New feeding study of Yorkies shows they have different energy needs from other dogs. A new feeding study on energy requirements of Yorkshire Terriers was recently published. This may be the first study of its kind to focus on Yorkshire Terriers. The study found that Yorkshire Terrier puppies have a lower energy requirement than other dogs at certain stages of their development, and that one-size-fits-all feeding charts may not be appropriate for all breeds. The conclusion is that breed-specific feeding guidelines for growth are needed to prevent overfeeding. The link to the study can be found here, but *may* be behind a paywall (let me know whether it is or isn't): https://www.cambridge.org/core/servi...errier-div.pdf Here is the abstract: The 2006 National Research Council (NRC) equation calculating puppy energy requirements does not account for reported breed differences in growth pattern. Energy requirements of toy breed puppies are unknown and it is unclear whether feeding guidelines should differ between breeds. Energy requirements of Yorkshire terrier (YT) puppies were observed over their first year of life and compared with those predicted by the NRC and those previously observed in large (Labrador retriever) and medium (miniature Schnauzer; MS) breed puppies. Twenty-two puppies (from eight litters) were offered complete and balanced diets to maintain ideal body condition score (BCS). Energy intake, body weight and BCS were recorded from 10 to 52 weeks of age. Every 12 weeks, health was monitored by veterinary examination, routine haematology and plasma biochemistry. Puppies remained clinically healthy with normal skeletal development throughout. After analysis by linear mixed models it was observed that the NRC equation overestimates YT energy requirements between 10 and 20 weeks of age by up to 324·3 (95 % CI 390·4, 258·2) kJ/kg 0·75. Energy intake was lower (P<0·05) in YT than Labradors until 29 weeks by up to 376·6 (95 % CI 477·4, 275·3) kJ/kg 0·75 and lower than MS between 16 and 25 weeks by up to 216·3 (95 % CI 313·0, 119·7) kJ/kg 0·75 (P<0·05). Data indicate differences in toy, medium and large breed energy requirements for growth. The NRC equation for puppy energy requirements overestimated the requirements of this YT population, suggesting the need for breed-specific feeding guides for growth to avoid overfeeding. |
Interesting thanks for posting |
Free Feed The link opened just fine. I read it and think that it probably confirms what most yorkie owners know - yorkies are special :) Our vet and breeder recommended letting yorkies free feed with food available during all waking hours. Since yorkies tend not to over eat like some breeds, they will self regulate and get food when they need it. Part of the reason for this is blood sugar regulation. It definitely has worked for us although were we a multiple pet home this would be a challenge as we know from experience. We used to have a cat and a hoover-like mini dachshund who could down leftover cat food in milliseconds. The bigger debate I have seen for yorkies is what to feed them. No grain? Kibble? Fruits & veggies? Meat? Maybe the energy discussion would lend some insight into the best balance of foods, which of course would still need to be individualized to each dog. Interesting. |
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I used to free feed Bella, but she got a little chunky, so now I put down smaller meals for her 3 or 4 times a day. She does a good job of letting me know if she's still hungry and if she needs another small feeding. She's at a good weight now. (I definitely recommend free feeding at least until one year of age.) |
Free feeding As our pup gets older, your comments let me know I should watch for a little over-eating. At 2.5 years her weight is still consistent. The vet and breeder didn't make a distinction on age, but then again we were starry-eyed with our new pup and might not have heard. Someday when we are in I'll check back with them. |
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We free fed Bella as a puppy, and I agree that's a very good idea--it helps prevent hypoglycemia. Each dog is different, though, and as she got older, Bella remained a little Hoover vacuum cleaner, sucking up her food as soon as it was put down. Some dogs can handle free feeding for all of their life, but Bella is not one of them :D. I hope that the group that did this study continues their research and studies which *types* of food are the best to feed. I agree that this will still have to be individualized for each dog. Bella can handle anything (grains, corn, meat, vegetables) put on her plate like a pro, but apparently not every dog responds the same way. Oh, there is some treat that groomers have given Bella in the past that gives her diarrhea and makes her miserable. I keep having to remind them NO TREATS, just provide water. |
I'm glad to see that there are even studies starting to happen in this arena! |
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