Wondering how much should I feed my Yorkie? You’re not alone. Here’s everything you need to know, plus a free calculator below.
How Much Should I
Feed My Yorkie?
The complete feeding guide + free calorie calculator
Yorkies are tiny dogs with big appetites. It is surprisingly easy to overfeed them. Use the free calculator below to find your Yorkie’s exact daily calorie needs.
Free tool
Yorkie daily calorie calculator
Adjust the settings below to match your dog.
Daily calories
kcal per day
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Dry food (approx)
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Wet food (approx)
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Recommended for your Yorkie
How many times a day should I feed my Yorkie?
Adult Yorkies do best with three small meals a day rather than one or two large ones. Their tiny stomachs cannot hold much food at once, and eating too fast or too much in one sitting can cause hypoglycemia, a dangerous drop in blood sugar, that is especially common in small breeds.
Puppies under one year old need four meals a day. Senior Yorkies over eight years old can usually stick to three meals, but smaller portions are better as their activity level drops.
What is the best food for Yorkies?
The most important thing when choosing food for a Yorkie is that it is formulated for small or toy breeds. Small breed formulas have smaller kibble sizes, higher calorie density per gram, and nutrient ratios suited to a fast metabolism.
Royal Canin makes a breed-specific Yorkie formula worth considering , designed around the Yorkie’s coat health, dental needs and digestion. There are three versions: puppy, adult, and senior 8+.
Whatever food you choose, always measure portions with a kitchen scale. Yorkie servings are so small, sometimes just 30 to 50g. Eyeballing leads to consistent overfeeding. If you want to complement kibble with fresh food, our free homemade Yorkie recipe guide includes 7 vet-friendly recipes with exact portions for every size.
Signs your Yorkie is eating too much or too little
Run your hands along their ribcage. You should feel each rib without pressing hard, but they should not be visually prominent. A healthy Yorkie has a slight waist viewed from above and a tummy tuck from the side.
Signs of overfeeding
- Cannot feel ribs without pressing
- No visible waist
- Lethargy or reluctance to exercise
- Waddling gait or difficulty jumping
Signs of underfeeding
- Ribs or hip bones visually prominent
- Low energy or shivering
- Eating too fast or begging constantly
- Dull or thinning coat. A switch to fresh food can help. See our homemade recipe guide for ideas.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories does a Yorkie need per day?
Most adult Yorkies need between 150 and 250 calories per day depending on their weight and activity level. A 3 kg adult Yorkie with moderate activity typically needs around 200 kcal per day. Use the calculator above to get a number tailored to your dog.
How much dry food should I feed my Yorkie?
The amount depends on the calorie density of the food you are using. Most small breed dry foods have around 350 kcal per 100g, which means a typical adult Yorkie needs roughly 55 to 70g per day split across three meals. Always check the packaging and use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
Can Yorkies eat twice a day?
Two meals a day is not ideal for Yorkies. Their small size makes them prone to hypoglycemia . Low blood sugar, which can happen when they go too long between meals. Three meals a day is the recommended minimum for adults, and four for puppies.
What happens if I overfeed my Yorkie?
Overfeeding leads to weight gain, which puts extra strain on a Yorkie’s small joints and can worsen issues like luxating patella, a common condition in the breed. Even half a kilogram of excess weight is significant on a 3 kg dog. Reduce portions by 10 to 15% and increase daily activity gradually.