How Often to Feed a Yorkshire Terrier
Quick Breakdown:
- Puppies up to 3 months old (or at least 2.5 lbs.): Free-feed.
- Puppies 3 months to 1 year old: 3 to 4 meals per day plus small snacks.
- Adults 1 year and older: 2 to 3 meals per day plus small snacks.
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.:
Free-fed meals. Young puppies should be be free-fed as they are being weaned and up until they have gained enough weight to handle a more structured diet which is typically by the 3-month mark or until they weigh 2.5 lbs. (1.1 kg). Free-feeding refers to when fresh food is left out and accessible to a puppy or dog at all times. Note that food should not just be topped off; it should be routinely tossed out and fully replaced to prevent stale food from accumulating near the bottom of the bowl.
3 months old (or 2.5+ lbs.) to 1 year old:
It is time to now start scheduled meals. If you continue to free-feed at this age, housebreaking will be much more difficult since the timing of bowel movements will be erratic. In addition, when a dog has a well-scheduled day (can count on when things are going to happen, like walks and meals), this usually equals better behavior.
Feed your Yorkie puppy 3 to 4 meals per day. This will be morning, lunchtime, early evening (if 4 meals) and evening (no later than 2 hours before bedtime). Snacks, which should be dry treats, can be given in between meals.
1 year and older:
A Yorkshire Terrier is an adult at the one year mark and while this often signifies the time to change to one mail meal a day for many dogs, this is not so for this tiny toy breed. There will, however, be some adjustments. It will be time to switch from a puppy formula to an adult formula. If large snacks are given, an adult Yorkshire Terrier can do okay with two meals per day; however, 3 meals per day is often best for adult Yorkies age 1 year and up. You may find that your Yorkie prefers a bigger breakfast and a smaller dinner or vice versa and that is just fine.
Much to Feed a Yorkshire Terrier
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.
Figuring out serving size for a Yorkie only requires 3 steps:
#1 Know how much your Yorkshire Terrier weighs. Do not make a guess, but rather weigh your Yorkie using a reliable scale (a kitchen scale can work well as long as your little guy or gal stays still) or ask the veterinarian to do a quick weigh-in (most will be more than happy to oblige).
#2 If you are offering manufactured food, read the recommended serving size on the labeling of the dog food bag or container. These are based on the standard range of what a puppy or dog requires which is based on both age and weight. Note that this is usually listed as the amount to give per DAY (not meal), so you will need to look at that amount and divide it by however many meals you are feeding your Yorkie, which for most adults will be 2- 3 (see also, the previous 'How Often to Feed a Yorkshire Terrier').
#3 Do not estimate the measurement. Use a dry measuring cup (level cup, not with a pour spout) or use a kitchen scale like the Mueller Digital Kitchen Scale 
which is a very accurate means of doling out correct servings.
Keep in mind that it is assumed that your dog will be given a few treats each day. Dogs that are not given any snacks or training treats may require slightly larger meals.
This all said, the average meal size for Yorkshire Terriers is relatively very small, at least in comparison to larger dogs and certainly to us humans. Yorkie puppies in the 2 to 4 pound range (.9 to 1.8 kg) and 3 to 12 months old will only need 1/3 to 1/2 cup per DAY (not per meal). Adults on the smaller end of the expected weight range, near 3 or 4 lbs. (1.4 to 1.8 kg) will generally eat the same 1/3 to 1/2 cup per day and adult Yorkies near the larger end of the weight range or a bit over that, in the 7 to 8 lb. range (3.2 to 2.3 kg) may consume up to 2/3 cup per day.
Offering such small meals leads to many owners feeling as if their Yorkie is not eating enough; however, in most cases if a puppy is gaining weight as expected or an adult is maintaining, they are indeed ingesting the right amount of food. This is a tiny breed that eats tiny meals.
A word of caution: Do not assume that a Yorkie does not need a meal if they just lightly pick at the food and seem to barely eat. This breed eats very small meals, so those tiny nibbles are providing much-needed sugars and nutrients. Without this throughout the day, there is a significant increased risk of hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous and fatal in some cases.
