Making your own homemade cat food can be rewarding and better for your cat. And it’s not as difficult as you might imagine. Once you have all the ingredients and put in a little practice, you’ll find that making your own cat food is fun and a great way to save some money. Our list of cat food recipes were made by veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists in accordance with AAFCO recommendations.
Table of Contents
- Homemade Cat Food Recipes
- Supplements For Homemade Cat Food
- Investing in a Meat Grinder for Homemade Cat Food
- If You Don’t Have a Meat Grinder
- Raw Cat Food vs. Cooked Cat Food
- Why Make Your Own Cat Food
- How to Make Your Own Cat Treats
- FAQs
Homemade Cat Food Recipes
Below you’ll find a mix of raw and cooked recipes. We recommend trying out all the recipes to see which one fits you and your cat best. Over time you can experiment with these recipes by substituting different meats and fish.
Recipe 1: Chicken and Rice
Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chicken breast cooked
- 1/2 cup long-grain brown rice cooked
- 1/2 ounce canned clams chopped, in juice
- 1 serving taurine cat supplement
Instructions
- Chop chicken into cat-bite-sized pieces
- Mix together all ingredients
- Serve immediately
Notes
Recipe 2: Raw Chicken and Salmon
Raw Chicken and Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Meat Grinder optional
- 1 Food Processor optional
Ingredients
- 3 cups raw chicken wings bone-in, skin-on
- 1 cup raw salmon with bone
- 1 cup raw chicken heart
- 1/2 cup raw beef kidney
- 1/2 cup raw chicken liver
- 5 servings cat taurine supplement
- 2 cups water
- 1 whole egg raw, with shell
Instructions
- Cut the salmon and organ meats into chunks that will fit through your meat grinder.
- Break apart chicken wings so they fit through the grinder.
- Feed all ingredients through the meat grinder and collect in a bowl.
- Add and mix in the egg, taurine, and water.
- Portion out and store excess in the freezer.
Notes
Recipe 3: Chicken Thighs
Raw Chicken Thighs Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Meat Grinder optional
Ingredients
- 5 lbs chicken thighs with bone
- 1 cup water
- 4 raw egg yolks
- 6 servings taurine cat supplement
Instructions
- Remove the skin from half the chicken thighs, but do not remove the fat.
- Remove the bone from 1/4 of the chicken thighs and rinse the meat with water.
- Whisk the egg yolks and water in a separate bowl.
- Chop the thigh meat into sizes that will fit in the meat grinder.
- Feed the meat through the meat grinder and collect in a bowl.
- Add the taurine and egg mixture to the bowl and mix well.
- Portion out and freeze the excess.
Notes
Recipe 4: Rabbit and Chicken
Rabbit and Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Meat Grinder
Ingredients
- 2 lbs whole rabbit carcass
- 1 lb boneless chicken or turkey thighs
- 2 eggs raw yolk, whites slightly cooked
- 1 cup water
- 3 servings cat vitamin E supplement
- 3 servings cat fish oil supplement
- 3 servings cat vitamin B complex supplement
- 3 servings cat taurine supplement
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Grind the rabbit carcass in the meat grinder and chop the chicken or turkey thighs
- Bake the chicken or turkey thighs at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, leaving 50% of the meat raw.
- Combine the dry supplements in a small bowl and mix well.
- Whisk in the fish oil, egg yolks, and water.
- Mix the ground meat, dry supplements and egg mixture well.
- Portion out and freeze.
Recipe 5: Raw Meat
Raw Cat Food Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Meat Grinder optional
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless meat (chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna or beef)
- 2 ounces animal liver (beef, chicken or turkey)
- 6 ounces animal kidney (beef, chicken or turkey)
- 1 whole egg with shell
- 2.5 servings cat vitamin E supplement
- 2.5 servings cat fish oil supplement
- 2.5 servings cat vitamin B complex supplement
- 2.5 servings cat taurine supplement
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- If using chicken, remove half the skin and include some dark meat.
