Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 65 lb, high-activity Belgian Malinois with hip dysplasia and eye issues.

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 (aids hip dysplasia)
  • 1 tsp bilberry (supports eye health)

Daily Amount

• Feed approximately 1.3-1.95 pounds per day

Approach A – Air Fryer (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice carrots, peel sweet potatoes.
2. Cook the Protein. Heat air fryer to 360°F. Add diced chicken in batches. Cook for 12–15 min until fully cooked. 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. Steam Vegetables. Use a steamer basket or pot to steam sweet potatoes, carrots, and green peas until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, quinoa, and vegetables. Add 1 tsp turmeric and 1 tsp bilberry. 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, add diced chicken and cook on high for 15 minutes. Set aside.
2. Cook Quinoa in the 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. Steam vegetables in the pressure cooker. Layer carrots and green peas. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
5. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add chicken, quinoa, 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.