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Making your own cat food can be a rewarding way to ensure your furry companion receives the best possible nutrition. Whether your cat has specific dietary needs or you simply want more control over their meals, homemade cat food can be a great option. However, it’s crucial to do it right to avoid nutritional deficiencies. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about How To Make Cat Food safely and effectively.

Before diving into recipes, it’s essential to understand that creating a complete and balanced diet for your cat at home requires careful planning and research. Consulting with a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist is highly recommended to ensure your homemade recipes meet all of your cat’s nutritional needs. Many recipes found online may lack essential nutrients or have imbalances that can be detrimental to your cat’s health over time.

When evaluating homemade cat food recipes, be critical. Look for recipes developed by veterinary nutrition experts or those that clearly state their nutritional values and adherence to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) minimums. Simple recipes without supplements may not provide complete nutrition unless they incorporate a wide variety of ingredients in precise ratios. Always check if the recipe includes instructions for portioning and calorie estimation, and be wary of recipes labeled for supplemental feeding only.

Unless you have extensive knowledge in feline nutrition, relying on recipes is the safest approach. Achieving the right balance of trace nutrients is challenging without a well-formulated recipe. Premix supplements can simplify this process, as discussed in the next section.

The Benefits of Using a Premix Supplement for Homemade Cat Food

Replicating a wild feline diet perfectly with homemade food is difficult. Wild diets consist of specific ratios of muscle meat, organs, and bones, often from various animal sources to ensure nutrient balance. For example, vitamin A and copper levels vary significantly between different types of liver, like duck, beef, chicken, and pork. Using a limited variety of ingredients might lead to nutritional imbalances.

To overcome these challenges, many cat owners use premix supplements in their homemade cat food. These supplements are designed to bridge nutritional gaps when combined with fresh meat. While premixes simplify homemade cat food preparation, choosing the right one is crucial. Always research and discuss options with your veterinarian to find a premix that suits your cat’s specific needs and dietary plan.

Here are key factors to consider when choosing a homemade diet premix:

Formulated by a Veterinary Nutritionist

While veterinarians are trained in animal health, specialized knowledge in nutrition is often limited. A premix formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist offers a higher level of assurance in nutritional adequacy and safety.

Provides Complete and Balanced Nutrition

Carefully check the product details to confirm if the premix is formulated to meet AAFCO or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) nutrient requirements. Some premixes are intended only for supplemental use, while others may require additional ingredients like eggs or liver to achieve complete nutrition.

Specialized Formulas for Specific Needs

Some brands offer premixes tailored to different life stages (kitten, adult, senior) or health conditions. For example, senior cat formulas might have reduced phosphorus levels to support kidney health.

Diet Type Compatibility

Consider the type of homemade diet you plan to feed. Premixes are often designed for use with ground or chopped meat. Some may contain higher calcium levels if intended for boneless meat diets, while others are formulated for diets including ground meat and bone. