Home-cooked meals can give you control over what your Yorkie eats and help with allergies or sensitive stomachs. To be safe and complete, recipes must be balanced and vet-approved. This guide covers safe ingredients, what to avoid, portion sizes, and how to transition—so you can cook for your Yorkie without risking deficiencies or toxicity.
Last updated: February 2026 · Reading time: ~8 min
Quick Answer
Home cooking for Yorkies can work if you: use vet-approved recipes or a nutritionist-formulated plan, include lean protein (chicken, turkey, fish), cooked grains or sweet potato, dog-safe vegetables (e.g. carrots, green beans, pumpkin), and healthy fats (fish oil). Never feed: chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions/garlic, or cooked bones. Portions: an ~8 lb adult Yorkie needs roughly 290–300 calories per day; split into 2 meals. Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories. Always consult your vet before switching to homemade food—imbalances can cause serious health problems.
Calorie and Portion Basics
| Yorkie size | Approx. daily calories (adult, maintenance) | Meals per day |
|---|---|---|
| ~5–6 lb | ~220–260 | 2 |
| ~7–8 lb | ~270–300 | 2 |
| Puppy (3–11 months) | Per vet; typically more per pound | 3–4 |
| Senior | Often slightly less; per vet | 2 |
Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups so portions stay consistent. Reserve about 10% of daily calories for treats.
Ingredients to Include
Protein
Use cooked lean meats: chicken (no skin/bones), turkey, lean beef, or fish (e.g. salmon). Cook thoroughly to kill bacteria. Eggs (cooked) are fine in moderation. Protein should make up a large share of the diet; exact ratios should come from a vet or certified nutritionist.
Carbohydrates
Cooked brown rice, oatmeal, or sweet potato are common choices. They provide energy and fiber. Avoid raw or undercooked grains; cook until soft for easier digestion.
Vegetables and Fruits
Safe in moderation: carrots, green beans, pumpkin, broccoli (cooked, small amounts), apple (no seeds), blueberries. Cook or steam vegetables; avoid onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and avocado. Fruits have sugar—use as a small part of the meal or as occasional treats.
Healthy Fats
Omega-3 and -6 support skin, coat, and joints. Add fish oil (dog-specific product and dose from your vet) or small amounts of cooked salmon. Flaxseed or olive oil can be used in tiny amounts if your vet approves.
Supplements
Homemade diets often lack the right balance of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins. Do not rely on guesswork. Use a vet-recommended balancing supplement or a formulation from a board-certified veterinary nutritionist so your Yorkie doesn’t develop deficiencies.
Ingredients to Avoid
| Food / ingredient | Risk |
|---|---|
| Chocolate, xylitol | Toxic; can be fatal. |
| Grapes, raisins | Kidney failure. |
| Onions, garlic, chives | Damage to red blood cells. |
| Avocado | Persin can be harmful. |
| Cooked bones | Splinter; can puncture gut or throat. |
| Alcohol, caffeine | Toxic. |
| Macadamia nuts | Toxic to dogs. |
When in doubt, leave it out and check with your vet. See foods to avoid for a longer list.
Sample Meal Ideas (Vet Approval Required)
These are examples only. Have your vet or a nutritionist confirm amounts and balance for your dog’s weight, age, and health.
- Turkey and veg: Ground turkey (cooked), cooked brown rice, cooked sweet potato, steamed carrots and green beans. Cool and portion.
- Chicken and rice: Shredded cooked chicken, cooked brown rice, small amount of cooked pumpkin. Add a vet-approved fish oil or supplement if directed.
- Treats: Plain cooked chicken or turkey in tiny pieces; frozen plain yogurt with mashed banana (small amount); or commercial treats to keep calories controlled.
Never feed only one recipe long-term without a balanced formulation. Deficiencies (e.g. calcium, taurine) can cause serious illness.
Transitioning to Home-Cooked Meals
Switch gradually over 7–10 days to avoid upset stomach or refusal to eat:
| Days | New food | Old food |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | 25% | 75% |
| 4–6 | 50% | 50% |
| 7–10 | 75% | 25% |
| After | 100% new | — |
Keep feeding times consistent. If your Yorkie has diarrhea or vomiting, slow the transition or revert and talk to your vet.
Helpful Tools
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Digital kitchen scale | Weigh ingredients for consistent portions and calories. |
| Dog fish oil | Vet-approved omega-3 for coat and joints; use vet-recommended dose. |
| Balancing supplement | Only as prescribed by vet or nutritionist for homemade diets. |
Check price: Digital kitchen scale on Amazon
Check price: Vet-approved fish oil for dogs—use product and dose your vet recommends.
When to Stick to Commercial Food
Homemade diets are not required for a healthy Yorkie. Many dogs do best on a quality commercial diet that meets AAFCO standards. Consider sticking to commercial food if you can’t get vet or nutritionist guidance, don’t have time to balance and prepare meals, or your dog has special medical needs that are easier to manage with a prescription or commercial diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a Yorkie eat daily?
For an adult Yorkie around 7–8 lb, typical intake is about 270–300 calories per day (roughly 1/4–1/2 cup of many commercial foods, but check the label). Splitting into 2 meals and keeping treats under 10% of calories helps avoid weight gain. Your vet can give a target for your dog’s weight and condition.
Can I feed my Yorkie only chicken and rice?
Chicken and rice is fine as a short-term bland diet for an upset stomach (with vet approval). It is not nutritionally complete for long-term use. Long-term homemade diets need a full balance of protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals—usually with a vet or nutritionist formulation.
Do I need to add supplements to homemade Yorkie food?
Often yes. Many homemade recipes are short on calcium, phosphorus, or other nutrients. Use only a vet-recommended balancing supplement or a formulation from a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
For commercial options that suit sensitive dogs, see best food for Yorkies with sensitive stomachs.
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