- Cut the protein, liver, and kidney into chunks that will fit through your meat grinder.
- Feed the meat through the meat grinder into a bowl.
- Add in the supplements, egg and water, mix well.
- Portion out and freeze the excess.
Supplements For Homemade Cat Food
Many people feel lost and confused when it comes to the supplements you need to add to your homemade cat food recipes. Taurine, fish oil, vitamin E and vitamin B complex are all essential to a cat’s diet. These can be purchased as cat food supplements online or in some pet stores.
Each serving will vary based on the brand supplement, so make sure you read the label to know how much to add to the recipe. One serving should equal the recommended daily amount to give to your cat.
You’ll also notice some of these supplements will come in both powder and liquid form. It doesn’t matter which you choose, just be sure to read the label to know exactly what a serving is.
Finally, some owners who make their own cat food choose to use supplements intended for people. Most often these supplements are fine to give to cats, and can be cheaper to buy can cat-specific supplements. If you do go this route, be sure to do your research and make sure there aren’t any added ingredients toxic to cats. You will also need to calculate the serving size for a cat as the label will show serving sizes for people.
Investing in a Meat Grinder for Homemade Cat Food
You’ve probably already noticed that most of these recipes include using a meat grinder. Meat grinders don’t have to be all that expensive; you can find some simpler ones for sale for under $30. Additionally, you can use the meat grinder to make your own ground meats like sausages for your enjoyment.
If You Don’t Have a Meat Grinder
You don’t necessarily need a meat grinder to make your own cat food. The process will be a little more tedious, but it’s doable.
Food processors are a great substitute for meat grinders. Start by pulsing any bones in some liquid to break them down into palatable pieces. Then, add in the rest of the meat and blend to create a finer mixture.
If you don’t have a meat grinder or food processor, you can try chopping the meat and bones by hand. Chicken and turkey wings and thighs will be the easiest to chop into smaller pieces. It’s really important that you get the pieces into really small bits that your cat won’t choke on or give your cat digestive problems.
Raw Cat Food vs. Cooked Cat Food
You’ve probably already noticed some of the recipes call for raw meat or partially cooked meat. So what are the tradeoffs of a raw vs. cooked cat food diet?
I’ve written extensively about this in my article The Pros and Cons of a Raw Food Diet. At the most basic level, raw food offers more nutrients for your cats. Cats evolved to be able to process raw meat, and they get a lot of their nutrients from the raw meat.
On the flip side, low quality raw meat can harbor bacteria such as E. Coli, Salmonella and Listeria. It’s for this reason that raw food cats diets are more work and money to prepare. You have to make sure you’re getting high quality meat that’s free-range, grass-fed and processed in a clean facility.
Why Make Your Own Cat Food
Homemade Cat Food is Healthier for Cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat in order to get all the nutrients they need. This is one of the reasons why commercial cat food isn’t so good for cats. Many processed cats foods are high in carbohydrate content, which are nutritionally empty for cats. However, cats can get energy from carbohydrates, so too much can cause them to gain weight.
In fact, eating too much processed cat food, particularly dry food, is a major cause of obesity in cats. Changing your cat’s diet to a homemade or wet food diet will help your cat lose weight if they need to shed extra pounds.
Perhaps the biggest reason homemade and wet food diets are better than dry food diets is water content. Cats get most of their water from their food, and are not as driven to drink water from a bowl as other animals. Eating mostly dry cat food can lead to urinary problems, including Feline Lower Urinary Tract Infections (FLUTD) and Feline Idiopathic Cystitis. Giving your cat homemade food guarantees they get a much higher water content in their foods.
In addition to that, many commercial cat foods contain additives and preservatives that aren’t good for your cat. Over time, these chemicals can cause disease. Some cat food products even contain harmful bacteria because of contaminated factories or because they’ve sat on a shelf for a long time.
Control
When you make your own cat food you have total control over what your cat is eating. You’ll know exactly which ingredients are being used and how the food was made.
