12 Best Raw Dog Food Brands for Yorkies

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Many Yorkie parents are turning to the best raw dog food brands for Yorkies for their pet’s dietary needs. Kibble might be the convenient option, but it often lacks the protein and nutrients that dogs benefit from. Raw dog food is a diet that can help keep your Yorkie in shape while also appealing to picky eaters.

However, switching to raw dog food requires some research to make sure you choose a recipe that’s ideal for your Yorkie’s needs. Consider your Yorkie’s weight, health conditions, allergies, and preferences when deciding what kind of raw food to get them.

What is Raw Dog Food?

“Raw dog food” usually describes any type of dog food that uses raw, uncooked ingredients, such as meat, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables. It’s designed to mimic the high-protein diets of your Yorkie’s ancestors.

In the wild, it’s common for canines to consume whole animals after hunting them, bones and all. So, your Yorkie’s ancestors ate food that was high in protein with minimal carbohydrates. Dogs have changed a lot since their time in the wild, but they still benefit from a diet that contains lots of real meat.

Most Yorkie parents feed their dogs dry food, which is high in carbohydrates to give it a crunchy texture and increase its shelf life. Kibble often has more carbs than dogs are meant to ingest, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in some cases. Thus, many Yorkie parents are now trying raw dog food to give their pups meals that are higher in real, nutritious animal products.

Raw dog food is usually served in frozen or freeze-dried forms.

 Raw Dog Food vs. Fresh Dog Food

Fresh dog food is another type of dog food that’s growing in popularity due to its high protein and quality ingredients. Both raw and fresh food contain whole ingredients, including meat, fruits, and vegetables. However, the main difference is that fresh food goes through a cooking process while raw food doesn’t.

If you’d rather serve your Yorkie fresh food instead of raw food, check out the best fresh dog food brands.

Can You Make Your Own Raw Dog Food Recipes?

Yes, many Yorkie parents choose to create their own raw dog food recipes as opposed to buying a brand. However, this can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. You’ll need to ensure your Yorkie gets a proper balance of protein, fat, carbs, and nutrients. If you’re not confident you can prepare that for your dog, you can talk to a vet or canine nutritionist for advice.

Even though creating raw dog food recipes is tricky for beginners, it can help you feel more confident about your Yorkie’s health in the long run. You’ll know exactly what’s going into your Yorkie’s meals, so you can cater those ingredients to fit your dog’s needs, such as including their favorite foods and excluding their allergies.

However, raw dog food brands are generally safer and more convenient for Yorkie parents using raw food for the first time. They’ll already provide a nutritionally-balanced meal for your furry friend, so there are less risks involved.

Related: Best Puppy Dog Food

Raw Dog Food for Yorkies: Pros and Cons

Like all types of dog food, there are benefits and downsides to raw dog food. Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Benefits of Raw Dog Food for Yorkies

• Uses limited, high-quality ingredients
• Appeals to picky eaters
• Improves digestion
• Reduces allergy symptoms
• Improves skin and coat health
• Leads to firmer stools
• Assists with weight management
• Increases energy levels

Downsides of Raw Dog Food for Yorkies

• It’s expensive
• Has a higher risk of spreading bacteria
• Can be harder to store
• Takes more time to prepare and serve

Top Raw Dog Food Brands for Natural Nutrition

1 – Maev Raw Dog Food

Maev is a brand that specializes in raw dog food. Its products are nutritionally balanced and species-appropriate. The ingredients are typically a mixture of raw meats, bones, fruits, and vegetables. The food is flash-frozen for optimal nutrient absorption, making it as tasty and healthy as possible for your furry friend.

The brand only uses human-grade ingredients, ensuring the exclusion of fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. Thus, the recipes closely mimic a dog’s ancestral diet, providing canines with a range of essential nutrients in a form that’s biologically appropriate for them. Dogs can experience lots of benefits from Maev’s diet, including improved digestion, more energy, and healthier skin and coat.

When purchasing Maev’s food, you can choose between chicken, beef, or a mix of both. If you’re not sure how much to feed your dog, you can get customized portions based on your dog’s information. You can also choose if there are certain areas you want the food to help with, such as weight, joints, anxiety, or hip and joint pain. The nutrient-rich food is always shipped right to your door to eliminate the need to get dog food from the store.

Benefits:

• Flash-frozen for optimal nutrient absorption
• Arrives at your door ready to eat
• Offers some customizable options
• Made with human-grade ingredients that mimic an ancestral diet
• Benefits digestion, energy, skin, coat, and more

Get 30% OFF your first order with code IHEART30!

