded hard cheeses, and eggs (with or without the shell ground to a fine sand)

Read more about the benefits of making homemade food for Yorkshire Terriers.

How Much To Feed A Yorkie Puppy

Whether you have recently adopted a Yorkshire Terrier or are considering adopting one, one of the most important things that you need to know is how much to feed a Yorkie puppy.

Getting your puppy off to the right start includes giving him the right food.

You will need to choose the right puppy food, know how much and how often to give it to him, and what you should be watching out for as far as their growth and development goes.

Here’s a Yorkie growth chart if you want to stay on top of your Yorkie’s weight.

This is what you need to know about feeding and caring for a Yorkie puppy.

How Much Should A Yorkie Puppy Eat?

While Yorkies are one of the smallest breeds of dogs that you can get, they still require a consistent and healthy feeding schedule.

A Yorkie puppy should be having meals 3 to 4 times a day, with amounts divided equally throughout the day.

A puppy will only eat between ¼ and ½ cups of food throughout the day. This might not seem like much, but remember that these are small dogs and do not need much to eat.

By knowing how much to feed a Yorkie puppy and keeping him on a feeding schedule, you will make your Yorkie as healthy and happy as you can.

Yorkie Puppy Feeding Chart

How Much: A Yorkie puppy should only be fed about ¼ to ½ cup of food a day.

How Often: Feed your Yorkie puppy 3 to 4 meals a day.

Food Types: Small breed dogs are prone to dental issues, so feeding your Yorkie puppy dry food is a must. They tend to have a lot of energy and need a good balance of nutrition to fuel their energy.

Be Careful: Yorkies will not eat much at a time due to their small size and it might deceive you into giving him more food. That is a fast track to obesity, so just feed on schedule and prevent the puppy from overeating.

Our Recommended Dog Food For Yorkie Puppies

1. Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Food (Editor’s Choice)

2. Earthborn Holistic (Runner-Up)

3. American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato (Budget Friendly)

How Much To Feed A Yorkie Puppy?

2 Week Old Yorkie Puppy

Your 2 week old Yorkie puppy is not going to be going anywhere. By this time, the puppies should have opened their eyes for the first time and begun to take in the world around them.

These puppies are completely reliant on their mother for her milk.

They cannot have any regular puppy dog food at this age. They should still be allowed to nurse on demand from their mother and she should not be straying far from her litter.

3 Week Old Yorkie Puppy

When your Yorkie puppy has reached 3 weeks of age, he will have an easier time seeing the world around him, but he will not stray very far from his mother. They are still so tiny and delicate at this age, but they are also uncoordinated.

He might be experimenting with walking but will be awkward. At 3 weeks, the puppy should still be solely reliant upon his mother’s milk.

4 Week Old Yorkie Puppy

If you want to get a jumpstart on the weaning process, you can start your attempts when your Yorkie has reached 4 weeks old. Do not be surprised if the puppy rejects your idea.

You will need to do a food mixture that is one part food to 3 parts water.

Your 4 week old Yorkie puppy might show no interest in it at all. He should still be nursing from his mother at this point.

5 Week Old Yorkie Puppy

When a puppy is 5 weeks old, you should be trying to get him more interested in the food concoction that you may have offered him the previous week.

He might show more interest now, but could also be still unwilling to taste it.

Regardless, the mother dog should still be nursing the puppies, so don’t worry if he isn’t interested in weaning just yet. Some breeders might try to force it at this point, but it is best to wait until the puppy is ready

6 Week Old Yorkie Puppy

By 6 weeks old, a Yorkie puppy should be showing more interest in the food/water mixture that you will have already offered him.

If he is eating it, after a couple of days, reduce the amount of water in the mixture by half, then to 3 parts food to 1 part water, until you are just giving the puppy dry dog food.

Dry kibble is much better on a Yorkie’s teeth than wet food, because it cleans their teeth.

7 Week Old Yorkie Puppy

At 7 weeks old, a Yorkie puppy may or may not still be nursing from his mother. The mother should be spending much less time with the puppies and more time by herself.

