Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, designed for an 81.3 lb, low-activity Boerboel with heart murmur, pancreatitis, and obesity.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs lean ground beef
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Carrots: 1.5 lbs
  • Zucchini: 1.5 lbs
  • Quinoa: 1 lb
  • Rice: 0.5 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this amount)
  • 1 tsp hawthorn (supports heart health)
  • 1 tsp milk thistle (supports pancreas health)
  • 1 tsp dandelion root (supports weight management)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately 1.6 to 2.4 lbs per day

Nutritional Information (per 1.6-2.4 lbs daily feeding amount)

• Fiber: ≈8 g
• Fat: ≈80 g
• Protein: ≈120 g
• Calories: ≈1600 kcal

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice carrots and zucchini.
2. Cook the Protein. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil and let it melt. Add ground 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 0.5 lbs 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 carrots and zucchini until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, quinoa, rice, and vegetables. Add herbs 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 ground beef in batches until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
2. Cook quinoa and rice using a rice cooker.
3. Steam vegetables in the electric pressure cooker. Layer carrots and zucchini. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
4. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add rice, beef, vegetables, and herbs. 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.