If your puppy is not eating any solid food when you bring them home, start by mixing a 50/50 ratio of milk replacer to water. Dip their noses in this mixture 2 or 3 times a day until they are drinking it on their own. They will usually catch on within one to four days. [2] X Research source If they have been eating some solid food, begin by adding enough milk replacer to make their food the consistency of soup. Crush the kibbles a bit or break up the canned food some to make it easier to digest. Over the next 2 to 3 weeks, gradually include less and less of the milk replacer every few days until they are eating only solid food. [3] X Research source Use only a good quality canine milk replacer. Don’t use cow or goat milk, or any other type of liquid. [4] X Research source Find out what milk replacer the breeder was using. Try not to change the brand unless you have to.
Feed them the same food they’ve been eating (find out from the breeder or pet store) for 2 weeks after you bring them home. Once this 2 weeks is over, start mixing their food. Begin by mixing a 3:1 ratio of old food to new for 5 days. Next, mix a 1:1 ratio for 5 days. Finally, give them a 1:3 ratio of old food to new for another 5 days. Once this is complete, you are safe to feed them only their new food. [5] X Research source
By 10 weeks, your dog should be receiving fixed amounts of food on a schedule. Talk to your veterinarian to get recommendations based on your puppy’s size and age.
Make sure the type of meat listed is a name you recognize, like chicken, lamb, or beef. Stay away from brands containing generic “meats” that don’t specify what kind is actually in the food. [7] X Research source In addition, check the label to make sure at least 1 other type of meat is included in the first 3 to 5 ingredients. This can also include high-quality dairy products like eggs. Try to avoid brands in which the top 5 ingredients include mostly grains, like wheat meal and wheat middlings. [8] X Research source
Once your dog is older, you can look for a dry dog food specifically for Yorkies, like Royal Canin’s Yorkshire Terrier Dry Dog Food or Eukanuba’s Yorkshire Adult Dog Food. This breed-specific food provides a high protein content, is well-balanced in carbohydrates and fats, and includes omega-3 fatty acids to keep their coats looking and feeling silky. It also has an aroma that appeals to Yorkies, which are known for being picky eaters. [10] X Research source
Wet foods tend to have more sugars and are often a little less healthy for your dog.
This is a common feature for kibble manufactured for smaller dogs, so check your brand to see if the pieces are already small.
Meat: You can use a variety of meats like lean chicken and ground beef, as well as turkey, lamb, veal, bison, and fish. Vegetables: String beans, carrots, sweet peas, and spinach are all good choices. Carbohydrates: These can include sweet potatoes or regular potatoes, white or brown rice, and pasta. Fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, mangos, and bananas all work well. Extras: For some additional variety, provide whole white yogurt, cottage cheese, and eggs. [13] X Research source
If you’re feeding your puppy a manufactured food, check the label. Manufactured dog foods generally provide serving sizes according to your dog’s weight. If you’re providing homemade food, you’ll likely need smaller portions because it is more calorie-dense than manufactured food. [14] X Research source
Continuing to free-feed at this age can make housebreaking much more difficult because you won’t know when your dog needs to go to the bathroom. Additionally, it could cause health problems if your dog overeats and becomes obese. Having a well-scheduled day also helps promote good behavior. [15] X Research source
Stay away from brightly-colored treats, which often contain a lot of chemicals. Look for white or cream-colored treats instead. Good homemade snacks include items like baby carrots or frozen blueberries. [16] X Research source
