Recipes for Homemade Cat Food

Cats are carnivores by nature. Yet many cat owners offer nothing but meat-flavored grain in the form of dry cat food. And because they have no other options, cats eat it. Those who choose moist food often pay a higher price, both at the register and in terms of digestive distress. As an alternative, some cat owners make their own food using actual meat. It's simple to prepare and in light of recent pet food recalls; it's safer for your pet. Make the switch to homemade food gradually, mixing increasing quantities in with store-bought to avoid shocking their system.

  1. White Meat

    • When planning a homemade cat food diet, you must offer a variety of foods in order to ensure your pet does not suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Cats need a lot of protein in their diet and white meats such as chicken, turkey and fish represent some favorite feline sources. Choose different parts such as livers, wings or necks and then enrich the meat by combining it with other items such as eggs, cheese, vegetables, yeast, oats or rice. For example, a well-balanced meal can be made by combining 2 cups of cooked meat, 1 cup of mixed vegetables, and 1 cup of cooked oats or rice. Be sure to steer clear of starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn or peas that can be difficult to digest. Also, avoid adding garlic or onions, as these are toxic to cats. Mix the ingredients until well blended. If the food seems too dry, pour 2 tsp. of melted butter over the top and stir vigorously to incorporate it. Serve your cat 1/4 cup at a time and store the unused portion in the refrigerator for up to three days.

    Red Meat

    • If your butcher is having a sale on odd cuts of beef, grab a few pounds to take home. A batch of beefy cat food only uses 1/2 pound of meat and can be made from tongue, kidney or ground beef; it doesn't have to be steak to be tasty and nutritious. Combine the 1/2 cup of beef with 1 cup of cooked rice or small pasta, 1/2 cup of grated carrot and 2 tbsp. of olive oil. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Add 1/4 cup beef gravy and serve.

    Vitamins

    • To enhance the nutritional value of homemade food, 1 tsp. of the following mixture should be sprinkled over the top just prior to serving. In a large container, combine 2 cups of brewers yeast, 1/2 cup granulated lecithin, 1/2 cup powdered kelp, and 1/4 cup ground bone meal. These ingredients may sound exotic, but they can be easily obtained online or from your local health food store. Once they have been blended, add 1 tbsp. of crushed vitamin C powder to the mix and place it in an airtight container. Store the powder at room temperature for up to 6 months.