When you get your cat food from a factory, you don’t know how sanitary the factory is. In fact, there have been cases where defective product was packaged and sold in stores and ended up being fatal to some cats. Bacteria and other toxins can grow in cat food processed in an unclean facility or by cutting corners.
Cost
Aside from all the other benefits of making homemade cat food, it’s also good on your wallet. Because you choose the recipes and ingredients, you can actually save some money. Not only that, but making homemade cat food in bulk can reduce the cost per pound. Simply freeze the excess food and thaw it out as needed.
Who can beat fresher, healthier food for less money?
Hobby
Making your own homemade cat food can be a fun hobby. Trying new recipes and seeing how your cats likes them is a rewarding experience. Sharing your new hobby with friends and family (especially if they also have cats) can be a great bonding activity.
How to Make Your Own Cat Treats
While you’re busy making your own cat food, you might as well give making your own cat treats a try. It’s even easier than making homemade cat food, and much healthier than commercial cat treats. Your cat will love the treats you make for her; and be all the healthier!
Here is our guide to making your own cat treats.
FAQs
The short answer is yes, you can make your own food for your cat. In fact, many pet owners prefer to make their own cat food as it can be healthier and more cost-effective.
Making homemade cat food requires a bit of research and effort, however. You’ll want to make sure that the homemade food you create is nutritionally complete and balanced to meet your cat’s needs.
You’ll also need to make sure that the ingredients you use are safe for your cat. Some common ingredients that are safe to include in homemade cat food are lean meats, like chicken, fish, and beef. Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and peas are also good options. Other ingredients you can include are eggs and oats.
Homemade cat food can be a great way to provide your cat with a nutritious and balanced diet. By making homemade cat food, you can control the ingredients you add to your cat’s diet, ensuring that they are getting the necessary vitamins and minerals they need. You can also customize the amounts of certain ingredients to meet your cat’s individual dietary needs.
However, it is important to understand that homemade cat food is not nutritionally complete and balanced like commercial cat food is. If you are going to feed your cat homemade food, it is important to make sure that you are providing them with the right balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Consulting with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutrition expert can be a great way to ensure that your cat’s diet is as healthy and balanced as possible.
Making your own cat food at home can be a great way to save money while ensuring your cat is getting the nutrition they need. While there are some upfront costs associated with buying the ingredients, the savings over purchasing pre-made cat food can add up quickly.
The first step to making cat food at home is to research the nutritional needs of cats. This will help you understand the proper balance of proteins and fats your cat needs, as well as any vitamins and minerals they require. Once you have a basic understanding of what your cat needs, you can start to look for recipes online or in pet care books. There are numerous recipes available, from simple canned food recipes to more complex, gourmet meals.
One of the advantages of making cat food at home is that you can tailor the recipes to fit your cat’s needs. For example, if your cat has an allergy or health issue, you can adjust the ingredients to meet their dietary restrictions. Additionally, you can control the ingredients to ensure your cat is getting a quality meal.
Making your own cat food at home can be a great way to save money and ensure your cat is getting the nutrition they need.
The answer is not a simple yes or no. Every cat is unique and has their own individual preferences when it comes to food. Some cats may prefer the taste and texture of homemade cat food, while others may prefer a more familiar store-bought food. Ultimately, the best way to determine if your cat prefers homemade cat food is to experiment and see how they react. Offer up a variety of options, both homemade and store-bought, and watch your cat to see which they prefer.
It is important to note that homemade cat food can be more nutritious than store-bought food, and can provide your cat with a balanced diet. If your cat does prefer the taste of homemade food, then you can feel confident that they are getting the nutrition they need. It is also important to note that homemade cat food is typically more expensive than store-bought food. So if your cat does not prefer the taste of homemade food, then it may not be worth the extra expense.
At the end of the day, it is up to you and your cat to decide if homemade cat food is the right choice for your pet. If you take the time to experiment and observe your cat’s dietary preferences, then you will likely be able to make the best decision for them.
