How many times a day should a Yorkie eat

How Much Does a Yorkie Eat a Day? Feeding Guide and Tips

To keep your furry friend healthy, its important to know how much food they need to be eating every day. If youre a Yorkie owner, you may be wondering just how much food your pup needs. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your dogs age, weight, and activity level.

According to the American Kennel Club, most Yorkies should eat between 1/4 and 3/4 cups of food per day. However, this amount can vary based on your dogs individual needs. Its important to monitor your dogs weight and adjust their food intake as needed to ensure they stay at a healthy weight. Additionally, its recommended to split your Yorkies daily food intake into two or three smaller meals to aid in digestion.

How Much Should a Yorkie Eat?

Feeding Guidelines

Feeding your Yorkie the right amount of food is crucial to their health and happiness. As a general guideline, adult Yorkies should eat about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dry kibble per day, divided into two meals. However, the amount of food your Yorkie needs may vary depending on their age, weight, metabolism, and activity level.

Portion Sizes

Yorkie puppies require more frequent feedings and smaller portion sizes than adult Yorkies. A Yorkie puppy should eat about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of puppy formula, divided into three to four meals per day. As they grow, you can gradually increase the portion size and decrease the number of feedings.

Its important to monitor your Yorkies body weight and adjust their portion sizes accordingly. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems, while underfeeding can cause malnutrition and stunted growth.

When choosing a food for your Yorkie, look for a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet that meets their specific needs. Wet food, dry kibble, and homemade meals can all be suitable options, as long as they provide the necessary nutrients and are fed in appropriate portions.

Its also important to establish a feeding schedule and stick to it. Free-feeding can lead to overeating and upset stomachs, while irregular feeding times can cause stress and anxiety.

Remember to always provide fresh water and monitor your Yorkies eating habits for any changes or signs of pain or discomfort. If you have any concerns about your Yorkies diet or health, consult with your veterinarian.

Sources:

• American Kennel Club
• PetMD

Factors Affecting Yorkies Diet

Metabolism

A Yorkies metabolism is an important factor when determining their daily food intake. Yorkies have a high metabolism, which means they burn calories quickly. As a result, they require a diet that is high in protein and fat. Its important to avoid overfeeding your Yorkie, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Weight and Age

Your Yorkies weight and age also play a role in their daily food intake. Puppies require more calories than adult dogs, as they are still growing and developing. Senior Yorkies may require a lower calorie diet, as their metabolism slows down with age. Its important to monitor your Yorkies weight and adjust their diet accordingly to ensure they maintain a healthy body weight.

Activity Level

Your Yorkies activity level is another important factor to consider when determining their daily food intake. If your Yorkie is highly active, they will require more calories to fuel their energy needs. Conversely, if your Yorkie is less active, they may require a lower calorie diet to prevent weight gain.

When feeding your Yorkie, its important to provide high-quality, nutritious food that meets their specific needs. You can choose between wet food, dry kibble, or a combination of both. Its important to monitor your Yorkies appetite and adjust their feeding schedule and portion sizes accordingly. If your Yorkie is a picky eater, you may need to experiment with different types of food to find what they like.

In summary, a Yorkies diet is influenced by their metabolism, weight and age, and activity level. By providing a healthy, well-balanced diet, you can help ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy for years to come.

Sources:

Common Feeding Problems

Feeding your Yorkie can be a challenge, especially if you encounter common feeding problems. Here are some issues you may face and how to deal with them.

Picky Eaters

If your Yorkie is a picky eater, it can be frustrating. Try to find a high-quality food that appeals to your dogs taste buds. You can also try mixing in some wet food with dry kibble to make it more enticing. Its essential to monitor your dogs body weight and growth to ensure theyre getting the right amount of nutrition.

Upset Stomach

Yorkies can be prone to upset stomachs, which can be caused by stress, overfeeding, or sudden changes in their diet. If your dog has an upset stomach, try feeding them smaller portions throughout the day. You can also try adding some cooked brown rice or boiled chicken to their diet to settle their stomach.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a condition that can affect Yorkie puppies. Its essential to monitor your puppys eating habits and ensure theyre getting enough nutrition. Feeding your puppy small, frequent meals throughout the day can help prevent hypoglycemia. If you suspect your puppy has hypoglycemia, contact your vet immediately.

Its crucial to establish a feeding schedule and stick to it. You should also monitor your dogs appetite and adjust their portion sizes accordingly. If youre unsure about how much to feed your Yorkie, consult your vet or refer to feeding guidelines on the food package.

