Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 68.90 lb, high-activity Finnish Spitz with kidney disease and skin allergies.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Chicken, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Spinach: 1.5 lbs
  • Carrots: 1.5 lbs
  • Zucchini: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: .3 lbs
  • Rice: .2 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to recommended amount)
  • 1 tsp nettle leaf (supports kidney health)
  • 1 tsp calendula (soothes skin allergies)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately 1.38 to 2.07 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (per ≈1.38–2.07 lbs daily serving)

• Fiber: ≈5g
• Fat: ≈30g
• Protein: ≈110g
• Calories: ≈800 kcal

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice chicken, carrots, and zucchini.
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 quinoa and 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 spinach, carrots, and zucchini until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, quinoa, rice, and vegetables. Add 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp nettle leaf, and 1 tsp calendula. 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 Chicken. In a skillet, melt coconut oil. Cook diced chicken in batches until cooked. Set aside.
2. Steam the rice and quinoa using a rice cooker.
3. Cook vegetables 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, chicken, 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.