Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 39.23 lb, low-activity Cesky Terrier with hip dysplasia, kidney disease, and dental disease.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Turkey, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Broccoli: 1.5 lbs
  • Green Peas: 1 lb
  • Spinach: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: .5 lbs
  • Rice: .5 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this recommended amount)
  • 1 tsp parsley (helps with kidney disease)
  • 1 tsp peppermint (helps with dental disease)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately .78 to 1.18 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (≈354-472g daily; ≈.78-1.18 lbs daily)

• Fiber: ≈10g
• Fat: ≈50g
• Protein: ≈100g
• Calories: ≈1200 kcal

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice turkey and broccoli, rinse quinoa and rice.
2. Cook the Protein. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil and let it melt. Add diced turkey 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 .5 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 broccoli, spinach, and green peas until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked turkey, quinoa, rice, and vegetables. Add 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp parsley, and 1 tsp peppermint. 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 Turkey. In a skillet, melt coconut oil. Cook diced turkey in batches until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
2. Steam the rice and quinoa using a rice cooker.
3. Cook broccoli, spinach, and green peas in an electric pressure cooker. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
4. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add rice, turkey, quinoa, 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.