Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 13.57 lb, moderate-activity Dandie Dinmont Terrier with bloat, skin allergies, and kidney disease.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Chicken, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Carrots: 1.5 lbs
  • Spinach: 1 lb
  • Sweet Potatoes: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: .5 lbs
  • Rice: .5 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp ginger (aids digestion and helps with bloat)
  • 1 tsp chamomile (soothes skin allergies)
  • 1 tsp parsley (supports kidney health)
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this amount over time)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately .27-.41 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (per .27-.41 lbs daily serving): Fiber ≈2g, Fat ≈10g, Protein ≈20g, Calories ≈250

Approach A – Stove & Oven (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice carrots, peel sweet potatoes, and trim spinach.
2. Cook the Protein. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil and let it melt. Add diced chicken 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, carrots, and spinach until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, 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 Chicken. In a skillet, melt coconut oil. Cook diced chicken in batches until fully cooked. Set aside.
2. Steam the rice and quinoa 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 carrots and spinach. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
5. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add rice, chicken, 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.