This pint-sized cross between the Dachshund and Yorkie is a massive dog in a small dog’s body.
Dorkies think they can take on the world with their boundless confidence and tireless attitude. And why shouldn’t they? These fearless hunter-pooches can handle anything life throws at them!
But what about your Dorkie’s diet? How much should you feed a Dorkie? What should a Dorkie eat – wet or dry food? Are Dorkies prone to sensitive stomachs, and what are the signs of a sensitive stomach?
So, how much should you feed a Dorkie?
How much should you feed your Dorkie every day, anyway? The short answer is somewhere between a quarter cup and half a cup of kibble daily, or 150 to 200 calories. Split this intake between two to four bowls a day.
This doesn’t mean you have to exclusively feed your Dorkie their dry food. Treats and toppings like dental chews, scraps from your table, and training treats all factor into your Dorkie’s daily intake.
Should I feed my Dorkie wet or dry food?
Did you know that wet food and dry food both have their own unique set of benefits? Wet food, for example, is a great way to keep your Dorkie more hydrated and is more palatable and easier to eat.
However, dry food not only keeps fresh for longer, but also comes in an equally delectable range of flavors and small kibble sizes. Dry kibble also helps prevent plaque and tartar on your Dorkie’s teeth – something small dogs like the Dorkie are prone to developing.
So, since the breed is so prone to dental issues, we’d recommend that you feed your Dorkie primarily dry food. But, you should do whatever works for you.
What human foods can Dorkies eat?
With their cute looks and their adorable obedience, it’s not surprising that you might want to feed your Dorkie a few scraps from your table every now and then.
But wait – is human food really safe for your Dorkie? What foods should you be careful about? What foods should you limit? And what foods are poisonous to them?
Carrots:
Whether boiled or raw, many dogs love the sweet orange root vegetable that is the carrot. Carrots are full of fiber, minerals, and plenty of vitamins, making an excellent treat for your Dorkie.
The only concern with carrots is that they should be chopped up into small, bite-size pieces that your small Dorkie can’t choke on. Also, your Dorkie may find it difficult to digest carrots that aren’t cooked.
Grapes (and raisins):
You’ve probably already heard about how harmful grapes can be for your Dorkie. Whether green or red, grapes and dried grapes contain a lot of a particular toxic compound that may lead to rapid and fatal kidney failure.
Grapes may be present in things you overlook, like muesli, or some breads and cakes. But even a small portion of grapes has the potential to gravely harm your Dorkie.
Peanut butter:
What dog doesn’t love peanut butter? Whether you mix it with their food, spread it on a lick mat during grooming, or freeze it for a cooling summertime treat, I bet your Dorkie adores peanut butter as much as any dog!
One problem is that it is very high in calories and fat, which can fill your Dorkie up and lead to weight gain.
So, you should limit how much peanut butter you give your Dorkie. The other concern is additional ingredients, like salt, or the sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Salt:
Speaking of salt, did you know that excessive salt intake can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures in small dogs like the Dorkie?
In extreme cases, excess salt intake can be fatal. To prevent this, be careful about feeding your Dorkie salty foods like pretzels, potato chips, ham, tuna in brine, or even some dog treats.The limit is 3g per kilogram of your Dorkie’s weight.
Other nut spreads:
Staying with the same topic, how about other nut spreads? Well, if you don’t have peanut butter, cashews and cashew butter are acceptable for your Dorkie. With similar nutrition, though, the same concerns apply.
Macadamia nuts, however, are pretty harmful to dogs. Almonds are okay but are difficult for a Dorkie to digest.
Blueberries:
With the concerns about grapes, it’s understandable that you might be apprehensive about giving your Dorkie any fruit.
However, blueberries are a highly nutritious option for your Dorkie. Not only do blueberries have plenty of antioxidants, but they also have a range of vitamins, minerals, and some fiber.
In addition, their small size makes them an excellent training treat for your Dorkie!
Do Dorkies have sensitive stomachs?
Yorkies are well-known for having sensitive stomachs and being half-Yorkie means there’s a chance your Dorkie could inherit this tendency.
Whether it’s food dyes, grains, or FODMAPs (e.g. onions or broccoli), your Dorkie may struggle to digest conventional food. Crossbreeds like the Dorkie are generally thought to be healthier all-round, but symptoms of a sensitive stomach could still potentially arise.
Symptoms of your Dorkie having a sensitive stomach could include drinking less water than usual, appearing depressed or lethargic, seeming uncomfortable and stretching or bending a lot, and having reduced or no appetite.
What should I do if my Dorkie has a sensitive stomach?
If you find your Dorkie has a sensitive stomach, why not try cooking your own food for them?
Brown rice and steamed vegetables could work wonders for their little stomachs, while grain-free kibble is another good option. If you prepare your own food for your Dorkie, chop everything up into small, bite-sized pieces, and cook any meat until it is tender.
Be sure to trim off all fat. Avoid potentially problematic condiments like pepper or salt, but feel free to add a little oil or Worcestershire sauce for taste.
If you do stick to kibble, make sure you don’t suddenly make a drastic change with your Dorkie’s diet. This will avoid the symptoms of a sensitive stomach.
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