7 Best Homemade Yorkie Dog Food Recipes for Picky Eaters

This recipe is the gold standard for a reason. It’s gentle, easy to make, and often recommended by vets for dogs with upset stomachs. For a picky Yorkie, the simple, savory flavor of cooked chicken is often too good to resist. It’s the perfect starting point for your homemade food journey.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1/2 pound)
• 1/2 cup brown rice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon olive oil or flaxseed oil (for healthy fats)

Instructions:

1. Cook the brown rice according to package directions.
2. While the rice is cooking, dice the chicken breast into tiny, Yorkie-sized pieces.
3. In a separate saucepan, bring the water or broth to a simmer. Add the diced chicken and chopped carrots. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender.
4. Add the green peas during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.
5. Drain any excess liquid. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture with the cooked brown rice.
6. Drizzle with the olive or flaxseed oil and mix everything together thoroughly.
7. Let it cool completely before serving. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ideal recipe for beginners and for Yorkies with sensitive stomachs. Its bland but flavorful nature is perfect for resetting a picky dog’s palate and ensuring they get a nutritious, easily digestible meal.

For the little Yorkie with a big appetite or one that needs to gain a little healthy weight, this beef and sweet potato stew is a winner. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with energy. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato is often a huge hit with finicky eaters.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
• 1/2 cup peeled and diced sweet potato
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green beans
• 1/4 cup chopped spinach
• 2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot or skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the water or beef broth, diced sweet potato, and green beans to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the sweet potato is fork-tender.
3. Stir in the chopped spinach and coconut oil, and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
4. Remove from heat and let the stew cool completely before serving. The consistency should be soft and easy for a small dog to eat.
5. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for active Yorkies or those who need a more calorie-dense meal. The rich aroma and savory flavor make it a fantastic option for tempting a stubborn eater who turns their nose up at blander foods.

Is your Yorkie’s coat looking a little dull? This recipe is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, which are superstars for promoting healthy skin and a glossy, silky coat. Quinoa is a complete protein and a great gluten-free alternative to traditional grains.

Ingredients:

• 1 (4-ounce) salmon fillet, skinless and boneless
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup finely chopped zucchini
• 1/4 cup blueberries (a great antioxidant boost!)
• 1 teaspoon fish oil or salmon oil

Instructions:

1. You can bake, poach, or pan-sear the salmon. To bake, wrap it in foil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. Ensure there are absolutely no bones.
2. While the salmon cooks, steam or lightly sauté the chopped zucchini until tender-crisp.
3. Once the salmon is cooked, let it cool and then flake it into small pieces with a fork.
4. In a bowl, combine the flaked salmon, cooked quinoa, zucchini, and blueberries.
5. Drizzle with the fish oil and gently mix everything together.
6. Serve once it has cooled to room temperature. This meal is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate beauty bowl for your Yorkie. If you’re looking to boost their coat’s shine and support their overall health with powerful nutrients, the Salmon & Quinoa Power Bowl is an outstanding choice.

Pumpkin is a miracle worker for canine digestion. It can help with both constipation and diarrhea. Paired with lean, easy-to-digest turkey, this recipe is another fantastic choice for Yorkies with sensitive systems or those prone to tummy troubles. It’s gentle, comforting, and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup plain, 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal (cooked in water)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped broccoli florets (steamed)
• A sprinkle of dried parsley (for fresh breath)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Break it into very small pieces. Drain any excess fat.
2. While the turkey cooks, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender, then chop them finely.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground turkey, pumpkin puree, cooked oatmeal, and steamed broccoli.
4. Sprinkle with a little parsley and mix until everything is well incorporated.
5. Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving. This mash stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the go-to recipe for any Yorkie experiencing digestive upset. It’s a soothing, nutritious, and tasty meal that supports a healthy gut while still being exciting enough for a picky eater.

If you suspect your Yorkie has an allergy or sensitivity to common proteins like chicken or beef, lamb can be a fantastic alternative. It’s a novel protein for many dogs, making it less likely to cause a reaction. Paired with hearty barley, this makes for a robust and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound ground lamb
• 1/2 cup cooked pearl barley
• 1/4 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 2 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon of a dog-safe herb mix (like parsley and rosemary)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, brown the ground lamb over medium heat. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add the broth, grated carrots, and chopped celery to the pot with the lamb. Bring to a simmer.
3. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are very tender.
4. Stir in the pre-cooked pearl barley and the dog-safe herbs. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. The final dish will be a thick, stew-like consistency.
6. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for rotating proteins in your Yorkie’s diet or for those with suspected poultry or beef sensitivities. Its rich flavor feels like a special treat, making it a great choice for the truly discerning canine foodie.

