Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 57.54 lb, moderately active Spanish Mastiff with arthritis, kidney disease, and dental disease.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Chicken, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Spinach: 1 lb
  • Green Peas: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: 1 lb
  • Rice: 0.5 lb
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this recommended amount for arthritis)
  • 1 tsp parsley (helps with kidney disease)
  • 1 tsp peppermint (helps with dental disease)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately 1.15 - 1.73 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (per ≈1.44 lbs daily serving): Fiber (≈5g), Fat (≈70g), Protein (≈130g), Calories (≈1500 kcal)

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice chicken.
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 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 spinach 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 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp parsley, and 1 tsp peppermint. 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 Chicken. In a skillet, melt coconut oil. Cook diced chicken in batches until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
2. Cook quinoa and rice using a rice cooker.
3. Steam vegetables in the electric pressure cooker. Layer spinach and green peas. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
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.