How Much Food Should a Yorkie Eat Per Day?

Feeding a Yorkshire Terrier the right amount of food each day is an essential part of supporting its long-term health and happiness. Yorkies may be small, but their energy levels and nutritional needs are unique. The appropriate food quantity depends on several factors, including the dog's age, weight, activity level, and whether the food is dry, wet, or a mix of both.

This guide explores in detail how much food a Yorkie should eat per day, how feeding needs change over time, and what to consider when setting a daily feeding routine. The right feeding plan helps maintain a healthy weight, prevents digestive issues, and provides the energy needed for daily activity.

Feeding Needs Vary by Age, Weight, and Energy

The amount of food a Yorkshire Terrier needs isn’t one-size-fits-all. A puppy will have completely different energy needs than a senior Yorkie. In addition, a dog that plays often and gets regular walks will burn more calories than one that prefers relaxing indoors.

Age-Based Needs

Yorkie puppies need more frequent feeding than adults. They grow quickly and burn through energy at a faster rate. Their meals should be divided into small, easily digestible portions.

As the dog matures into adulthood, the number of meals per day can be reduced, and the focus should shift to maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding overfeeding. Senior Yorkies, especially those with reduced activity levels, may need fewer calories per day to prevent weight gain and related issues.

Weight Considerations

Body weight directly affects calorie needs. A 4-pound Yorkie will not need the same quantity of food as a 7-pound one. Feeding too much or too little can lead to weight problems or nutritional deficiencies.

How Many Calories Does a Yorkie Need?

Most adult Yorkies need around 40 calories per pound of body weight per day, while growing puppies require closer to 50 to 55 calories per pound. The total will vary depending on food type, daily activity, and metabolism.

A 6-pound adult Yorkie would generally need around 240 calories per day. Meanwhile, a 6-pound puppy might need up to 330 calories.

Feeding by measuring in ounces or cups also depends on the calorie content of the specific food being used. Foods vary greatly, so using calorie counts and packaging guidelines as a baseline helps ensure the right amount is served.

Yorkie Feeding Table: Food by Weight and Age

To make things easier, the table below outlines average calorie needs and food measurements by weight and age group. These numbers are estimates based on standard kibble with around 350–400 calories per cup.

Yorkie Feeding Guide

Weight (lbs)	Calories/Day (Puppy)	Calories/Day (Adult)	Food (oz/day) – Puppy	Food (oz/day) – Adult	Food (cups/day) – Puppy	Food (cups/day) – Adult
2	110	80	3.2	2.3	0.4	0.3
3	165	120	4.8	3.5	0.6	0.4
4	220	160	6.3	4.6	0.8	0.6
5	275	200	8.0	5.7	1.0	0.7
6	330	240	9.6	6.8	1.2	0.9
7	385	280	11.0	7.9	1.4	1.0
8	440	320	12.5	9.1	1.6	1.1

These feeding amounts are especially helpful for common concerns related to daily food portions based on a dog’s weight. For example, someone caring for a 5-pound Yorkie may wonder how much food is appropriate each day. The same applies to questions about a 6-pound or 7-pound Yorkie’s daily needs, or how to measure out food in ounces instead of cups. The table above provides those answers in a simple, easy-to-follow format, helping guide feeding routines with accuracy and clarity.

How Much Food Should a Yorkie Eat Per Day?

On average, an adult Yorkie eats 0.3 to 1.1 cups of food per day, depending on weight and age. In terms of ounces, this ranges from 2.3 to 9.1 ounces per day for adults. Puppies require slightly more, up to 12.5 ounces daily for the heaviest in the breed. Feeding amounts should always align with weight, age, and activity levels, and portions should be adjusted over time based on body condition.

Feeding Frequency for Yorkies

Small-breed dogs benefit from structured feeding times. This not only supports digestion but also prevents low blood sugar, especially in puppies.

• Puppies (under 4 months): 4 meals daily

• Puppies (4 to 12 months): 3 meals daily

• Adults (1+ years): 2 to 3 meals daily

• Seniors: 2 meals daily

Regular feeding schedules help manage appetite and prevent overeating. Free feeding, or leaving food out all day, is not ideal for Yorkies due to their small size and risk of hypoglycemia in younger dogs.

Wet Food vs. Dry Food: Which One Is Better For Yorkie?

Some owners prefer dry kibble for convenience and dental support, while others choose wet food for its moisture content and flavor. Either type can work well, as long as it meets nutritional standards.

For those asking how much wet food a Yorkie should eat per day, the portion sizes differ from dry food due to higher water content. Wet food is less calorie-dense, so the total volume served per meal will be larger. Always check the label and compare calorie counts per ounce to determine proper servings.

Adjusting for Activity and Health Conditions

A more active Yorkie that spends time walking or playing each day will require a higher intake than one that is mostly sedentary. Energy output must match energy intake to prevent weight gain.