Need a super-fast, nutritious meal? Eggs are a powerhouse of protein and nutrients, and they cook in minutes. This scramble is perfect for a special breakfast, a light dinner, or when you’re short on time but still want to provide a fresh, homemade meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 whole eggs
• 1 tablespoon of finely shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of finely diced red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon of chopped kale or spinach
• A splash of water or milk
• A tiny bit of coconut oil for the pan

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with the splash of water or milk until frothy.
2. Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add the coconut oil.
3. Add the diced bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the kale or spinach and cook for another minute until wilted.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet over the vegetables.
5. Gently scramble the eggs, cooking until they are just set. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top during the last 30 seconds of cooking.
6. Remove from the pan and let it cool completely before serving. This meal is best served immediately.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect recipe for busy pet parents. It’s a fantastic way to provide a quick, delicious, and protein-packed meal that feels like a special treat for your Yorkie.

Don’t be put off by the smell! Sardines are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids you can give your dog. They support brain health, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy coat. This simple, no-cook (mostly) recipe is a powerhouse of nutrition that many dogs find irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (3.75 oz) of sardines packed in water, no salt added
• 1/2 cup cooked plain oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon of mashed sweet potato or pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Prepare the oatmeal according to package directions, using only water. Let it cool completely.
2. Open the can of sardines and drain most of the water.
3. In a bowl, mash the sardines with a fork. You can leave them a bit chunky or mash them completely.
4. Add the cooled oatmeal, mashed sweet potato or pumpkin, and chopped parsley to the sardines.
5. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
6. Serve immediately. Due to the strong smell, it’s best not to store leftovers for too long, but it can be kept in the fridge for up to one day.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

For a potent nutritional boost, this recipe is unmatched. It’s an excellent supplemental meal to add to your rotation a couple of times a week to give your Yorkie a major dose of healthy fats and flavor.

Switching to homemade dog food is an exciting step, but it’s more than just mixing meat and veggies in a bowl. A balanced diet is crucial for your Yorkie’s long-term health. Here’s what you need to consider before you start your culinary adventure.

Talk to Your Vet or a Canine Nutritionist

This is the most important step. Every dog is an individual with unique health needs. Your vet can advise you on your Yorkie’s specific caloric needs, identify any potential health issues, and help you ensure your chosen recipes provide a complete and balanced diet. They may recommend specific supplements to fill any nutritional gaps.

The Core Components of a Balanced Meal

• High-Quality Protein (40-50%): This is the foundation. Lean meats like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish are excellent choices. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and overall health.
• Complex Carbohydrates (25-30%): Carbs provide energy. Opt for nutrient-dense options like brown rice, quinoa, barley, sweet potatoes, and oatmeal. These provide sustained energy and valuable fiber.
• Vegetables & Fruits (20-25%): Veggies and fruits deliver essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Great options include carrots, green beans, spinach, broccoli, peas, and blueberries. Always research which fruits/veggies are safe for dogs (NO onions, garlic, grapes, or raisins).
• Healthy Fats (5-10%): Fats are crucial for brain function, skin health, and absorbing certain vitamins. Good sources include fish oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, and the natural fats found in proteins like salmon.

Essential Supplements

It’s very difficult to meet all of a dog’s nutritional needs through food alone. The most common deficiency in homemade diets is calcium. Without bones in their diet, dogs need a calcium supplement. A balanced vitamin and mineral supplement formulated for dogs on homemade diets is often necessary to ensure they’re getting everything they need, like zinc, copper, and B vitamins. Again, consult your vet for the right recommendations.

Preparation and Storage

Batch cooking is your best friend! You can prepare a week’s worth of food at once and store it in individual portions in the fridge or freezer. This saves time and ensures a fresh meal is always ready. Always let food cool completely before serving to avoid burning your dog’s mouth. Store refrigerated meals for no more than 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

How much homemade food should I feed my Yorkie?

This depends entirely on your Yorkie’s age, weight, and activity level. A general guideline for small dogs is to feed about 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily, split into two meals. For a 7-pound Yorkie, this would be around 2.2 to 3.4 ounces of food per day. However, this is just a starting point. It’s crucial to monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust the amount as needed. Your vet can give you the most accurate feeding recommendation.

Can I just feed them meat and vegetables?

No, a diet of only meat and vegetables will be dangerously unbalanced. It will lack essential nutrients like calcium, omega fatty acids, and certain vitamins and minerals that are critical for your dog’s health. You must include a carbohydrate/grain source (unless advised otherwise by a vet for a specific condition) and, most importantly, work with your vet to include necessary supplements to create a complete diet.

Is it more expensive to make homemade dog food?

It can be, but not always. The cost depends on the ingredients you choose. Using chicken and in-season vegetables will be more affordable than using lamb and out-of-season berries. While the upfront cost might seem higher than a bag of kibble, you have complete control over the quality. Many owners find the health benefits—like a better coat, more energy, and fewer vet visits for digestive issues—outweigh the extra cost.

What foods are toxic to Yorkies and should always be avoided?

Several common human foods are toxic to dogs and must be avoided. This includes onions, garlic, chives, chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, avocado, alcohol, and anything containing the artificial sweetener xylitol (found in many peanut butters and sugar-free products). Always double-check if an ingredient is safe before adding it to your dog’s meal.