Remember, a healthy Yorkie diet is essential for your dogs overall health and happiness. By monitoring their food intake and addressing any feeding problems, you can ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy.

Sources:

Types of Food for Yorkies

As a Yorkie owner, you want to make sure your furry friend is eating a healthy diet. There are different types of food you can feed your Yorkie, including dry kibble, wet food, and a raw diet. Each type has its pros and cons, and its important to choose the right one for your Yorkies needs.

Dry Kibble

Dry kibble is a popular choice for many Yorkie owners. Its convenient, easy to store, and can be left out for your Yorkie to eat throughout the day. Dry kibble is also good for dental health, as the crunchy texture can help clean your Yorkies teeth.

When choosing dry kibble, look for a high-quality brand that is specifically formulated for small breeds like Yorkies. Make sure to check the ingredients list and avoid any brands that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives.

Wet Food

Wet food is another option for feeding your Yorkie. Its a good choice for picky eaters or Yorkies with dental issues. Wet food is also a good source of hydration, which is important for Yorkies that dont drink enough water.

When choosing wet food, look for a brand that is specifically formulated for small breeds like Yorkies. Make sure to check the ingredients list and avoid any brands that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives.

Raw Diet

A raw diet is a controversial option for feeding your Yorkie. Proponents of the raw diet claim that it can improve your Yorkies overall health and reduce the risk of certain diseases. However, there are also risks associated with a raw diet, including the risk of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances.

If you choose to feed your Yorkie a raw diet, make sure to do your research and consult with a veterinarian. Its important to choose high-quality meats and to monitor your Yorkies health closely.

In conclusion, choosing the right type of food for your Yorkie is important for their overall health and well-being. Whether you choose dry kibble, wet food, or a raw diet, make sure to choose a high-quality brand and monitor your Yorkies health closely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how much a Yorkie should eat can be a bit tricky, as there are many factors to consider. Its important to remember that every dog is unique, and their dietary needs can vary based on their age, weight, activity level, and overall health.

To ensure your Yorkie is getting the right amount of food, its recommended to consult with your veterinarian and follow the feeding guidelines on the package of your dogs food. Its also important to monitor their weight and adjust their food intake accordingly.

Remember that overfeeding your Yorkie can lead to obesity, which can cause a range of health issues such as joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease. On the other hand, underfeeding can lead to malnutrition and other health issues.

In addition to providing your Yorkie with the right amount of food, its also important to ensure they are getting enough exercise and mental stimulation. Regular walks, playtime, and training sessions can help keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

Overall, by paying attention to your Yorkies individual needs and providing them with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, you can help ensure they live a long and healthy life.

My name is Ken and Im one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. Ive cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.

How Much Should You Feed a Yorkie? Feeding Chart & Health Tips

Yorkshire Terriers better known as Yorkies are tiny little dogs, but that doesnt mean they arent feisty and ferocious. These dogs have big personalities, which is why theyre one of the most popular breeds on the planet.

If youre not used to owning such a small dog, though, you may struggle with knowing just how much to feed them. After all, you dont want them to go hungry, but being overweight is terrible for them. Its hard to give them just the right amount of food.

Fortunately, there are clear guidelines when it comes to feeding a Yorkie puppy, depending on how old the puppy is. Below, well walk you through the proper amount to give your puppy according to their age.

Feeding Chart

Important Note:The amount of calories each juvenile dog needs for healthy growth and development depends on many factors, including their age, breed, and activity level. These charts are general guidelines for healthy young dogs, but we recommend confirming them with your vet.

You can also complement this guide by using our dog food calculator here:

The exact amount of calories an individual animal needs to maintain a healthy weight is variable and influenced by many factors including genetics, age, breed, and activity level. This tool is meant to be used only as a guideline for healthy individuals and does not substitute veterinary advice

What to Feed My Yorkie Puppy

Yorkies should be nursing until theyre 8 weeks old, at which point, you can switch them to solid food. You can switch them to wet food, dry kibble, or a mixture of the two.

Keep in mind that they still have their puppy teeth, so some kibbles will be too hard for them to crunch. However, wet food is extremely calorie-dense, so your dog may put on too much weight too quickly if fed canned food exclusively. Also, wet foods wont clean a dogs teeth like kibble will.

