Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 58.47 lb, high-activity Sussex Spaniel with diabetes, dental disease, and skin allergies.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Fresh Meat Beef, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Carrots: 1.5 lbs
  • Green Peas: 1 lb
  • Broccoli: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: .5 lbs
  • Rice: .5 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this recommended amount)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar)
  • 1 tsp parsley (freshens breath)
  • 1 tsp oregano (anti-inflammatory for skin allergies)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately 1.17 to 1.76 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (per ≈1.17–1.76 lbs daily serving)

• Fiber: ≈5g
• Fat: ≈30g
• Protein: ≈100g
• Calories: ≈800 kcal

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice carrots, chop broccoli, and rinse green peas.
2. Cook the Protein. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil and let it melt. Add diced beef 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 .5 cup of quinoa and .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, broccoli, and green peas until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, 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 Beef. In a skillet, melt coconut oil. Cook diced beef 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 carrots, broccoli, and green peas. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
4. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add rice, beef, vegetables, and herbs. 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.