Dog

Beef & Pumpkin Stew

Name: Beef & Pumpkin Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 5 days supply (for 25lb dog)
Cuisine: Pet Food
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean); 1 cup canned 100% pure pumpkin (not pie filling); 1/2 cup brown rice, uncooked; 1/2 cup diced carrots; 1/2 cup chopped green beans; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

⏱ Prep: 15 min 🍳 Cook: 25 min ⌛ Total: 40 min 🟢 Easy 📦 5 days supply (for 25lb dog) 📖 4 min read

Digestive Health

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 cup canned 100% pure pumpkin (not pie filling)
1/2 cup brown rice, uncooked
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup chopped green beans
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add the beef broth, brown rice, and olive oil to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the diced carrots and green beans. Continue simmering covered for another 15 minutes until rice and vegetables are tender.
Stir in the pumpkin and fresh parsley. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and allow to cool completely to room temperature before serving.
Divide into portions based on your dog's weight and store appropriately.

💊 Required Supplements

Add per 4 cups of finished stew: 1/2 teaspoon calcium carbonate powder (provides ~800mg calcium), 1/4 teaspoon iodized salt (for sodium and iodine), 1/2 teaspoon fish oil (providing ~500mg EPA/DHA), and a complete canine vitamin-mineral supplement such as Balance IT Canine (follow manufacturer's scoop for recipe weight, typically 1 scoop per 2 lbs food). Mix supplements into individual servings at mealtime, not during batch cooking.

Nutritional Analysis

1 cup (for 25lb dog)

Calories	380 kcal
Protein	24g (32% DM)
Fat	14g (18% DM)
Carbohydrates	32g (42% DM)
Fiber	5g (8% DM)

Moisture	70%
Calcium	1.1% DM
Phosphorus	0.85% DM
Ca:P Ratio	1.3:1

DM = Dry Matter basis. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient sourcing and preparation methods.

This recipe provides moderate protein appropriate for senior dogs, with highly digestible ingredients to support gastrointestinal health. The pumpkin adds soluble fiber (5g per serving) to aid in stool regularity and digestive comfort. Fat content is kept moderate (18% DM) to accommodate the typically reduced activity levels and slower metabolism of senior dogs. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1.3:1 meets NRC recommendations for adult maintenance. The moisture content (70%) supports hydration, which is especially important for senior dogs who may not drink adequate water. This recipe is designed to be fed as a complete diet when the specified supplements are added; without supplements, it should be considered a topper or intermittent meal only. Consult your veterinarian before making this your dog's sole nutrition source, particularly if your senior dog has kidney disease, as protein and phosphorus levels may need adjustment.

🧊 Safety & Storage

Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Never leave food at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Always use clean utensils when serving. Discard any food that smells off or shows signs of mold.

⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning

Do NOT substitute pumpkin pie filling (contains toxic spices and excess sugar). Do NOT use onion, garlic, or leeks as they are toxic to dogs. Do NOT replace beef broth with regular broth containing onion powder. Do NOT use raw or undercooked meat. Do NOT add salt during cooking if using regular (non-low-sodium) broth. Substituting sweet potato for pumpkin is acceptable in equal amounts, but avoid yams with added butter or marshmallow. Do NOT use pumpkin with added spices or sweeteners.

⚕️ Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

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