Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 44.14 lb, moderate-activity Belgian Sheepdog with heart murmur and kidney disease.

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
  • Broccoli: 1.5 lbs
  • Green Peas: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: .3 lbs
  • Rice: .2 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp hawthorn (supports heart health)
  • 1 tsp nettle leaf (supports kidney health)
  • Start with a small amount of turmeric and gradually increase to 1 tsp (supports heart and kidney health)

Daily Amount

• Feed approximately 1.3 pounds per day

Approach A – Stove & Oven (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice carrots, chop broccoli, and measure 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 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 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 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. Steam the rice and quinoa using a rice cooker.
3. Cook vegetables in an electric pressure cooker. Wash and submerge whole. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Cool and peel.
4. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add rice, quinoa, beef, 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.