Like most dogs a Yorkshire Terrier’s nutrition is part of every day life. The Yorkshire Terrier diet does not differ too much from that of other dogs, but it is different in size.
The following information will explain the process by which a dog owner should feed their yorkshire terrier.
This includes such topics as, ‘When to feed your yorkie’, ‘How much to feed your yorkie’ and ‘What to feed your yorkie’.
By taking in this information you will be able to keep your Yorkshire terrier happy, energetic and healthy!
Feeding Yorkshire Terrier Puppies
When a yorkie puppy has gone through its early stages of relying on its dam for food it Yorkshire terrier nutrition then needs a new source of nutrition. When you welcome your pet into your life be sure to ask its previous owner or breeder what would be the best dog food.
They may have already started it on a particular brand that they prefer to others. If you feel that this brand is affordable then by all means continue using it, but if not then begin using another one for puppies.
Slowly remove the old brand from your dogs bowl by first adding only a bit of the new one and then gradually add more and more until there is no more of the old one left. This will help your dog in the ‘getting used to’ process and will also lessen any chances of stomach upset.
At a young age Yorkshire Terrier puppies will be energetic and will burn calories very easily. At first it is a good idea to feed yorkie puppies about four times a day. By doing this you are allowing them to get all the necessary nutrition they need.
If you were to try and feed them all of it at once they may either burn it all before the end of the day and then go to sleep hungry, be sick because of the excess amount or leave part of the food because they can’t finish it.
By feeding them in small amounts periodically every day they will get into a routine that will let them know that once they start getting hungry there will be food for them soon.
Feeding Young Yorkshire Terriers
Until the teething phase is over, which should occur at about 6 months of age, yorkies need to be fed three meals a day. However, between 6 months and 1 year two feedings should be sufficient.
At this stage in a young Yorkshire terriers life it is very important that you feed them a healthy, well-balanced meal in order for good development and growth. Nutritional deficiencies that are developed in youth are practically impossible to make up for later on. It would be beneficial to supplement your yorkies diet with some Dog Vitamins.
As your dog gets older its body will be able to digest far better than when it was a puppy or when it gets very old. In this way a dogs body works very similar to that of a humans.
Feeding Adult Yorkshire Terriers
Once your Yorkshire terrier matures it is possible to start feeding it once a day, however you can continue to divide the meal in two offering half in the morning and half at night.
If you are not sure about what to do you can always ask a veterinarian for recommendations on feeding your yorkie.
It is still recommended that you supplement your Yorkshire terriers diet with nutrients and vitamins.
Feeding Senior Yorkshire Terriers
Yorkies have a long life expectancy, so most will make it to the over 7 age. There are some dog foods which have been designed specifically for older dogs and take into account their changing nutritional needs.
Senior Yorkshire terriers should have a diet that consists of higher carbohydrates which are easier to digest.
In all cases it is probably best to talk to your veterinarian to ensure that your Yorkshire terriers diet is providing the essential nutrients older yorkies need.
So…
When deciding what to feed a Yorkshire Terrier you should read what the information on the packets says about size and age relation. Some packets will just describe the food as suitable for ‘small’ dogs, others for ‘juniors’.
The Yorkshire Terrier diet should be fairly easy and economical to follow, afterall they are small dogs with relatively small appetites. Nutrition is an important subject that all dog owners should be aware of.
Do not shy away from the information you are faced with. A well balanced diet based around nutrition will benefit your dog in the long run.
Further Resources dealing with Nutrition:
Rules to follow when feeding yorkshire terriers
Choosing the right food for your Yorkie
The importance of water in your Dog’s Nutrition
The dangers of dogs and chocolate
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yorkie Nutrition
Can Yorkies Drink Milk?
It’s generally best to avoid giving your Yorkie regular cow’s milk. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they can’t properly digest the lactose in milk, which can lead to upset stomach, gas, or diarrhoea. If you want to give your Yorkie a milky treat, opt for lactose-free dog milk or plain yoghurt in small amounts. Water should always be the main drink for your Yorkie.
My Yorkie Puppy Won’t Drink Water — What Should I Do?
If your Yorkie puppy seems to have an aversion to water, try these tips:
- Mix a little water into their wet food to increase fluid intake
- Try a different water bowl — some dogs prefer ceramic or stainless steel over plastic
- Ensure the water is fresh and cool — change it multiple times a day
- Consider a pet fountain — moving water is more appealing to many dogs
If your puppy still refuses water and shows signs of dehydration (lethargy, dry gums, loss of appetite), consult your vet.
Why Is My Yorkie Eating Poop — and How Do I Stop It?
Coprophagia (eating poop) is a common but unpleasant habit in dogs, including Yorkies. It’s not usually harmful to their health, but it’s certainly a habit you’ll want to break. Here are some strategies:
- Clean up immediately — remove the temptation before they get to it
- Add pineapple or pumpkin to their food — it changes the taste of the stool and can deter them
- Look into commercial supplements designed to stop coprophagia
- Ensure they’re getting complete nutrition — sometimes dogs eat stool because they’re missing certain nutrients
If the behaviour persists despite these measures, consult your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
What Should I Feed a 4-Week-Old Puppy?
