Can I feed my Yorkie 1x a day? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

buddyqu · 10-10-2007, 04:56 AM

Hi I have a 1yr. 10lb Yorkie. My intention is to feed him 1/4 c scoop of timberwolf( A wellness organic-type dog food) at 6:30 a.m. and one at 4:00 pm. We've tried a bunch of food..pickyeater..and he went mad for timberwollf. We will switch between 2 flavors even to keep it interesting for him. Often he won't touch his am food until about 4 pm anyway . Or he does and the P.M>. food sits all night. At anyrate I end up throwing 1/2 the stuff out. Keep in mind we give him no human food and he gets treats(Small) for training and obeying only. I am positive we are not overdoing that. He still needs to drive home housetraining so I keep his water on a schedule..don't leave it out all day. I was leaving his food but one training book I have said if your dog doesn't finish his food in 3 minutes you are over feeding him and if you leave it out all day you will miss often what is the first sign of a sick dog..NOT eating. ( He is not sick now he has never sat and ate his food on schedule or all at once!) Anyway is it o.k to offer it on schedule and if he doesn't eat it take it away until next scheduled feeding?

lara2913 · 10-10-2007, 05:05 AM

I would say do 2 scheduled feeds a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. After 20 minutes pick it up and don't give him anything else until the next feeding time. Please leave water down for him 24/7, that is not the way to housetrain.

chachi · 10-10-2007, 05:09 AM

Mine eat in the morning wet food then I leave dry out all day. You have to leave water out all day or they could dehydrate

Ellie May · 10-10-2007, 05:12 AM

That was good advice Lara. I think any Yorkie needs to eat atleast twice a day. I know some people do feed once but 24 hours between meals is way too long. Leave the food for about 15 or 20 minutes. If he refuses to eat one of his meals then I guess there is nothing you can do about it unless you want to get the canned out.

About the water, please leave it down all day. Most (not all but most) dogs drink only when they are thirsty. They don't drink for the fun of it, so please leave it down.

buddyqu · 10-10-2007, 05:30 AM

I give him water on a schedule 5-6 times a day..not 2x like food. I am also doing this because he is on his 2nd uti ( on anitbiotics) and it is easier for me to avoid accidents. About the uti my vet says maybe kidney related and 1st one never went away. he is on a month cycle of antibiotics but his eating patterns haven't changed on or off meds.

jrsygal37 · 10-10-2007, 05:46 AM

If he has a Urinary Trac Infection, he NEEDS to have water available to him. It's like any other infection. Fluids, fluids, fluids. Also Kidneys too as you said it may be. PLEASE leave his water out 24/7. I've house trained 5 FIVE Yorkies and taking water away even if you put it down five or six times a day, IS NOT THE ANSWER. Also, like others have reccomended, since you are not free feeding I'd feed him twice a day. Elaine

Ellie May · 10-10-2007, 06:21 AM

Yup, the UTI will make him more thirsty and he has to be able to drink. My Yorkie had a UTI this summer and then she got another one or the first one never went away. She went on antibiotics again and she appears to be fine. During all of this someone told me I should have her bile acids tested to make sure her liver is working okay since UTIs can be related. I had them tested and we have problems, so it is a thought for you... It also concerns me that he isn't really interested in food. That is a sign of liver problems. I'm not saying that he has liver problems but I would definately look into it. And yes, your vet will probably say that they will test but would be very surprised if there is a problem. That is what Ellie's vet said and now she says she is eating crow so do what you think is right.

Lorraine · 10-10-2007, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buddyqu

Hi I have a 1yr. 10lb Yorkie. My intention is to feed him 1/4 c scoop of timberwolf( A wellness organic-type dog food) at 6:30 a.m. and one at 4:00 pm. We've tried a bunch of food..pickyeater..and he went mad for timberwollf. We will switch between 2 flavors even to keep it interesting for him. Often he won't touch his am food until about 4 pm anyway . Or he does and the P.M>. food sits all night. At anyrate I end up throwing 1/2 the stuff out. Keep in mind we give him no human food and he gets treats(Small) for training and obeying only. I am positive we are not overdoing that. He still needs to drive home housetraining so I keep his water on a schedule..don't leave it out all day. I was leaving his food but one training book I have said if your dog doesn't finish his food in 3 minutes you are over feeding him and if you leave it out all day you will miss often what is the first sign of a sick dog..NOT eating. ( He is not sick now he has never sat and ate his food on schedule or all at once!) Anyway is it o.k to offer it on schedule and if he doesn't eat it take it away until next scheduled feeding?

