Bringing a Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, into your home is like welcoming a tiny bundle of joy! These adorable pups have a lot of personality packed into their small frames, but they also require special care from the moment they’re born to when they reach adulthood.
Whether you’re a first-time dog parent or an experienced one, it is very important to learn what do Yorkies eat to ensure that they live a happy, healthy, and energetic life.
We are here to help you walk through everything. Get to know what do yorkies like to eat—grooming to general care to offer your Yorkie a nurturing environment.
Newborn Yorkie Care (0-8 Weeks)
First and foremost, it is important to learn what can yorkies eat. Newborn Yorkies are delicate and require careful attention during their early weeks. At this stage, they rely heavily on their mother for milk and warmth, but there are a few things you can do to help ensure they get off to a good start.
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Keep Them Warm
Newborn Yorkies cannot regulate their body temperature. It’s essential to keep their environment warm—ideally between 85-90°F. To keep the temperature stable, you can use a hot water bottle or heating pad.
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Monitor Their Weight
Learn what can Yorkies eat, especially if you’re breeding a newborn. Newborn Yorkies are very small, and they can lose weight quickly if not fed enough. Weigh your puppies daily to ensure they are gaining weight consistently.
You can also consult a vet if you witness sudden weight loss. The Yorkie diet must have all the nutrients important to grow.
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Socialization Starts Early
Although you won’t be able to take them outside just yet, gently handling and spending time with newborn Yorkies helps them become familiar with a human touch. This early socialization lays the groundwork for a confident and well-adjusted adult dog.
Puppy Yorkie Care (8 Weeks – 1 Year)
Once your Yorkie reaches the 8-week mark, they are ready to be weaned off their mother’s milk and start their journey into puppyhood.
This is where their nutritional needs, socialization, and training really begin to take shape.
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What Do Yorkies Eat?
As puppies, it’s crucial to provide them with a well-balanced diet that supports their growth. When you’re looking for the best dog food for Yorkies, opt for high-quality puppy food specifically designed for small breeds. Small-breed puppy food contains the appropriate nutrients and kibble size for their tiny mouths.
Look for foods with real meat. Also, it is important to avoid fillers like corn and soy. Yorkie puppies do well on a combination of dry kibble and wet food, but make sure that you introduce new foods slowly to avoid any digestion issues.
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Yorkie Feeding Chart
As a Yorkie owner, you might wonder, “How much food should a Yorkie eat per day?”
Here’s a general guide to follow:
- 2 to 4 pounds: ¼ to ½ cup of food daily
- 4 to 7 pounds: ½ to ¾ cup of food daily
It’s best to divide this amount into 3-4 meals a day when they’re puppies. Don’t forget to consult with your vet for personalized feeding advice, as every Yorkie is unique!
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What Yorkie foods to avoid?
Yorkies have sensitive stomachs, so it’s important to know which foods they should never eat.
Some Yorkie foods to avoid include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Cooked bones
- Fatty foods
Always be cautious when offering human food to your Yorkie, as many things that are safe for us can be harmful to them.
Adult Yorkie Care (1 Year and Beyond)
Once your Yorkie turns one year old, they are officially an adult! At this stage, their needs shift a bit, especially when it comes to feeding, grooming, and exercise.
You can also look for Yorkies for sale Connecticut to start breeding them.
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Transitioning to Adult Food
Around their first birthday, you should begin transitioning your Yorkie from puppy food to adult food. The best dog food for Yorkies should still be small in kibble size and packed with protein. Adult Yorkies need a diet that helps maintain their energy levels without causing weight gain.
Some Yorkies can be picky eaters, so finding the right balance of taste and nutrition is important. If you’re wondering, “What do Yorkies like to eat?” many love food with a bit of wet food or a topper added to their kibble. Just be careful not to overdo it on treats or extras that could upset their stomachs or lead to weight gain.
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How Much Food Should an Adult Yorkie Eat?
Adult Yorkies should eat ½ to ¾ cups of food per day, split into two meals. The exact amount will depend on their weight, age, and activity level.
If your Yorkie is on the smaller side or more active, you may need to adjust their feeding amounts. A Yorkie feeding chart can help guide you based on their weight and energy needs.
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Yorkie Diet and Exercise
Yorkies may be small, but they are energetic dogs! To keep your Yorkie healthy, make sure they get enough daily exercise and a balanced Yorkie diet.
A couple of short walks and some indoor playtime usually do the trick. Make sure you are familiar with Yorkie foods to avoid to help keep up your energy levels.
Don’t forget regular vet check-ups to ensure they’re maintaining a healthy weight and getting the nutrients they need!
Grooming Tips for Yorkies
Being concerned about what can yorkies eat is vital but you must also be aware of how to groom them. Yorkies are known for their beautiful, silky coats, but that beauty comes with some maintenance.
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Brushing and Bathing
Yorkies should be brushed daily to prevent their hair from matting. Use a soft brush to gently detangle their long hair. Bathing can be done every 3-4 weeks, but be careful not to overbathe them, as it can dry out their skin.
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Haircuts and Trims
Whether you prefer a long show coat or a shorter puppy cut, regular trips to the groomer are a must. Keeping their hair around their eyes and ears trimmed will help prevent irritation and infections.
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Dental Care
Dental hygiene is especially important for small breeds like Yorkies. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to avoid dental disease, which Yorkies can be prone to.
Health and Vet Care for Yorkies
A Yorkie diet is essential for healthy dogs. But just like all breeds, it can be prone to certain conditions, including dental issues, knee problems (luxating patella), and tracheal collapse. Regular vet visits will help you catch any potential health issues early.
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Vaccinations and Parasite Prevention
Remember, all types of Yorkies should stay up to date on vaccinations. It is important to get regular flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Keeping your Yorkie’s vaccinations current is one of the most important aspects of keeping them healthy.
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Spaying and Neutering
If you don’t plan to breed your Yorkie, talk to your vet about the best time to spay or neuter them. This procedure helps prevent certain health issues and unwanted litter.
FAQs
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What do Yorkies eat?
Yorkies can eat high-quality dry or wet dog food made specifically for small breeds. They also enjoy proteins, healthy fats, and small amounts of fruits and vegetables.
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What do Yorkies like to eat?
Yorkies like eating small portions of well-balanced dog food. Some enjoy treats like cooked chicken, small bits of apple, or veggies like carrots.
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What is the best dog food for Yorkies?
The best dog food for Yorkies includes brands like Royal Canin, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness, which offer small kibble sizes with all essential nutrients.
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What are some Yorkie foods to avoid?
Avoid chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, avocados, and bones as they are harmful to Yorkies.
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How much food should a Yorkie eat per day?
Typically, adult Yorkies should eat around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food per day, split into 2-3 meals, depending on their activity level.
Conclusion
Taking care of a Yorkie from the newborn stage to adulthood involves plenty of love, attention, and a bit of know-how. Whether you’re ensuring they’re eating the best dog food for Yorkies or following a detailed Yorkie feeding chart, your efforts will pay off in a happy, healthy, and vibrant companion.
Remember to keep an eye on their diet, grooming, and exercise, and provide regular vet care to keep your Yorkie feeling their best.
From a tiny newborn to a lively adult, your Yorkie will grow up to be your best friend with the right care and attention. Whether you’re raising one or looking forward to it you need to have an understanding of their needs to nurture them properly.