If she comes around the puppies, they will eagerly still nurse from her, but it is doubtful that she will be staying for long. The puppies should be eating the puppy kibble, 3 to 4 times a day in small quantities.

8 Week Old Yorkie Puppy

8 weeks is a big week for a Yorkie puppy. This is the week that they get rehomed. The puppies should be completely reliant on the kibble now but still might try to nurse off their mother if she comes near them.

If you are adopting an 8 week old Yorkie puppy at this point, try to find out what puppy food that he has been eating so you don’t upset his stomach after you bring him home.

9 Week Old Yorkie Puppy

When your Yorkie puppy is 9 weeks old, he should be rehomed and getting used to his new environment.

Being separated from his mother means that you can put him on a solid feeding schedule that will not be interrupted by nursing.

If you are changing the food that he eats, do it gradually, mixing the old food with the new food to prevent stomach upset, unless the puppy is having trouble with the previous food. Then you can just change it out.

10 Week Old Yorkie Puppy

A 10 week old Yorkie puppy should be getting used to the rules of your home. He should be receiving 3 to 4 meals a day.

Depending on the size of your Yorkie, as well as his appetite, you should be feeding him about ¼ cup to ½ cup of food in total per day.

This won’t look like much, but Yorkies do not need much food, especially as puppies. Remove any food that wasn’t eaten after a few minutes.

11 Week Old Yorkie Puppy

At 11 weeks, your Yorkie puppy is likely full of a lot of energy. This is a period of big growth for your Yorkie puppy. If he seems more hungry than normal, you can increase his food by 1/8 of a cup, making sure to remove any leftover food that wasn’t eaten.

Your puppy’s stomach should be getting larger as well and will need more calories to help him grow well.

12 Week Old Yorkie Puppy

When your Yorkie puppy has reached 12 weeks old, you will need to make sure that your puppy is staying small and trim. Yorkies do not need baby fat but need to be kept small due to their small frames.

Depending on the length of your puppy’s fur, it might be hard to discern a waist in your puppy, so regular vet trips with weight checks are needed. A 12 week old Yorkie puppy still needs 3 meals a day as well.

How Many Calories Does A Yorkie Puppy Need

The caloric needs of your Yorkie will be determined by his weight, age, and level of physical activity.

Nevertheless, there is an average that can be given based on what a typical Yorkshire Terrier should be fed according to research.

As a rule of thumb, younger Yorkie puppies require about 200 calories every day, while 150 calories are appropriate for adult dogs.

But for senior Yorkie dogs, you need to reduce this amount to 120 calories because they are considerably less active, and being overweight can cause serious complications.

Past research on Yorkies is not the only way to understand the number of calories that they need. You also have the option of trying the RER method.

There are two main ways of calculating the RER method. The first method is aimed at medium-sized breeds, and the second method may be used to measure small and large breeds.

The Yorkie is a small breed, so we need the second formula which is weight in kgs to the ¾ power x 70 = RER

For instance, if your Yorkie weighs or 1.36 kg, and we apply the formula, we will get

70 x (1.36 kg)3⁄4 = 88 kcal/day

Can You Free Feed A Yorkie Puppy?

It is a good idea to free feed very young Yorkies when they are in the process of being weaned. You may continue to free-feed your Yorkie puppy until he is about 3 months.

You can also wait until they weigh 2 .5 pounds. After this time, it is okay to begin feeding them in a more structured manner.

You can free feed by simply leaving fresh food in places that your dog should eat. It must be easily accessible at all times.

You should refrain from topping off new and fresh food over the old food because this means that the old food may remain at the bottom. Your dog can potentially become sick from this practice.

Should You Feed Your Yorkie Puppy Dry Or Wet Food?

Wet food is preferable to dry food by a lot of puppies, especially because wet food is softer. But wet food is not necessarily better for your dog.

Dry food is actually healthier for your dog’s gums and teeth. You may also notice that if your dog is on wet food, his stool will be runny.

Many people mix dry kibble with wet dog food, and it solves the problem. You also have the option of adding water to dry kibble to soften it up.

When it comes to a Yorkie who has a small mouth, you need to be careful about the kibble size. It may be too large for him to chew, and cause problems.

