Ok, so this one’s for all the dog parents who’ve ever looked at their pup and thought, “You deserve better than whatever weird brown pellet that was.” 🙃
Honestly, it’s kind of crazy how much our dogs give to us—love, loyalty, cuddles when we’re sad, nonstop tail wags when we walk through the door—so of course we want to spoil them with something fresh and good once in a while.
And no, I’m not saying you need to go full five-star chef and start cooking your dog filet mignon on a Tuesday night. 😂 But if you want to treat them to something homemade, healthy, and full of ingredients that actually do something good for their body, this recipe is a total win.
We’re talking lean pork, fresh pineapple (yes, dogs can eat that), spinach, sweet potatoes, and a couple of other nutrition-packed things to keep your dog feeling great.
So if you’re ready to channel your inner dog mom/dad chef of the year, let’s do this. Your pup is about to eat real good.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this easy homemade pork and pineapple dog meal. These ingredients are fresh, simple, and totally recognizable (because who wants to feed their dog something you can’t pronounce?).
- 1.5 lbs lean ground pork
- ½ cup sweet potato (diced)
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup chopped pineapple (fresh, peeled, and cored)
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1½ tsp ground sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp nutrient blend (or a whole food substitute—see below)
Optional Whole Food Substitute for Nutrient Blend:
- 25g freeze-dried liver
- 20g bone meal
- 10g hemp seeds
- 5g nutritional yeast
- 2g salmon oil
- 1g kelp powder
These whole food options are great if you don’t have a pre-made nutrient mix on hand. Just make sure they’re blended or powdered so your dog can absorb everything properly.
Tools You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here. You’ve probably got everything in your kitchen already.
- Large cooking pot
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Stirring spoon
- Airtight containers (for storage)
Bonus points if you have a happy dog staring up at you while you cook. Not necessary, but highly recommended.
Pro Tips (from someone who’s tried this more times than I can count)
- Go lean with the pork. Dogs need fat, but too much can cause tummy issues. So skip the fatty cuts and go for ground pork that’s at least 85% lean.
- Use FRESH pineapple. Not canned. Seriously. Canned pineapple is loaded with syrup and preservatives your dog doesn’t need. Fresh only, and always remove the core.
- Cool it down first. Sounds obvious, but we’ve all been impatient. Let everything cool completely before serving so your pup doesn’t burn their mouth.
- Don’t skip the nutrients. If you’re going to cook at home, make sure you’re giving your dog everything they need. That’s where the liver/bone meal/etc. come in.
- Start slow. If your dog’s never had fresh meals before, mix this in with their regular food at first. Transitioning gradually is the key to avoiding stomach issues.
Substitutions and Variations
Look, life happens. You run out of an ingredient, your grocery store doesn’t have it, or you just want to mix things up. Totally fine.
- No pork? Use lean ground turkey or chicken. Just make sure there’s no added seasoning.
- Spinach substitute: Kale or Swiss chard works well too.
- No sweet potato? Butternut squash or pumpkin (unsweetened) will do the trick.
- Not into pineapple? Small amounts of apple or blueberries (no seeds!) work great too.
- Need more fiber? Add some steamed green beans or carrots.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is very batch-friendly. I mean, if you’re gonna cook, why not make extra, right?
- Double or triple it and store individual portions in the freezer. Just pull one out the night before, thaw in the fridge, and boom—dog dinner is done.
- Refrigerator storage works for up to 3 days, so you can also just cook once and serve fresh all week.
Time-saving and budget-friendly. We love that.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, ready to cook for your pup like a pro? Here’s the easy walkthrough:
- Cook pork and sweet potato. Toss the ground pork and diced sweet potato into a large pot with about 1 cup of water. Let everything cook together over medium heat until the pork is no longer pink and the sweet potato is soft.
- Add the greens and pineapple. Stir in your spinach and chopped pineapple. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the pineapple softens just a little.
- Cool it all down. Once everything’s cooked, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool completely. Trust me, your dog will thank you.
- Add in nutrients. After the meal has cooled, stir in your nutrient mix (either a store-bought dog supplement or the whole food combo from above). Stir well so everything is evenly coated.
- Serve it up! Measure out the right portion for your dog based on their size, and get ready for some serious tail wagging.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per 100g, Approximate)
Here’s the nerdy part, if you’re into the numbers:
- Calories: ~130
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Rich in: Vitamin A, C, B-complex, potassium, manganese, and iron
This recipe is a nice balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber to help with digestion, energy, and all-around good dog vibes.
Ingredient Swaps for Different Diets
If your dog is on a special diet, don’t worry. Here are a few ways to adapt the recipe:
- Low-fat needs? Go with extra-lean turkey and skip the liver or cut the amount in half.
- Grain-friendly? Mix in a bit of brown rice or quinoa for added carbs and fiber.
- Allergy concerns? Always check with your vet, but this recipe is naturally grain-free and easy to tweak.
Pairing Ideas
You don’t have to stop at just this meal.
- Add a spoon of plain Greek yogurt for probiotics.
- Toss in a dash of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Serve with a side of fresh green beans or cooked carrots.
It’s like a full-course meal. For dogs. And they will love you for it.
Leftovers and Storage
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Scoop into silicone molds or portioned bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently: Either let it thaw naturally or microwave just until lukewarm—not hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use canned pineapple? Nope. It’s too sugary and usually full of preservatives. Go for fresh only.
How much should I feed my dog? Every dog is different, but as a general rule:
- Small dogs: ½ to ¾ cup
- Medium dogs: 1 to 1½ cups
- Large dogs: 2 cups or more Always check with your vet for more exact numbers based on weight and activity.
Is pork safe for dogs? Yes! As long as it’s cooked thoroughly and free of seasoning, pork is a great source of protein for dogs.
Can I skip the nutrient mix? Not really. If you’re feeding your dog homemade meals regularly, they need a complete nutrient profile. Either use a vet-approved supplement or whole food combo.
What if my dog has allergies? Start with a small serving and watch for signs like itching or upset stomach. And of course, check with your vet if you’re unsure.
Wrap Up
Ok, so there you have it.
A super simple, super fresh pork and pineapple dog food recipe that’s filled with nutrition, flavor, and goodness. Whether your dog is new to homemade food or already living the gourmet life, this recipe is a great way to show them some love.
If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it went. Did your dog devour it in 30 seconds flat? Did you make any fun changes? Have questions about substitutions or ingredients?
Leave a comment and let me know! Always happy to help and cheer you on as you take amazing care of your four-legged friend.
