Homemade Dog Food with Natural Probiotics using Pork & Apple Cider Vinegar

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Are​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you tired with glancing over ingredient lists that are almost incomprehensible? Have you ever thought that the “healthy” packaged dog food might actually be harmful to your pet?

We want the best for our dogs and hence such worries come to our mind.

So why not be in control instead? I will show how to prepare tasty, healthy, and probiotic-rich homemade dog food in your own ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog food recipe uses pork and apple cider vinegar to support gut health.
• It’s rich in protein, natural probiotics, and essential nutrients.
• Prep time: About 15 minutes.
• Cook time: About 30-40 minutes.
• Serving size: Makes about 6-8 cups, suitable for a medium dog for several days.

Ingredients List

• Ground Pork (lean, 80/20): 1.5 lbs ($8.00 – $10.00)
• Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium ($2.00 – $3.00)
• Carrots: 2 large ($1.00 – $2.00)
• Green Beans (fresh or frozen): 1 cup ($1.50 – $2.50)
• Rolled Oats (uncooked): 1/2 cup ($0.50 – $1.00)
• Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with the “mother”): 1 tablespoon ($0.20 – $0.30)
• Filtered Water: 2-3 cups ($0.00)
• Plain, unsweetened yogurt (live cultures): 1/4 cup ($0.50 – $0.80)
• Fish Oil (canine-specific supplement): 1 teaspoon (cost varies by brand, approximately $0.10 – $0.20 per serving)

Total Estimated Cost: $13.80 – $20.30

Substitutions: You can use ground turkey or lean ground beef instead of pork. For vegetables, feel free to swap green beans with peas or broccoli florets. Just make sure all substitutions are dog-safe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• First, wash and peel the sweet potatoes and carrots.
• Cut them into small, dog-bite-sized pieces.
• In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground pork over medium heat.
• Break up any large chunks as it cooks.
• Drain off any excess fat once the pork is cooked through.
• Add the chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans to the pot with the pork.
• Pour in 2 cups of filtered water.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
• Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
• Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
• Next, stir in the rolled oats.
• If the mixture seems too dry, add another cup of water.
• Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the oats are cooked and the mixture has thickened.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely.
• Once cooled, stir in the apple cider vinegar, plain yogurt, and fish oil.
• Mix everything well to combine.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): Feed about 1/2 to 1 cup per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Feed about 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): Feed about 3 to 4.5 cups per day.
• These are general guidelines. Active dogs or puppies might need more, while senior or less active dogs might need less.
• A pregnant or nursing dog will have higher caloric and nutritional needs. Consult your vet to adjust portion sizes.
• Always talk to your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice specific to your dog’s breed, age, activity level, and any health conditions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Pork: A great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair. It provides necessary amino acids.
• Sweet Potatoes: Packed with complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. They also offer dietary fiber for healthy digestion, and vitamins A and C.
• Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene (which converts to Vitamin A), important for vision and immune function. They also add fiber.
• Green Beans: Low in calories and a good source of vitamins K and C, as well as manganese and fiber.
• Rolled Oats: Provide soluble fiber, which helps regulate digestion and can be gentle on sensitive stomachs. They are a good source of energy.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: The “mother” in ACV contains beneficial bacteria that can support gut health and aid in digestion.
• Plain Yogurt: A natural source of probiotics, live beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestion and immunity.
• Fish Oil: Essential for Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support healthy skin and coat, reduce inflammation, and aid brain and joint health.

Storage and Serving Tips

• This homemade food stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, divide the food into daily portions and freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat them on the stove or in the microwave.
• Always ensure the food is cooled to room temperature before serving to your dog.
• You can serve this food on its own or mix it with your dog’s regular kibble for a gradual transition or added boost.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I add a canine vitamin supplement?

Yes, absolutely. While this recipe is balanced, adding a vet-approved canine multivitamin-mineral supplement can ensure all bases are covered, especially if you’re feeding homemade food exclusively. Always check with your vet first.

Is apple cider vinegar safe for all dogs?

For most healthy dogs, a small amount of organic apple cider vinegar (with the mother) is safe and beneficial for gut health. However, if your dog has any underlying health conditions, especially kidney issues or sensitive stomachs, consult your vet before adding it to their diet.

My dog has allergies to one of the ingredients. What can I do?

Many ingredients can be swapped. For protein, try turkey or lamb if pork is an issue. If your dog can’t have oats, you might use cooked quinoa (in moderation) or skip them and increase other veggies. Always introduce new ingredients slowly and monitor for any reactions.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home means knowing exactly what they eat. This pork and apple cider vinegar recipe is an easy way to give them a gut-friendly meal. It’s packed with nutrients and love.

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