Yorkshire Terrier feeding chart: portions by age and weight

Daily portion guide (adult)

These are the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee’s calorie ranges for an average healthy adult dog in ideal body condition. They are starting points, not a prescription.

WSAVA gives these ranges for guidance only: dogs are individuals, and some need more or fewer calories to stay at an ideal, trim body condition. To turn calories into cups or grams, use the calories per cup or per 100 g printed on your food’s label: daily calories divided by calories per cup gives cups a day. The feeding guide on that label and your vet set the real amount, and your vet adjusts it by body condition: the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines call for a feeding plan tailored to the individual dog. The WSAVA chart starts at 4.4 lb (2 kg). For a smaller dog, ask your vet for the daily calories.

Split into 2 to 3 meals. Energy needs drop after spaying or neutering (AAHA nutrition guidelines), so ask your vet how much to cut back.

Puppy (8 weeks to 10 months)

Toy-breed puppy formula. Meals taper with age: 4 a day until 3 to 4 months old, 3 a day until 6 months, then 2 (Merck Veterinary Manual; Blue Cross). The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that small-breed puppies may have to be fed more often than this, so ask your vet. Switch to adult food at about 12 months, when the skeleton has finished growing, with your vet’s go-ahead (AAHA’s 2021 nutrition guidelines: a growth diet until skeletal maturity, about 1 year for small and medium-size dogs). Small and toy puppies may need 3 to 4 feedings a day until about 3 months old to avoid low blood sugar (Today’s Veterinary Nurse). Do not skip meals. If a puppy is weak, shaky or disoriented, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away.

Senior (from about 10 years)

Senior age here is the last 25% of expected lifespan (AAHA 2019 Canine Life Stage Guidelines), counted from the breed’s median life expectancy in McMillan et al. 2024 (Scientific Reports). Older dogs do not automatically need less food or a senior formula: AAHA notes that energy needs may fall with age, but not consistently. Ask your vet to check weight, muscle and calories. Keep up dental care and mention any cough.

What makes feeding a Yorkie different

Hypoglycemia in puppies. Frequent small meals. If a puppy is weak, shaky or disoriented, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away.

Portosystemic shunt risk. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons lists Yorkshire Terriers among the breeds affected by congenital liver shunts. Signs include a small body size and odd behavior that may be more noticeable after eating. Diagnosis includes a bile acid test, and management includes a diet set by your vet.

Tracheal collapse. Cornell names Yorkshire Terriers among the breeds where it is common, advises a harness instead of a neck collar, and lists obesity among the conditions that make signs worse.

Dental disease. Crowded mouths. Cornell notes that periodontal disease is worse in smaller breeds: daily brushing + professional cleanings.

Patellar luxation. More common in small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers (Cornell). Keep an ideal weight.

Common breed concerns and feeding

• Hypoglycemia (puppies): frequent small meals, never skip.
• Liver shunt: vet workup if growth / behavior concerning.
• Tracheal collapse: harness over collar; lean weight.
• Dental: small kibble + daily brushing.
• Patellar luxation: lean weight.

Sample daily routine

Adult Yorkie, 5 lb (2.3 kg):

• 7am: breakfast
• 12pm: midday meal
• 6pm: dinner
• Daily brushing
• Treats: tiny pieces, inside the 10% treat budget

What to keep track of

• Mealtimes (puppies, hypoglycemia critical).
• Dental routine.
• Coughing / breathing (tracheal collapse).
• Post-meal behavior (liver shunt signs).
• Weight weekly.

Related

• Yorkshire Terrier vaccination schedule
• Chihuahua feeding
• Pomeranian feeding
• Shih Tzu feeding
• Havanese feeding