Throw out the book this is a Yorkie not a Lab.
I leave dry food out all day. In the AM and Dinnertime, I soak a bit put a little grated cheese on top and they eat it. Never restrict water. If you didn't know housebreaking is a problem in YOrkies you know now.
Dehydration can be a problem in Yorkies and restricting water will only make it more of a possibility and that is serious. Dehydration can also supress appetite or when you put the water down they will fill up on water because of thirst and no room left for food.
Pick up all food after supper, you don't need to leave it down overnight given the age of your Yorkie.

Yorkiekids · 10-10-2007, 06:59 AM

It's really important that they have water available all the time. Why don't you try feeding him twice a day, picking it up after 20 minutes. If you see he isn't eating one meal I'd cut it out.

Potter · 10-10-2007, 08:11 AM

I agree with everyone here. 5-6 times of water a day is not good enough. They drink when they are thirsty and they need to have water out 24/7. Leave the food out for 20 minutes, 3 minutes is just way too fast. I have heard people feeding their dogs once a day but to my opinion, twice a day is the best for smaller breeds. Even with feeding twice a day, mine throws up bile sometimes in the morning because his stomach is empty so nowadays I actually feed him twice a day plus a little bread/light snack before bed.

TatumsMom · 10-10-2007, 08:23 AM

Tatum does not eat on a schedule. Tried it, didn't work. I leave out dry food 24/7. I do usually see her eat in the evening (around the time we're eating dinner) but I know she eats other times - we just don't see her do it. As for the water, I think you've gotten enough advise here regarding the fact that you should leave it out at all times and I agree.

For some people/dogs, the scheduled feeding works but for some it doesn't. If you go for the free feeding, maybe you should just put yourself on a schedule to let him out to potty every hour or so until you figure out his poopy schedule better. I do remember the agony of house training - we took Tatum out every 30 minutes for the longest months but she did get house trained and now, kinda like "forgetting" the pain of childbirth

, I don't remember it being so bad.

Sugar's Mom · 10-10-2007, 09:08 AM

i would never restrict my dogs access to food and water unless it was sick and had to fast for some reason. mine have dry kibble and water down 24/7. None of them have ever over done it.

Yorkiedaze · 10-10-2007, 09:27 AM

Scheduled feeding seems to work best. I home cook and feed them 1/4 cup morning and evening. They have a BM every morning without fail. Sometimes if they have had some yogurt and fruit for lunch, they have a bm before bed.
It seems when you leave the food down all day it can cause them to be a bit picky.

Lexi Rae · 10-10-2007, 09:38 AM

lexi gets fed twice a day... and sometimes if im home, she gets some lunch
to snack on... water is left out all day long incase she needs it..
dry kibble is left out too, but she doesnt touch it...

buddyqu · 10-10-2007, 03:52 PM

Thanks all for your opinions. First let me reassure you that Buddy is not dehydrated. He also never drinks his water all at once and is not thirstier with his uti. Water I put in his bowl at 6:30 am is still enough there at 1:00 if I leave it out. I admit I'm horrible about forgetting to take it from him and usually it is down..but I thought that was a way to get him on a potty schedule. At any rate as for his UTI he had a blood and urine test both of which came back neg. for uti but my vet put him on antibiotics and he did great. As for his accidents he is able to go out in the day but would pee while he slept or napped. that is why stopping water at 6 at night or giving him some, taking him out..taking away water and making sure he peed before I had to crate him for an errand helped. At anyrate It may be a kidney...perhaps liver (hadn't thought of that)or even neurological (what my vet said)? We are doing meds for a month and if the problem occurs on to more testing, I don't think that is related. He is not wasting away. He is very vivacious and playful. We go on mile walks and I have 3 kids under 8. Another reason I don't want to leave the food out all day. If he doesn't want it I don't want it to just sit there. I understand he is not a lab and may be a picker /grazer. Please don't be angry with me I am a first time dog owner and just expected a dog to be happy to see food or hungrier. I am assured he is eating enough. I think I'll leave a few tablespoons of dry food ( someone else suggested Timberwolf brand and brands like it of higher quality dogs tend to eat less of) in the a.m. and have my 3yr old scoop him the rest at 4 pm. She loves taking care of him!! As do I and thank you to all of you who do as well!!thanks for your time

