Pig trotter brawn

by Jamie Shanks | Nov 2, 2014 | 34 comments

Last Updated: August 27, 2025

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Homemade Pig Trotter Brawn Dog Food

Pig trotters are a powerhouse of collagen, protein, and essential nutrients, making them ideal for dogs of all ages and sizes. The slow-simmered broth transforms into a jelly-like brawn that’s not only tasty but also supports joint mobility, skin health, and digestion. By adding vegetables like peas, carrots, celery, and parsley, etc this recipe delivers vital vitamins and minerals, ensuring your dog gets a balanced, natural diet. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and customisable – add rice for extra energy or keep it grain-free for sensitive pups.

This recipe is perfect for pet owners who want to take control of their dog’s nutrition. Unlike store-bought options that may contain preservatives or fillers, this homemade dog food is free from artificial additives, giving you peace of mind about what your furry friend is eating. Whether you have a playful puppy, an active adult dog, or a senior needing joint support, this pig trotter brawn is a versatile addition to their diet.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create this wholesome dog food, along with tips for storage, serving, and portioning based on your dog’s size. Ready to treat your dog to a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? Let’s get started with this brawn recipe that your dog will love!

You can buy pig trotters quite easily online. Try Green Pasture Farms.

INGREDIENTS

(Makes approximately 10–11 servings in 200ml containers)

 

  • 4 pig feet (cleaned, ask your butcher to split them if bought locally)
  • 200g (7 oz) frozen peas or dog-friendly vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes, chopped)
  • Optional: 1 small bunch parsley (for vitamins and fresh breath)
  • Optional: 1 small carrot, chopped (for added vitamins and crunch)
  • Water (enough to cover ingredients in a large pot)

METHOD

pig trotters in pot

Prepare the Pig Feet: Rinse the pig feet thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a large stockpot and cover with water (about 3–4 liters).

cooked pig trotters in pot

Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Skim any foam from the surface. Cover and simmer for 4 hours.

pig trotters in a bowl

Cool and Separate: Remove the pig feet and place them in a bowl to cool. Reserve the stock in the pot.

pig trotter stock

Process the Feet: Discard bones, nails, and cartilage. Shred or chop the remaining meat and skin, then return them to the stock.

Adding peas to pig trotters

Add Vegetables: Stir in 200g of peas or other dog-friendly vegetables (e.g., chopped carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes). If using parsley, add it now. Cook for 5–10 minutes until vegetables are soft.

Serving pig trotter brawn into containers

Portion and Cool: While warm, pour the mixture into 200ml containers (yields ~10–11 servings). Let cool, then refrigerate for 4–6 hours until set into a firm, jelly-like brawn.

pig trotter brawn

Once cooled it will set firmly.

dog eating pig brawn

Serve: Slice the brawn and serve at room temperature. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Why It’s Great for Your Dog

This brawn is loaded with collagen for joint and skin health, protein for muscle support, and vitamins from vegetables for overall wellness. It’s a natural, cost-effective treat your dog will love.

 

How to store

As a general guide if meat protein is present in recipe then it will last around 3 to 5 days stored in a cool place.  If it has second class protein in it eg. cheese, lentils, eggs, etc, then they will store for about 10 days in a cool place. If there is no meat or second class proteins present then it will last around 3 weeks before they go soft like human biscuits.

Buy the book!

These dog treat recipes are now available to buy in book on Amazon.   An ideal gift!

open cook book
raw pig ears

By Jamie Shanks

BDWS is owned and run by me, Jamie Shanks. I’ve been a professional dog walker since 2010. When I’m not walking dogs, I’m usually at home entertaining my three dogs and attending to five hens and my vegetable garden. 

34 Comments

  1. Once the pig feet are boiled, can I strain the broth through cheesecloth to make sure there are no impurities in it?

  2. I’m so excited to try this. My family (Polish) used to make pickled pigs feet. I never acquired a taste for it but I recently saw pigs feet in the local meat market and thought it might be good to use for my dog. I can’t wait to make these for her.

    • I am hafe Irish and hafe German my dad was southern so I grew up with pigs feet never liked it lol but ya I feel the same so I am gonna try it tomorrow for dog

  3. Wondeful recipe. Can you freeze individual portions?

    • yes

  4. Hi, I was just wondering if you could tell me how long do you think it lasts in the fridge and will it freeze? Thanks

    • Freeze if you want to store, it’ll pretty much last forever.

  5. I cooked your liver bread recipe for my 12 week old cockapoo and he absolutely adores it. Thanks for making the recipe available.

    Regards

    James

    • Thanks James

  6. is it normal for the jelly to turn liquid ?

    • Did it start of as jelly then go liquid or just not set?

    • after boiling, let it cool put in the fridge it was still liquid.. when i remove from fridge it was jelly and while waiting for it to room temperature to feed the dogs, it turned liquid

    • Sounds just like a little too much water that time.

    • I am hafe Irish and hafe German my dad was southern so I grew up with pigs feet never liked it lol but ya I feel the same so I am gonna try it tomorrow for dog