Yorkshire Terriers are tiny (typically 4-7 pounds adult), big-personality dogs that have several distinct nutritional needs. Small kibble size, calorie density, dental support, and palatability matter more for Yorkies than for many breeds.

Yorkie Health & Nutrition Considerations

  • Hypoglycemia risk: Especially in young Yorkies and very small adults. Regular meals are critical to prevent dangerous blood sugar drops.
  • Dental disease: Yorkies have a high rate of dental problems. Tooth crowding in their small jaws contributes.
  • Small kibble size needed: Tiny mouths can't manage standard kibble.
  • Sensitive stomachs: Common in the breed.
  • Picky eaters: Many Yorkies are notoriously selective.
  • Luxating patella: Common in small breeds; joint support helps.
  • Tracheal collapse: Common in toy breeds; obesity worsens it dramatically.

What to Look For

Small breed-specific formula:

  • Smaller kibble size designed for tiny mouths
  • Higher calorie density (so smaller portions deliver enough calories)
  • Typically higher protein and fat than standard adult food

Quality protein:

  • Named meat as first ingredient
  • 26-32% protein content
  • Highly digestible sources

Dental support:

  • Some kibble shapes are designed to scrape teeth as the dog chews
  • Dental-specific formulas (e.g., Hill's t/d) are available but should supplement, not replace, regular dental care

Joint support:

  • Added glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Omega-3 fatty acids

Feeding Schedule for Yorkies

Because of hypoglycemia risk, Yorkies (especially puppies and very small adults) need more frequent meals than larger breeds:

  • Puppies under 4 months: 4-6 small meals per day
  • Puppies 4-12 months: 3-4 meals per day
  • Adults: 3 meals per day (not just 2 like larger breeds)
  • Seniors: 3-4 smaller meals work well

Don't let any meal go more than 6-8 hours apart for adult Yorkies. For puppies, keep gaps under 4 hours.

Portion Sizes

Adult Yorkies are tiny:

  • 4 lb Yorkie: 140-180 calories/day
  • 5 lb Yorkie: 165-220 calories/day
  • 6 lb Yorkie: 190-250 calories/day
  • 7 lb Yorkie: 215-280 calories/day

This works out to less than half a cup per day of typical kibble. Use a kitchen scale rather than measuring cup for precision at these small portions.

Wet, Dry, or Both?

Many Yorkie owners find a wet/dry mix works best:

  • Wet food: Helps with palatability (Yorkies often get picky), is easier on small teeth, and adds moisture
  • Dry kibble: Helps slightly with dental cleaning, more cost-effective

A typical approach: 60-70% small-breed kibble, 30-40% wet food, served in 3 daily meals.

Fresh food also works well for Yorkies. The cost is low ($30-50/month for a 5-lb dog) and many Yorkies find it more palatable than kibble.

Managing Dental Issues

Yorkie dental health is a major concern. By age 3, most Yorkies have some dental disease. Food alone won't fix this, but you can:

  • Brush teeth daily (the single most effective intervention)
  • Use dental treats and chews designed for small breeds
  • Consider a dental-specific food (Hill's t/d, Royal Canin Dental)
  • Schedule annual dental cleanings with your vet

What About Picky Eaters?

If your Yorkie refuses food:

  • Stick to scheduled meals — take the bowl away after 15 minutes
  • Don't add treats or table scraps thinking it will get them to eat
  • Try warming wet food to enhance aroma
  • Rotate between 2-3 quality foods to prevent boredom
  • If a Yorkie refuses food for 24+ hours, see your vet — hypoglycemia is a real risk

What to Avoid

  • Large-breed formulas (calories too low, kibble too big)
  • Free-feeding (impossible to track tiny portions)
  • Long gaps between meals
  • Excessive treats (they're disproportionately large calories for tiny dogs)
  • Foods with hard, large pieces that can damage teeth

Top Picks Categories for Yorkies

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a day should I feed my Yorkie?

Three meals daily for adults. Four or more for puppies. Hypoglycemia risk makes frequent feeding important.

Is fresh dog food worth it for a Yorkie?

Often yes. The cost is low for tiny dogs, and many Yorkies eat fresh food more enthusiastically than kibble.

What's the best small-breed kibble brand?

Several brands make solid small-breed formulas. Browse our dry dog food rankings and look for ones labeled "small breed."

My Yorkie refuses food. What should I do?

Don't add toppers immediately — that trains them to hold out. Try warming food. If they refuse for over 12-24 hours, vet visit. Yorkies can develop hypoglycemia quickly.

The Bottom Line

Yorkies need calorie-dense small-kibble food, multiple daily meals, and attentive dental care. Quality protein, moderate portions, and frequent feeding schedules support good health for the long lifespan typical of the breed. Browse our full rankings for picks.