A 4-week-old Yorkie puppy should not yet be away from its mother. Puppies need their mother’s milk until at least 6–8 weeks of age, as well as time with their siblings for essential socialisation. If a puppy has been separated from its mother this early, it needs immediate veterinary attention and specialist care, including bottle-feeding with puppy milk formula. Never give cow’s milk to a young puppy. If you’ve purchased a puppy this young, please return it to the breeder — it’s not ready to leave its mother.
How Much and How Often to Feed a Yorkie
Question: How much and how often to feed my 3 1/2 year old female who is 10 lbs?
Answer: Feed him twice a day, and how much will depend on which dog food you are using. On the packet it will tell you how much to put into their dog bowls 🙂
Please read the following for further information: Yorkshire terrier nutrition
Return to Yorkshire Terrier FAQs.
How Often Should I Feed a 12-Week-Old Yorkie?
Question: I have a 12 week old yorkie and i need to know how many times a day she should be fed and about how many hours between? She is under 4 lbs
Answer: At a young age Yorkshire Terrier puppies will be energetic and will burn calories very easily. At first it is a good idea to feed yorkie puppies about four times a day. By doing this you are allowing them to get all the necessary nutrition they need. If you were to try and feed them all of it at once they may either burn it all before the end of the day and then go to sleep hungry, be sick because of the excess amount or leave part of the food because they can’t finish it.
By feeding them in small amounts periodically every day they will get into a routine that will let them know that once they start getting hungry there will be food for them soon.
Read more on our yorkie nutrition pages…
Return to Yorkshire Terrier FAQs.
Best Dog Food for Senior Yorkies
Question: We have 2 yorkies that are 10 years old, they weigh 3 & 4 pounds and eat about a quarter cup each a day.
With their age what dog food should we be feeding them now for the next few years?
Do you have that type we can order??
Answer: For your yorkies age we would advise a dog food by royal canin which is going very well for our little Harry.
It contains omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids to protect and nuture their lovely coats.
The size of the kibble is perfect for their small mouths and contains polyphenols (a group of substances found in plants) which reduce plaque and tartar from forming, so in essence has a similar effect to brushing their teeth and keeping them healthy.
Due to yorkies picky eating habits it has natural flavours which aim to stimulate the fussiest of eaters!
This dog food also contains antioxidants to counteract free radicals and vitamins which are both of great benefit for health and longivity.
The dog food is called Yorkshire Terrier 28.
Please let us know how it goes with your yorkies and of course equally as important let us know if they enjoy it. We both know how fussy yorkies can be 🙂
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Do Yorkshire Terriers Eat a Lot?
Question: Do yorkshire terriers eat alot?
Answer: Yorkies are small dogs so it will not take too much to fill up their tummys.
When your yorkshire terrier is a puppy (under 6 months) they need to be fed small amounts 3-4 times/day.
Once they get a bit older this can be changed to twice a day, about 1/3 of a cup.
This will vary from yorkie to yorkie and will also depend on the dog food you are using.
But to answer your question, they do not eat too much 🙂
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Feeding a 12-Week-Old Yorkie Puppy
Question: My yorkie is now 12 weeks, the pet store said after the bag of puppy food is gone we can feed them whatever.
I know I would not prefer to eat the same thing everyday so I don’t expect my dog to what can I feed it besides dog food? Wet dog food or maybe like chicken and rice?
Not really sure what to do..
Answer: Homemade dog food is a great way to go 🙂 Just read about what composition the food needs to have and also it is important to read up on dangerous foods for dogs.
I do have quite a few readers who tell me they feed their yorkie chicken and rice which they love 🙂
Have fun cooking for your yorkie, I’m sure he will love you for it 🙂
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My Yorkie Always Acts Starving
Question: MY TWELVE WEEK OLD YORKIE ALWAYS ACTS AS THO HE IS STARVING. HE GOES TO THE CABINET WHERE I TAKE THE FOOD FROM AND GOES BANANAS TRYING TO RIP IT OPEN TO GET AT FOOD. THE VET TOLD ME TO FEED HIM FOUR TIMES A DAY, ABOUT A TABLESPOON FULL OF DRY DOG FOOD. BUT HE CONSTANTLY GOES TO HIS BOWL AND CRIES AND CRIES.
HE IS ABOUT THREE POUNDS,
HE DOES NOT HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE WORD NO OR BEING CORRECTED FROM BITING MY ANKLES IF I SIT IN MY CHAIR. HE SEEMS AFRAID OF ABSOLUTELY NOTHING SO TRAINING IS HARD. IT IS MADE HARDER AS I AM A LARYNGECTOMY PAATIENT AND CAN ONLY SPEAK THROUGH AN ELECTRONIC LARYNX. SO IT IS ROBOTIC, AND NO INTONATION IS POSSILE..GOOD BOY AND BAD BOY SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME.
I ADORE THE LITTLE HOODLYM, AND HE IS APTLY NAMED RASCAL, BUT I WORRY IS HE JUST A LITTLE PIGGY, OR IS HE REALLY NOT GETTING ENOUGH FOOD. THANKS IF YOU ANSWER, NO ONE SEEMS ABLE TO TELL ME ABAOUT THIS.
