Yorkies are fiercely loyal and sometimes feisty—big dogs in small packages. Though they consider themselves tough, these dogs often suffer from sensitive stomachs due to food dyes and preservatives, or an intolerance to certain foods. A home-cooked diet may agree best with your pup's delicate digestion.
How to Prepare a Pure, Home-Cooked Diet
Step 1
Boil or steam rice until it is tender but not overcooked. Brown rice contains more nutrients than white rice, but some dogs tolerate white better. Do not add any condiments, like salt or pepper.
Step 2
Cook or boil meat until tender. Always trim off all fat. Grind meat or chop into small, edible pieces.
Step 3
Combine a sprinkling of soy flour and 1 teaspoon of flaxseed oil in a separate bowl.
Step 4
Steam or boil vegetables until tender. Do not use too much broccoli, which can cause gas. Put veggies in a food processor to aid digestion.
Step 5
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Allow to cool before serving. Store the leftovers.
References
Tips
- Some dogs need to transition slowly to a new food. You may wish to feed your Yorkie half regular dog food and half home-cooked food until she gets used to her new diet.
Warnings
- Loss of appetite, or anorexia, can have a variety of causes, such as a recent vaccination or travel and unfamiliar surroundings. But it may also indicate illness, so you should seek veterinary care any time your dog refuses to eat, or has a weak appetite.
Writer Bio
Debra Levy has been writing for more than 30 years. She has had fiction and nonfiction published in various literary journals. Levy holds an M.A. in English from Indiana University and an M.F.A. in creative writing/fiction from the Bennington Writing Seminars.