Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 11.69 lb, high-activity Irish Setter with kidney disease and bloat.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Turkey, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Spinach: 1 lb
  • Broccoli: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: 1.5 lbs
  • Rice: 0.5 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this recommended amount)
  • 1 tsp parsley (helps with kidney disease)
  • 1 tsp fennel (helps with bloat)

Daily Amount

• Feed approximately .23 to .35 pounds per day

Approach A – Stove & Oven (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice turkey, chop spinach, and cut broccoli into florets.
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 1 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 spinach and broccoli until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked turkey, quinoa, rice, and vegetables. Add 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp parsley, and 1 tsp fennel. Drizzle with remaining coconut oil and mix well.
6. Oven Finish (optional). Transfer to an oven-safe dish. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
7. 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 using a rice cooker.
3. Cook quinoa in an electric pressure cooker. Rinse and submerge. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Cool and fluff.
4. Steam vegetables in the pressure cooker. Layer spinach and broccoli. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
5. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add rice, turkey, quinoa, 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.