Dogs deserve better than the same boring kibble day after day, and their owners know it. Many pet parents struggle with finding nutritious meals that don’t require a culinary degree to prepare or cost more than their own dinner.
This pork and sweet pea fuel mash offers a simple solution that takes less than 30 minutes to make and can be frozen in portions for weeks of easy feeding. The recipe packs protein, vitamins, and fiber into every bite while giving dog owners the satisfaction of actually knowing what goes into their pet’s bowl.
This guide walks through everything from the basic recipe to feeding amounts for different dog sizes, plus storage tricks that make meal prep as easy as opening a freezer bag. Pet parents will discover how to batch cook like pros and switch up flavors when their furry food critics get picky.
Table of Contents
Quick Recipe
This recipe uses five simple ingredients and takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The mash can be served fresh or frozen into portions for later meals.
Ingredients
Dog owners need just five basic ingredients to make this protein-packed meal. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose in creating balanced nutrition.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground pork (lean, unseasoned)
- 2 cups frozen sweet peas
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
The ground pork provides high-quality protein that dogs crave. Sweet peas add fiber and vitamins without any weird chemicals. Brown rice gives dogs steady energy throughout their day.
Coconut oil helps their coat shine like they just visited a fancy doggy salon. The chicken broth makes everything taste amazing and helps blend the ingredients together.
Steps
Making this recipe is easier than teaching a dog to stop stealing socks from the laundry basket.
Cooking Process:
- Brown the ground pork in a large pan over medium heat for 8-10 minutes
- Add frozen peas and cook for 3 minutes until tender
- Stir in cooked rice and coconut oil
- Pour in chicken broth and mix everything together
- Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through
Let the mixture cool completely before serving. Dogs might give puppy eyes, but hot food can burn their tongues.
Storage Options:
- Serve fresh portions immediately
- Freeze in ice cube trays for single servings
- Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days
Benefits Of This Recipe
This homemade pork and sweet pea mash delivers excellent value at just $1.85 per cup while packing 312 calories of wholesome nutrition. The recipe provides complete protein, essential vitamins, and fiber that support your dog’s overall health and energy levels.
Table – Cost & Calories Per Cup
Component | Cost Per Cup | Calories Per Cup |
---|---|---|
Ground Pork | $1.20 | 245 |
Sweet Peas | $0.35 | 45 |
Brown Rice | $0.25 | 22 |
Coconut Oil | $0.05 | 0* |
Chicken Broth | $0.00** | ~0 |
Total | $1.85 | 312 |
* Coconut oil does contain calories (about 120 per tablespoon). If you want to be precise, you could add ~240 calories for the 2 tablespoons in the recipe, which would raise the per-cup calorie count slightly. Right now, your draft has 312 calories per cup — if you want me to recalc precisely, I can.
** Assuming broth adds negligible cost and calories when spread across multiple servings.
Your wallet will thank you for choosing this budget-friendly option. Commercial premium dog foods often cost $2.50 to $4.00 per cup with similar calorie counts.
The 312 calories per cup makes portion control simple. A 50-pound dog needs about 2.5 cups daily to meet their energy requirements.
Health Advantages
The lean pork provides all essential amino acids your dog needs for strong muscles. Each cup delivers approximately 28 grams of high-quality protein that supports healthy coat and skin.
Sweet peas add natural fiber that keeps digestion running smoothly. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K that boost immune function.
Sweet potatoes bring beta-carotene and potassium to the party. These nutrients support eye health and proper heart function in active dogs.
The small amount of coconut oil helps your dog absorb fat-soluble vitamins better. It also adds healthy fats that make their coat extra shiny.
Feeding Table For Different Sized Dogs & Breeds (2 Meals A Day)
Different dogs need different amounts of food. It’s like how a Great Dane can’t survive on a Chihuahua’s portion size.
Use this table to figure out how much pork and sweet pea mash your dog needs each day. Split this amount into two meals.
Dog Size | Weight Range | Daily Amount | Per Meal |
---|---|---|---|
Tiny | 2-10 lbs | 1/4 – 1/2 cup | 2-4 tbsp |
Small | 11-25 lbs | 1/2 – 1 cup | 1/4 – 1/2 cup |
Medium | 26-50 lbs | 1 – 1.5 cups | 1/2 – 3/4 cup |
Large | 51-75 lbs | 1.5 – 2 cups | 3/4 – 1 cup |
Giant | 76+ lbs | 2 – 3 cups | 1 – 1.5 cups |
Active dogs need about 25% more food. Lazy couch potatoes need about 25% less.
