How to make healthy cat food at home? If you have a cat and want to ensure they are eating the healthiest homemade food possible, this blog post is for you!
Making homemade cat food can be a rewarding experience, ensuring your feline friend gets the best nutrition tailored to their needs.
Whether you’re concerned about the ingredients in store-bought food or just love cooking for your cat, this recipe will guide you step by step. It’s simple, balanced, and full of nutrients.
This article will also discuss why your pet must eat their homemade food instead of one made by a company.
Let’s jump into how you can make healthy cat food at home.
Table of Contents
- 1 How To Make Healthy Cat Food At Home?
- 2 Nutrition Facts per Serving (approx.):
- 3 What Ingredients Should Be Avoided When Making Cat Food at Home?
- 4 The Benefits of Giving Homemade Food to Cats
- 5 How to Make Homemade Cat Food Taste Better?
- 6 What’s the Best Way to Store Homemade Cat Food?
- 7 Is Homemade Food Better for Cats?
- 8 FAQ: Homemade Cat Food
- 9 Final Thoughts
How To Make Healthy Cat Food At Home?
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Pet (Feline)
Yield: 5 servings (store or freeze for later)
Ingredients for Homemade Healthy Cat Food
500g chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) – Cats thrive on high-quality protein, and chicken is an excellent choice.
100g chicken liver – Adds taurine, an essential amino acid for cat heart health.
1 egg (hard-boiled) – Provides healthy fats and essential vitamins.
1 small carrot (cooked and mashed) – A small amount of vegetables can offer fiber and antioxidants.
1 tablespoon fish oil – For healthy skin and coat.
2g calcium supplement (vet recommended) – Cats need calcium to maintain strong bones and teeth.
Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients:
Start by boiling the chicken thighs until fully cooked, which should take about 20 minutes. While the chicken is cooking, boil the egg and steam the carrot until tender. Set everything aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Liver:
Lightly sauté the chicken liver for a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as this can reduce the nutrient value. Let it cool.
3. Blend and Combine:
Blend the cooked chicken, liver, egg, and mashed carrot using a food processor into small, bite-sized pieces. You want it finely chopped but not completely pureed.
4. Add Healthy Fats and Supplements:
Mix in the fish oil and calcium supplement thoroughly. If you’re unsure about the exact dosage of calcium, consult your vet for recommendations based on your cat’s weight.
5. Serve or Store:
Divide the food into portions that your cat will eat in one sitting. Store the rest in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts per Serving (approx.):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
What Ingredients Should Be Avoided When Making Cat Food at Home?
Not all human foods are safe for cats.
Avoid onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and dairy. These can be toxic or cause digestive upset in your cat.
Stick to plain, unseasoned meats and carefully chosen vegetables.
The Benefits of Giving Homemade Food to Cats
There are several benefits to preparing homemade healthy cat food.
First, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring no harmful additives or preservatives.
Plus, you can cater to your cat’s specific dietary needs, which can be especially helpful for cats with food allergies or sensitivities.
Homemade cat food can also be more cost-effective in the long run, and it’s a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
How to Make Homemade Cat Food Taste Better?
To improve the flavor, you can drizzle some extra fish oil or add small amounts of bone broth (unsalted, low-fat).
Just be cautious with seasoning—cats don’t need the extra salt and spices we do.
Ensuring the texture is appealing (small chunks or pate-style) can also make a difference.
What’s the Best Way to Store Homemade Cat Food?
Homemade cat food should be refrigerated in airtight containers to preserve freshness for up to 3 days.
If you plan on making larger batches, freezing in portions is a great option.
Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before feeding your cat, and never leave it at room temperature for too long.
Is Homemade Food Better for Cats?
While homemade cat food can be an excellent option, ensuring it’s nutritionally balanced is important.
Always consult your vet before significantly changing your cat’s diet.
Some commercial cat foods are specially formulated with vitamins and minerals that might be hard to replicate at home.
That said, homemade food prevents fillers and low-quality ingredients, potentially making it healthier.
FAQ: Homemade Cat Food
What Kind Of Homemade Food Is Good For Cats?
High-protein foods like cooked chicken turkey, small amounts of fish, and essential nutrients such as taurine and vitamins are good for cats.
Is Homemade Food Better For Cats?
Homemade food can be healthier if balanced, but it requires careful planning to meet your cat’s nutritional needs.
Why Do Cats Not Like Commercial Food?
Some cats may dislike commercial food due to texture, flavor, or additives that don’t appeal to them.
Is It Cheaper To Make Your Own Cat Food?
It can be cheaper, but costs vary depending on the ingredients and supplements needed to ensure balanced nutrition.
How Do I Know If My Cat Is Eating Healthy?
Your cat eats healthy if they maintains a healthy weight, has shiny fur, clear eyes, and normal energy levels. Regular vet checkups can confirm this.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade cat food is a healthier and more enjoyable way to ensure your cat’s meals are made with love.
You know exactly what’s going into their diet, and with a few simple ingredients, you can create a balanced meal that supports their overall health.
Always check with your vet before switching your cat to a homemade diet, and don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe to meet your pet’s needs.
So next time you’re in the kitchen, whip up this vet-approved homemade cat food recipe, and watch your feline friend purr with contentment!
I hope this post helped you learn how to make healthy cat food at home. You can save money by making your own, plus it’s much healthier for the animal.
If you have any questions about my process or want more information, please let me know in the comment section below!