2 – Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties

If you’re not looking to commit to a questionnaire or subscription to get raw Yorkies food, Stella & Chewy’s is a more convenient option. Their raw food comes in the form of freeze dried raw patties, which helps give it a longer shelf life while still preserving the nutrients of raw food. The company offers a wide variety of protein options, including chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit, beef, turkey, and venison.

Since the food is in patties, it’s easy to portion out your Yorkies meals. You can serve the freeze dried patties as-is, but Stella & Chewy’s recommends rehydrating them to give your dog some added moisture. To rehydrate, you can crumble the food and add a 1/4 cup of water for every two patties. These patties can be used as full meals, but many pet parents use them as food toppers instead.

95% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. The recipes also have organic fruits and vegetables in them. The ingredients used can benefit skin and coat health, heart health, and digestion. The patties are also grain-free to cater to Yorkies with allergies. This company’s products are sold in pet supply stores across the United States, and the food is formulated in USA facilities.

Benefits:

• Easy to portion
• Easy to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Yorkies with allergies
• Variety of options

3 – We Feed Raw

We Feed Raw is another dog food company that creates meal plans that cater to your Yorkie’s needs. All you have to do is answer some questions about your Yorkie, and then the company will suggest the ideal food for them. During the questionnaire, the company takes into account your Yorkie’s age, weight, breed, allergies, and current diet.

This company offers raw dog food in several proteins, including chicken, beef, turkey, duck, lamb, and venison. All the formulas are created by a PhD animal nutritionist who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. The food is always high in protein, so the first four to five ingredients come from real animal products. All the meat comes from animals raised on farms in the United States and New Zealand.

This company only uses USDA-certified and human-grade meats for its products. The food is shipped to your door at no additional cost. It can be shipped to any of the 48 contiguous states. The food ships cold, and it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. In the freezer, it can last for up to six months.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Yorkies with allergies
• Only uses human-grade meats
• Formulated by PhD animal nutritionist
• iHeartDogs Offer: Save 20% on your first order

4 – Darwin’s Natural Pet Products

Darwin’s is a subscription-based raw dog food brand for Yorkies, making it one of the best raw dog food delivery services. Customers start by filling out a questionnaire about their Yorkie, and then, the company will suggest the best raw food to fit their pup’s needs. The food is auto-shipped to your door frozen for no additional cost. So, you will have to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving it to your dog.

There are three main types of raw formulas: Natural Selections, BioLogics, and Intelligent Design. Natural Selections are made using free-range meats and organic vegetables while BioLogic uses conventionally-sourced ingredients at a more affordable price. Then, Intelligent Design has formulas catered to specific health conditions. There are many protein options available, including chicken, duck, turkey, beef, and lamb. Canine nutritionists helped formulate the recipes.

All of Darwin’s food is high in animal protein, with over 70% protein in each meal. This food can ship nationwide in the United States, but you won’t find it in any pet stores. Many Yorkie parents love this brand because it offers balanced raw diets in easy-to-open packages. The only downside is that this food is pricier than other popular raw food brands.

Benefits:

• Offers personalized feeding plans
• Variety of meal options
• You can choose between different ingredient-sourcing options
• Free shipping to your door
• Good for Yorkies with allergies
• Recipes formulated with the help of canine nutritionists

Related: Nom Nom vs Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Comparison

5 – Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals

Instinct offers another one of the best raw freeze dried Yorkie foods due to its convenience. It comes in small, freeze dried pellets that are about the size of kibble pieces. You can feed the pieces as-is or you can mix them with warm water, which is ideal for making sure your pup gets enough moisture. These freeze dried pieces can be served as full meals or food toppers.

85% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. Then, the rest contains non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Despite looking like kibble, this Yorkie food has never been cooked and it’s minimally processed to preserve the nutrients. All the dog food is made in USA kitchens. This food comes with either beef, chicken, or lamb as the primary protein.

The freeze dried raw meals are the more popular choice, but there are also frozen raw meals available. If you’re not ready to switch completely to raw, Instinct also offers “Raw Boost” recipes, which are kibble mixed with freeze dried raw pieces.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Several ways to serve
• Good for Yorkies with allergies
• Other types of raw food are also available

6 – Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw

Open Farm offers a wide variety of Yorkie food, including dry, wet, fresh, and raw. Their raw dog food is freeze dried to make it easier to store and serve to your pup. Like other freeze dried options, it can be used as a full meal or a topper. Freeze dried raw food can be pricy, so many pet parents save money by mixing it will kibble.

