The Anxiety Reduction Calming Blend is a thoughtfully crafted dinner designed to support dogs experiencing mild anxiety or stress through natural, wholesome ingredients. This gentle recipe features lean ground turkey as the primary protein source, known for containing tryptophan, an amino acid that helps promote relaxation and calm behavior in dogs. Combined with easily digestible brown rice and nutrient-rich steamed green beans, this meal provides balanced nutrition while supporting your dog's emotional wellbeing.
This calming blend is perfect for dogs who experience separation anxiety, noise phobias during thunderstorms or fireworks, or general nervousness. The addition of fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids that support brain health and may help regulate mood, while the simple, wholesome ingredients are gentle on sensitive stomachs that can be affected by stress. The recipe avoids any stimulating ingredients, focusing instead on creating a nutritionally complete meal that nourishes both body and mind.
Each serving is carefully balanced to meet canine nutritional needs, with approximately 45% protein, 35% vegetables, and 20% complex carbohydrates. The brown rice provides sustained energy without blood sugar spikes, while green beans add fiber, vitamins, and minerals with minimal calories. This recipe is ideal for batch cooking and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen in individual portions for up to 3 months, making it convenient for pet parents who want to provide consistent, calming nutrition for their anxious companions.
| 2 lbs | ground turkey, lean, 93% lean or higher |
| 1.5 cups | brown rice, uncooked |
| 3 cups | water, for cooking rice |
| 3 cups | green beans, fresh or frozen, trimmed |
| 2 tbsp | fish oil, omega-3 supplement for dogs |
| 1 cup | water, for cooking turkey |
Rinse the brown rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed brown rice and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
While the rice cooks, prepare the green beans by trimming the ends if using fresh beans, or measuring out frozen beans.
Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Place a steamer basket inside the pot.
Add the green beans to the steamer basket, cover, and steam for 8-10 minutes until tender but not mushy.
Remove the steamed green beans from heat and set aside to cool. Chop them into bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog's size once cooled.
In a large skillet or pot, add the ground turkey and 1 cup of water over medium heat.
Break up the turkey with a wooden spoon and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is fully cooked through with no pink remaining and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Drain any excess fat from the cooked turkey and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, cooked ground turkey, and chopped green beans.
Add the fish oil to the mixture and stir well to incorporate evenly throughout.
Allow the complete mixture to cool to room temperature before serving or storing.
Portion the cooled food into individual serving containers based on your dog's weight (approximately 1 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per day, divided into meals). Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
