What to feed a Yorkie
A Yorkshire Terrier's tiny adult size — no more than 3.1kg under the Kennel Club breed standard — is the single biggest factor in choosing the right food, and it affects more than just portion size. Kibble sized for a small mouth, a calorie density matched to a fast metabolism, and attention to dental health all matter more for a Yorkie than they would for an average-sized dog.
Why small-breed food fits better
Small breeds have a faster metabolism relative to their size than larger dogs, and small-breed foods are formulated with that in mind — generally more calorie-dense per gram, with a smaller kibble piece that's easier for a small jaw to manage. Feeding an all-breed or large-breed food to a Yorkie can mean an awkwardly large kibble piece and a calorie density that doesn't match their actual needs.
Portion control matters more than it might seem for a dog this small — a small amount of extra food is a proportionally much bigger addition to a Yorkie's daily needs than the same extra amount would be for a large dog, so it's easy to overfeed without realising.
Dental health and puppy feeding
Yorkshire Terriers, like many small breeds, are prone to dental crowding and tartar build-up as adults, so a kibble texture designed to help scrape plaque during chewing, or a dedicated dental care routine alongside their regular food, is worth building into their care from early on rather than addressing later.
As puppies, Yorkies are prone to low blood sugar if they go too long between meals, which means frequent small feeds through the early months matter more here than for a larger breed puppy. A vet or the specific food's guidance is the right place to check exact timing for your puppy.
Choosing between wet and dry
Either format can work as part of a complete diet, and some owners mix a little wet food into dry kibble, which can help with palatability for a fussier eater as well as adding some moisture to the diet. Whatever the format, checking that it's specifically formulated for small or toy breeds, and complete rather than a complementary treat food, is the more important factor than wet versus dry itself.
Dry kibble does more of the work for dental health through the chewing action itself, which is worth weighing up given how prone Yorkies are to dental issues, though it isn't a substitute for an actual dental care routine. If your Yorkie strongly prefers wet food, that preference doesn't need to be overridden — just keep an eye on their teeth and consider a separate dental chew or brushing routine to cover what the food alone won't.
Foods that suit this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Alpha Sensitive Salmon & Rice
A salmon and rice dry food for adult dogs with sensitive digestions, made without wheat gluten, soya or dairy.
£49.00
Alpha Working Dog Maintenance Chicken
An energy-controlled chicken dry food for working dogs with lower energy needs or a tendency to put on weight.
£29.00
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
£82.35
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Bakers Superfoods Chicken with Vegetables Dry Dog Food
Bakers Chicken with Vegetables dry dog food, 14kg, complete nutrition for adult dogs
£39.15
Harringtons Adult Dog Salmon & Potato
Complete salmon and potato dry dog food with 21% protein in a 1.7KG bag
£6.25
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food Turkey Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for adult dogs, evenly balanced with potato in the mix
From£12.75
Forthglade Cold Pressed Small Dog Turkey
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for small dogs and puppies, built on turkey
£16.99
Lily's Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Common questions
- How much food does a Yorkie need per day?
- This depends on their individual weight, age and activity level, so the feeding guide on your chosen food — checked against your dog's actual current weight — is the right starting point, adjusted as needed based on body condition.
- Do Yorkies need small breed dog food?
- It's generally the better fit — the smaller kibble size suits their jaw and the calorie density matches their fast metabolism, both of which a generic all-breed food doesn't specifically account for.
- Why do Yorkie puppies need frequent small meals?
- Very small puppies are prone to low blood sugar if they go too long without food, so frequent small meals through the early months are generally recommended rather than one or two large feeds a day.
- Are Yorkies prone to dental problems?
- Yes, dental crowding and tartar build-up are common in small breeds generally, Yorkies included, which makes a dental-friendly food texture and a regular dental care routine worth starting early.
Related
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.