Beef & Pumpkin Stew
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 cup canned 100% pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown rice
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green beans
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse 1/2 cup brown rice and cook in 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth according to package directions until very soft (about 40-45 minutes for senior-friendly texture).
- In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat and brown 1 lb lean ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add remaining 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup diced carrots, and 1/2 cup chopped green beans to the pot with the beef.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until carrots and green beans are very tender and liquid has reduced slightly.
- Stir in the cooked brown rice and mix thoroughly. Simmer an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely to room temperature before serving.
- Portion into individual servings and refrigerate or freeze as needed.
💊 Required Supplements
Add per 1 cup serving of prepared stew: 1/4 tsp calcium carbonate powder (provides ~400mg calcium), 1/8 tsp iodized salt (for sodium), 1/4 tsp zinc methionine (provides ~25mg zinc), 200 IU vitamin E (as mixed tocopherol powder or punctured capsule), 1/4 tsp potassium chloride (if not on ACE inhibitors). For a 25lb dog eating ~3 cups daily, this provides balanced mineral supplementation. Consult your veterinarian to adjust based on total daily intake and any existing health conditions.
Nutritional Analysis
1 cup (for 25lb senior dog)| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 32g (38% DM) |
| Fat | 14g (17% DM) |
| Carbohydrates | 30g (36% DM) |
| Fiber | 5g (6% DM) |
| Moisture | 74% |
| Calcium | 1.1% DM |
| Phosphorus | 0.85% DM |
| Ca:P Ratio | 1.3:1 |
🧊 Safety & Storage
Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Always serve at room temperature or slightly warm—never hot. Wash hands and all surfaces after handling. Discard any uneaten food left out for more than 2 hours. This recipe is not nutritionally complete without the listed supplements.
⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning
Do not substitute pumpkin with pumpkin pie filling (contains toxic xylitol and excessive sugar). Do not replace beef broth with regular or high-sodium versions (sodium toxicity risk in seniors). Do not omit calcium supplementation—meat-based diets are dangerously low in calcium. Do not use onion, garlic, or chives as flavorings—these are toxic to dogs. Do not substitute rice with raw or undercooked grains. Do not add nutmeg or excessive spices. Any substitution may create nutritional imbalances or toxicity—consult a veterinary nutritionist before modifying this recipe.
⚕️ Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
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