Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 52.41 lb, moderately active Bolognese with diabetes, arthritis, and heart murmur.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Turkey, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Broccoli: 2 lbs
  • Sweet Potatoes: 2 lbs
  • Quinoa: 0.25 lbs
  • Rice: 0.25 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this recommended amount)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar)
  • 1 tsp ginger (anti-inflammatory for arthritis)
  • 1 tsp hawthorn (supports heart health)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately 1.05 - 1.57 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (per ≈1.31 lbs daily serving): Fiber ≈5g, Fat ≈30g, Protein ≈65g, Calories ≈800

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice broccoli, peel sweet potatoes.
2. Cook the Protein. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil and let it melt. Add diced turkey 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 0.25 lbs of quinoa and 0.25 lbs 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 broccoli and sweet potatoes until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked turkey, 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 Turkey. In a skillet, melt coconut oil. Cook diced turkey in batches until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
2. Steam the rice and quinoa using a rice cooker.
3. Cook sweet potatoes in an electric pressure cooker. Wash and submerge whole. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Cool and peel.
4. Steam broccoli in the pressure cooker. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
5. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add rice, quinoa, turkey, peeled sweet potatoes, and broccoli. 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.