The correct feeding of a Yorkshire Terrier
Ehhh!!! Did you just adopt a little Yorkie? or are you thinking about bringing this wonderful and affectionate dog home? Well, now you have the typical questions when the idea or desire begins to become almost reality and you want to face the possible doubts or previous inconveniences to have everything tied up for when your Yorsay arrives. And, of course, one of the typical, normal and key questions is about the Yorkshire’s feeding: what do Yorkshires eat, what food will I have to give to my Yorsay, will I have to buy any special food or feed?
These and other questions we will try to solve them in the following article in order to make things as clear as possible for your Yorkshire to grow healthy and strong. Let’s solve your doubts now!
The best Yorkshire Terrier feeding
What does a Yorkshire Terrier eat?
Like any dog, its diet is based on meat as it is a carnivorous animal. It should have a minimum of two meals a day: a light breakfast and a complete dinner.
Thanks to its digestive system, our furry friend is able to absorb abundant meals, in a slow digestion. This slow digestion allows our Yorkshire to go several hours without eating and without going hungry.
There are many foods they can eat. As mentioned above, they can eat beef, pork or poultry. They can also eat lean fish, eggs and milk.
They can also eat foods of non-animal origin, always under a varied diet including proteins, vitamins, fats, minerals and carbohydrates.
But that’s not the end of the feeding of our Yorkshire Terrier, as we can supplement their diet with other foods, such as:
- Rice, pasta, hard bread and cereals to give them extra energy
- Fruit and vegetables that provide them with fiber, minerals and vitamins
Keep in mind that, along with their diet, good hydration is necessary: always keep their water clean and fresh, especially on hot days.
Remember: 2 meals a day is enough if we want him to eat a healthy and balanced diet and not become overweight. The ideal times would be in the morning and in the afternoon/evening.
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What feed should I choose for my Yorkshire?
There are many feeds on the market, both private label and specialized. Our recommendation is to choose those feeds that are specifically made for your favorite breed of dog.
These feeds take into account all the Yorkshire’s nutritional needs and include all the nutrients and vitamins necessary for a strong and healthy growth. Besides, your dog will love it!
You can also choose between dry or wet feed, a specific feed for sterilized animals, some feeds to use as a complement to the usual one, and others that may be necessary for a special diet or a specific disease. It is advisable that you consult your veterinarian to find out which feed is the right one for your dog.
Remember: we can opt for dry or wet food. In reality the choice will depend on what you see in consensus with your veterinarian and what is best for your Yorki. Every dog is different.
How much daily food does a Yorkshire Terrier need?
This will depend on the breed, its age, its weight and the amount of physical activity it performs daily. At each age, it will need specific contributions that we will see below.
Food for a Yorkshire puppy
Puppies are those that are less than 12 months old. At this stage, you should feed them with a feed from the junior range, which will satisfy their nutritional needs.
For the correct development of the coat, make sure that the food contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, choosing those that offer a wide variety of nutrients and proteins, calcium, a high concentration of energy and rich in fiber.
In their first 2 months of life, give them dry feed moistened with water to help them chew, gradually reducing the water in the feed little by little until it is completely dry.
Until the fifth month, increase the daily dose, and from the sixth month onwards, reduce it to avoid obesity.
Offer 4 daily feedings during the first four months; reduce to 3 daily feedings until six months; and from then on you can only give two daily feedings.
Here is a table with the recommended daily feeding amount per month and according to weight:
| Less than 2 kg | 2 Kg | 3 kg | 4 kg | |
| 2 months | 35-40 grams | 50 grams | 65 grams | 80 grams |
| 3-4 months | 40-45 grams | 55 grams | 70 grams | 85 grams |
| 5 months | 45 grams | 55 grams | 75 grams | 90 grams |
| 6 months | 40 grams | 50 grams | 70 grams | 85 grams |
| 7-8 months | 35 grams | 45 grams | 65 grams | 75 grams |
| 9-12 months | 35 grams | 40 grams | 60 grams | 65 grams |
Food for an adult Yorkshire
The adult age will be up to 7 years old. At this stage their needs vary, needing less daily food than when they are puppies.
We will feed him with a feed of the adult range rich in proteins, with fruits and vegetables, and low in fat and fiber. He will still need Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, as well as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin E, to maintain healthy and strong bones and a soft coat.
Apart from food, it is necessary that they exercise and walk them as long as they need, in this way they will release the accumulated energy and avoid stress and anxiety.
We leave you again a table with the recommended daily amount according to their physical activity and weight:
Food for an elderly Yorkshire
From the age of 7 years we will have an old Yorkshire Terrier. It is time to change their feed for one of the senior range, looking for those that are richer in calcium to maintain the health of their bones.
At this age they are more prone to obesity, so the feed should be low in calories, rich in vitamins A and D, and with Omega 3 fatty acids.
It is essential that they continue to exercise in order not to lose their shape. In addition, the daily amount of food is maintained, but we will change the composition of the feed and a smaller size to make it easier for them to chew it well. If your dog has lost a lot of teeth, try combining dry and wet food.
If your Terrier suffers, unfortunately, from kidney or liver disease, consult your veterinarian to know what food you should give him, after all, they are the professionals. Go to them if you see that your dog is drooping, eats less, vomits or you see any symptoms of this type.
Give energy to your Terrier. Complements for your Yorkshire
We have already mentioned that there are foods that provide extra energy to your dog. Very cooked rice will be easy to digest and will give your Yorkshire that extra dose of energy that will come in handy.
Vegetables can be beneficial in small portions, although your dog will most likely not want to eat them. Try giving him tomato or zucchini.
You can also try fruit, boneless fish, honey or even eggs without raw egg whites. It can help your friend not to get bored of always eating the same thing and try other flavors.
Special recommendations
As additional recommendations to the feeding of your Yorkshire dog, we give you the following:
- Do not disturb them while they eat, let them enjoy their food in a calm way. And, after eating, let them rest for a perfect digestion.
- If you are going to travel, try to take your dog on an empty stomach to prevent them from getting dizzy or vomiting. You will both appreciate it.
- As a puppy, you should feed him especially with food rich in proteins to favor the development of his organism.
- In his old age, he should eat less meat and other types of food. Use a special feed for his age.
- And, of course, go to the veterinarian to apply the necessary vaccinations or any symptoms that may be the cause of any disease. Take good care of him!
Well, now you know how to feed your Yorkshire Terrier correctly. Feeding is basic for its development, without leaving aside the affection that every animal needs.
