Winter Warmth Beef Blend
Winter Warmth Beef Blend is the ultimate cold-weather comfort meal designed specifically for your canine companion. This hearty, nutrient-dense dinner combines lean ground beef with wholesome root vegetables that provide sustained energy and warmth during the chilly months. The sweet potatoes and carrots offer complex carbohydrates that digest slowly, keeping your dog satisfied and energized throughout long winter days and nights.
This recipe was crafted with nutritional balance in mind, featuring approximately 45% protein from quality beef, 35% vegetables for essential vitamins and fiber, and 20% brown rice for sustained energy. The sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene and fiber, supporting digestive health and immune function, while carrots provide additional vitamin A for eye health and a satisfying crunch. The addition of green beans adds low-calorie bulk and extra fiber, making this meal particularly beneficial for dogs who need to maintain a healthy weight during less-active winter months.
Perfect for batch cooking, this recipe yields approximately 8 cups of food, making it ideal for meal prep. Store portions in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individual servings for up to 3 months. The fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids for joint health and a glossy coat, while the optional coconut oil offers medium-chain triglycerides for additional energy and immune support.
Feed approximately 1 cup per 20 pounds of body weight per day, divided into two meals. Always adjust portions based on your dog's activity level, age, and individual metabolism, and consult with your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes.
Nutrition
Ingredients
| 2 lbs | lean ground beef, 85% lean or leaner |
| 2 cups | sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes |
| 1.5 cups | carrots, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces |
| 1 cup | green beans, fresh or frozen, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces |
| 1 cup | brown rice, uncooked |
| 3 cups | water |
| 1 tbsp | fish oil, salmon or omega-3 supplement |
| 1 tsp | coconut oil (optional) |
Equipment
Instructions
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 3/4-inch cubes, keeping them roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
Peel and dice the carrots into 1/2-inch pieces, keeping them similar in size to the sweet potatoes.
Chop the green beans into 1/2-inch pieces if using fresh, or measure out frozen green beans.
In a large pot, combine the brown rice and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the diced sweet potatoes and carrots to the pot with the rice. Stir to combine, cover, and continue cooking for 10 minutes.
Add the chopped green beans to the pot, stir gently, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the beans are tender.
While vegetables are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Cook the ground beef for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking it into small crumbles, until completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Drain any excess fat from the cooked beef using a colander or by carefully tilting the pan and spooning out the fat.
Once the rice and vegetables are fully cooked and tender, remove from heat and add the cooked ground beef to the pot.
Stir all ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring the beef is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature, stirring occasionally to release steam, approximately 20-30 minutes.
Once cooled to room temperature, stir in the fish oil and coconut oil until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions (approximately 1.5 cups each). Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.