Can You Feed A Yorkie Puppy Raw Food?

Yorkshire Terriers are the descendants of dogs who survived in the wild, therefore a raw food diet can be of great benefit to them.

This way of eating is also called BARF, which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food. This type of diet is beneficial mainly because the food doesn’t have additives or unhealthy fillers.

Even though this type of diet can be greatly beneficial and there are downsides that should be mentioned. A raw food diet should be conducted by someone who is well-informed about the nutritional requirements of a Yorkie.

The handling and storage of the food should be done with utmost care because salmonella and E. coli can make your dog very sick.

Your Yorkie can have different meats like rabbits, pork, fresh, turkey, beef, and lamb. It is better to feed him a single source of protein, to begin with, and then diversify.

This should be around 2-4% of his body weight every day. As he gets used to the raw diet you can now start introducing vegetables like pumpkin, carrots, broccoli, and spinach. You can also feed him fruits like oranges, apples, watermelon, and pears.

What Human Foods Can A Yorkie Puppy Eat

As a dog owner, you need to understand that Yorkshire Terriers are pedigree dogs, so their diets are very important.

They need to be fed correctly to prevent a host of health problems. But this does not mean that there are not foods that can be consumed by both dogs and humans.

We know that’s dogs require a high level of animal protein to be healthy, and humans consume animal protein as well. So this is a great example of human foods that can be eaten by Yorkies.

They also need fiber and important nutrients which may be found in fruits such as oranges, apples, watermelon, and pears and vegetables like pumpkin carrots, broccoli, and spinach.

What Human Foods Are Dangerous For A Yorkie Puppy

It is important to understand that while there are human foods that your Yorkie can consume, there are also foods that may be dangerous to them if eaten. In some cases, it may just cause an upset stomach or diarrhea, but in other cases, it may be fatal. These foods are as follows:

Chocolate – Many people know that chocolate is harmful to dogs. It is actually very serious as it may cause muscle tremors, seizures, and sometimes death.
Caffeine – Caffeine is also harmful to your dog as it is toxic to the system, this is why it is not a good idea to feed your dog human snacks, as many of them contain caffeine.
Grapes and Raisins – This has been shown to be harmful to some dogs, causing kidney failure, but doesn’t appear to be harmful to other dogs. The best thing to do is err on the side of caution and not give this to your Yorkie.
Onions and garlic – these also include shallots. Anything in the onion family has proven to be toxic to the system of a dog.
Alcohol and Raw Bread Dough – Alcohol contains ethanol that can be poisonous to a dog, while raw bread dough can cause stomach expansion and breathing difficulty.

How Much Water Should A Yorkie Puppy Drink

If you would like to know how much you should feed your Yorkie puppy, you need to look at his level of activity, health status, amount of water is present in his daily food, and the humidity of his environment.

Generally, for toy breed dogs the rule of thumb is about 1 to 1.5 ounces of water for every pound of his body weight.

At night, it is advised that you remove your puppy’s water bowl so that while he is being housetrained, he will have a regular amount of water.

Should You Feed A Yorkie Puppy Supplements?

Supplements should definitely be a part of your Yorkie’s diet, especially if his food is not nutrient-dense.

A Yorkie’s coat is made better by various supplements such as Vitamin E, Omega-3, and Omega-6 fatty acids. Vitamin A is essential to maintaining a Yorkie’s eyesight, particularly at night.

A Yorkie’s coat may look dull and flat when there is a nutritional deficiency. You may also find that your dog sustains constant infections and skin irritations.

You should feed your Yorkie puppy an ample amount of essential fatty acids so that he will be healthy and his coat will be shiny and beautiful.

How Much To Feed A Teacup Yorkie

Generally, teacup Yorkies need about 55 calories for every pound of bodyweight for puppies and about 40 calories for every pound of body weight for adults. Because there is a decrease in activity, senior dogs need less than younger adults.

Different foods have different levels of calories so some are calorie-dense and others are not.

The specific portions of food that your Yorkie needs will be determined by your specific dog’s level of activity, age, health status, and individual metabolism. The weather may also be important for the food you feed your puppy.

