Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 23.53 lb, moderate-activity Berger Picard with bloat and diabetes.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Fresh Meat Beef, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Sweet Potatoes: 2 lbs
  • Green Peas: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: 1 lb
  • Rice: 0.5 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this recommended amount)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately .5 to .7 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (per daily feeding amount of .5 to .7 lbs or 227 to 318 grams)

• Fiber: ≈5g
• Fat: ≈15g
• Protein: ≈50g
• Calories: ≈500 kcal

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice sweet potatoes.
2. Cook the Protein. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil and let it melt. Add diced beef in batches. Cook for 7–10 min until fully browned. Remove from heat.
3. Boil Grains. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to boil. Stir in 1 cup of quinoa and .5 cup of rice. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff and cool.
4. Steam Vegetables. Use a steamer basket or pot to steam sweet potatoes and green peas until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, quinoa, rice, and vegetables. Add 1 tsp turmeric and 1 tsp cinnamon. Drizzle with remaining coconut oil and mix well.
6. Portion & Store. Let cool. Store in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Approach B – Specialized Equipment (≈35 min)

1. Cook the Beef. In a skillet, melt coconut oil. Cook diced beef in batches until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
2. Cook quinoa and rice using a rice cooker.
3. Cook sweet potatoes and green peas in an electric pressure cooker. Wash and submerge whole. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Cool and peel.
4. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add rice, beef, peeled sweet potatoes, and vegetables. Mix until consistent.
5. Transfer into food storage containers. Refrigerate for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recommended Protein Guidelines

AAFCO recommends ≥18% crude protein for adult maintenance. This recipe provides ~50% protein. Protein content is high but dogs like meat.