First, consider adding a taurine supplement. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, and it helps support heart and eye health. Look for a supplement that is specifically designed for cats, as some taurine supplements marketed for humans may not be appropriate for cats.
Next, consider adding a multivitamin. Multivitamins provide a broad range of vitamins and minerals that cats need to stay healthy. Look for a supplement that is specifically designed for cats, as some multivitamins marketed for humans may not be appropriate for cats.
Finally, consider adding an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for cats, as they help support healthy skin and coat. Look for a supplement that is specifically designed for cats, as some omega-3 supplements marketed for humans may not be appropriate for cats.
Homemade cat food is often lacking in certain key nutrients that are required for a cat’s health and well-being. For example, cats require taurine, an essential amino acid that can only be found in animal-sourced foods like chicken and fish. Cats also need certain vitamins, including Vitamin A and Vitamin D, which are found in animal-based foods. Additionally, cats require the mineral zinc, which is found in seafood and meats, as well as certain vegetables and grains. Finally, cats need balanced levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in animal-based foods. Without these key nutrients, cats are at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies, leading to serious health problems.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that homemade cat food is balanced and contains all of the necessary nutrients for a cat’s health. This can be achieved by supplementing a cat’s diet with commercial cat food or adding in the necessary vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it is important to speak to a veterinarian to ensure that the homemade cat food is providing the right amount of nutrients and vitamins for your cat.
First and foremost, you should make sure the ingredients in the food are appropriate for your cat. Some ingredients may be toxic to cats, so it’s important to do research and consult with your veterinarian before making any changes. It’s also important to make sure that the food is balanced and contains all of the necessary nutrients.
You should also be aware of the risks associated with feeding your cat raw food. Bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, can be present in raw meat, and if your cat ingests them, it can lead to serious illness. Be sure to take all necessary precautions, such as washing your hands and all surfaces that come into contact with the food, to reduce the risk of contamination.
Finally, it is important to consider your cat’s individual dietary needs. Not all cats can tolerate raw food, and some may be more sensitive to certain ingredients. Talk to your veterinarian if you are unsure about your cat’s dietary requirements.
We have an article that goes more into depth on the pros and cons of raw cat food.
When it comes to feeding your cat a raw diet at home, you want to make sure you’re using the freshest, safest ingredients. The best types of raw food to use for homemade cat food include:
Fresh, high-quality meats: Feed your cat lean proteins like chicken, beef, and turkey. Avoid processed meats like hot dogs or deli meats, as they’re often loaded with preservatives and other additives that may not be safe for cats.
Fresh fish: Fish is an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids for cats. Choose fresh, wild-caught fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
Fresh fruits and vegetables: Offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, apples, and spinach. Check with your veterinarian to make sure the foods you’re offering are safe for cats.
Raw eggs: Eggs are an excellent source of protein and other nutrients for cats. Use fresh, raw eggs from a reputable source.
Supplements: If you’re feeding your cat a homemade raw diet, you may need to supplement with a multivitamin to make sure they’re getting all the essential nutrients they need.
By choosing the right ingredients, you can ensure your cat is getting the nutrition they need. Talk to your veterinarian to make sure the raw diet you’re preparing is balanced and safe for your cat.
If you’re looking for high quality raw food, you’re in luck. There’s a wide variety of sources for fresh, raw ingredients. Here are a few of the best places to look:
Your local farmer’s market: Local farmers’ markets are a great source for fresh, seasonal ingredients. You can talk to the farmers and ask questions about their products, and they’re often more than happy to answer.
Online: You can find a wide range of raw food products online. One such site is mypetcarnivore.com.
Natural grocers: Natural grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are great places to find high quality raw food. The produce is usually organic and the selection is often extensive.
Health food stores: Health food stores are another great source for raw food. Many health food stores offer organic and sustainable products, as well as bulk items.
Local farms: Local farms are a great way to get fresh, high quality food. Many farms even offer delivery services so you can get your food delivered right to your door.
