Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 11.69 lb, high-activity Irish Setter with kidney disease and bloat.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Turkey, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Spinach: 1 lb
  • Broccoli: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: 2 lbs
  • Rice: 0.5 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to recommended amount)
  • 1 tsp parsley (helps with kidney disease)
  • 1 tsp fennel (helps with bloat)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately .23 to .35 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (per daily feeding amount: ≈104-158g or .23-.35 lbs)

• Fiber: ≈2g
• Fat: ≈10g
• Protein: ≈50g
• Calories: ≈400 kcal

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice turkey, chop spinach, and cut broccoli into florets.
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 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 spinach and broccoli 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 fennel. 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 spinach and broccoli 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, turkey, spinach, broccoli, and quinoa. 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.