Have you ever caught your cat eyeing your dinner plate like they deserve a gourmet meal too? You’re not alone! Many cat parents wonder if homemade cat food is a healthier, more wholesome alternative to store-bought options. After all, making food from scratch is a great way to show love—but is it really the best choice for your feline friend?
The truth is, that creating a balanced, nutritious diet for cats takes more than just good intentions. Without proper planning (and maybe some expert guidance), homemade meals could miss essential nutrients. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of homemade cat food, share essential tips on feline nutrition, and give you five simple, delicious recipes your cat will adore.
But before you grab your apron, it’s important to make sure your cat gets all the nutrients they need!
Making Homemade Cat Food Easier with Balanced Premixes
If the idea of calculating every nutrient yourself feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many cat parents want to feed homemade meals but worry about getting the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. That’s where commercial premixes come in handy.
A cat food premix is a supplement blend designed to be combined with fresh meat and other ingredients to create a nutritionally complete meal. These premixes take the guesswork out of homemade cat food by ensuring your cat gets the right levels of taurine, calcium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients—without the need for extensive calculations or trial and error.
Imagine not having to worry about the perfect balance of nutrients each time you cook for your cat. With the right premix, you can focus on the fun part—creating delicious, nutritious meals—while knowing your cat is getting all the essential nutrients they need.
How to Choose the Right Premix for Your Cat
Not all premixes are created equal, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your cat’s dietary needs. Here’s what to look for:
Formulated by Experts – Look for premixes developed by veterinary nutritionists or that meet AAFCO or FEDIAF standards.
Meat-Based Compatibility – Some premixes are designed for raw feeding, while others work with cooked ingredients—choose one that fits your feeding preference.
No Fillers or Unnecessary Additives – Avoid premixes with grains, artificial preservatives, or other unnecessary fillers that don’t benefit your cat.
Clear Feeding Instructions – A good premix will provide guidelines on how much to use based on your cat’s weight and activity level.
Using a premix can help simplify the process of homemade cat food, giving you peace of mind that your cat is getting the nutrients they need without requiring a veterinary degree.
In the next section, we’ll dive into five delicious homemade cat food recipes—each designed to be simple, nutritious, and feline-approved!
1. Turkey Breast and Sweet Potato Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple, nutritious homemade meal for your cat, this Turkey Breast and Sweet Potato recipe is a fantastic choice. Using Balance It® Carnivore Blend® premix, this recipe is designed to meet your cat’s dietary needs while offering a delicious combination of lean turkey and wholesome sweet potato.
Created with a 10-pound, 5-year-old neutered male cat in mind, it provides a high-protein, low-carb option that’s easy to prepare and full of essential nutrients. Whether you’re new to homemade cat food or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a great way to show your cat some extra love!
2. Raw Ground Rabbit Recipe
Want to make homemade cat food that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare? 🐱 Alnutrin premix supplements take the guesswork out of balancing your cat’s diet by providing essential nutrients designed for fresh meat-based recipes. Since one of my cats has food allergies, I decided to try the Alnutrin Meat & Bone premix with a rabbit-based diet—perfect for pet parents looking for a wholesome, species-appropriate meal. With just a few simple steps, you can create a healthy, homemade meal your feline will love.
3. Cooked Meat Recipe
Making homemade cat food doesn’t have to be complicated! Food Fur Life’s EZComplete Fur Cats is a simple, all-in-one premix that provides essential nutrients—just add boneless meat and water. Whether you prefer serving it raw or cooked, this recipe makes it easy to create a balanced, homemade meal for your feline friend. I used ground beef for this batch, skimming off excess fat for a leaner option. Follow these simple steps to prepare a wholesome and delicious meal your cat will love!
4. Prey Model Raw Diet Recipe
The Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet is designed to mimic a cat’s natural diet in the wild, using a ratio of 80% meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs. The PMR+ approach enhances this formula by adding key supplements to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. Since ingredient nutrient levels can vary, variety is essential when following this method. Using guidelines from feline nutritionist Coline Doebelin, I created this nutrient-rich, species-appropriate raw cat food recipe. Follow these steps to prepare a healthy and natural meal for your cat!
5. Ground Chicken Thigh with Bone and Organs Recipe
Ready to give your cat a nourishing, species-appropriate raw meal? This recipe, created by the Feline Nutrition Foundation, is packed with fresh chicken, organs, and essential supplements to support your cat’s health. Using chicken thighs, liver, heart, and key nutrients like taurine and salmon oil, it’s a great way to provide your feline with a protein-rich, balanced diet. While it takes a bit of work, the effort is worth it for a wholesome, natural meal your cat will love! Let’s dive into how to make it.