What If My Yorkie Won’t Eat

If your Yorkie is refusing to eat, there may be a number of reasons. This could be because of a lack of appetite, a stomach disorder, or a change in food brands. A limited appetite may end up being a serious issue in the long term.

This is because the low weight may have dangerous consequences for smaller breeds like Yorkshire Terriers. You should visit the vet as soon as possible.

You need to find out why your Yorkie is not eating before the situation turns into a major health problem. Major problems include digestive problems, vomiting, and tooth infection.

1. Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy

Editor’s Choice

Our choice for the best food for Yorkie puppies is the Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy food. This food is made specifically for the Yorkie breed.

The kibble shape and size of this food is made specifically with the needs of a Yorkie in mind, meaning the kibble is small and easy for a Yorkie puppy to pick up. It is loaded with antioxidants and Omega fatty acids as well, for a balanced diet.

Pros:

Formulated especially for Yorkies
Contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
Good digestive health
Contains antioxidants
Optimal kibble size for small mouths

Cons:

Does contain animal by-products

2. Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage

Runner-Up

Our second choice for the best Yorkie puppy food is the Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage. This is a grain-free food that can work for any breed of puppy.

This is a protein-rich food, which includes both chicken meal and whitefish meal. The Whitefish adds the Omega fatty acids to the food.

Pros:

Grain-free
Contains DHA for brain and eye health
Contains both chicken and whitefish
Has a balance of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids
Good levels of calcium and phosphorus

Cons:

Lack of grains might be too rich for some puppies

3. American Journey

Budget Friendly

If you are looking for a puppy food that is a little easier on the wallet, we suggest the American Journey Lamb and Sweet Potato puppy food.

One of the best things about this food is that it contains none of the common dog allergens, such as corn, wheat, and soy.

It is a grain-free and gluten-free food as well. The first ingredient in this food is deboned lamb, followed by chicken and turkey.

Pros:

Grain-free
Contains no common allergens
High-protein
Salmon oil and flaxseed for Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
Contains fiber-rich chickpeas and sweet potatoes

Cons:

Very high in protein, which can be hard on puppies

2 Month Old Yorkie Puppy Weight

Yorkies are such small breeds that you cannot expect them to weigh much at all as puppies. When your Yorkie is 2 months old, he could weigh anywhere from .68 pounds up to 2 pounds, depending on the dog himself.

It varies greatly between males and females, females being slightly smaller. The dog himself will also affect the weight range, since no two dogs are exactly the same in size and weight.

3 Month Old Yorkie Puppy Weight

When your Yorkie puppy has reached 3 months of age, he should weigh somewhere between 1 and 3.25 pounds. The smaller puppies should be starting to gain some weight.

The smallest in the litter will always be small, but they should grow and gain weight steadily along their own growth curve.

The third month is a big period of growth for puppies, though it is less noticeable will the smaller breeds. They will still need a little more food.

4 Month Old Yorkie Puppy Weight

At 4 months old, your Yorkie puppy should weigh between 1.25 and 3.5 pounds. It might be difficult to tell whether your puppy is overweight, depending on the type of fur that he has.

Despite their small size and the little amount that they eat, Yorkies will happily overeat if given the opportunity.

Keep him on a strict feeding schedule to make sure he’s eating well. This will also help you watch his weight since you know exactly how much he is eating.

5 Month Old Yorkie Puppy Weight

By the time that your Yorkie has reached 5 months old, you can expect him to weigh between 1.5 pounds and 4 pounds. Your puppy should have recently gone through a dramatic growth spurt.

When this happens, you might need to increase the amount of food that you are giving him to make up for the needed calories. Keep the amount divided equally between meals and only increase it slightly if you need to.

6 Month Old Yorkie Puppy Weight

A 6-month-old Yorkie puppy should weigh between 1.75 pounds and 4.5 pounds. Remember that this breed never gets very large and if your dog is on the lighter end of the spectrum, chances are good that you just have a lighter dog.

You should be able to confirm with your vet that your dog is staying on his own growth curve, ensuring that he is growing as well as possible.

