How Can I Get My Yorkie Poo to Eat?

"Yorkie poos" are a breed of dog created by mixing the Yorkshire terrier and the poodle. They are considered small, intelligent dogs. They often become a part of the family to whoever owns them, so it is worrisome if your Yorkie poo has trouble eating. There are several steps you can take to encourage your pup to eat regularly. The solution may be a simple change of food, the addition of a tasty topper or putting a stop to manipulative mealtime behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
  • Canned dog food, low-sodium chicken broth, cooked meat or warm water
  • Different brands of dry dog food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any medical reasons for not eating, since lack of appetite is sometimes associated with illness. Once your dog has a clear bill of health, you can focus on other potential causes.

    • 2

      Change your Yorkie poo's food to a different brand, flavor or texture. Dogs sometimes dislike one particular type of food, but will eat another.

    • 3

      Add warm water, canned dog food, low-sodium chicken broth or small pieces of cooked meat (no bones) to the food to make it more appealing to your dog.

    • 4

      Determine a schedule for your Yorkie poo's mealtime each day. Choose times that work with your schedule so you can feed your dog consistently, since dogs learn best with fixed repetition.

    • 5

      Once a set meal schedule is created, don't give your dog extra attention or show concern that it is not eating. Dogs are sensitive to their owner's emotions and if you are anxious at mealtime, your dog also becomes anxious and may not want to eat.

    • 6

      Remove your dog's food after the 20-minute time frame, even if your Yorkie poo hasn't eaten anything. Don't offer the food again until the next scheduled mealtime. This is known as "tough love." Dogs learn to manipulate their owners by refusing food until they get what they want, such as snacks or table scraps. Leaving the food down for 20 minutes will teach your dog that it has no other options other than eating the food that is offered on your schedule and not at its leisure.