Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 45.27 lb, moderately active Neapolitan Mastiff with arthritis and bloat.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Turkey, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Carrots: 1.5 lbs
  • Sweet Potatoes: 1.5 lbs
  • Zucchini: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: .3 lbs
  • Rice: .2 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this recommended amount)
  • 1 tsp ginger (aids digestion and helps with bloat)
  • 1 tsp chamomile (soothes stomach and helps with bloat)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately 1.35–2.03 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (Daily Feeding Amount: ≈613.64–920.46 grams or 1.35–2.03 pounds)

• Fiber: ≈10g
• Fat: ≈30g
• Protein: ≈113g
• Calories: ≈1500 kcal

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice carrots, peel sweet potatoes, and trim zucchini.
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 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, carrots, and zucchini until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked turkey, quinoa, rice, and vegetables. Add herbs. 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. Cook quinoa and rice using a rice cooker.
3. Cook sweet potatoes and zucchini in an electric pressure cooker. Wash and submerge whole. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Cool and peel.
4. Steam carrots in the pressure cooker. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
5. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add rice, turkey, peeled sweet potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. 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.