Yorkie Odd Behavior When Eating: Why Your Yorkie Won’t Eat

Yorkie Odd Behavior When Eating: Causes and Solutions

Is your Yorkshire Terrier acting strangely around their food bowl? You’re not alone — many Yorkie owners report quirky eating behaviours. This guide covers common feeding issues and how to solve them.

Why Is My Yorkie Afraid of Their Food Bowl?

Some Yorkies develop a sudden fear of their food bowl. This can happen for several reasons:

• Bowl type — Metal bowls can reflect light or make noise that startles a nervous Yorkie. Try switching to ceramic or stainless steel with a rubber base.
• Whisker fatigue — Deep bowls can press on sensitive whiskers, causing discomfort. Switch to a shallow, wide bowl.
• Negative association — If your Yorkie was startled while eating (loud noise, another pet, punishment), they may associate the bowl with fear.
• Dental pain — Sore teeth or gums can make eating painful. Check for redness, swelling, or bad breath.

Common Yorkie Eating Quirks

• Picky eating — Yorkies are notorious for being picky. They may hold out for treats or human food.
• Taking food away from the bowl — Some Yorkies carry kibble to another spot to eat, which is a natural instinct.
• Burying food — Pretending to bury food with their nose is an instinctive hoarding behaviour.
• Eating one type of food but not another — Try different textures (kibble, wet, freeze-dried) to see what appeals.

8 Tips to Fix Yorkie Feeding Problems

1. Stick to a schedule — Feed at the same times daily. Remove uneaten food after 20 minutes.
2. Change the bowl — Try a shallow ceramic or glass bowl instead of metal.
3. Change the location — Move the bowl to a quieter, low-traffic area.
4. Add a topper — A spoonful of plain yogurt, pumpkin puree, or warm water can make kibble more appealing.
5. Hand feeding — Occasionally hand-feed your Yorkie to rebuild positive associations.
6. Puzzle feeders — Make mealtime fun with a puzzle toy or snuffle mat.
7. Rule out medical issues — If the problem persists, check with your vet for dental problems or digestive issues.
8. Don’t give in — Yorkies are smart. If you give treats when they reject their food, they learn the behaviour works.

When to Worry

Consult your vet if your Yorkie refuses food for more than 24 hours, shows signs of vomiting or diarrhoea, is lethargic, or has weight loss. These could indicate an underlying health problem.

Reader Question

This is a classic case of negative association with a specific bowl. Even though the water bowl looks identical, your puppy doesn’t associate it with the negative experience. Try switching to a completely different style and colour of bowl for food, and place it in a different spot.