There are a lot of reasons to make your cat food. For one, it can be more affordable than buying store-bought food. But more importantly, homemade food is better for your cat’s health.
Cats are obligate carnivores and their diet should consist mainly of animal-based proteins. By making your cat food at home, you can ensure that your cat is getting all the nutrients they need!
Why Should You Go for Homemade Cat Food?
Homemade cat food is a great way to ensure that your feline is getting the best possible nutrition. A cat’s diet consists of at least 70% meat, so our furry friends should eat food made with mainly animal-based proteins. When you make your cat food, you can control the ingredients and provide your kitty with all the nutrients it needs!
Why Is It Important for Your Cat’s Diet to Be Focused Mainly on Animal-Based Proteins?
A diet that is based mainly on animal-based proteins is the healthiest option for cats. Taking into consideration that felines are obligate carnivores, their nutrition should be based on proteins coming from animal sources.
This means that they should not be fed a diet that consists mainly of plant-based proteins, as this can lead to health problems. So, how do you make sure that your kitty is getting all the nutrients it needs? By making your cat food at home and selecting the right ingredients to meet its needs.
Our Top Five Homemade Food Recipes for Cat
There are a lot of recipes for homemade cat food online. You can find recipes that combine different types of meats, grains, and vegetables. This will not only be more affordable than store-bought food, but it will also be better for your cat’s health!
Some examples of homemade cat food recipes include chicken and rice, turkey and barley, and tuna and quinoa. But, if you are keen on making a feast for your feline friend, we are sharing with you our top five homemade food recipes for a cat.
Chicken, veggies, and rice
This is a simple and easy recipe for you to make, and for your kitty to enjoy. If you are looking for a meal that is based on chicken, then look no further.
What equipment do you need?
- Large pot for stew
- Blender
What ingredients do you need?
- Medium size carrots – 8 pieces
- Green peas – ¼ cup
- Green beans – ½ cup
- Wild rice – 2 cups
- Whole deboned chicken
What is the preparation process?
Firstly, cut the chicken into pieces and wash it. Then, take out the large pot and put the chicken in it. Cover the pot with water until the brim is.
The next step is to take all vegetables that need cutting, and cut them into small pieces. Put the veggies in the pot with the chicken.
The last thing to add to the pot is rice. Once you add it, cook until the vegetables and the chicken become soft and ready to be eaten.
Let the stew cool down a little, and then put it in a blender. After you blend it, and it is still hot, let it cool down a bit more, and then serve it to your kitty.
You can refrigerate the leftovers (don’t keep them for more than three days), or even freeze them.
Beefy loaf (grain-free)
Keeping your homemade cat food grain-free will help with avoiding food allergies and/or sensitivities. Also, a grain-free diet is closest to a wild cat’s natural way of eating.
If you don’t mind spending some time cooking for your feline friend, this beef-based meal is going to make your kitty happy and satisfied.
What equipment do you need?
- Ceramic baking dish
- Food processor
- Grater
- Mixing bowl
What ingredients do you need?
- Mixed berries – 1/2 cup
- Kale – 1 cup
- Broccoli – 1 cup
- Squash meat – ½ cup
- Ground beef – 35 ounces
- Ground turkey thighs – 35 ounces (no skin and bones)
- Ground mixed chicken organs – 35 ounces
- Canned sardines (in water) – 2 cans
What is the preparation process?
The first step is to turn on the oven and preheat it to 356 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the oven is heating up, take the squash and shred it with the grater. Afterward, make puree in the food processor with berries, kale, broccoli, sardines, and shredded squash.
Take all ground meat, place it in the mixing bowl and then add the puree.
The next step is to pour everything into the ceramic baking dish and cook it in the oven for about one hour.
When it is cooked, allow it to cool down, and divide it into small serving portions.
Feed your kitty one serving size, refrigerate the leftovers (don’t keep them for more than three days), or freeze them.
Something’s fishy (Grain-free trout recipe)
If your feline friend likes to fish, this will be a great dinner option. It is grain-free, simple, and small in quantity.
What equipment do you need?
- Pot
- Food processor
- Baking pan
What ingredients do you need?
- Trout – 1
- Egg – 1
- Broccoli – ¼ cup
- Apple sauce (unsweetened) – 2 tablespoons
What is the preparation process?
In a baking pan, cook the trout without adding any seasoning or spices.
Steam the broccoli, and boil the egg while the fish is cooking.
When the trout is ready, let it cool down a bit and then take out its bones.
In a food processor, place the trout, the yolk from the boiled egg, the steamed broccoli, and the apple sauce. Blend and then serve.
You can keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
Simply pork
This recipe is perfect if you want to give your cat something different, and you are not into cooking big quantities of food and then storing it in the freezer.
What equipment do you need?
- Pot
- Food processor
- Baking pan
What ingredients do you need?
- Wild rice – 1/8 cup
- Sweet potato – ½ medium size
- Broccoli – 2 small florettes
- Safflower oil – 2 teaspoons
- Low-fat pork meat – 3 ounces
What is the preparation process?
Bake the pork meat in the oven, and once it is done, let it cool down a bit.
While the pork is cooking, boil the sweet potato, and steam the broccoli. In a separate pot, cook the brown rice.
When everything is ready, put the cooked meat, the steamed broccoli, ¼ cup of boiled potato, the cooked brown rice, and the safflower oil in a food processor.
When everything is blended well, feed your kitty.
The recipe yields three servings, so any leftovers can be placed in the fridge.
Where did the rabbit go?
