Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 23.93 lb, moderately active Japanese Chin with heart murmur and bloat.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Chicken, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Sweet Potatoes: 2 lbs
  • Zucchini: 1 lb
  • Green Peas: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: 0.3 lbs
  • Rice: 0.2 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp hawthorn (supports heart health)
  • 1 tsp fennel (reduces bloat)
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this recommended amount)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately .5 to .7 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (per ≈.5-.7 lbs daily serving): Fiber (≈5g), Fat (≈10g), Protein (≈50g), Calories (≈400)

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice sweet potatoes 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 sweet potatoes, zucchini, and green peas 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 cooked. Set aside.
2. Steam the rice and quinoa using a rice cooker.
3. Cook sweet potatoes, zucchini, and green peas in an electric pressure cooker. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Cool and peel.
4. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add chicken, quinoa, rice, 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.