Please note: YorkieInfoCenter is reader-supported. Some links below are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission on products through these, at no extra cost to you.
This article is the main food page and covers all elements regarding meals.
If you are looking for information regarding training treats, snacks, chews or advice for food-related behaviors, see 'Related Articles' below.
Don't need all the details and just want to see recommendations? Jump to 'Choosing the Best Food for a Yorkshire Terrier'.
Quick Breakdown:
Details:
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.:
3 months old (or 2.5+ lbs.) to 1 year old:
1 year and older:
Before discussing serving sizes, it's important to note that foods vary in calorie density. The amount a Yorkie eats will differ based on whether the food is wet or dry and its specific ingredients. Serving sizes are guidelines; the actual food a Yorkie needs depends on its activity level, age, health, and metabolism. Weather changes can also impact dietary needs. Typically, puppies need about 55 calories per pound of body weight, adults need 40 calories, and seniors may need 35-38 calories if less active. However, precise calorie counting isn't necessary.
Dry kibble is recommended for most Yorkshire Terriers, but there are a couple of exceptions.
Dry kibble is best for oral health which is important for small breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier that is prone to dental issues. It also tends to be more convenient, economically efficient and can be left out longer without spoiling, making it a good choice for Yorkies with busy pet parents.
Wet dog food, on the other hand, may be more palatable and easier to eat for some Yorkies, especially seniors or those with dental problems or tooth loss. Note that it is generally more expensive and needs to be consumed more quickly once opened.
For Yorkshire Terriers, a toy breed known for their vivacious personality and compact size, the transition through life stages from puppyhood to adulthood and then to seniority requires specific dietary considerations.
Yorkshire Terrier puppies should be fed a high-quality puppy formula that is nutrient-dense to support their rapid growth phase until they reach adulthood, typically around 12 months of age. This ensures they receive the proper balance of nutrients necessary for optimal development, including proteins, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Once a Yorkshire Terrier matures into an adult around the one-year mark, transitioning to an adult dog food formulated for small breeds is crucial. Adult formulas provide the necessary nutrients to maintain their health, energy, and coat quality without extra calories, as growth is complete. Given their size, adult Yorkies benefit from food that continues to have smaller kibble sizes for easier chewing and digestion.
For senior Yorkshire Terriers around the 8-year mark, the need to switch to a senior diet depends somewhat on dietary supplementation. If their diet includes omega fatty acids (for skin, coat, and joint health) and glucosamine HCL and chondroitin (for joint health and mobility), a senior formula may not be necessary. If these supplements aren't part of your Yorkie's diet, a senior-specific formula is usually recommended. In addition, senior dog foods are often designed with adjusted calories to prevent weight gain (not usually an issue for this breed, but sometimes seen with seniors).
What to Avoid:
What to Look For:
Steering clear of the above, your Yorkie's food should have:
Recommendations:
Please note: For puppies (under 1 year old) and seniors (age 8 and up), Wellness makes formulas for these ages, via their Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Formula and Senior Formula, which can be reached via the adult recipe above.
This 100% all-natural kibble has a base of chicken and turkey with brown rice and oatmeal. It also has salmon, flaxseed and the wide array of vitamins and minerals expected in a quality brand. It has excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, as well as omega 3 and 6 for skin and coat health. This is made in the USA (this company started in Texas) and this is sized nicely for small dogs.
Designed for energetic small dogs, this is also 100% all-natural with a base of chicken, turkey, sweet potato (great for sensitive tummies), potatoes, peas, and white fish. It also has good levels of probiotics (for good digestion), glucosamine and chondroitin (for joint health) and omega 3 and 6 (for healthy skin and coat). Merrick is made in the USA.
Related Articles:
Yorkshire Terrier Picky Eating - If your little guy or gal has you rushing around trying to find a food they'll like and stick with and they seem to have revolving taste buds, this article will help get things back on track.