Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 66.78 lb, moderate-activity Belgian Sheepdog with bloat, pancreatitis, and diabetes.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Fresh Meat Beef, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Zucchini: 1.5 lbs
  • Spinach: 1 lb
  • Green Peas: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: .5 lbs
  • Rice: .5 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp ginger (aids digestion and helps with bloat)
  • 1 tsp chamomile (soothes stomach and helps with pancreatitis)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this level, helps with diabetes)

Daily Amount

• Feed approximately 1.3 to 2 pounds per day

Approach A – Stove & Oven (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice zucchini, spinach, and 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 zucchini, spinach, 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 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp chamomile, and 1/2 tsp turmeric. 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 zucchini, spinach, and green peas. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
4. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add beef, quinoa, rice, and vegetables. Mix until consistent.
5. Transfer into BPA free 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.