If you are in the mood to cook something special for your furry friend, this recipe will make your cat’s day. It’s simple and delicious.
What equipment do you need?
- Pot
- Food processor
What ingredients do you need?
- Carrot – ½ medium size
- Sweet potato – ½ medium size
- Green peas – 2 tablespoons
- Celery – ¼ stalk
- Vegetable stock (unsalted)
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
- Rabbit meat – 8 ounces
What is the preparation process?
Firstly, add the rabbit meat to a pot with heated olive oil and saute. Then, add the vegetable stock, and once it begins to boil, reduce the heat and continue cooking.
Chop the vegetables, and add 2 tablespoons of sweet potato, 2 tablespoons of green peas, half carrot, and ¼ stalk of celery to the pot.
Let it cook for another 45 minutes, and then after it cools down to room temperature you can blend it in a food processor and serve it to your kitty.
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days, or you can freeze them.
Tips for homemade food recipes for cat
When making homemade cat food, it’s important to ensure that you are using the proper proportions of proteins, grains, vegetables, and supplements. It’s also important to consult with your veterinarian to make sure that your homemade cat food meets all of your cat’s nutritional needs.
Supplements can be added to the recipes above, but after a consultation with your veterinarian.
Overall, homemade cat food can be a great option for ensuring that your pet is getting the best possible nutrition. Not only will it be more affordable, but you can also control the ingredients and make sure that your cat is getting all the nutrients they need as an obligate carnivore.
So consider trying out our homemade food recipes for a cat for your furry friend.
Is homemade food better for cats?
There is a lot of debate over whether homemade food is better for cats than commercially-prepared food. Some people argue that homemade food is more nutritious and that it is the best way to ensure that your cat is getting the proper nutrients.
Others say that homemade food can be expensive and time-consuming to prepare and that it may not provide all of the nutrients that cats need.
So, what is the truth? Is homemade food better for cats?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the specific ingredients in the homemade diet and the age and health of the cat.
Overall, however, homemade food is likely to be more nutritious than most commercial cat foods. This is because most commercial cat foods are made with cheap ingredients like processed grains and corn, while homemade food can be made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Additionally, homemade food can be customized to meet the specific nutritional needs of each cat. For example, if a cat has a health condition or allergies, its homemade diet can be tailored to address these issues.
Conversely, many commercial cat foods are not customizable, and may not be appropriate for all cats.
The bottom line: homemade food is not always better for cats than commercial food, but it is likely to be more nutritious and customizable.
If you have time and inclination to cook for your cat, homemade food may be a good option. If you don’t have time or don’t feel comfortable preparing homemade food yourself, many commercially-available diets are healthy and nutritious.
What human foods can I give to my cat?
There are a variety of human foods that you can give to your cat. However, it is important to be careful about which foods you choose. Some human foods, such as chocolate and onions, can be toxic to cats.
Here are a few human foods that are safe for cats:
- cooked meat (chicken, beef, fish, etc.)
- cooked grains (rice, pasta, oatmeal, etc.)
- cooked vegetables (carrots, broccoli, green beans, etc.)
- water
Which Ingredients Should Never Be Added to a Cat’s Food?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that their bodies are designed to digest and use only animal-based proteins. This means that they should not eat any plant-based proteins, grains, or vegetables. Some ingredients that should never be added to a cat’s food include:
- corn
- wheat
- rice (wild rice in moderation is safe for cats)
- soy
- potatoes (sweet potatoes are safe but in moderation)
These ingredients can cause health problems in cats, such as obesity, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues.
How to Store Homemade Cat Food?
If you are making homemade cat food for your pet, you will need to store it in a container that is airtight and waterproof. You can either use a storage container or a resealable freezer bag. If you are freezing the food, be sure to label it with the date so that you can keep track of how long it has been frozen.
How Much Food Should I Give to My Cat?
If you choose the make your cat food, it is important to provide your feline with good quality animal protein and ensure that you meet all its nutritional needs.
You can make your cat food at home by combining different meats, grains, and vegetables. Many times, a homemade meal for your cat will be more affordable than packaged cat food, and it can contribute greatly to your cat’s health.
How much food you should give your cat will depend on a variety of factors, such as age, weight, and activity level. It is always a good idea to speak with your veterinarian to get specific recommendations for your cat.
In general, most cats require around 250-300 calories per day. You can spread these calories out over two or three meals per day.
There are several different homemade recipes you can try for your cat, such as the ones we listed in the text above. But, here is another example of a simple and healthy recipe:
- Cooked ground turkey or chicken – ¾ cup
- Cooked brown rice – ¼ cup
- Shredded carrots – ¼ cups
This recipe provides around 200 calories and is high in protein and fiber. You can adjust the ingredients according to your cat’s preferences and dietary needs.
For example, if your cat needs more protein you can add in an extra 1/4 cup of cooked meat. If they need more fiber, you can add in a few extra shredded carrots.
To Sum Up
To make it simple, when you are making food for your cat, the first thing you need to focus on is a good quality of animal protein, then add some fibers for healthy digestion, and lastly focus on the carbohydrates, and fats for healthy skin and coat, and energy.
After a consultation with a veterinarian, you can add specific supplements (vitamins, minerals, etc.) to the recipes to avoid any nutritional deficiencies.
By making your cat food, you ensure that your feline friend is consuming, high-quality food, and customizing its nutrition according to its needs. So, if you don’t mind the preparation and cooking, consult with a veterinarian and start slowly introducing homemade food to your kitty.