Yorkie Background

The Yorkshire Terrier, more commonly referred to as “Yorkies,” was bred about 100 years ago in England. The purpose of Yorkies was to catch rats down in mines.

They also were skilled at catching foxes and badgers. The breed was created from the Waterside Terrier, which is a small, Scottish breed, and the Paisley Terrier, which was a smaller version of the Skye Terrier.

It is also thought that a Maltese was also in the mix. The small size was the ultimate objective.

They gained the name “Yorkshire,” because the breed became well-known in the county of Yorkshire, even though they were really bred in Scotland.

Creating A Consistent Feeding Schedule

Following our Yorkie feeding chart guidelines is the best way to keep his diet as healthy as possible.

This means feeding your dog equally in each meal and feeding him at the same times every day. You do not want to feed him one meal one day and three meals another day.

This can throw off his digestion as well as making him hungry throughout the day.

Yorkies do not each much, but you still want to measure out the food at each meal to be sure that he is eating well. Never dump a full bowl of food for the dog to eat throughout the day.

How Much To Feed A Senior Yorkie

Senior dogs begin to have physical decline and move slower. This means that they will need fewer calories daily. A good way to start is by reading the label of the dog food for the recommended amount they should be fed.

You should monitor your dog and ensure that he is full and adjust the portions accordingly.

Generally, a Yorkshire Terrier should be fed 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup daily. The manufacturers of senior dog foods normally advise owners to start their dogs on them at 7 old.

How to feed a Yorkie puppy? Menu for small terrier

March 12 2021

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular small dog breeds. Every now and then we see charming doggies with bows in smoothly combed manes. But in order for your Yorkie to be as attractive as the model dog from the photos, it must not only be decorated, but also properly fed from childhood - this is the key not only to beauty, but to the health and longevity of the pet. In a new article, we will discuss feeding Yorkshire Terrier puppies from the first weeks to a year.

Like everything small and beautiful, Yorkies are extremely sensitive and vulnerable. They have a very delicate digestive system, are prone to allergies and the formation of tartar - the latter provokes inflammation of the gums, which can lead to the most unpleasant consequences, including fever, loss of appetite, tooth loss. But do not be afraid ahead of time - proper nutrition for York puppies will save your pet from all of the above.

The first 1.5-2 months of life, the Yorkshire Terrier is under maternal care. Ideally, in the first days, the baby feeds on colostrum, after, until reaching the age of one month, on milk. If the mother does not have enough milk, the puppies are fed with a special milk formula using a bottle with an anatomical nipple - both can be purchased by VMISKE.

At the end of the third week, when the puppies are teething, complementary foods are introduced - starter mousse or croquettes. Dry food for babies is soaked for 30-40 minutes, then pureed with a blender or kneaded with a fork. If the choice fell on natural nutrition, small puppies are given carefully ground mashed boiled lean meat. In a month, puppies begin to be accustomed to the adult menu, either by transferring to food, or, in the case of the “natural”, they are gradually introduced into the diet one new product at a time.

Yorkie puppies get to new owners at the age of 2-3 months - by this moment the diet should be formed. If the breeders fed the baby with ready-made food, you should continue in the same spirit, if with natural products - also. If you want to switch your puppy to another type of food, you need to do this gradually, regularly consulting with your veterinarian and breeders.

Up to 2 months old Yorkie is supposed to be fed 6 times a day, up to 4 months - 5 times, at 5 months - 4 times every six months - 3 times. At 10-12 months, the puppy is transferred to two meals a day, and then fed twice a day after walks.

Yorkies: feeding puppies with prepared food

In our latitudes, many people are still skeptical about dry food, and in vain. The reputation of this product was tarnished in the 90s, when a flood of cheap feeds with an indefinite composition flooded the market. Today the situation is different, and Yorkie puppies can illustrate it well. These babies are so tiny that their daily ration fits in 1-2 tablespoons. It is extremely difficult to fit in such a meager volume all the useful substances necessary for a puppy - proteins, fats, calcium, vitamins and much more.