The freeze dried pieces are about the size of kibble, so they’re ready to serve when you pour them out of the bag. If you’re worried your Yorkie isn’t ingesting enough liquid, you can mix warm water with the food. Otherwise, make sure clean water is accessible to your dog while they’re eating.

There are six formulas available: surf & turf, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb, homestead turkey, harvest chicken, and farmer’s table pork. Each recipe contains meat from humanely-raised animals, along with organic fruits and vegetables. On Open Farm’s website, the source of every ingredient is listed.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Can be served in several ways
• Good for Yorkies with allergies
• Lots of protein options
• Lists ingredient sourcing on the website

7 – Sojos Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

Sojos’ raw dog food is designed to provide complete raw meals in a convenient form. Their recipes are ideal for Yorkies of all ages, sizes, and breeds. They currently have five formulas: turkey, beef, lamb, chicken, and senior turkey & salmon. They also have “Mix-a-Meal” recipes that are raw dog food toppers.

To serve this food, you need to mix and measure the correct amount of food and water as directed on the bag. Then, you’ll let the food soak in the water for 15 minutes before feeding it to your Yorkie. The preparation time is a bit longer than it is for other brands, but the extra soaking helps activate the nutrients and enzymes in the food. Every pound of Sojos dog food makes up to five pounds of food when rehydrated.

Sojos uses ingredient lists that are “short and sweet” to avoid allergic reactions in dogs. The USDA-approved animal protein is paired with human-grade, air-dried fruits and vegetables. All the formulas are made in kitchens in the United States.

Benefits:

• Uses USDA-approved and human-grade ingredients
• Rehydrating activates the nutrients
• Variety of options
• Good for Yorkies with allergies
• Easy to store

8. Wysong Raw Dog Food

Wysong offers several different types of raw dog food diets. Their original raw diet is Archetype, a bag of freeze-dried raw dog food that needs to be rehydrated before serving. Some Archetype recipes also come in burgers for customers who want larger quantities. They also sell “UnCanny” wet food recipes, which are designed to be mixed with the Archetype formulas.

This brand’s raw food comes in chicken, rabbit, quail, and beef. All options are high in natural protein and fat. They also contain plant nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. These “Non-Thermal” raw dog food options are designed to mimic your dog’s ancestral diet by focusing on high protein. The food is only sold in small packages that preserve nutrients, so it can make a great food topper if you don’t want to use it as a meal.

If you like this brand but your dog isn’t a fan of its raw food, it also offers dry and wet food formulas. All the products can be ordered online or purchased at select pet supply stores.

Benefits:

• A variety of raw dog food options
• Contains lots of nutrients
• Packaging preserves nutrients
• Good for dogs with allergies
• Several ways to serve it
• iHeartDogs Offer: 10% off healthy food with the code 10OFFWYSONG

9 – Primal Freeze Dried Raw Nuggets

Primal’s freeze dried raw dog food comes in the form of soft nuggets. The nuggets make it easy to portion out meals for your Yorkie based on their weight. To turn the freeze dried pieces into healthy meals, you can crumble up the nuggets once they’re portioned and add warm water, broth, or goat milk to it. You’ll mix the chosen liquid with the food to rehydrate it, making it more nutritious and flavorful for your Yorkie.

These freeze dried nuggets make great full meals or food toppers. They come in a variety of protein options, including beef, lamb, pork, duck, venison, and rabbit. This company also offers some frozen raw options.

All the ingredients used in primal foods are sourced from sustainable ranchers and inspected by the USDA. In addition to quality animal protein, they also have organic fruits and vegetables, along with non-synthetic vitamins and minerals. Overall, this is a convenient choice for Yorkie parents who are new to raw dog food. However, some customers complained that the nuggets were crumbled when they received them.

Benefits:

• Comes in a variety of proteins
• Easy to portion
• Can be served in several ways
• Packed with nutrients
• Easy to store and travel with

10 – Raw Wild LLC

Raw Wild is an online raw dog food subscription service. The food will ship to your door in a Styrofoam cooler, and it should be stored in the freezer to preserve its freshness. When preparing to serve the food to your Yorkie, you should thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can get a discount if you order the trial for the first time.

All of Raw Wild’s food is made from wild elk and deer. Over 99% of the food includes meat and bones from wild animals. The company chose not to include organs because they didn’t want to add organs that could potentially contaminate the wild food. The rest of the food is made up of essential vitamins and minerals.

Raw Wild is a bit pricier than many other raw dog food brands because they have a limited stock since all the meat comes from wild animals. They hand-pack and hand-inspect every product to ensure it’s the ideal quality. All the products meet AAFCO standards, and the meat is processed in a facility that also processes elk and deer for human consumption. So, the standards and level of quality are always high with this brand.

