Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a high-activity, 18 lb West Highland White Terrier with skin allergies and liver disease.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Chicken, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Carrots: 1.5 lbs
  • Green Peas: 1 lb
  • Sweet Potatoes: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: 1 lb
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (helps with skin allergies)
  • 1 tsp milk thistle (supports liver health)

Daily Amount

• Feed approximately .36-.54 pounds per day

Approach A – Air Fryer (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice carrots, peel sweet potatoes, and trim green peas.
2. Cook the Protein. Heat the air fryer. Add diced chicken and cook until fully browned. Remove from heat.
3. Cook Quinoa. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to boil. Stir in 1 cup of quinoa. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff and cool.
4. Cook Vegetables. Use the air fryer to cook sweet potatoes, carrots, and green peas until tender. Cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, quinoa, and vegetables. Add 1 tsp turmeric and 1 tsp milk thistle. Drizzle with 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 the electric pressure cooker, cook diced chicken until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
2. Cook quinoa using a rice cooker.
3. Cook sweet potatoes in the electric pressure cooker. Wash and submerge whole. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Cool and peel.
4. Cook carrots and green peas in the electric pressure cooker. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
5. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add quinoa, chicken, peeled sweet potatoes, 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.