Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 52.53 lb, low-activity Cavapoo with kidney disease, arthritis, and heart murmur.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Salmon, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Zucchini: 2 lbs
  • Sweet Potatoes: 1.5 lbs
  • Quinoa: .5 lbs
  • Rice: .5 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this recommended amount)
  • 1 tsp hawthorn (supports heart health)
  • 1 tsp nettle leaf (supports kidney health)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately 1.05 - 1.58 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (per ≈1.05 - 1.58 lbs daily serving): Fiber ≈ 5g, Fat ≈ 30g, Protein ≈ 125g, Calories ≈ 1500

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice zucchini, peel sweet potatoes.
2. Cook the Protein. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil and let it melt. Add salmon in batches. Cook for 7–10 min until fully cooked. 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 zucchini until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked salmon, quinoa, rice, and vegetables. Add 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp hawthorn, and 1 tsp nettle leaf. 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 Salmon. In a skillet, melt coconut oil. Cook salmon in batches until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
2. Steam the rice using a rice cooker.
3. Cook sweet potatoes in an electric pressure cooker. Wash and submerge whole. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Cool and peel.
4. Steam vegetables in the pressure cooker. Layer zucchini. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
5. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add rice, salmon, peeled sweet potatoes, and vegetables. Mix until consistent.
6. 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.