Beef & Pumpkin Stew
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 cup canned 100% pure pumpkin (not pie filling)
- 1 cup brown rice, uncooked
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green beans
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried ginger root (powdered)
- 1/4 cup water (as needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking into small pieces, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add carrots and green beans to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Add brown rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in pumpkin, spinach, and ginger. Cook uncovered for 5 more minutes until spinach wilts.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before serving.
- Add water if needed to achieve desired consistency for your senior dog's chewing ability.
💊 Required Supplements
Add per 1 cup serving: 1/4 teaspoon calcium carbonate powder (or 1/2 eggshell powder), 100mg fish oil (EPA/DHA), 1/4 teaspoon iodized salt. For a 25lb dog eating 2 cups daily: total 1/2 teaspoon calcium carbonate, 200mg fish oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Alternatively, use a complete canine vitamin-mineral supplement like Balance IT Canine at 1 teaspoon per 2 lbs of prepared food, mixed in after cooking and cooling.
Nutritional Analysis
1 cup (for 25lb senior dog)| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 24g (30% DM) |
| Fat | 14g (18% DM) |
| Carbohydrates | 35g (44% DM) |
| Fiber | 5g (6% DM) |
| Moisture | 70% |
| Calcium | 1.1% DM |
| Phosphorus | 0.85% DM |
| Ca:P Ratio | 1.3:1 |
🧊 Safety & Storage
Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Freeze individual portions in ice cube trays or small containers for up to 3 months. Always serve at room temperature or slightly warm, never hot. Wash hands and all surfaces thoroughly after handling raw meat. Discuss this recipe with your veterinarian before use and transition gradually over 7-10 days.
⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning
Do NOT substitute pumpkin pie filling (contains toxic spices and excess sugar). Do NOT use onion, garlic, or chives in any amount—these are toxic to dogs. Do NOT replace brown rice with white rice if digestive health is the goal, as brown rice provides essential fiber. Do NOT omit the calcium supplement—meeting calcium requirements without it will lead to serious bone disease in seniors. Do NOT use pumpkin with added sugars or preservatives.
⚕️ Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
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