10-10-2007, 04:56 AM	#1
buddyqu Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ma Posts: 11	Can I feed my Yorkie 1x a day? Hi I have a 1yr. 10lb Yorkie. My intention is to feed him 1/4 c scoop of timberwolf( A wellness organic-type dog food) at 6:30 a.m. and one at 4:00 pm. We've tried a bunch of food..pickyeater..and he went mad for timberwollf. We will switch between 2 flavors even to keep it interesting for him. Often he won't touch his am food until about 4 pm anyway . Or he does and the P.M>. food sits all night. At anyrate I end up throwing 1/2 the stuff out. Keep in mind we give him no human food and he gets treats(Small) for training and obeying only. I am positive we are not overdoing that. He still needs to drive home housetraining so I keep his water on a schedule..don't leave it out all day. I was leaving his food but one training book I have said if your dog doesn't finish his food in 3 minutes you are over feeding him and if you leave it out all day you will miss often what is the first sign of a sick dog..NOT eating. ( He is not sick now he has never sat and ate his food on schedule or all at once!) Anyway is it o.k to offer it on schedule and if he doesn't eat it take it away until next scheduled feeding?

10-10-2007, 05:05 AM	#2
lara2913 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: UK Posts: 1,920	I would say do 2 scheduled feeds a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. After 20 minutes pick it up and don't give him anything else until the next feeding time. Please leave water down for him 24/7, that is not the way to housetrain. __________________ Indy, Benjamin and Malachi There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face- Ben Williams

10-10-2007, 05:09 AM	#3
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	Mine eat in the morning wet food then I leave dry out all day. You have to leave water out all day or they could dehydrate __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

10-10-2007, 05:12 AM	#4
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	That was good advice Lara. I think any Yorkie needs to eat atleast twice a day. I know some people do feed once but 24 hours between meals is way too long. Leave the food for about 15 or 20 minutes. If he refuses to eat one of his meals then I guess there is nothing you can do about it unless you want to get the canned out. About the water, please leave it down all day. Most (not all but most) dogs drink only when they are thirsty. They don't drink for the fun of it, so please leave it down. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

10-10-2007, 06:21 AM	#7
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	Yup, the UTI will make him more thirsty and he has to be able to drink. My Yorkie had a UTI this summer and then she got another one or the first one never went away. She went on antibiotics again and she appears to be fine. During all of this someone told me I should have her bile acids tested to make sure her liver is working okay since UTIs can be related. I had them tested and we have problems, so it is a thought for you... It also concerns me that he isn't really interested in food. That is a sign of liver problems. I'm not saying that he has liver problems but I would definately look into it. And yes, your vet will probably say that they will test but would be very surprised if there is a problem. That is what Ellie's vet said and now she says she is eating crow so do what you think is right. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶 Last edited by Ellie May; 10-10-2007 at 06:23 AM.

10-10-2007, 05:30 AM	#5
buddyqu Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ma Posts: 11	I give him water on a schedule 5-6 times a day..not 2x like food. I am also doing this because he is on his 2nd uti ( on anitbiotics) and it is easier for me to avoid accidents. About the uti my vet says maybe kidney related and 1st one never went away. he is on a month cycle of antibiotics but his eating patterns haven't changed on or off meds.

