Home-Cooked Recipe for Charlie

This ≈9 lb batch provides ~50% protein, suitable for a 50.18 lb, low-activity Wirehaired Pointing Griffon with heart murmur, arthritis, and hip dysplasia.

Ingredients

• Protein (≈4.5 lbs; ~50%):
  • 4.5 lbs boneless Fresh Meat Beef, diced
• Fats:
  • 2 oz coconut oil
• Vegetables & Grains (≈4.5 lbs):
  • Spinach: 1.5 lbs
  • Broccoli: 1.5 lbs
  • Carrots: 1 lb
  • Quinoa: .3 lbs
  • Rice: .2 lbs
• Herbs:
  • 1 tsp turmeric (start with small amount and increase to this recommended amount)
  • 1 tsp hawthorn (supports heart health)
  • 1 tsp yucca (may help with arthritis and hip dysplasia)

Daily Amount

• Feed approximately 1-1.5 pounds per day

Approach A – Stove & Oven (≈45 min)

1. Prep Ingredients. Wash all vegetables and herbs. Dice carrots, chop spinach and broccoli.
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 spinach, broccoli, and carrots until tender (≈15 min). Drain and cool.
5. Combine & Mix. In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, quinoa, rice, and vegetables. Add herbs. 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 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 spinach, broccoli, and carrots. 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 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.