How often should I feed my Yorkshire Terrier?
How often to feed your Yorkie depends on age, growth, health and body condition. Ask your veterinarian to help set a daily amount and divide it into a regular meal schedule. Count treats in that total, and review the plan as your dog grows or their health changes.
Puppies need an age-appropriate plan
Before weaning, puppies normally receive their mother’s milk. Orphaned puppies need a veterinarian-guided plan using a commercial puppy milk replacer, with feeding amounts and intervals matched to age and weight. Cow’s milk is not an adequate substitute, and crying alone is not a reliable feeding schedule. See VCA’s guidance on orphaned puppies.
Introduce suitable puppy food gradually during weaning. Once weaned, feed a complete diet formulated for growth in measured meals. Ask your veterinarian to set frequent meals matched to your toy-breed puppy’s age, size and health. Do not reduce meals simply because a puppy is teething. VCA’s puppy nutrition guidance explains why portions and growth need regular review.
If a puppy develops diarrhea or stops eating, contact your veterinarian rather than improvising a fasting plan. Young puppies can deteriorate quickly. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that even brief fasting can be risky for newborn puppies.
Review feeding as needs change
As your Yorkie reaches maturity, discuss a gradual move to an appropriate adult food. Older dogs do not automatically need fewer meals or a new diet; AAHA recommends basing diet choices on the individual dog. Pregnant and nursing dogs need a tailored feeding plan because their nutritional needs change, especially later in pregnancy and during milk production. Your veterinarian can help with pregnancy and nursing nutrition.
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