Benefits:

• Only uses meat from wild animals
• Over 99% of the food is meat and bones
• Avoids organs to reduce the risk of contamination
• Subscription ships to your door
• Uses rare types of human-grade meat

11. Halo Meal Bites Freeze-Dried Raw

Halo Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Bites used to be called TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Dog Food. The branding changed in July 2025. Although the name and packaging are different, the food retains the same great recipe and taste. The company freeze-dries raw ingredients into crunchy pellets to lock in the natural nutrients and flavors.

The food can be served as-is, but the company recommends rehydrating it to give your dog extra moisture. If you don’t rehydrate the food, make sure your pup has access to clean water. The first several ingredients of the food are animal meat and organs, along with vitamins and nutrients. Looking at the ingredient list might not sound appealing to you, but it’s healthy and mouth-watering for dogs.

You can choose between beef, turkey, whitefish, or turkey & duck recipes. Some dog parents aren’t fond of this food because it has strong odors, but that means that it usually interests picky eaters.

Benefits:

• Convenient to store
• Locks in natural nutrients and flavors
• Multiple ways to serve
• Appeals to picky dogs
• Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs

12 – Raw Paws Pet Food

Raw Paws has the best variety when it comes to raw dog food. They offer raw food recipes in patties or ground-up. They have products with and without fruits and vegetables, and they even offer raw meat on its own. So, you can either order pre-made raw recipes or you can order simpler products and add ingredients to them to create customizable meals for your Yorkie.

They offer chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb, goat, and venison products. So, there are plenty of products to choose from regardless of your Yorkie’s preferences. Most of the food needs to be stored in the freezer, and then you can thaw it in the fridge when you prepare for your dog’s upcoming meals. There are several raw treat options too. The food can all be ordered online and shipped to your door. It’s not available in any pet supply stores.

The wide selection of raw dog food products can be overwhelming for new customers, but it allows you to choose the one that is best for your Yorkie. All the products use ingredients sourced from “responsible and ethical farms.” One of the best parts of this company is that they ship the products quickly so they don’t thaw during shipping. US orders placed on weekdays ship out on the same day, and weekend orders ship out the following Monday.

Benefits:

• Wide variety of products are available
• Fast shipping
• Full meals, parts of raw meals, and treats available
• Good for picky eaters
• Offers free meal plans

Transitioning Your Yorkie to Raw Dog Food

It’s always a good idea to do a gradual transition when switching your Yorkie to a new food because it helps prevent tummy troubles. Transitioning is especially important when there’s a drastic change in diet, such as from kibble to raw dog food.

Here’s our recommended transitioning process:

• Days 1 to 3: Serve 80% old food with 20% new raw food
• Days 4 to 7: Serve 50% old food with 50% new food
• Days 7 to 14: Serve 20% old food with 80% new food
• Day 15: 100% new food

Since raw food is much different than dry dog food, it’s best to have a slow transition. It should take at least one to two weeks before you feed your Yorkie a 100% raw diet. If you know your dog is sensitive to new foods, you may want to make the transition even more gradual. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your Yorkie’s health.

Related: Best Dry Dog Foods

Frequently Asked Questions About Raw Dog Food

1. Is raw dog food safe for Yorkies?

Yes, raw dog food can be safe for Yorkies when it is properly sourced, balanced, and handled correctly. Because Yorkies are small and sensitive, choosing reputable raw dog food brands that meet nutritional standards is especially important. Always introduce raw food gradually and consult your veterinarian before switching diets.

2. Why is raw dog food good for Yorkies?

Raw dog food often includes high-quality proteins and fewer fillers, which can benefit Yorkies with sensitive stomachs. Many dog parents notice improved digestion, healthier coats, and increased energy. The minimally processed ingredients can be easier for small dogs to absorb.

3. What should I look for in raw dog food for Yorkies?

Look for brands that use human-grade ingredients, balanced nutrition, and small portion sizes suitable for toy breeds. Yorkies benefit from foods with added vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids. Avoid brands with artificial additives or excessive fat levels.

4. Are raw dog food brands portioned for small dogs like Yorkies?

Many top raw dog food brands offer portion sizes designed specifically for small breeds. These smaller portions help prevent overfeeding and make mealtime easier. Always check feeding guidelines to ensure your Yorkie is getting the right amount.

