Feeding a Teacup Yorkie properly is one of the most important things you can do for their health and longevity. Because of their tiny size and fast metabolism, Teacup Yorkies have very specific nutritional needs that differ from larger breeds. Get this right and your Yorkie will thrive for 12 to 15 years. Here is everything you need to know.

Feeding schedule

How Often Should You Feed a Teacup Yorkie?

Teacup Yorkies should eat three to four small meals per day rather than one or two larger meals. This is critical because tiny dogs are prone to hypoglycemia — dangerously low blood sugar — if they go too long without eating. For puppies under six months, four meals a day is ideal. For adult Teacup Yorkies, three meals a day works well. Never leave your Teacup Yorkie without food for more than four to five hours during the day.

Best foods

Best Foods for Teacup Yorkies

The best diet for a Teacup Yorkie is a high-quality small breed dry kibble as the foundation, supplemented with small amounts of wet food for variety and hydration. Look for foods where real meat — chicken, turkey, or salmon — is the first ingredient. Avoid foods with corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives as the first few ingredients. Top-rated brands for Teacup Yorkies include Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier, Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws, and Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed.

Foods to avoid

Foods That Are Dangerous for Yorkies

Never feed your Teacup Yorkie chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and peanut butter), macadamia nuts, or avocado. These foods are toxic to dogs and can cause serious illness or death even in small amounts. Because Teacup Yorkies are so small, even a tiny amount of a toxic food can cause an emergency. Keep these foods securely out of reach at all times.