Breed-Specific Diet
Yorkshire Terrier Diet: Dental, Small Stomach, Hypoglycemia
Yorkshire Terriers are small, with sensitive teeth and a predisposition to hypoglycemia. Learn about their unique dietary needs for optimal health.
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Yorkshire Terrier Diet
Typical Characteristics
- Weight: 4.4-7.7 lbs (2-3.5 kg)
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
- Predispositions: Gum disease, tartar, hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, diabetes
1. Dental Health
- Moderately sized dry kibble (NOT too small crumbs)
- Daily tooth brushing
- Veterinary dental diet for severe cases
2. Small Stomach → Frequent Feeding
- Puppies 2-4 months: 4-5 times daily
- 4-9 months: 4 times daily
- 9 months+: 2-3 times daily
3. Hypoglycemia
Symptoms: Unsteady gait, trembling, seizures, loss of consciousness. Prevention:
- Never go more than 4-5 hours without food (puppies)
- Always provide access to fresh water
- Frequent small meals during stress
4. Predisposition to Diabetes and Pancreatitis
- Avoid high-sugar treats
- Moderate fat content
- Complex carbohydrates
Calorie Needs
For a 6.6 lb (3 kg) Yorkie:
- Inactive: ~210 kcal
- Moderately active: ~270 kcal
A small piece of cheese or sausage can quickly exceed 10% of their daily treat allowance!
Senior Yorkies
- Increase proportion of wet food
- Senior small breed formula
- Increased omega-3
- Reduced calories
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References
No breed-specific clinical trial exists for this topic. The recommendations here are based on general small-animal nutrition standards (FEDIAF, WSAVA, NRC) applied to the risks typical of this breed.
- 1.FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) — Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. FEDIAF, 2024. https://europeanpetfood.org/self-regulation/nutritional-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee — WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2021. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.National Research Council (US), Committee on Animal Nutrition — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 4.Cline MG, Burns KM, Coe JB, et al. — 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 57(4):153–178, 2021. https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7232 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 5.Wallis C, Holcombe LJ — A review of the frequency and impact of periodontal disease in dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice 61(9):529–540, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13218 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist