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
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.
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.
Just a polite enquiry but if you do not refrigerate and remove fat accumulated on top prior to serving aren’t the levels of fat dangerous for long term health or dogs diagnosed with pancreatic disorders
Hi Jamie! Just about to try this recipe for my meat mad Staffy pup. Using my slow cooker for the simmer, was wondering whether it’d be suitable to pop veg, like carrots etc in, to add to the flavour? Deb ☺️
Yeah, just chuck in any old veg you think your dog will like.
Thank you Jamie, went with fine diced cooked carrot and peas. It made seven smallish tupperware tubs, so very economical too. Poppy loves it!
How long do you cook it for in the slow cooker?
Dying to try it!
Hi Jamie
I am in Australia about to buy some pig trotters to try your recipe will let you know if she liked it. Thank you for sharing ?
Hey Gale!
Thanks for commenting! I hope your dog loves it, I’m sure they will. Let me know!
New at making doggy treats and biscuits but can’t wait to try. Thanks for sharing recipes, so different from others. Thanks Sue
Hi Jamie
I am new to your site and am so happy I found it.
Can I freeze pig trotter brawn
Teresa
Yeah, it can be frozen fine.
5
How much would my 15 year old border collie need per day in weight or mls?
That would depend on how active they are. The easiest way is to feed and add or takeaway depending on if they put on or lose weight.
Hi Jamie,
I boiled up two pigs trotters and left them to cool. All that was left was a lot of bones and skin. Do you put the skin in as well?
Julie
Hi Julie!
Keep everything but dispose of the bones and anything hard. Keep the skin that’s the best bit! Yum!!
My dog loved it! I kept topping up the liquid when the trotters were cooking so I’ve got a lot of stock left – any suggestions what I can do with it?
Good stuff!
Well there’s probably a lot of gelatine in that stock. If it was me I’d have added it to the food or try setting some aside and chilling it and see if it sets. If it sets it could make a fabulous Kong filler or you could add some meat to it for more dog food.
Hi,
Thank you for posting all these wonderful recipes. I just wondered if you would be able to tell me how long this one will keep refrigerated and is it suitable for freezing?
Thanks in advance
Hi James.
The longest I’ve had it in fridge is nearly two weeks. Yeah it can be frozen.
Jamie