Feeding · Toy group
Yorkshire Terrier Feeding Chart: Portions by Age and Weight
Yorkies are toys with significant medical considerations including liver shunt risk. Here's the portion chart.
Yorkies are tiny terriers — feisty personalities, significant breed-specific medical concerns including liver shunt and tracheal collapse, plus standard toy-breed dental and hypoglycemia issues. Feeding precision matters.
Daily portion guide (adult)
| Adult weight | Low activity | Moderate activity |
|---|---|---|
| 4 lb (1.8 kg) | ¼ cup | ⅓ cup |
| 5 lb (2.3 kg) | ⅓ cup | ½ cup |
| 7 lb (3.2 kg) | ½ cup | ⅔ cup |
Split into 2-3 meals. Reduce 10% for neutered.
Puppy (8 weeks - 10 months)
Toy-breed puppy formula. 3-4 meals minimum until 4-6 months for hypoglycemia prevention.
Senior (10+ years)
Adult -10%. Dental + tracheal + renal monitoring.
What makes feeding a Yorkie different
Hypoglycemia in puppies. Tiny glycogen reserves. Frequent meals; corn syrup / honey on gums for episodes; emergency vet.
Portosystemic shunt risk. Yorkies are over-represented in liver shunt cases. Symptoms: stunted growth, post-meal lethargy or disorientation, neurologic signs. Vet diagnosis (bile acid test). Prescription liver diet if confirmed.
Tracheal collapse. Common. Use a harness, not a collar. Lean weight reduces stress.
Dental disease. Crowded mouths. Daily brushing + small kibble + dental cleanings.
Patellar luxation. Lean weight + minimize jumping.
Common breed concerns and feeding
- Hypoglycemia (puppies): 3-4 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:
- 7am: ⅙ cup breakfast
- 12pm: ⅙ cup midday
- 6pm: ⅙ cup dinner
- Daily brushing
- Treats: tiny pieces, 2-3 / day
What to track in Flok
- Mealtimes (puppies — hypoglycemia critical).
- Dental routine.
- Coughing / breathing (tracheal collapse).
- Post-meal behavior (liver shunt signs).
- Weight weekly.
FAQ
My Yorkie puppy is small and lethargic — liver shunt?
Possible. Vet workup with bile acid test. Treatable (surgical or dietary management depending on shunt type).
My Yorkie coughs — feeding-related?
Possibly tracheal collapse. Use harness instead of collar; lean weight; vet evaluation if persistent.
Hypoglycemia signs in adults?
Less common than in puppies but possible in tiny adults. Weakness, tremors, disorientation. Corn syrup / honey on gums; vet.
Sources
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines
- AKC — Yorkshire Terrier
- VCA — Portosystemic shunts
- Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
Related
- Yorkshire Terrier Vaccination Schedule
- Chihuahua Feeding
- Pomeranian Feeding
- Shih Tzu Feeding
- Havanese Feeding
This is a general guide. Caloric needs vary by individual. Consult your vet for personalized portions. Last reviewed: 2026-04-28.
All breed feeding guides Dog daily routine pillar First-year puppy guide
