Dog

Puppy Growth Formula

General

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken (93% lean)
  • 1 cup brown rice (uncooked)
  • 1/2 cup sweet potato (peeled and diced)
  • 1/4 cup carrots (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup green beans (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
  • 1 large egg (raw, including crushed shell)
  • 1/2 cup spinach (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup blueberries (mashed)
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook brown rice according to package directions, set aside to cool
  2. Boil or steam sweet potato until soft, mash and set aside
  3. In a large skillet, cook ground chicken over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking into small pieces
  4. Steam carrots and green beans until tender, chop finely
  5. Crush eggshell into fine powder using a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, sweet potato, carrots, and green beans
  7. Add olive oil, Greek yogurt, raw egg, eggshell powder, spinach, blueberries, and flaxseed
  8. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed
  9. Portion into daily servings and refrigerate or freeze

💊 Required Supplements

Add per 5 lbs of food: 1/4 tsp calcium carbonate powder (for bone development), 1/8 tsp iodized salt (for thyroid function), 1/2 tsp fish oil (EPA/DHA for brain development), 1/4 tsp zinc gluconate (for immune function), and 1 pediatric multivitamin crushed (follow label for puppy dosage based on dog's expected adult weight)

Nutritional Analysis

1 cup (for 25lb dog)
Calories450 kcal
Protein28g (35% DM)
Fat12g (15% DM)
Carbohydrates38g (45% DM)
Fiber4g (5% DM)
Moisture72%
Calcium1.2% DM
Phosphorus0.9% DM
Ca:P Ratio1.3:1
DM = Dry Matter basis. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient sourcing and preparation methods.
This recipe provides 450 kcal per cup with a protein content of 35% DM and fat at 15% DM, meeting AAFCO growth requirements for puppies. The calcium:phosphorus ratio of 1.3:1 is within the optimal 1.1-1.5:1 range for skeletal development. The inclusion of fish oil provides DHA for cognitive development, while the egg and yogurt supply highly bioavailable protein. The 72% moisture content supports hydration. This diet is appropriate for puppies of all breeds from weaning through 12 months, with portion sizes adjusted based on expected adult weight and body condition scoring every 2 weeks.

🧊 Safety & Storage

Store in airtight containers in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in refrigerator. Always serve at room temperature, never microwave. Wash hands and all surfaces thoroughly after handling raw ingredients. Discard any uneaten food after 30 minutes. Consult your veterinarian before starting any homemade diet, especially for puppies under 6 months.

⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning

Do not substitute ground chicken with fattier meats like 80/20 beef as this will alter the calcium:phosphorus ratio critical for puppy bone development. Do not omit the eggshell powder or calcium carbonate as growing puppies require precise calcium levels (1.2-1.4% DM). Avoid replacing sweet potato with white potato as it provides different glycemic impact. Never use onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, or xylitol-containing ingredients as these are toxic to dogs.

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

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