Homemade Raw Dog Food Pork and Apple Combo

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 of reading confusing ingredient labels, wondering what mysterious fillers are lurking in your dog’s bowl?

Many commercial dog foods, even the “premium” ones, can fall short, leaving our beloved companions with digestive upsets, dull coats, or a general lack of vitality.

Imagine the peace of mind knowing exactly what nourishes your furry best friend, boosting their health and happiness from the inside out.

Overview: Homemade Raw Pork & Apple Power Blend for Dogs

This vibrant homemade raw dog food recipe combines the rich nutrition of pork with the refreshing crispness of apple, creating a truly irresistible and beneficial meal for your canine companion.

It’s designed to support robust energy levels, a gleaming coat, and optimal digestion, making it perfect for active dogs or those needing a nutritional boost.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (Raw)
Serving Size: Yields approximately 6-7 lbs of food

Ingredients for Your Raw Dog Food Masterpiece

Crafting this nutritious meal starts with high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Remember, buying in bulk often saves money, and always prioritize fresh, ideally organic, produce.

• 4 lbs Pork Shoulder (boneless): ~$12-16 (for 4 lbs)
  • Substitution: Beef chuck, venison, or lamb for variety.
• 1 lb Pork Liver: ~$3-4
  • Substitution: Beef liver, chicken liver.
• 0.5 lb Pork Kidney or Spleen: ~$2-3
  • Substitution: Beef kidney, other secreting organs.
• 2 Large Apples (cored, seeds removed): ~$2-3
  • Substitution: Pears (seeds removed), blueberries, cranberries.
• 1 cup Chopped Spinach: ~$0.50 (from a bag)
  • Substitution: Kale, collard greens.
• 1 Large Carrot: ~$0.50
  • Substitution: Green beans, zucchini.
• 4 Large Raw Eggs (with shells, if clean and organic): ~$1.20
  • Substitution: Duck eggs.
• 1/4 cup Cod Liver Oil or Salmon Oil: ~$1.50 (from a bottle)
  • Substitution: Sardine oil.
• 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast (optional, for B vitamins): ~$1
  • Substitution: Spirulina.

Estimated Total Cost: ~$23.70 – $32.00

Step-by-Step Raw Dog Food Preparation

Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a super-packed meal for your best friend! This process is surprisingly straightforward, especially with the right tools.

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure your kitchen counters and all tools are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Raw meat safety is paramount.
2. Rough Chop Meats: Cut the pork shoulder, liver, and kidney into 1-2 inch chunks. This makes them easier for your grinder to handle.
3. Prepare Produce: Core the apples and remove all seeds, as apple seeds contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. Roughly chop the apples, spinach, and carrot.
4. Grind Ingredients (Optional but Recommended): If you have a meat grinder, pass all the meat, organs, and vegetables through it. If not, a robust food processor can work, but you’ll need to process in batches until the mixture reaches a coarse, consistent texture.
5. Add Supplements: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat and produce mixture. Crack the raw eggs directly into the mixture, crushing the shells finely if using them for calcium.
6. Incorporate Oils & Yeast: Pour in the cod liver oil or salmon oil and sprinkle in the nutritional yeast, if using.
7. Mix Thoroughly: Using clean hands or a sturdy spatula, mix all ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed. This ensures your dog gets a balanced meal with every portion.
8. Portion and Store: Divide the mixture into meal-sized portions using airtight containers or freezer bags. Label each container with the date.

Feeding Guidelines for Optimal Health

Transitioning to raw food or adjusting portions takes careful consideration. Every dog is unique, so these are starting points.

Generally, feed 2-4% of your dog’s ideal adult body weight per day, divided into two meals. Puppies, active dogs, and pregnant/nursing dogs may need more, while senior or less active dogs might require less.

• Small Dogs (5-15 lbs): 0.1 – 0.6 lbs per day (e.g., a 10 lb dog needs 0.2-0.4 lbs).
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 0.8 – 2 lbs per day (e.g., a 30 lb dog needs 0.6-1.2 lbs).
• Large Dogs (60-100+ lbs): 2.4 – 4+ lbs per day (e.g., an 80 lb dog needs 1.6-3.2 lbs).

For highly active breeds like Border Collies or Huskies, aim for the higher end of the percentage. Consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially if your dog has specific health conditions or dietary needs.

Nutritional Benefits of This Raw Recipe

This recipe isn’t just tasty; it’s a powerhouse of essential nutrients designed to support your dog’s overall well-being. Each ingredient plays a vital role in their health.

Pork Shoulder: A fantastic source of highly digestible protein for muscle development and repair. It also provides essential B vitamins, particularly thiamine, crucial for energy metabolism.

Pork Liver & Kidney: These organ meats are nature’s multivitamins! Liver is packed with Vitamin A, iron, B vitamins, and copper, supporting vision, blood health, and detoxification. Kidneys offer selenium, iron, and more B vitamins, aiding kidney function and cellular health.

Apples: Rich in vitamins A and C, and a good source of dietary fiber. The fiber helps support healthy digestion and gut motility, while antioxidants contribute to immune health.

Spinach & Carrot: Provide vital vitamins (K, A, C), minerals, and beneficial phytonutrients. These vegetables contribute to healthy vision, immune function, and overall cellular protection.

Raw Eggs (with shell): A complete protein source, providing all essential amino acids. The shell, if used, is an excellent natural source of calcium for strong bones and teeth, crucial for raw feeders.

Cod Liver Oil/Salmon Oil: Abundant in Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These are critical for cognitive function, reducing inflammation, promoting healthy skin, and maintaining a lustrous coat.

Nutritional Yeast: A great source of B vitamins, which are vital for metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell formation. It can also support a healthy immune system.

Storage and Serving Tips

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and safety of your homemade raw dog food. Follow these guidelines to keep your canine’s meals perfect.

Refrigeration: This raw food mixture will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always label with the date to ensure freshness.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual meal portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3-4 months. This allows you to prepare large batches and have meals ready whenever needed.

Thawing: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature for extended periods to prevent bacterial growth. Gently warming the food slightly can enhance its aroma and palatability for some picky eaters.

Serving Ideas: Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed for optimal enjoyment and digestibility. You can serve it as a complete meal or mix it with a small amount of high-quality kibble if you’re transitioning your dog or prefer a mixed feeding approach.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Is raw feeding safe for my dog?

When prepared properly with human-grade ingredients and strict hygiene, raw feeding is generally safe. Always source fresh ingredients and handle them as you would your own food.

Do I need to include bones in the recipe?

This recipe does not explicitly call for raw bones. If you wish to include them, ensure they are soft, non-weight-bearing bones (like chicken necks or wings) and are ground very finely. Whole bones should never be fed unless supervised and appropriate for your dog’s chewing habits.

How do I know if my dog is getting a balanced diet?

A balanced raw diet includes about 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat (5% liver, 5% other secreting organs), and 10% bone (or eggshell as a calcium source). Adding a variety of vegetables and fruits, along with essential fatty acids, helps ensure comprehensive nutrition. Always consult a vet or canine nutritionist for long-term feeding plans.

My dog isn’t keen on raw food – what should I do?

Some dogs need a slow transition. Start by mixing a small amount of the raw food with their current food, gradually increasing the raw portion over several days or even weeks. Warming it slightly or adding a little bone broth can also entice them.

Wrapping Up

You’ve just unlocked the secret to a happier, healthier pup with this incredible homemade raw pork and apple recipe! It’s a labor of love that pays dividends in vibrant health and wagging tails.

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Raw Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!