For this reason, veterinarians prefer prepared food for Yorkies. It is balanced in composition, taking into account the needs of the puppy and contains everything you need, and it is much easier to dose it. On average, a Yorkshire Terrier needs 1 tablespoon of food per 1 kg of body weight. In addition, it is easier to avoid allergies with food, while with natural food, sometimes you have to do a whole investigation to understand what caused it. Another benefit of dry food is that it naturally cleanses tooth enamel. The dog will still need to brush his teeth periodically, but the risk of developing tartar will be greatly reduced.

For the same purpose, you can give your pet chewy treats - dried tendons, etc. But, again, remember that Yorkies are prone to allergies, and not every treat will suit them. For hygiene purposes, it is safer to use Orozyme hypoallergenic tooth gel or chewing strips of the same name - products from this line take care not only of clean teeth, but also of gum health.

Of course we are talking about premium or super premium quality food. It must contain at least 40% lean meat. Do not rush to buy special food for Yorkies or just for dogs of small breeds - you should first consult with your veterinarian to choose the best product for your dog with all its individual characteristics.

Yorkie Puppy Natural Diet

If you do choose a natural diet, expand the Yorkie's food basket gradually - remember that these babies are prone to allergies. Despite the "toy" appearance of the dog, do not forget that this is the same predator as the larger relatives, so 75-80% of the diet should be meat (lean): veal, turkey, rabbit. Chicken should be given with caution as it is a potential allergen, just like eggs. Instead of chicken, it is better to choose quail ones, giving the puppy up to 4 months 1 egg per week, after - a couple.

The diet of a growing Yorkie must include fermented milk products rich in calcium – low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, curdled milk. It is best to buy products intended for small children - this way you will additionally protect your pet from allergies. Terrier fish is given only sea, low-fat (cod, hake), well-boiled and deboned.

Porridge - rice or buckwheat - for a Yorkie puppy is boiled in water or lean broth, adding a few drops of olive or linseed oil and a few boiled grated vegetables - broccoli, pumpkin. On average, cereals should make up 20-25% of the total menu. Yorkies really like meatballs, to which you can add a little rice and vegetables, and give them raw or lightly boiled, depending on the preferences of the pet and the recommendations of the breeder and veterinarian.

Never feed a Yorkie food from the table - not only obviously aggressive foods like sweets and smoked meats are harmful to him, but also some seemingly harmless foods: cabbage, legumes, mushrooms, whole milk, corn, pork, lamb, bread.

One more nuance: ready-made feeds of decent quality are enriched with vitamins and microelements necessary for a puppy, unlike ordinary products. And if your Yorkie enjoys a variety of natural menus, he may need additional supplements. They should be chosen together with the veterinarian based on the results of routine examinations and tests.

VMISKE you will find the best for your little Yorkshire Terrier: vitamin supplements, delicious food, toys, walking clothes, combs, treats and more. On our website, you can consult with a qualified veterinarian and become a member of a profitable loyalty program.

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what kind of food is better, the norm of nutrition, etc.

Many potential owners approach the decision to get a decorative dog responsibly, thinking for a long time about the possible options, studying all the information in advance. And although many people now dream of a mini Yorkshire terrier, often the animal comes to the family as a gift, becoming a surprise.

With the advent of a tiny pet in the house, the owners have a lot of trouble. What to feed a Yorkie puppy is the most important problem in its maintenance. The nutrition of the cubs of this decorative breed is the main issue, because the dog is very small, capricious, picky, and requires full and high-quality feeding. Errors can lead to the death of a puppy, weakness, lethargy, susceptibility to various diseases.

Basic rules

Up to 1.5–2 months, babies are under the care of their mother, feeding on colostrum for the first few days, and after that, until they reach the age of one month, only milk. From one month old, puppies are introduced to adult food. The breeder gradually accustoms them to food, starting to feed, introducing only one new product every day.

If the mother's milk is not produced enough, weight gain does not occur, they start complementary foods earlier. They start with canned food, moving over time to porridge from crushed dry food and water in a 3: 1 ratio. With a good appetite, the volume of water is reduced, over time it is completely excluded. If the cub is harmful, then one part of food is given for 2 parts of the liquid.

