Do Yorkies need small-breed dog food?

It is worth choosing where possible. A small-breed formula uses a kibble sized for a tiny jaw, which most Yorkshire Terriers find easier to pick up and chew properly than a standard-sized biscuit made for a much larger dog.

How much dry food should I feed a Yorkshire Terrier?

Follow the feeding guide on the specific food you use, based on your dog's actual weight, since a Yorkie's tiny size means even a small overfeed is a larger percentage of their daily calories than it would be for a bigger dog. Your vet can help you judge their body condition if you are unsure.

Are Yorkshire Terriers prone to dental problems?

Yes, small jaws carrying a full set of teeth leave less room between them, which makes dental crowding and plaque build-up more common in toy breeds. Regular dental care alongside a suitable diet is worth prioritising rather than leaving until a problem develops.

Why is my Yorkshire Terrier such a fussy eater?

Some individual dogs of the breed are simply more particular than others, and switching foods frequently in search of a favourite can sometimes make the habit worse. A consistent routine with a food they reliably eat tends to work better than constant changes, but a sudden loss of appetite is always worth mentioning to your vet.

Best dry dog food for a Yorkshire Terrier

A Yorkshire Terrier's tiny jaw and typically dainty appetite mean the shape and size of the kibble matters as much as what is in it. A small-breed dry food, sized for a small mouth, with some attention to dental health, suits the breed better than a standard-sized kibble meant for a much larger dog.

Why kibble size matters for a Yorkie

Yorkshire Terriers have small jaws and small teeth, and a standard-sized kibble made for a medium or large dog can be genuinely awkward for them to pick up and chew properly. Small-breed dry foods are made with a smaller kibble specifically for this reason, and dogs often eat more comfortably and completely once they are on food sized for their mouth.

The breed is also prone to dental crowding, since a small jaw carries the same number of teeth as a larger dog's, which leaves less room between them for food and plaque to build up. A kibble with some dental benefit, or a food specifically formulated around oral health, is worth looking for on top of the size consideration.

Portion control for a very small dog

A Yorkshire Terrier typically weighs only a few kilograms as an adult, which means the margin for overfeeding is much smaller than with a larger breed. A few extra biscuits a day that would be nothing for a Labrador can be a meaningful percentage of a Yorkie's daily calories.

Weigh out portions against the feeding guide on the specific food you use, based on your dog's actual weight, rather than estimating by eye, and adjust gradually if your dog is gaining or losing weight over time.

Other things worth knowing about the breed at the bowl

Toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier have a faster metabolism relative to their size than larger dogs, and puppies in particular can be prone to low blood sugar if they go too long between meals, which is one reason smaller, more frequent meals are often recommended while they are young.

Some Yorkies are known for being fussy eaters, and a consistent routine with a food they reliably enjoy tends to work better long-term than switching brands frequently in search of a favourite.

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Common questions

Do Yorkies need small-breed dog food?: It is worth choosing where possible. A small-breed formula uses a kibble sized for a tiny jaw, which most Yorkshire Terriers find easier to pick up and chew properly than a standard-sized biscuit made for a much larger dog.
How much dry food should I feed a Yorkshire Terrier?: Follow the feeding guide on the specific food you use, based on your dog's actual weight, since a Yorkie's tiny size means even a small overfeed is a larger percentage of their daily calories than it would be for a bigger dog. Your vet can help you judge their body condition if you are unsure.
Are Yorkshire Terriers prone to dental problems?: Yes, small jaws carrying a full set of teeth leave less room between them, which makes dental crowding and plaque build-up more common in toy breeds. Regular dental care alongside a suitable diet is worth prioritising rather than leaving until a problem develops.
Why is my Yorkshire Terrier such a fussy eater?: Some individual dogs of the breed are simply more particular than others, and switching foods frequently in search of a favourite can sometimes make the habit worse. A consistent routine with a food they reliably eat tends to work better than constant changes, but a sudden loss of appetite is always worth mentioning to your vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.