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.
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 4 pig trotters
- 200g (7 oz) Frozen peas or dog-friendly vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes, chopped)
- 1 small bunch of parsley optional (for vitamins and fresh breath)
- 1 small carrot optional (for added vitamins and crunch)
- Water enough to cover ingredients in a large pot
Instructions
- 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)
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Skim any foam from the surface. Cover and simmer for 4 hours
- Cool and Separate: Remove the pig feet and place them in a bowl to cool. Reserve the stock in the pot
- Process the Feet: Discard bones, nails, and cartilage. Shred or chop the remaining meat and skin, then return them to the stock
- 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
- 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
- Once cooled, it will set firmly
- 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.
Notes
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. Short-Term Storage (Refrigerator)Duration: The brawn will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a covered container. One user reported keeping it for nearly two weeks, though 5 days is the recommended safe guideline. How to store: Once the brawn has cooled and set into a firm, jelly-like texture, you can store it in a covered container in the fridge. Long-Term Storage (Freezer)
Duration: The brawn is suitable for freezing and can be stored for up to 3 months. How to freeze: The best approach is to portion the warm mixture into individual serving containers (e.g., 200ml portions) before refrigerating to set. After they have cooled and set, you can transfer these portions directly to the freezer. For easier thawing, it's helpful to freeze in meal-sized portions. Tips for Thawing and Serving
Thawing: For the best results, thaw a frozen portion in the refrigerator overnight. Serving: Serve the brawn at room temperature for your dog to enjoy.
Once the pig feet are boiled, can I strain the broth through cheesecloth to make sure there are no impurities in it?
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
Wondeful recipe. Can you freeze individual portions?
yes
thanks for sharing it. went with fine diced cooked carrot and peas. It made seven smallish tupperware tubs, so very economical too. Poppy loves it! https://thammyxinh.vn/top-5-khoa-hoc-massage-chan-hot-nhat-2019/
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.
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
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