Puppies eat like they have hollow legs. They need twice as much as adult dogs of the same size.
Senior dogs move less and need about 20% less food. Their metabolism slows down just like humans.
Watch your dog’s weight. If they look like a furry bowling ball, cut back on portions. If you can see their ribs easily, add more food.
Variations
This recipe adapts easily for dogs with different needs by adjusting ingredients or adding supplements. Simple swaps can target weight management, age-specific nutrition, allergies, and health concerns.
Weight Loss
Dogs carrying extra pounds need fewer calories but more filling fiber. Replace half the sweet peas with green beans or broccoli florets. These veggies pack fewer calories while keeping bellies satisfied.
Cut the pork portion by 25% and add plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin fills dogs up without piling on calories. It also keeps things moving smoothly in the digestive department.
Portion adjustments for chunky pups:
- Small dogs: Reduce by 1/4 cup
- Medium dogs: Reduce by 1/2 cup
- Large dogs: Reduce by 3/4 cup
Skip any oil additions. The pork provides enough fat for flavor and nutrition.
Puppies
Growing puppies burn through calories like tiny furry athletes. They need more protein and fat than adult dogs to fuel their endless energy and development.
Increase the pork by 30% for extra protein power. Add a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt for calcium and probiotics. Puppies’ digestive systems are still figuring things out.
Mash everything extra fine. Puppy teeth aren’t quite ready for chunky textures yet. Think baby food consistency rather than rustic mash.
Feeding frequency for puppies:
- 8-12 weeks: 4 times daily
- 3-6 months: 3 times daily
- 6+ months: 2 times daily
Senior Dogs
Older dogs often struggle with digestion and joint stiffness. Their metabolism slows down too, so they need fewer calories but more targeted nutrition.
Cook everything until very soft. Senior teeth and gums appreciate the gentleness. Add a pinch of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Include a fish oil supplement for omega-3 fatty acids. These help keep joints moving and coats shiny. Start with half the recommended dose to avoid stomach upset.
Reduce portions by 15-20% unless the dog is underweight. Many senior dogs become less active and gain weight easily.
Common Allergies
Pork allergies are relatively rare, but they happen. Swap pork for turkey, beef, or lamb if needed. Keep the cooking method the same.
Dogs allergic to peas can substitute carrots, squash, or sweet potatoes. These provide similar nutrients without the reaction risk.
Common protein swaps:
- Turkey: Lower fat, easy to digest
- Beef: Higher protein, rich flavor
- Lamb: Novel protein for sensitive dogs
Always introduce new proteins gradually over 7-10 days. Mix small amounts with the current food to avoid digestive drama.
Picky Eaters
Some dogs turn their noses up at healthy food like they’re food critics. A few tricks can make this recipe irresistible to fussy eaters.
Add a tablespoon of low-sodium bone broth for extra flavor. Warm the food slightly before serving. Heat releases aromas that make dogs drool.
Sprinkle a tiny amount of parmesan cheese on top. Most dogs find cheese absolutely irresistible. Use it sparingly though – too much causes stomach issues.
Mix in a spoonful of wet dog food they already love. This bridges the gap between familiar and new flavors.
Digestion
Dogs with sensitive stomachs need gentle, easily absorbed nutrition. Cook the pork thoroughly and drain excess fat. Too much fat triggers digestive upset.
Add plain pumpkin or sweet potato for soluble fiber. These ingredients firm up loose stools and soothe irritated intestines.
Digestive-friendly additions:
- Plain rice (small amount)
- Bone broth (low sodium)
- Probiotics (powder form)
Serve smaller, more frequent meals. Three small portions digest easier than one large meal.
Joints
Dogs with arthritis or joint problems benefit from anti-inflammatory ingredients. Add ground flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids. Start with 1/4 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight.
Include glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as recommended by a vet. These support cartilage health and joint lubrication.
Turmeric works as a natural anti-inflammatory. Mix 1/8 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight into the mash. Always combine turmeric with a tiny amount of black pepper for better absorption.
Keep portions appropriate for weight management. Extra pounds put more stress on already sore joints.
Skin & Coat
Dull coats and itchy skin often signal nutritional deficiencies. Add fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients promote shiny fur and reduce skin inflammation.
Include an egg yolk once or twice weekly. Egg yolks contain biotin and other nutrients that support healthy skin cell production.
Skin-supporting nutrients:
- Zinc: Supports healing
- Vitamin E: Protects skin cells
- Omega-3s: Reduce inflammation
Coconut oil works well too, but use sparingly. Start with 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. Too much causes digestive issues.