Yorkies with health conditions may need special diets. A dog with a sensitive stomach, for example, may need simpler ingredients and smaller meals. One with a condition like diabetes or liver concerns will benefit from tailored diets planned with a veterinarian.

Pregnant or nursing Yorkies have increased nutritional needs and may require more frequent meals with higher fat and protein content.

What house food can Yorkies eat??

Many pet owners explore cooking meals at home. The best homemade food for Yorkies includes lean meats, cooked vegetables like carrots or peas, and whole grains like rice or oatmeal. These meals must be balanced with proper nutrients.

Supplements such as calcium and omega-3 fatty acids are often needed to round out home-prepared diets. Consultation with a canine nutritionist or veterinarian is highly recommended when transitioning away from commercial foods.

What foods are toxic to yorkies?

Yorkshire Terriers, commonly known as Yorkies, are adorable, energetic companions with sensitive digestive systems. Due to their small size and delicate stomachs, it's crucial to be mindful of what they eat. Feeding your Yorkie the wrong food can lead to serious health issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, pancreatitis, and long-term digestive disorders. Below is a comprehensive guide to foods you should never feed your Yorkie—plus tips to avoid digestive problems.

1. Grapes and Raisins

Even in small amounts, grapes and raisins are toxic to Yorkies. They can cause sudden kidney failure, which may be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Always keep dried and fresh grapes out of reach.

2. Onions and Garlic

Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives—whether raw, cooked, or powdered—can damage red blood cells in dogs and lead to anemia. Yorkies are especially sensitive to these ingredients, and consuming them over time can cause cumulative harm. Look out for these ingredients in leftovers or pre-seasoned foods.

3. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount of chocolate can lead to seizures, tremors, and heart issues in Yorkies. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous due to their high theobromine content.

4. Avocados

Avocados contain a substance called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. While some dogs tolerate small amounts, Yorkies often react poorly to avocado flesh, skin, and pits. The pit also presents a choking hazard or intestinal blockage if swallowed.

5. Fatty Scraps and Fried Foods

Feeding your Yorkie greasy table scraps or fried foods can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. These foods are also major culprits behind diarrhea in Yorkies, along with obesity and long-term health complications.

6. Sugary Items

Excess sugar contributes to tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes in Yorkies. Sweets and baked goods made for humans are a poor nutritional choice for small dog breeds. Even “natural” sugars in large amounts can disrupt a Yorkie’s digestion and energy levels.

7. Artificial Sweeteners (Especially Xylitol)

Xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, baked goods, and even some peanut butters, is extremely toxic to dogs. In Yorkies, ingestion can result in rapid insulin release, causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, and death.

8. Dairy and Grains (for Some Yorkies)

Many Yorkies are lactose intolerant or develop food sensitivities to grains such as wheat, corn, or soy. These ingredients can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. If your dog shows signs of discomfort after eating dairy or grains, consult your vet about a grain-free or limited ingredient dog food.

Preventing Digestive Issues

Yorkies are prone to digestive upset, especially when introduced to new foods too quickly or fed table scraps. Here’s how you can avoid issues:

• Keep a food diary during any transition to a new diet. Record ingredients and symptoms to track patterns of intolerance or allergies.

• Stick to a high-quality, balanced Yorkie dog food designed for small breeds.

• Avoid giving your Yorkie any spicy, fatty, or high-fiber human foods, which can easily upset their stomach.

• Introduce new treats or ingredients one at a time, in small portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much food should a Yorkie puppy eat per day? A Yorkie puppy usually eats between 0.4 to 1.6 cups of food daily, depending on weight and energy levels. Meals should be divided into 3 or 4 servings.

How many times a day should a Yorkie eat? Puppies need 3–4 meals daily, while adults do best with 2–3. Seniors can continue on 2 meals unless advised otherwise by a veterinarian.

How much should a 4 lb Yorkie eat a day? A 4-pound adult Yorkie needs about 0.6 cups or 4.6 ounces of food daily. Puppies at that weight require around 6.3 ounces per day.

How much food should a Yorkie Poo eat per day? Yorkie Poos share similar dietary needs with purebred Yorkies. Feeding amounts depend on weight and age, with adults requiring about 35–45 calories per pound per day.

How much food do I feed my Yorkie if it's overweight? Start with the standard calorie range and reduce by 10% every two weeks until a healthy weight is achieved. Regular walks and controlled treat intake can support weight loss.

Final Thoughts

The right amount of food for a Yorkie each day depends on age, weight, energy levels, and health. A feeding plan that balances portion control, consistent scheduling, and high-quality nutrition keeps this breed healthy and energetic. Regularly tracking changes in weight and adjusting food amounts as needed ensures long-term wellness and vitality.