Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 51.13 lb, moderate-activity Lakeland Terrier with dental disease, kidney disease, and hip dysplasia.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Turkey, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Carrots: 2 lbs
  • Green Peas: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: 1 lb
  • Rice: 0.5 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp parsley (aids with bad breath)
  • 1 tsp nettle leaf (supports kidney health)
  • 1 tsp turmeric (helps with inflammation, start with small amount and increase to recommended amount)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately 1.02 to 1.53 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (per ≈1.02–1.53 lbs daily serving): Fiber ≈5g, Fat ≈30g, Protein ≈100g, Calories ≈1200

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice carrots and turkey.
2. Cook the Protein. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil and let it melt. Add 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 0.5 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 carrots and green peas until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked turkey, quinoa, rice, and vegetables. Add 1 tsp parsley, 1 tsp nettle leaf, and 1 tsp turmeric. 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 turkey in batches until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
2. Steam the rice using a rice cooker.
3. Steam vegetables in the pressure cooker. Layer carrots and green peas. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
4. Cook quinoa in the pressure cooker. Add 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Fluff and cool.
5. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add rice, turkey, quinoa, 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.