It is the owner who develops the puppy's eating habits. It is important not to indulge the whims of the baby, offering him all sorts of goodies, but to feed him with high-quality super or premium food for the entire period of growing up, observing the feeding regimen.

Feeding rules:

the crumbs are offered several dry granules soaked in water, if there is no interest in the product, it is not necessary to insist, the attempt is repeated the next day;
food is given before the puppy attaches to the mother's breast;
From about the third day from the start of the introduction of complementary foods, babies eat food with pleasure, you can increase the frequency of feeding.

Dog handlers and veterinarians advise giving small Yorkies dry food. It has a more beneficial effect on the development of the puppy, it is easier to digest, it has the necessary minerals and vitamins. It is important to choose a high quality product, not lower than premium, designed for a certain age category. A serving is one teaspoon of warm food. In the absence of allergies and relaxation of the stool, the number of feedings with new food is increased. The introduction of complementary foods occurs within 3-7 days.

By the time the cub moves to permanent owners, this usually happens at 2-3 months, the baby must be accustomed to all the foods included in the diet. How to feed a Yorkshire Terrier puppy, the buyer needs to find out from the breeder and stick to the usual diet for the baby for the first time. Adaptation takes place within one and a half to two weeks, for this time it is necessary to stock up on dry food or foods that the puppy is accustomed to, otherwise digestive functions may be disturbed. The transition to another menu is carried out carefully, gradually adding a new product and replacing it with the usual food.

How much and how often to feed

You need to feed the kitten with a full-fledged high-quality food. You should know that a small Yorkie needs a lot of energy. But his stomach is much smaller than that of an adult dog, so the daily amount of food is divided into several meals.

Up to two months, the puppy is fed 6 times a day, up to 4 months - 5 times, at 5 months - 4 feedings, at 6 months - 3 feedings. At 10–12 months and for the rest of their lives, they are fed twice a day.

Portions increase gradually, which prevents overeating, stretching of the stomach. The daily norm of food for a small dog is 1 tablespoon for every 500 g of weight. With a puppy weighing 1 kg, 2 tablespoons of food is divided by the number of feedings per day.

With the active temperament of the dog, if the kitten wants to eat all the time, the amount of food can be increased, for less mobile pets - reduced. To understand if your pet has enough food, its fatness, general condition and activity are evaluated. If the silly baby looks cheerful, happy, has a shiny coat and is not thin in appearance, then you should not pay attention to the begging glances. Soon the dog will understand that the pity of the owner cannot be penetrated. Remember that when feeding meat in the evening, the pet will not ask for supplements until the morning.

Yorkie feeding rules

Every loving owner must observe the nuances of keeping a Yorkshire Terrier. This is especially true for puppies.

Specialists have developed the basic rules of feeding, allowing you to raise a strong, healthy, obedient pet:

Prevention of overeating a puppy, resulting in a decrease in activity.
Strict adherence to the number of feedings.
The meal time is 20 minutes, the pet should get used to fit into this period.
Natural food should be prepared just before serving.
When feeding by drying, the presence of clean water nearby is essential.

Do's and Don'ts: Product List

It is important to choose the right, healthy food for your puppy. Many people believe that a dog can be given any food from the master's table that she likes. This opinion is wrong, because what is suitable and required for a person has no value for four-legged animals, and can undermine health. This is especially true of the sensitive fragile digestion of miniature Yorkshire terriers.

What is useful for a Yorkie puppy:

boiled rabbit, beef, chicken, turkey;
boiled offal once a week: liver, stomach, heart, lungs;
cereals (rice, buckwheat, occasionally wheat, and, with care, in order to avoid an allergic reaction, oatmeal), boiled in water;
fermented milk drinks, low-fat cottage cheese;
boiled vegetables: pumpkin, carrots, beets and zucchini;
watermelon, pumpkin (if desired by the animal), as a delicacy;
boiled sea fish, gutted, without scales, bones;
raw yolk once a week;
seafood;
many dogs love honey;
a few drops of vegetable oil in each serving of food.

Make sure your dog has clean water to drink. The meat is served in the evening feeding, then the animal will remain full until the morning, there will be no problems with digestion.

