Dog

Limited Ingredient Duck

Allergy Friendly

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground duck (90% lean)
  • 1 lb duck liver, finely chopped
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 4 cups water (for cooking)
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • 2 tbsp ground eggshell (or 1 tsp calcium carbonate)
  • 1 tsp iodized salt
  • 1/2 tsp zinc methionine (50mg elemental zinc per tsp)
  • 1/4 tsp vitamin E (200 IU mixed tocopherols)
  • 1/8 tsp vitamin D3 (providing 500 IU)
  • 1/4 tsp vitamin B-complex (canine formulation)
  • 2000mg fish oil (providing ~600mg EPA/DHA combined)
  • 1 tsp potassium chloride

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water for 2 minutes to remove bitter saponins.
  2. In a large pot, combine quinoa and 4 cups water; bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  3. While quinoa cooks, steam butternut squash until fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes; mash lightly and set aside.
  4. Steam green beans until just tender, about 5-7 minutes; chop into small pieces.
  5. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground duck for 8-10 minutes, breaking into crumbles, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Add chopped duck liver to the duck; cook 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through.
  7. Remove from heat and allow duck mixture to cool for 10 minutes.
  8. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, mashed butternut squash, green beans, and duck-liver mixture.
  9. Add sunflower oil and fish oil; stir until evenly distributed.
  10. Crush dried eggshell into fine powder using mortar and pestle; add to mixture along with iodized salt and potassium chloride.
  11. Add zinc methionine, vitamin E, vitamin D3, and vitamin B-complex; mix thoroughly ensuring even supplement distribution.
  12. Fold in fresh blueberries gently to avoid crushing.
  13. Portion into airtight containers; label with date and batch number.
  14. Refrigerate portions for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

💊 Required Supplements

Per full batch (approximately 8-9 lbs finished food): Ground eggshell 2 tablespoons (providing ~1200mg calcium); Zinc methionine 1/2 teaspoon (providing ~50mg elemental zinc); Vitamin E 1/4 teaspoon (200 IU mixed tocopherols); Vitamin D3 1/8 teaspoon (500 IU); Canine vitamin B-complex 1/4 teaspoon (follow manufacturer label for exact IU/mg); Fish oil 2000mg (providing ~600mg combined EPA/DHA); Potassium chloride 1 teaspoon; Iodized salt 1 teaspoon. These supplements are essential and must not be omitted or substituted without veterinary nutritionist consultation.

Nutritional Analysis

1.25 cups (for 25lb dog)
Calories520 kcal
Protein32g (38% DM)
Fat18g (22% DM)
Carbohydrates42g (32% DM)
Fiber5.5g (6.5% DM)
Moisture70%
Calcium1.4% DM
Phosphorus1.0% DM
Ca:P Ratio1.4:1
DM = Dry Matter basis. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient sourcing and preparation methods.
This limited ingredient recipe provides approximately 520 kcal per serving for a 25lb adult dog, meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance. Duck serves as a novel protein source ideal for dogs with common protein allergies. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1.4:1 falls within the optimal 1.2-1.5:1 range for adult dogs. Quinoa provides complete plant protein and is gluten-free, while butternut squash offers digestible fiber and beta-carotene. Sunflower oil provides omega-6 fatty acids, while fish oil supplementation ensures adequate omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for anti-inflammatory benefits. The recipe contains 38% protein and 22% fat on a dry matter basis, appropriate for moderately active adult dogs. All essential vitamins and minerals are provided through whole food sources and targeted supplementation. Regular veterinary monitoring including blood work every 6 months is recommended to ensure nutritional adequacy.

🧊 Safety & Storage

Cook all duck and duck liver to minimum internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate Salmonella and other pathogens. Cool food completely to room temperature before refrigerating. Store refrigerated portions at 35-38°F for maximum 4 days. Freeze portions at 0°F for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator, never at room temperature. Discard any food left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Wash all surfaces, utensils, and hands with hot soapy water after handling raw duck. Always use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other ingredients. Consult your veterinarian before feeding this recipe, especially for dogs with existing health conditions.

⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning

Do NOT substitute chicken, beef, turkey, or other common proteins for duck without veterinary guidance, as this recipe is specifically designed for dogs allergic to traditional protein sources. Do not replace butternut squash with white potato or sweet potato without recalculating carbohydrate and fiber content. Do not omit or reduce the eggshell/calcium source, as this will create a dangerous calcium deficiency. Do not use non-iodized salt or sea salt without adding iodine supplementation. Do not increase vitamin D3 dosage, as hypervitaminosis D is life-threatening. Do not use human multivitamins as substitutes for canine-specific B-complex. Any modification requires recalculation by a veterinary nutritionist to maintain nutritional completeness.

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

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