Homemade Wet Cat Food
Making homemade wet cat food can be a nutritious option if done carefully to meet your cat’s dietary needs. Here’s a basic guide on how to make it:
Ingredients:
• Protein Source (80-90% of the meal): Cats need high-quality animal protein. You can use:
• Chicken (breast or thighs)
• Turkey
• Rabbit
• Beef
• Fish (occasional, not as a regular diet due to mercury concerns)
• Organ Meat (5-10%): Essential for nutrients like taurine, which cats need.
• Chicken liver or beef liver
• Hearts (chicken, turkey)
• Broth or water: To make the food moist and easier to eat.
• Taurine supplement: This is crucial, as cats require taurine, which can be lost during cooking.
Optional Add-Ins:
• Egg yolks: For extra nutrients (cooked yolk).
• Fish oil: Provides omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
• Small amounts of vegetables: Such as pumpkin or peas (if your cat tolerates them).
Steps:
1. Cook the meat: Boil or bake the meat without seasoning. You can also use raw meat, but ensure it’s from a reputable source to avoid bacteria or parasites.
2. Cook the organ meat: Lightly cook the liver and heart if you’re using organ meat.
3. Blend or grind: Use a food processor or meat grinder to mix the meat, organs, and any other ingredients (like cooked egg yolk or fish oil).
4. Add broth or water: Blend in a little water or broth to create a wet, moist consistency similar to canned cat food.
5. Mix in taurine: If you’re cooking the food, add taurine supplements as heat destroys taurine in raw meat.
6. Portion and store: Once blended, portion the food into containers and refrigerate for up to three days, or freeze portions for longer storage.
Important Notes:
• Balanced Diet: Cats are obligate carnivores, and their diet must be animal-protein focused with the right balance of nutrients, particularly taurine, calcium, and vitamins. Consult with a vet before switching to homemade food to ensure it meets your cat’s nutritional needs.
• Supplements: Homemade diets often require supplements (like taurine, omega-3, and sometimes calcium) to ensure a complete diet.
Example Recipe:
• 1 lb chicken breast or thigh /lamb
• 2 oz chicken liver /chicken neck
• 1 egg yolk (cooked)
• 1 tsp fish oil (optional) /flaxseed
• ½ tsp taurine powder /shrimp shell
• ½ cup water or broth (unsalted)
Instructions: Boil the meat, blend with organ meat and egg yolk, then mix in taurine, fish oil, and water to desired consistency. Store in the fridge or freezer.
In addition to the recipe, I used leftovers. It’s blended with leftover broth, blueberries, carrots and coconut flour. No chicken necks or organ meat but Spam and Mackerel from Dollar Tree or Aldi.
Melma 😻 liked it. I mixed hers with dry kibble.
