Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 48 lb, low-activity Kromfohrlander with heart murmur, skin allergies, and obesity.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Fresh Lamb, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Carrots: 2 lbs
  • Broccoli: 2 lbs
  • Quinoa: 0.3 lbs
  • Rice: 0.2 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp hawthorn (supports heart health)
  • 1 tsp nettle (helps with skin allergies)
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to recommended amount for obesity)

Daily Feeding Amounts

• Feed approximately 1-1.5 pounds per day

Nutritional Information (per ≈1.5 lbs daily serving): Fiber ≈5g, Fat ≈30g, Protein ≈75g, Calories ≈900

Approach A – Stove (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice carrots, chop broccoli, and rinse quinoa and rice.
2. Cook the Protein. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil and let it melt. Add diced lamb 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 and broccoli until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked lamb, 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 Lamb. In a skillet, melt coconut oil. Cook diced lamb 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 carrots and broccoli. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
5. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl. Add rice, lamb, 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.