Recommended Feeding for Shorkie Puppies

Shorkies, also known as shorkie tzus or Yorkie tzus, are a hybrid dog breed obtained from Yorkshire terriers and shih-tzus. Both breeds are in the toy category, so the crossbreed falls under the toy category as well. The feeding schedule and amount of food puppies need is different from the requirements for adults. Shorkie puppies must also be fed frequently, to maintain their blood sugar at a normal level and prevent a hypoglycemic coma.

  1. Type of Food

    • Typically, the first four to eight weeks, shorkie puppies are with their mother and siblings and they receive dog milk from their mother. During the first four weeks, your puppy doesn't need anything else than dog milk. If the puppy is orphaned, buy dog milk replacer. Starting from week five, introduce a small portion of dry food, but dip it in water, so that the puppy digests it easily. Feed your shorkie permium dry food formulated for the growing stage of small-sized dogs. The food must ensure a harmonious skeletal and muscle development. The protein content of puppy food should be between 25 and 30 percent. Check if the ingredients are USDA inspected. When the puppy is 8 weeks old, it should eat only dry food. Small dogs such as shorkies reach maturity between the age of 9 and 12 months. When the puppy reaches maturity, it should get food for adults.

    How Much Food

    • The first weeks the puppy eats dog milk and it gets the necessary amounts from its mother. However, if the shorkie puppy is orphaned, you need to feed it replacer. Feed your puppy 1/4 of its weight at birth and change this amount as the puppy develops. When the puppy switches to solid food, feed it half a cup a day. When the puppy becomes an adult, it may eat less because it no longer develops, so 1/4 of a cup is sufficient.

    How Often

    • During the first four weeks, shorkies will breastfeed every two hours. If the puppy is not with its mother, feed it milk substitute every two hours. After week eight, reduce the feeding frequency step by step until you feed your shorkie three times per day. Give your puppy treats between meals, but don't free-feed it. If your puppy gets many treats, don't expect it to eat a full portion meal. Adult shorkies can eat once or twice per day.

    Shorkies and Hypoglycemia

    • Feed your shorkie according to the recommended frequency, because puppies aged between 6 and 12 weeks are prone to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia may also be triggered by stress or a diet that lacks proper nutrients. Watch out for signs of hypoglycemia, such as pale gums and lethargy. If you suspect that your shorkie is hypoglycemic, give it a small amount of maple syrup or honey, or rub it on its gums, to improve the blood sugar and prevent coma.