We recommend a mixture of the two but only if the kibble is specifically designed for toy breed puppies. We recommend Wellness CORE Small Breed Puppy, as it has all the nutrition that a young dog needs while still being gentle enough for little Yorkies to tolerate.

You may also consider feeding your puppy a raw diet that you make yourself, but be careful if you go this route. Its easy to overlook key nutrients when designing your own food, so ask your vet for help before making any decisions.

Keep your dog on a puppy formula until theyre a year old or whenever your vet recommends switching them to adult food. At that point, youll need to find an appropriate adult kibble for them; Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed is an excellent choice.

Avoiding Underfeeding & Overfeeding

If you feed your Yorkie an appropriate amount, you shouldnt have any issue with them being overweight or underweight. However, if you dont know what youre looking for, its easy to worry that your dog isnt developing properly.

The best way to tell if your Yorkie is an appropriate weight is by looking at their waist and ribs. The waist should curve inward subtly as you look at their ribcage and move down. If the dog isnt an appropriate weight, this curve will be extremely sharp.

If the dog is too skinny, theyll have virtually no body fat. Their stomach will tuck sharply into the ribs, and every rib will be visible.

That said, you should be able to at least feel every rib if you put your hands on the sides of their body. If the dog is overweight, youll really have to dig your fingers into their flesh to feel those bones.

An overweight dog will need to have their portion sizes reduced, while an underweight dog is a cause for more concern. You can try simply feeding them more, but if they still cant keep on weight, youll likely need to take them to a vet. They may have parasites or a disease like a parvovirus.

When to Switch From Puppy to Adult Food

You should transition your dog to adult food around 1 year of age or whenever youre instructed to by your vet. Small breeds like Yorkies develop faster than larger dogs, so you might be able to make the switch a few months early.

Your dogs activity level will factor into the decision as well. If your pup prefers lazing around to being up and active, youll want to get them off a high-calorie puppy formula sooner rather than later. Otherwise, theyll likely pack on unnecessary pounds.

Dont just make the switch overnight, though. It needs to be a gradual process. Start by replacing a quarter of their puppy kibble with the adult recipe. After a few days, you can make it a 50/50 mix; then, a few days later, move on to 75% adult kibble.

The whole process should take 2 weeks or so. If you rush it, you run the risk of causing an upset stomach, so unless you want to deal with diarrhea, you should take your time.

Why Wont My Yorkie Puppy Eat?

There are few things as stressful as dealing with a puppy that wont eat. Its amazing how devoted we can become to these creatures in such a short period of time, so when their health is seemingly at risk, its extremely concerning.

Unfortunately, there are myriad reasons that a puppy might turn their nose up at food, and it isnt easy to pinpoint a single one.

You can start by offering them different food. If they eat it readily, then its probably a case of them simply not liking their puppy food. If they wont eat other foods (including high-value human snacks), then you might have a bigger problem on your hands.

Stress may be an issue as well. If youve made big changes to your routine lately, it may just take a few more days for them to become acclimated. However, if theyre being left alone more than usual, they may be lonely, so spending more time with them might do the trick.

If that doesnt work, then you need to take your puppy to the vet.

Here are just a few of the things that could cause a puppy to lose their appetite, and each requires a vets expertise:

• Digestive parasites
• Digestive infection
• Bowel obstruction
• Pain
• Organ dysfunction
• Respiratory infection

How Much to Feed an Adult Yorkie

It can take a little more effort to decide what to feed an adult Yorkie than it does a puppy, as there are many variables that could affect the recommended serving size.

Below, well cover a few common factors that influence the proper feeding amount, so you can be sure to give your dog the most appropriate portion size possible.However, take these recommendations with a grain of salt. The information will vary depending on the type of food you feed them, so follow the manufacturers guidelines or your vets advice.

Males vs. Females

There isnt much difference between the two sexes, so they should both be fed similar amounts.

• Generally speaking, adult Yorkies should eat 1/4 to 1/2 cups of kibble per day, spaced out between two meals. This is true regardless of whether you have a male or a female.

Highly Active vs. Sedentary Dogs

Its unlikely that any Yorkie will be active enough to require a significant increase in portion size over the recommended amount. However, a sedentary Yorkie may require a reduction in portion size in order to prevent obesity.

If your dog isnt gaining or losing weight, though, theres little reason to change how much you feed them.

• If your dog is extremely sedentary, you should only feed them 1/4 cup of kibble twice a day. Active dogs should be fed the full 1/2 cup serving size twice a day.