List of prohibited products:

goat, cow milk;
sweets, muffins, bread;
pork, fatty lamb;
smoked products, pickles;
mushrooms;
legumes, corn grits;
salt, sugar, spices;
sausage, sausages;
river, lake fish, sea - pollock;
cabbage.

Types of feeding

There are many arguments in favor of one type of diet or another. Dry food is heavily advertised, which creates the impression that it is impossible to feed dogs with natural food. But both feeding options have their pros and cons.

What to feed a Yorkie puppy? How not to harm the baby? Which type of food to choose, the owner will have to decide, based on his financial capabilities, availability of free time and awareness.

Dry feeding is suitable for owners who, due to their employment, do not have the opportunity to make constant purchases of fresh produce, spend time compiling menus and preparing food for the dog. But you will have to purchase expensive brands of feed, because cheap economy class products cause irreparable harm to animals. One of the advantages of feeding by drying is its hygiene: it does not stain the pet, owners, home. She takes up little space. It is convenient to take it with you for a walk, on joint trips with a dog.

Natural is appreciated by the owners for the absence of chemical components: dyes, flavor enhancers, flavors - substances that are harmful to health, causing poisoning, severe allergic reactions in dogs. But choosing the right diet is difficult, and you will have to seek help from specialists.

It is not recommended to use a mixed diet - it is difficult for the delicate body of Yorkies to constantly produce different types of bacteria, rearranging for different types of products. Eating such food leads to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

Features of feeding with dry food and prepared food

The majority of dog breeders prefer to treat Yorkies with ready-made, industrial feeds. There is less chance of overfeeding or underfeeding, vitamin deficiency, getting digestive and allergic problems. There are dry pellets and wet canned food.

Drying is super premium, premium and economy class. The fastidious, sensitive body of the Yorkie needs the best nutrition - top-class products. When choosing dry food, pay attention to the color. Quality products are light brown, oily in appearance, do not need the addition of dyes.

Which feed company to choose, what to take from the available brands - you decide. But it is worth knowing that some well-known brands offer concentrates designed specifically for feeding Yorkshire terrier puppies. They take into account the characteristics of a shortened intestine, the mobility of animals, problems with teeth, plus they improve the quality of the coat. All useful substances are here in optimal proportions. The highest rating is occupied by the brands Farmin, Akana, Hills, Royal Canin.

Features of feeding with natural food

Many dog owners feed their terriers natural food, being sure that it is less harmful (has no additives), and is better absorbed. The downside of this approach is the complexity of cooking, menu selection, mineral, vitamin supplements will have to be given every season.

Natural food is given heated, then its digestibility will be better.

Sample menu:

buckwheat porridge and finely chopped chicken;
low-fat cottage cheese diluted with kefir;
rice porridge and boiled, chopped beef;
boiled rabbit meat and hercules;
oceanic, sea boiled fish, yolk (once a week) and chopped boiled carrots;
stewed beef liver and zucchini;
cottage cheese, diluted to the density of sour cream with fermented baked milk.

Features of feeding puppies of different ages

At 1 month, the baby has enough mother's milk, but he is already actively interested in the outside world. During this period, complementary foods can be introduced, and if lactation is insufficient, then they start feeding earlier with cow's milk. Monthly crumbs will need calcined cottage cheese, liquid semolina, boiled meat. It is better to give dry food, pre-soak the pellets in water.

What is the best way to feed a 2 month old Yorkie puppy? A two-month-old pet is usually fully accustomed to a particular type of food, whether it be dry food, canned food, or homemade food. The baby is practically relieved of milk, sometimes fermented milk products are allowed. Nutrition is similar to the puppy menu at 1 month old, raw egg yolk, sour cream are added. Meat makes up almost half of the daily food intake.

What can you feed your Yorkie puppy at 3 months? A three-month-old Yorkie should receive more raw meat than dairy. The proportions are as follows: 60–70% meat, 15–20% dairy, 7–15% vegetables, 3–5% cereals. Dry food must be of good quality, not lower than premium.

At 4–5 months, the feeding is the same, but the list of allowed weekly products is expanding: