Your Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkie is a very small breed of dog, so their nutritional needs are also very low. These lively, affectionate companions are known for their shiny coats and personalities. Their diet plays a vital role in maintaining their health and vitality, just like any other dog.
Whether you’ve just adopted a playful Yorkie puppy, are caring for a very active adult dog, or are looking to feed an older Yorkie, there’s nothing better than a homemade diet. Hare you will know best homemade dog food recipes for Yorkies. It may be easy to serve and feed them commercial food, but there’s no substitute for homemade food in terms of nutritional value and suitability. I’ll discuss the pros and cons of homemade dog food for your needs.
In this blog post, I will discuss the nutritional needs of your Yorkie, the pros and cons of homemade dog food, what to include in it or which ingredients to avoid, etc. I will provide three easy vet-approved recipes to keep your little furry friend happy and healthy at all times.
Why Consider Homemade Food for Your Yorkie?
Commercial dog food is very convenient but it can also cause some harm to your beloved Yorkie. These little pooches suffer from food sensitivities and gastrointestinal problems and therefore switching to homemade food can be a very good decision to relieve the symptoms of a very fast digestion.
Homemade food ensures that what you are giving them in the right quantity will meet your dog’s needs etc. You can also customize it by adding any ingredients according to your dog’s age, weight etc. and other health conditions.
Top benefits of homemade food for Yorkies include:
- Tailored Nutrition: You can control the amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates that suit your lifestyle and health status.
- Improved Coat Health: Natural ingredients like sweet potatoes help improve the luster of our furry friends’ skin.
- Fewer Allergens: Dogs with skin problems or sensitivities need to avoid certain ingredients like wheat, corn, or artificial preservatives. You can easily do that with homemade food.
- Enhanced Appetite: Dogs also have a preference for food, and not all foods will appeal to them. For example, they prefer fresh, homemade food over dry, stale food bought from the market, and this eliminates their reluctance to eat.
Key Ingredients to Include and Avoid
If you can feed your dog homemade food, you can definitely include things that are essential for dogs and avoid those that are harmful to them. Let’s see which foods to include in the list or which to avoid.
Ingredients to Include
- Protein: Essential for energy, muscle build-up, and overall maintenance. Opt for lean chicken, turkey, salmon, or eggs.
- Healthy Fats: For energy and a glossy coat, include fish oil or small amounts of olive oil.
- Carbohydrates: Support digestive health with complex carbs like brown rice, quinoa, or sweet potatoes.
- Vegetables: Add a variety of dog-safe veggies like carrots, zucchini, green beans, and pumpkin for vitamins and fiber.
- Calcium: Use crushed eggshell powder or plain yogurt to support your Yorkie’s bones and teeth.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Toxic Foods: Skip onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, and raisins entirely—they can be highly toxic to dogs.
- Fatty Meats: Avoid bacon and fatty cuts, which can disrupt their digestion.
- Spices and Seasonings: Yorkies don’t need salt, spices, or added sugar—they’re better off with plain, wholesome ingredients.
- Raw Dough or Yeast: These foods can expand in your pup’s stomach, causing serious complications.
Three Easy-to-Make Recipes for Yorkies
Whether your Yorkie is a bouncy puppy, an energetic adult, or a loving senior, these recipes cater to all life stages.
Recipe 1: Chicken and Veggie Delight
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- ½ cup brown rice (cooked)
- ¼ cup carrots (chopped and cooked)
- ¼ cup green beans (steamed)
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil on top for healthy fats.
- Allow it to cool and serve in appropriate portions.
Recipe 2: Salmon and Sweet Potato Feast
Ingredients:
- 1 can of salmon (in water, no added salt)
- ½ cup sweet potatoes (boiled and mashed)
- ¼ cup spinach (lightly steamed)
- 1 egg (boiled and chopped)
Instructions:
- Mix salmon with mashed sweet potatoes.
- Stir in spinach and boiled egg pieces.
- Serve fresh or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Recipe 3: Beef and Quinoa Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lean ground beef (cooked and drained)
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- ¼ cup peas (steamed)
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée (plain, not spiced)
Instructions:
- Stir together the ground beef, quinoa, peas, and pumpkin purée.
