Instant Pot Pork and Apple Stew (for Dogs)

A super easy and healthy stew specifically made for your best furry friend, featuring pork, sweet potato, green beans, peas, apples, rice, and oats.

My dog loves this Instant Pot Pork and Apple Stew (for Dogs).  I make three different kinds of stew for her, rotating them periodically, depending on what is available and my mood. 

If you haven’t checked them out, they’re Instant Pot Chicken Stew (for Dogs) and Instant Pot Beef Stew (for Dogs).

But I think this Instant Pot Pork and Apple Stew for Dogs is her favorite.  I’m not positive, but my guess is that it’s the apples.  

Back when I consumed pork, I enjoyed it most when it was served with apples.  They just go well with together.  You can use any type of apple that you have on hand.  Sometimes I use fuji, gala, honey chrisp, or granny smith.  They’re all good. 

I’m always hesitant to post recipes for my dogs on my blog, primarily because my husband and I strive to eat a plant-based diet.  Interestingly enough, my dog food recipes are among the most popular.  So I hope you and your dog(s) enjoy and benefit from this recipe.

Before we get started, I did a bunch of research way back when to ensure I was providing healthy food for my dogs. I didn’t want to hurt them in any way.  When I initially googled what I could feed my dogs, I learned that they truly are omnivores, which means they can eat a bunch of different foods. 

And as everyone knows, it’s important to not switch up your dog’s food too much.  For this reason, each of my stew (for dogs) recipes contain a standard base – rice, oats, sweet potato, green beans, and peas. 

Oh, and the sweet potatoes can be omitted or substituted with butternut squash or pumpkin.  It’s a fairly versatile recipe.  If your dog is allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients, simply remove it.  

Speaking of sensitivity, we always mix this stew with kibble. This is for two reasons. First, it won’t upset your dog’s stomach.  And second, it ensures your dog gets the proper nutrients and minerals appropriate for dogs. 

As it turns out, pork and peas are great sources of protein, while sweet potatoes, green beans, oats, and rice provide a variety of nutrients and dietary fiber. All of these are excellent food sources for dogs. While you can include a lot of different foods in your dog food topper, it’s important to avoid things that are harmful to dogs. Click here and here to learn more about what dogs can and can’t eat.

Second, it’s much cheaper than commercially prepared dog foods (canned or refrigerated). And most importantly, my dogs have always enjoyed it.  Now that I only have Kiska, I don’t have to make it as often.

The second reason I prepare my own dog food, it can be much cheaper. Canned and refrigerated dog food can be very expensive. This was especially true when we had two dogs that ate twice each day.  That little container or can of dog food doesn’t last very long.

It’s also hard to find food that resembles actual food. Most “wet” dog food is ground up and looks like pâté. Plus, I don’t want their food packed with unnecessary fillers or byproducts. 

Besides, if you’ve read any of my posts, you’ll know that I sincerely appreciate color and texture. I also want to give my dogs the best diet possible.  

After cooling the Instant Pot Pork and Apple Stew (for Dogs), I stir the mixture a little and break up any large pieces of meat. Oh, and as a bonus, when these ingredients are cooked together in a pressure cooker, a nice gravy is created.  Thank you rolled oats.  

Once cool, I portion the mixture into plastic containers (or sealable plastic freezer bags).  This Instant Pot Pork and Apple Stew (for Dogs) stores well in the refrigerator for up to five days.  I freeze all but one of them.  

As I mentioned before, just like you and me, dogs are omnivores and enjoy a variety of foods.  So when I take the time to make and freeze these stews, our dogs can enjoy a different stew combination each week. 

This makes it super convenient for longer-term storage so that the Pork and Apple Stew doesn’t spoil. It also makes it super convenient for batch cooking, meal prep, and travel.

This Instant Pot Pork and Apple Stew (for Dogs) stores well in the freezer for up to three months.  Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

When ready to serve, simply stir in a portion of the stew along with your dog’s kibble.  You may find that stirring in a tablespoon (or two) hot water helps warm it up a little.  I typically do this in a separate bowl.  But you can also mix it together in your dog’s bowl.  

Please NOTE: as I mentioned previously, please omit or swap out any of the ingredients that your dog is allergic or sensitive.  If you add anything not listed in this recipe, be sure to check that the item is dog-friendly.

I hope you enjoy this Instant Pot Pork and Apple Stew (for Dogs) as much as our dogs have.

I would love to see your results! Please leave a comment and rate it down below, tag a picture @pebblesandtoast and #pebblesandtoast on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook!   Enjoy!!

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Ingredients

• 2½ cups water
• 1 cup light brown or white rice**
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• 2-2½ pounds boneless pork*
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups green beans***
• 1 cup green peas***
• 1 large apple, peeled and cored
• 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed (optional)

Instructions

1. Pour the water in to the insert of your Instant Pot, followed by all of the remaining ingredients in order. (This ensures the rice and oats cook properly and prevent a “burn” error.)
2. Lock the lid in place and ensure the sealing knob is turned to sealing.
3. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, allow the pressure to release naturally.
4. Remove the lid, and stir all of the ingredients until well combined. 
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  
6. To serve this stew for my dog, I stir together 50% kibble and 50% stew.  So, since she eats 1 cup of food, I combine ½ cup kibble and ½ cup stew. Feel free to add 1-2 Tbsp of water to help combine.
7. For longer-term storage, transfer to freezer-safe containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.  Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. 

Notes

* You can use any kind of pork, including pork chop, pork loin, or pork roast.

** If using regular brown rice, cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes. Natural release.

*** Feel free to use fresh or frozen green beans and frozen peas. For convenience, I typically use frozen.