Weight Management Lean Bowl
This Weight Management Lean Bowl is a veterinarian-inspired recipe designed to help your dog maintain a healthy weight without compromising on nutrition or taste. Featuring lean ground turkey as the protein powerhouse, this low-calorie meal delivers essential amino acids while keeping fat content in check. The cauliflower rice provides a nutrient-dense, low-carb alternative to traditional grains, while green beans add fiber and crunch that dogs love.
Perfect for dogs who need to shed a few pounds or maintain their ideal weight, this recipe is carefully balanced to provide approximately 45% protein, 40% vegetables, and 15% healthy carbs. The addition of fish oil ensures your pup gets omega-3 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy joints, even while managing their caloric intake. Each serving is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.
This recipe is ideal for batch cooking and can be portioned into individual servings for easy meal prep throughout the week. The simple ingredients and straightforward cooking method make it accessible for any dog owner, while the lean profile makes it suitable for dogs of all ages who need weight management support. Your dog will never know they're eating a "diet" meal – the savory turkey and satisfying vegetables create a bowl they'll eagerly devour at dinnertime.
Feed approximately 1 cup per 20 pounds of body weight per day, divided into two meals. Adjust portions based on your dog's activity level, age, and weight loss goals. Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes, especially for weight management purposes.
Nutrition
Ingredients
| 2 lbs | lean ground turkey, 93% lean or higher |
| 1 large head | cauliflower, riced (about 4 cups) |
| 3 cups | green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces |
| 2 medium | carrots, diced |
| 2 cups | spinach, chopped |
| 1 cup | brown rice, uncooked |
| 2 tbsp | fish oil |
| 3 cups | water |
| 1 tsp | coconut oil, for cooking |
Equipment
Instructions
Cook the brown rice according to package directions, typically combining 1.5 cups rice with 3 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender.
While rice is cooking, prepare the cauliflower rice by cutting the cauliflower into florets and pulsing in a food processor until it resembles rice-sized grains. Alternatively, grate the cauliflower using a box grater.
Trim and cut the green beans into 1-inch pieces. Dice the carrots into small, dog-friendly pieces. Chop the spinach roughly.
Heat coconut oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking up any large chunks, until the turkey is no longer pink and is cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
Add the diced carrots and remaining 1 cup of water to the skillet with the cooked turkey. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until carrots begin to soften.
Add the green beans and cauliflower rice to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until green beans are tender and cauliflower is cooked through.
Add the chopped spinach to the mixture and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked brown rice. Stir everything together until well combined.
Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Once cooled, stir in the fish oil until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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.