- Serve at room temperature and watch your Yorkie dig in with delight!
Tips for Transitioning Your Yorkie to Homemade Food
Switching to homemade food isn’t as simple as snapping your fingers—your Yorkie’s tummy needs time to adjust. Follow these tips to make the process smooth:
- Gradual Transition:If you want to change or shift your favorite Yorkie from conventional food to homemade food, then it is not so easy. Your Yorkie’s stomach needs time to adjust to this process.
You should go through a specific system to make this process smooth. Do not make the change all at once, do it gradually over seven to ten days.
First, keep the percentage of conventional food(75%) high and mix homemade food with it a little(25%). This way for two to three days,
Then increase the amount of homemade food(50%) a little more and reduce the present food a little more.
And then for the last two to three days, increase the amount of homemade food(75%) more and reduce the store-bought food(25%) even more.
And after 7-8 days, you can start serving completely homemade food.
- Monitor Reactions: As you change your Yorkie’s diet, monitor the effects of the change. Keep an eye on his appetite, digestive issues, energy levels, etc. If any symptoms appear, take steps to address them. This way, you can determine what is best for your dog.
- Stick to Consistency: A feeding schedule is very important for your Yorkie. A regular routine helps keep their digestive system in order, so start by fixing the ingredients of the food recipe and the schedule for feeding them and start adhering to it.
Portion Sizes and Feeding Schedules
For small breed dogs like Yorkies, it is essential to determine the correct portion size. Feeding more than necessary can make your dog overweight. They can also develop problems with their appetite, while underfeeding can also cause them to become malnourished and not get the energy they need.
- Yorkie Puppies: Your little Yorke puppy needs a lot of energy to grow and play all day, so feed him small amounts three to four times a day.
- Yorkie Adults: Feeding an adult Yorkie twice a day is usually enough. Adjust the amount depending on your dog’s physical and energy levels.
- Yorkie Seniors: Older dogs’ metabolisms slow down, they may have various dental problems, and some other physical problems. To keep them free from all of these and as healthy as possible, consider feeding them small but frequent meals.
A general guideline is ¼ to ½ cup of food per meal, depending on your Yorkie’s weight and activity level. Be sure to adjust based on their individual needs.
Consult a Vet for Personalized Advice
This blog post and the recipes provided in it can be a great starting point. However, don’t assume that this is the ultimate because every dog is unique and their needs are unique too. In order to give your dog everything they need, you need to consider their age, weight, activity level. Consider his/her physical conditions also. A vet can help you best in that regard.
Therefore, be sure to consult a veterinarian to prepare a diet for your beloved Yorkie. Help your dog live their best and healthiest life with carefully prepared nutritious homemade food.
Start experimenting with these recipes today and keep a close eye on your dog after giving them new food. Note any changes, whether mental or physical.
If the recipes and other information help you in any way, be sure to comment. Also, please read our other blog posts for other food tips and instructions for your dog.
FAQs About Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Yorkies
What nutrients does a Yorkie need in homemade dog food?
To keep your Yorkie healthy and energetic, your food needs to contain the right amount of protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Always include ingredients like lean meat, vegetables, and grains in your diet.
Which ingredients should I avoid when making dog food for my Yorkie?
Not everything that is good for humans is good for dogs. For example, onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, etc., although very beneficial for us, are toxic to dogs. Also, avoid artificial sweeteners at any costs.
How do I ensure my Yorkie’s homemade food is nutritionally complete?
Be sure to consult your veterinarian to ensure that the food you prepare for your Yorkie at home is suitable for your Yorkie. If you need to add any dietary supplements to this food to meet its needs, that expert will be able to advise you accordingly.
Can I store homemade dog food for my Yorkie, and how should I do it?
Yes, you can store homemade food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. If you cook a lot at once, you can store it for a long time, but you must keep it in the freezer and let frozen food fully defrost and come to room temperature before serving.
How much homemade food should I feed my Yorkie?
Determine the amount of food based on your beloved Yorkie’s age and physical condition, but generally a Yorkie needs about 150 to 200 calories per day. Consult your veterinarian for the right amount.