Dog

Limited Ingredient Duck

Name: Limited Ingredient Duck
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 5 days supply (for 25lb dog)
Cuisine: Pet Food
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground duck (70% lean); 1 lb duck liver, finely chopped; 3 cups cooked white rice; 2 cups steamed and mashed butternut squash; 1 cup steamed green beans, chopped; 3 tbsp safflower oil; 2 tbsp ground eggshell (or 1 tsp pure calcium carbonate); 1 tbsp iodized salt; 2 tsp zinc methionine (100 mg elemental zinc per tsp); 1 tsp vitamin E (400 IU mixed tocopherols); 1/2 tsp potassium iodide (provides iodine); 1/4 tsp selenium yeast (200 mcg selenium); 2,000 mg fish oil (providing ~600 mg EPA + 400 mg DHA); 50 mg B-complex (human-grade, formulated for 50 lb dog); 1 tsp taurine powder (500 mg); Water as needed for consistency

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

Allergy Friendly

Ingredients

2 lbs ground duck (70% lean)
1 lb duck liver, finely chopped
3 cups cooked white rice
2 cups steamed and mashed butternut squash
1 cup steamed green beans, chopped
3 tbsp safflower oil
2 tbsp ground eggshell (or 1 tsp pure calcium carbonate)
1 tbsp iodized salt
2 tsp zinc methionine (100 mg elemental zinc per tsp)
1 tsp vitamin E (400 IU mixed tocopherols)
1/2 tsp potassium iodide (provides iodine)
1/4 tsp selenium yeast (200 mcg selenium)
2,000 mg fish oil (providing ~600 mg EPA + 400 mg DHA)
50 mg B-complex (human-grade, formulated for 50 lb dog)
1 tsp taurine powder (500 mg)
Water as needed for consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add ground duck and duck liver, cooking until fully done (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C), approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain and reserve cooking liquid.
While duck is cooking, steam butternut squash until very soft, about 12-15 minutes, then mash thoroughly. Steam green beans until tender, about 8 minutes, then chop finely.
Cook white rice in reserved duck cooking liquid according to package directions, using extra liquid to achieve a slightly overcooked, soft texture for better digestibility.
Allow all cooked ingredients to cool to room temperature (below 100°F / 38°C) before combining to preserve heat-sensitive nutrients.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked duck, duck liver, rice, mashed squash, and green beans. Mix thoroughly with hands or a large spoon.
Add safflower oil and fish oil, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
In a small separate bowl, combine all dry supplements: ground eggshell, iodized salt, zinc methionine, vitamin E, potassium iodide, selenium yeast, B-complex, and taurine powder. Mix well.
Sprinkle supplement mixture over the main ingredients and fold in gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Add small amounts of reserved cooking liquid or water to achieve desired consistency for your dog's preference.
Portion into daily servings using a kitchen scale for accuracy. Label with date and refrigerate or freeze immediately.

💊 Required Supplements

Per batch (yields approximately 12 cups): 2,000 mg calcium from ground eggshell or calcium carbonate; 200 mg elemental zinc from zinc methionine; 400 IU vitamin E; 150 mcg iodine from potassium iodide; 200 mcg selenium from selenium yeast; 600 mg EPA + 400 mg DHA from fish oil; 50 mg B-complex; 500 mg taurine. These amounts are calculated for the entire batch and must not be adjusted without veterinary nutritionist guidance.

Nutritional Analysis

1 cup (for 25lb dog)

Calories	485 kcal
Protein	32g (38% DM)
Fat	18g (22% DM)
Carbohydrates	36g (34% DM)
Fiber	3.5g (4% DM)

Moisture	70%
Calcium	1.25% DM
Phosphorus	0.95% DM
Ca:P Ratio	1.32:1

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

This recipe is formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult dog maintenance. The duck protein provides a novel, hypoallergenic protein source ideal for dogs with common protein allergies. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1.32:1 falls within the optimal 1.2:1 to 1.5:1 range for adult dogs. Omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio is approximately 5:1, supporting skin and coat health in allergy-prone dogs. Taurine supplementation is included as a precaution against diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy. This recipe is not suitable for puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, or dogs with kidney disease without veterinary modification. Have your veterinarian review this recipe and perform bloodwork every 6 months to monitor nutritional adequacy.

🧊 Safety & Storage

Refrigerate portions in airtight containers for up to 4 days at 38°F (3°C) or below. Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months at 0°F (-18°C). Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight, never at room temperature. Discard any food left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Wash all surfaces, bowls, and utensils with hot soapy water after each feeding. Always wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw and cooked pet food.

⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning

Do NOT substitute proteins (e.g., chicken, beef, lamb) without recalculating the entire formulation, as duck has a distinct amino acid and fat profile critical to this recipe's balance. Do not replace safflower oil with coconut oil or butter, as this alters the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Do not omit or reduce any supplement—each is essential to prevent nutritional deficiencies that can cause serious health issues including cardiac disease (taurine), bone disease (calcium/phosphorus imbalance), and immune dysfunction (zinc, selenium). Do not add vegetables like onions, garlic, grapes, or macadamia nuts, which are toxic to dogs. Consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before making any modifications.

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

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