Spayed or Neutered

In many breeds, getting spayed or neutered has a sizable effect on the dogs metabolism. Fixed dogs require fewer calories than unaltered animals, as they wont be expending as much energy on their sexual maturation.

However, the effect isnt nearly as pronounced in Yorkies, given their small size. As a result, you should feed a fixed Yorkie the same amount that youd serve an unaltered animal, provided that theyre not gaining or losing weight.

• Spayed or neutered Yorkies should be fed the full 1/2 cup serving twice a day, provided that there arent other issues that would necessitate changing their portion sizes.

Pregnant Dogs

This is one situation that will require making changes to your feeding practices. Pregnant dogs require quite a few more calories than normal, and you want to make sure your dog is getting the proper nutrition.You may even want to switch her back to a puppy formula, as its more calorie-dense than adult recipes (do it slowly, though).

Pregnant Yorkies need more calories than normal. They should be allowed to free-feed, so be sure to keep their bowl full; its recommended that you replace the food regularly rather than merely topping it off.

Yorkie Feeding Guide for Seniors

Older Yorkies need to be watched closely to ensure that they dont pack on extra weight. Theyre likely to be a bit more sedentary than they used to be, and even if theyre not, their metabolism will likely slow considerably.However, its not just the calorie count that you need to be aware of. Older Yorkies have certain nutritional needs that they lacked when they were puppies.

Specifically, you want to give them a food thats high in glucosamine for joint health, as well as loaded with fiber to keep them regular. You want a food that has at least 5% fiber, if possible.

Consider the density of the kibble as well. Many senior dogs have dental issues or a lack of teeth that makes it difficult for them to crunch certain kibbles. Youll want to find something thats soft enough for them to chew, or you could possibly switch to a wet diet. Just be careful if you switch to canned food, as they tend to be denser in calories than kibble.

One of the best senior foods weve found is Merrick Senior Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe. Its a little low in fiber, but its loaded with high-quality ingredients like chicken, salmon meal, and flaxseed.

Why Is My Yorkie Always Hungry?

Yorkies are tiny dogs but they often have mighty appetites. It can often seem like theyre starving to death, no matter how much you feed them.

As long as your dog isnt suffering from any health issues and they arent underweight, you should ignore their pleas for extra food. Theyll surely eat anything that you offer them, but that will make them fat, which is terrible for their health.

Continue to feed them as you have, and be sparing with the treats and table scraps. As long as what youre doing is working, keep it up, but listen to your vet if they have any suggestions.

Unless your dog is pregnant, you shouldnt allow them to free-feed. Yorkies arent good at regulating their calorie intake, so giving them a constant supply of food is just asking for trouble. Instead, offer them strictly portion-controlled meals at regular intervals.

If your dog is scarfing their food down as soon as its offered, you may want to invest in a slow feederbowl. These bowls have special ridges and grooves that make it hard for your dog to pick up food, slowing down the rate at which they eat.

What Foods Are Bad for Yorkies?

Yorkies will eat just about anything, so you need to be careful about what you offer them. There are certain foods that should be avoided at all costs.

Naturally, this means foods that are toxic to dogs, like grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, avocadoes, and sweeteners like xylitol. You should also keep any alcohol, caffeine, or marijuana stored where they cant reach it.

When looking for food for your Yorkie, avoid anything thats filled with cheap fillers like wheat, corn, or soy. Animal by-products are a bad idea as well, as theyre made using low-grade cuts of meat that you dont want your dog eating.

Some Yorkies have food allergies, so if your dog is suffering from digestive issues, their diet may be to blame. The most common culprits are foods like chicken, eggs, and dairy, so start by cutting those out of your dogs diet one by one. If that doesnt work, ask your vet for help.

Given their small size, Yorkies shouldnt be allowed to have any food that may pose a choking hazard. Find a kibble thats small enough for them to eat comfortably, and break up any treats or scraps that you serve them.

Conclusion

Yorkies dont eat much, which makes them inexpensive pets to own. However, that also means that what you feed them and how much takes on outsized importance. They need a healthy, well-balanced diet, or else they could become obese or suffer from a variety of other ailments.

Youll need to change the type and amount of food that you feed your Yorkie as they grow, but as long as you give them suitable food in proper portion size, you should have a healthy, happy dog on your hands.

Featured Image Credit: Valerie Nik, Shutterstock