Limited Ingredient Duck
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground duck (musmeat only, 85% lean)
- 1 cup brown rice, uncooked
- 1 cup sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely grated
- 1/4 cup plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp iodized salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse brown rice thoroughly and combine with 3 cups of water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes until tender and water is absorbed.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground duck, breaking it into small crumbles, for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if desired, but retain some for palatability.
- In a separate pot, boil diced sweet potato and chopped green beans in 1 cup water for 15-20 minutes until very soft. Drain and mash or puree for easier digestion.
- Combine cooked rice, cooked duck, and mashed vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Add grated carrots, canned pumpkin, olive oil, and salt. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
- Portion the mixture into airtight containers. Refrigerate portions for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Always thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Serve at room temperature. Adjust portion size based on your dog's weight, activity level, and caloric needs as determined by your veterinarian.
💊 Required Supplements
Add to each 4-cup batch (approximately 1 day's food for a 25lb dog): 1,000mg calcium carbonate powder (or 2,000mg eggshell powder), 1/2 tsp iodized salt (already in ingredients), 1 fish oil capsule (1,000mg providing ~300mg EPA/DHA), 1/4 tsp zinc methionine (providing ~25mg zinc), 1/8 tsp vitamin E (mixed tocopherols, 10 IU), and 1/4 tsp kelp powder for trace minerals. Alternatively, use a complete canine vitamin-mineral supplement like Balance IT Canine according to manufacturer's instructions for homemade diets (typically 1.5 tsp per batch).
Nutritional Analysis
1 cup (for 25lb dog)| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28g (35% DM) |
| Fat | 12g (15% DM) |
| Carbohydrates | 38g (45% DM) |
| Fiber | 4g (5% DM) |
| Moisture | 72% |
| Calcium | 1.2% DM |
| Phosphorus | 0.9% DM |
| Ca:P Ratio | 1.3:1 |
🧊 Safety & Storage
Store prepared food in airtight glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) for maximum 5 days, or freeze at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator only—never at room temperature. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly with hot soapy water after handling raw poultry. Discard any food left out for more than 2 hours. Always consult your veterinarian before switching to a homemade diet and schedule follow-up bloodwork every 6 months to monitor nutritional adequacy.
⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning
Do NOT substitute duck with common proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb if allergies are suspected—this defeats the purpose of a limited ingredient diet. Do not replace brown rice with wheat or corn, as these are common allergens. Omitting the calcium supplement will cause severe calcium deficiency and bone disease over time. Do not add garlic, onion, grapes, raisins, or xylitol, which are toxic to dogs. If substituting vegetables, only use dog-safe options like zucchini or peas, and recalculate nutritional content.
⚕️ Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
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