Pork
Dog caloric intake varies wildly from dog to dog depending on activity level, age, metabolism, breed, gender, reproductive status, if it is spayed/neutered and ideal weight. As always, experiment, use common sense, and talk to your vet. Our general guidelines are as follows:
Dog weight in pounds |
Cups of food per day |
5-20 |
1.5 to 2 |
20-50 |
2 to 3.75 |
50-70 |
3.75 to 4.75 |
70-100 |
4.75 to 6 |
Pork has gotten a bad wrap over the years due to the high fat content of bacon, sausage and salty processed pork like ham. Not all pork products are created equal. Pork dog food can be an excellent source of many key nutrients, such as amino acids, which help dogs build healthy muscle mass, and thiamine, which is a key mineral used to support healthy cell function. In addition, pork is a great source of omega-3s, vitamin E, and healthy fats. Pork is also highly digestible and easy on the stomach for many dogs, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
It is essential that pork is cooked. If a pork product is served (unfrozen) raw, or otherwise undercooked, it can be dangerous for both humans and canines. Do not feed your dog uncooked, unfrozen pork. If you choose to feed raw, pork should be properly frozen before hand. Remove all bones and never feed your dog cooked pork bones. Opt for lean cuts of pork. Consider pork to be a "novel meat" meaning you give it as a meal once or twice a month, but not in their weekly meal rotation.
Freezing specifications to prevent disease from swine carrier parasites:
5°F (-15°C) for 20 days
-9°F (-23°C) for 10 days, or
-20°F (-30°C) for 6 days.
Recipe #1
Pork, apple, blueberries, carrots, rice
Yields approximately 11-12 cups of food
4 lbs. pork all excess fat removed
3 oz. chicken liver (or other organ meat)
1 apple
1/2 C. blueberries
1 C. spinach
2 medium shredded carrots
1 C. rice
1 C. water
1 T. sunflower oil
4 T. Top Dog Meal Completer
Slow cooker -
- Chop all of your fruits and vegetables in large pieces and add to the slow cooker in the order listed. Fruits and vegetables get very soft during the cooking process so larger pieces keep their shape.
- Cook on low for four to five hours until ingredients are soft and pork easily breaks up.
- Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool completely before breaking it apart.
- Once cooled add oil and Top Dog meal Completer and mix well.
- Divide into portions to refrigerate or freeze.