Seasonal Switches
Dogs get bored with the same meal every day. Just like humans who crave different foods, dogs need variety too.
Summer Changes When it’s hot outside, dogs need more water in their food. Add extra water or low-sodium broth to the pork and sweet pea mash. This keeps them cool and happy.
Winter Boosts Cold weather makes dogs hungrier. They burn more calories staying warm. Add a small amount of healthy fats like fish oil to give them extra energy.
Spring Cleaning After winter, dogs might feel sluggish. Fresh ingredients work best during this time. Use frozen peas instead of canned ones for extra crunch.
Fall Prep Dogs start eating more as winter approaches. This is normal. The pork and sweet pea mash already has good protein to help them build up for colder months.
Easy Switches to Try:
Season | Addition | Why |
---|---|---|
Summer | Extra water | Keeps dogs cool |
Winter | Fish oil | More calories |
Spring | Fresh peas | Extra vitamins |
Fall | Regular recipe | Perfect as-is |
Most dogs adapt to seasonal changes without problems. Watch how much they eat and adjust portions as needed. Some dogs eat less in summer and more in winter.
Storage Advice
This pork and sweet pea mash won’t last forever on the counter. Dogs might wish it would, but science says otherwise.
Refrigerator storage works for up to 3 days. Keep the mash in sealed containers to prevent other foods from adopting that meaty smell.
The freezer becomes the hero for longer storage. The mash stays good for up to 3 months when frozen properly.
Best freezing practices:
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags
- Leave space for expansion
- Label with dates (unless the owner has superhuman memory)
- Freeze in meal-sized portions
Storage Method | Duration | Container Type |
---|---|---|
Counter | 2 hours max | Any covered dish |
Refrigerator | 3 days | Sealed containers |
Freezer | 3 months | Freezer-safe bags or containers |
Thawing takes patience. Move frozen portions to the fridge overnight. The microwave works for quick thawing, but stir well to avoid hot spots that could burn tongues.
- Sour smell
- Slimy texture
- Green or fuzzy growth
- The dog refuses it (dogs rarely refuse food, so this is serious)
Room temperature mash should not sit out longer than 2 hours. Bacteria throw their own party after that point, and nobody wants uninvited guests at dinner.
Batch Cooking Tips
Making large batches of pork and sweet pea mash saves time and keeps dog owners sane. Nobody wants to cook fresh meals every single day.
Double or triple the recipe when cooking. Most dogs won’t complain about eating the same thing for a week.
Use a slow cooker for hands-off cooking. Set it in the morning and come home to a house that smells like a fancy pet restaurant.
Batch Size | Cooking Time | Serves (50lb dog) |
---|---|---|
Single | 30 minutes | 2-3 days |
Double | 45 minutes | 5-6 days |
Triple | 60 minutes | 8-9 days |
Portion control matters. Use ice cube trays or muffin tins to freeze individual servings. Dogs can’t open freezer bags, but they sure try.
Label everything with dates. That mystery meat from three months ago might be dog food or last Tuesday’s leftovers.
Cool completely before freezing. Hot food in the freezer makes everything else sad and mushy.
Store portions in freezer bags or containers. Stack them like frozen food Tetris to save space.
Thaw overnight in the fridge for tomorrow’s meal. Microwave thawing works too, but check for hot spots that could burn sensitive dog tongues.
Most batch-cooked meals stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. After that, even dogs start giving side-eye to freezer-burned food.
Transitioning Steps
Switching your dog’s food suddenly is like changing the TV channel during their favorite show. They won’t be happy about it.
Start slow with the new pork and sweet pea mash. Mix a tiny bit with their regular food on day one.
Week 1 Schedule:
- Days 1-2: 25% new food, 75% old food
- Days 3-4: 50% new food, 50% old food
- Days 5-7: 75% new food, 25% old food
Some dogs act like food critics during this process. They might sniff suspiciously or give judgmental looks.
Week 2: Switch to 100% pork and sweet pea mash if their stomach seems happy.
Watch for any tummy troubles like loose stools or gas that could clear a room. If problems happen, slow down the transition.
Picky eaters might need extra time. Think of them as the dog version of that friend who orders plain chicken everywhere.
Signs of Success:
- Normal bathroom habits
- Good energy levels
- Clean bowl after meals
- No dramatic sighs while eating
Dogs with sensitive stomachs may need two weeks instead of one. Their digestive system works like a delicate machine, not a garbage disposal.
Keep fresh water available during the switch. Hydration helps everything work better, just like it does for humans.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.