Homemade Dog Food for Yorkies | Balanced Meals for Small Dogs

Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs with big energy requirements. Their fast metabolism means a poorly planned homemade diet can lead to blood sugar crashes, nutritional gaps, or weight problems. Getting the ratios right for your Yorkie’s age and size is straightforward once you know the rules. This guide covers what to feed, how much, and what to avoid.

Calorie Needs and Portion Sizes by Age

That number changes with age, and portion sizes follow the same pattern.

• Puppies (2–12 months): Three to four meals daily, totaling ¼ to ½ cup of homemade food.
• Adults (1–7 years): Two meals daily, totaling ¼ to ⅓ cup. Adjust up slightly for very active dogs or down for couch potatoes.
• Seniors (7+ years): Two meals daily with slightly reduced calories. Monitor weight closely and reduce portion if your Yorkie starts packing on pounds.

That extra meal helps maintain stable blood sugar.

What Goes Into a Balanced Homemade Yorkie Meal

Every meal needs four components to be nutritionally complete. Skipping any one of them creates a deficiency over time.

• Lean protein (40–50% of the meal): Skinless chicken breast, ground turkey, lean beef, or cooked eggs. Always cook thoroughly and remove all bones. PetMD’s Yorkie breed guide confirms the breed’s protein requirements are similar to other small terriers.
• Cooked carbohydrates (25–30%): Brown rice or white rice. White rice is easier on sensitive stomachs during transitions; brown rice offers more fiber long term.
• Vegetables (15–20%): Carrots, green beans, peas, or sweet potatoes — cooked until soft, then finely chopped or puréed. Yorkies have small mouths and are prone to dental issues, so texture matters.
• Supplements (non-negotiable): Fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids and a calcium source — either a vet-recommended supplement or finely ground eggshell powder. Homemade dog food almost always lacks sufficient calcium on its own, which can lead to serious bone problems over time. Consult your veterinarian to determine the exact dosage for your dog.

For a deeper look at commercial options that meet these same nutritional standards, our tested roundup of the best dog food for Yorkie Terriers covers brands that match the breed’s specific needs.

Foods That Are Toxic or Dangerous for Yorkies

Some common human foods are dangerous for any dog, and Yorkies’ small size means even tiny amounts can cause serious harm. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocado, and anything sweetened with xylitol are all off-limits. If your Yorkie eats any of these, call your vet immediately.

Switching Safely From Kibble to Homemade

If your Yorkie has been eating commercial kibble, a sudden switch to homemade food can cause digestive upset. For seniors and dogs with sensitive stomachs, use a gradual transition: start with 10% homemade food mixed with 90% current food on day one, then increase the homemade portion by 10% each day.

FAQs

Can I feed my Yorkie a raw homemade diet instead of cooked? Raw diets require different safety protocols, including careful handling to prevent bacterial contamination and a different supplement balance. Stick with cooked homemade food unless you are working closely with a veterinary nutritionist.

How do I know if my homemade recipe is missing nutrients? The most common gap is calcium, followed by certain B vitamins and omega-3s. A veterinary checkup with a blood panel once a year, plus a consultation about supplements, will catch any shortfalls before they cause symptoms.

Should I worry about dental disease with soft homemade food? Yes. Yorkies are prone to dental problems, and soft food doesn’t scrape plaque like kibble does. Brush your Yorkie’s teeth daily or use a veterinary dental diet for half of their meals.