About the Recipe
A classic, protein-packed meal that provides balanced energy for playful pups. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and great for dogs who need sustained fuel for their adventures.
Ingredients
1 lb Lean Ground Beef (85/15 or 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal)
1 cup uncooked Brown Rice
1 cup Carrots, finely chopped or grated
1 cup Peas (fresh or frozen)
2 cups Water or Low-Sodium Beef Broth
Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil for cooking
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Brown Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of uncooked brown rice with 2 cups of water or low-sodium beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. If using a very lean beef, you may need to add a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula.Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat through a colander.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes to soften slightly. If using frozen peas, there's no need to thaw them beforehand. Add the peas to the skillet with the carrots and cook for another 2 minutes. If the pan is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water to create steam and help the vegetables cook.
Step 4: Combine and Cool
Add the cooked, drained ground beef and the fully cooked brown rice back into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined.
This is a critical step: Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before serving to your dog. A hot meal can burn your dog's mouth.
Serving Size Guide:
Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): ¼ to ½ cup, replacing up to ¼ of their daily kibble.
Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): ½ to 1 cup, replacing up to ¼ of their daily kibble.
Large Dogs (50+ lbs): 1 to 1.5 cups, replacing up to ¼ of their daily kibble.
Pro-Tip: This recipe is very forgiving! Feel free to substitute green beans or sweet potatoes for the carrots and peas. Always ensure any substitutions are safe for dogs.