Beef & Pumpkin Stew
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 chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if any accumulates.
- Add the low-sodium beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked brown rice, chopped carrots, and green beans to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until rice is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, olive oil, turmeric, and fresh parsley. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- 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 the following per 4 cups of prepared food: 1/2 teaspoon calcium carbonate powder (for calcium balance), 200 IU vitamin E (1 capsule, pierced and mixed in), and 500mg fish oil (1 standard capsule or liquid measure). Mix thoroughly into cooled food before serving. Consult your veterinarian before adding any supplements, especially if your dog is on medications.
Nutritional Analysis
1 cup (for 25lb senior dog)| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 24g (32% DM) |
| Fat | 11g (15% DM) |
| Carbohydrates | 28g (38% DM) |
| Fiber | 5g (7% DM) |
| Moisture | 75% |
| Calcium | 1.1% DM |
| Phosphorus | 0.85% DM |
| Ca:P Ratio | 1.3:1 |
🧊 Safety & Storage
Store refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Freeze individual portions in BPA-free containers or silicone molds for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. Always serve at room temperature or slightly warm—never hot. Wash hands and all surfaces thoroughly after handling. Discard any food left out for more than 2 hours. Introduce gradually over 7-10 days by mixing with current food in increasing ratios.
⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning
Do NOT substitute pumpkin pie filling (contains toxic spices and excess sugar), regular rice varieties that may cause digestive upset in some dogs, or any onion/garlic (toxic to dogs). Do not use pumpkin alternatives like squash without veterinary approval as fiber content varies significantly. Avoid substituting ground turkey without adjusting cooking time. Never add salt, sugar, or artificial sweeteners. Ingredient substitutions will alter the carefully balanced calcium-phosphorus ratio and caloric density, potentially causing nutritional deficiencies or toxicities over time.
⚕️ Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
Share this recipe