5. Can raw dog food help Yorkies with picky eating?

Yes, raw dog food can be appealing to picky Yorkies due to its fresh smell and natural texture. The variety of proteins often keeps meals interesting. Many dog parents find their Yorkies are more excited at mealtime after switching to raw food.

RELATED: Check Out Our List of Best Dog Foods

6. Is raw dog food better than kibble for Yorkies?

Raw dog food can offer higher-quality ingredients and fewer carbohydrates than traditional kibble. For Yorkies, this may lead to better digestion and healthier weight management. However, the best diet depends on your dog’s individual needs and health.

7. How do I transition my Yorkie to raw dog food?

Transition slowly over seven to ten days by mixing raw food with your Yorkie’s current diet. Gradually increase the raw portion while decreasing the old food. This helps prevent digestive upset and allows your dog to adjust comfortably.

8. Do raw dog food brands meet nutritional standards for Yorkies?

Reputable raw dog food brands formulate their recipes to meet AAFCO nutritional guidelines. This ensures Yorkies receive complete and balanced meals. Always verify the brand’s nutritional claims before purchasing.

9. Can raw dog food improve a Yorkie’s coat?

Many Yorkie parents report shinier coats and healthier skin after switching to raw dog food. The natural fats and proteins support coat growth and reduce dryness. This can be especially helpful for Yorkies prone to skin sensitivity.

10. Is raw dog food expensive for Yorkies?

Raw dog food can cost more upfront than kibble, but Yorkies eat small portions, which helps control expenses. Many dog parents feel the health benefits justify the cost. Improved health may also reduce vet visits over time.

11. Can Yorkie puppies eat raw dog food?

Yorkie puppies can eat raw dog food if it is formulated for growth and development. Puppies require higher levels of certain nutrients, including calcium and protein. Always choose puppy-specific raw formulas and consult your vet.

12. How should raw dog food be stored for Yorkies?

Raw dog food should be stored in the freezer until ready to use. Thaw portions in the refrigerator and use within the recommended time. Proper storage helps maintain freshness and prevents contamination.

13. Does raw dog food help Yorkies with allergies?

Raw dog food may help reduce allergy symptoms by eliminating common fillers found in kibble. Limited ingredient raw diets are especially helpful for Yorkies with food sensitivities. Results vary, so monitoring your dog’s response is important.

14. Are freeze-dried raw dog foods good for Yorkies?

Freeze-dried raw dog food is a convenient option for Yorkies. It offers many benefits of raw feeding with easier storage and serving. Simply rehydrate with water to create a meal suitable for small dogs.

15. How often should Yorkies eat raw dog food?

Adult Yorkies typically eat two meals per day when fed raw dog food. Puppies may require three to four smaller meals. Consistent feeding schedules help maintain healthy digestion.

16. Can raw dog food support dental health in Yorkies?

Chewing raw food and raw meaty bones can help reduce plaque buildup. For Yorkies, softer options designed for small mouths are best. Dental benefits vary depending on the specific food and chewing habits.

17. Are there risks with feeding raw dog food to Yorkies?

Risks include bacterial contamination if the food is mishandled or unbalanced nutrition if the formula is incomplete. Choosing trusted brands and following safe handling practices minimizes these concerns. Regular vet checkups are recommended.

18. How much raw dog food should a Yorkie eat?

The amount depends on your Yorkie’s weight, age, and activity level. Most raw dog food brands provide feeding guidelines based on body weight. Adjust portions as needed to maintain a healthy weight.

19. Can senior Yorkies eat raw dog food?

Senior Yorkies can benefit from raw dog food, especially formulas designed for aging dogs. These recipes often include joint support and easier-to-digest proteins. Always monitor your senior dog’s response and energy levels.

20. How do I choose the best raw dog food brand for my Yorkie?

Choose a brand with transparent sourcing, strong customer reviews, and veterinarian support. Look for recipes designed for small breeds or toy dogs. The best raw dog food for your Yorkie is one that supports their health, digestion, and overall happiness.

Will My Yorkie Get Enough Nutrients from a Raw Diet?

Yes, as long as the raw diet is properly balanced. A complete raw diet should include muscle meat, organ meat, bone, and a small portion of vegetables or fruits. Many commercial raw food brands are formulated to meet the nutritional requirements set by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). However, if you’re making the raw food at home, it’s crucial to follow veterinary nutritionist-approved recipes to avoid deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, zinc, and vitamin D. Regular vet checkups and bloodwork can help ensure your Yorkie is thriving on a raw diet.

No matter what brand you choose, the best raw dog food diet can help your Yorkie have a healthier lifestyle. Any of the brands on this list are great options to switch to, as long as you provide a gradual transition.

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