Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 18 lb, high-activity Lagotto Romagnolo with diabetes and heart murmur.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Salmon, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Broccoli: 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 hawthorn (supports heart health)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately .36-.54 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (≈163-245g daily)

• Fiber: ≈10g
• Fat: ≈20g
• Protein: ≈50g
• Calories: ≈600 kcal

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice broccoli, peel carrots, and trim zucchini.
2. Cook the Protein. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil and let it melt. Add salmon 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 broccoli, carrots, and zucchini until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked salmon, quinoa, rice, and vegetables. Add 1 tsp turmeric and 1 tsp hawthorn. 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 Salmon. In a skillet, melt coconut oil. Cook salmon in batches until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
2. Cook quinoa and rice using a rice cooker.
3. Steam vegetables in the pressure cooker. Layer broccoli, carrots, and zucchini. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
4. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add quinoa, rice, salmon, 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.