Answer: Your yorkie might not getting the nutrients needed and therefore always craves more, in order to try and satisfy his needs. Have you ever considered homemade food so that you can make sure you make sure the food contains exactly what is needed?
Another thing to consider is how active your yorkie is. If he is constantly on the go or very highly strung, easily excitable etc, he would need much more dog food. He might also have a very high metabolism and therefore just naturally need much more food.
Keep feeding him four times a day but possibly try feeding him slightly more. As long as he is not overweight this shouldn’t be a problem. Just see if you can work out what amount would keep him satisfied.
As long as you have taken your yorkie to the vet and have made sure there are no health problems this will be fine.
With regards to training and the lack of intonation due to your electronic larynx, you could try buying something that makes a loudish noise alongside saying no and something else that makes a more pleasant noise alongside saying yes so that he undertsands that one is acceptable and the other is not.
I hope this helps. Please keep us posted on how your yorkie does.
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How to Stop a Yorkie From Begging for Food
Question: I have a 3 year old Yorkie. She is over her 8 lb. limit. (More like Porkie than Yorkie.
She will eat absolutely everything. I feed her 3 times a day: the portions are 3 cubes of meat each time.(maybe less than an inch cube).
I worry that she may be hungry .
Is this a trait of the Yorkie or have I somehow created this monster?(There is a slight behavioral resemblence to me} HELP
Answer: First it’s important to note that Yorkies can be up to 10 pounds, or sometimes even 12 pounds, so don’t worry too much if your Yorkie is in the 10 or 11 pound range for his weight.
Second, make sure you are feeding him no more than a quarter cup to three quarters a cup of dry dog food each day.
Also make sure that whatever you are feeding him is made up mostly of meat and that it does not contain fillers like corn or other grains as the first ingredient.
It’s possible that if you are only feeding three meat cubes each meal that he’s not getting enough food.
It’s difficult to judge without knowing exactly what size the cubes are. Remember that some dogs simply love to eat, so it’s important to reign in this behaviour before it becomes a serious issue.
Don’t overindulge your Yorkie just because he’s begging. This can lead to a number of health problems, just as it does in humans.
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Feeding Routine and Best Practices
Establishing a consistent feeding routine is just as important as choosing the right food. Here are some essential rules to follow when feeding your Yorkshire Terrier:
Feed at the Same Time and Place Every Day
Your Yorkie should always be fed in exactly the same place and at the same time every day. Dogs thrive on routine, and a consistent feeding schedule helps with digestion, house training, and behaviour.
Break Food Into Small Pieces
Yorkshire Terriers are extremely small dogs, so any food you give them should be broken up into small pieces. If food goes straight from the can to the bowl without a second look, there’s a risk a piece could become lodged in the throat and cause choking.
Serve Food at Room Temperature
Your Yorkie’s food should always be at room temperature. Do not feed it straight out of the fridge or directly from the stove — extreme temperatures can upset their sensitive stomachs.
Remove Uneaten Food After 30 Minutes
If any food has not been eaten after around 30 minutes, remove it. It will spoil quickly and attract flies, especially in warmer weather. This also helps prevent your Yorkie from becoming a picky eater.
Don’t Create a Picky Eater
When feeding Yorkshire Terriers, you should not allow them to become picky dogs. If they refuse a food and you immediately substitute it with something they prefer, you will likely end up with a dog that holds out for better options. Offer a balanced diet and stick with it.
Fresh Water Daily
Your Yorkie should have fresh, clean water available throughout the day. At the end of each day, throw out any remaining water and refill with fresh. Wash the water bowl once daily in hot water to prevent bacteria buildup.
Clean Bowls After Every Meal
Your Yorkie’s food bowl should be cleaned after every meal. Bacteria can grow quickly in leftover food residue, leading to digestive upset or illness.
Following these simple feeding practices will keep your Yorkie healthy, happy, and well-nourished throughout their life.
My Yorkie Chews on Everything
Question: My beautiful Yorkie (Misha) is almost 6 months old and she chews on everything and I mean everything!!
She has lots of toys! But sometimes she chews so much on her toys she starts to take pieces off, so my question is what toy can I buy that is edible and wont hurt her if she swallows a piece ??
Answer: One of the best toys for a Yorkie is the Kong line of toys.
Many of these toys have a place for a small treat inside of them, and the Yorkie will keep chewing on them for hours just for the flavor of the treat.
The original Kong toy was developed to have peanut butter placed inside of it, which most small dogs absolutely love.
Most of the Kong toys
Just try to opt for the hard rubber models that have a place for treats to be inserted rather than the plush kind.
Return to Yorkshire Terrier FAQs.
Have a question about your Yorkie’s nutrition? Feel free to get in touch or ask your vet for personalised advice.
Related Reading
- Best Dog Food for Yorkies — Complete guide to choosing the right food
- Yorkie Food to Avoid — Dangerous foods your Yorkie should never eat
- Homemade Dog Food for Yorkies — Easy, nutritious recipes
- Best Dog Food for Allergies — Hypoallergenic options for sensitive Yorkies
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