10-10-2007, 05:46 AM	#6
jrsygal37 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 3,370	If he has a Urinary Trac Infection, he NEEDS to have water available to him. It's like any other infection. Fluids, fluids, fluids. Also Kidneys too as you said it may be. PLEASE leave his water out 24/7. I've house trained 5 FIVE Yorkies and taking water away even if you put it down five or six times a day, IS NOT THE ANSWER. Also, like others have reccomended, since you are not free feeding I'd feed him twice a day. Elaine

10-10-2007, 06:59 AM	#9
Yorkiekids Piper & Sebastian Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: florida Posts: 14,495	It's really important that they have water available all the time. Why don't you try feeding him twice a day, picking it up after 20 minutes. If you see he isn't eating one meal I'd cut it out. __________________ Susan, Piper ,Harley & Suiki

10-10-2007, 08:11 AM	#10
Potter YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,583	I agree with everyone here. 5-6 times of water a day is not good enough. They drink when they are thirsty and they need to have water out 24/7. Leave the food out for 20 minutes, 3 minutes is just way too fast. I have heard people feeding their dogs once a day but to my opinion, twice a day is the best for smaller breeds. Even with feeding twice a day, mine throws up bile sometimes in the morning because his stomach is empty so nowadays I actually feed him twice a day plus a little bread/light snack before bed. __________________ http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=410379 "No matter how little money and how few possesions you own, having a dog makes you rich."

10-10-2007, 08:23 AM	#11
TatumsMom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: TX Posts: 2,799	Tatum does not eat on a schedule. Tried it, didn't work. I leave out dry food 24/7. I do usually see her eat in the evening (around the time we're eating dinner) but I know she eats other times - we just don't see her do it. As for the water, I think you've gotten enough advise here regarding the fact that you should leave it out at all times and I agree. For some people/dogs, the scheduled feeding works but for some it doesn't. If you go for the free feeding, maybe you should just put yourself on a schedule to let him out to potty every hour or so until you figure out his poopy schedule better. I do remember the agony of house training - we took Tatum out every 30 minutes for the longest months but she did get house trained and now, kinda like "forgetting" the pain of childbirth , I don't remember it being so bad. __________________ ~ Angie

10-10-2007, 09:08 AM	#12
Sugar's Mom BANNED! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 9,248	i would never restrict my dogs access to food and water unless it was sick and had to fast for some reason. mine have dry kibble and water down 24/7. None of them have ever over done it.

10-10-2007, 09:27 AM	#13
Yorkiedaze My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca. Posts: 12,228	Scheduled feeding seems to work best. I home cook and feed them 1/4 cup morning and evening. They have a BM every morning without fail. Sometimes if they have had some yogurt and fruit for lunch, they have a bm before bed. It seems when you leave the food down all day it can cause them to be a bit picky.

10-10-2007, 09:38 AM	#14
Lexi Rae Gina, (Lexi's Mommy) Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: LONG ISLAND,NY Posts: 10,455	lexi gets fed twice a day... and sometimes if im home, she gets some lunch to snack on... water is left out all day long incase she needs it.. dry kibble is left out too, but she doesnt touch it... __________________ Gina & Lexi CLICK HERE for our Photo Album ...

10-10-2007, 03:52 PM	#15
buddyqu Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ma Posts: 11	Thanks all for your opinions. First let me reassure you that Buddy is not dehydrated. He also never drinks his water all at once and is not thirstier with his uti. Water I put in his bowl at 6:30 am is still enough there at 1:00 if I leave it out. I admit I'm horrible about forgetting to take it from him and usually it is down..but I thought that was a way to get him on a potty schedule. At any rate as for his UTI he had a blood and urine test both of which came back neg. for uti but my vet put him on antibiotics and he did great. As for his accidents he is able to go out in the day but would pee while he slept or napped. that is why stopping water at 6 at night or giving him some, taking him out..taking away water and making sure he peed before I had to crate him for an errand helped. At anyrate It may be a kidney...perhaps liver (hadn't thought of that)or even neurological (what my vet said)? We are doing meds for a month and if the problem occurs on to more testing, I don't think that is related. He is not wasting away. He is very vivacious and playful. We go on mile walks and I have 3 kids under 8. Another reason I don't want to leave the food out all day. If he doesn't want it I don't want it to just sit there. I understand he is not a lab and may be a picker /grazer. Please don't be angry with me I am a first time dog owner and just expected a dog to be happy to see food or hungrier. I am assured he is eating enough. I think I'll leave a few tablespoons of dry food ( someone else suggested Timberwolf brand and brands like it of higher quality dogs tend to eat less of) in the a.m. and have my 3yr old scoop him the rest at 4 pm. She loves taking care of him!! As do I and thank you to all of you who do as well!!thanks for your time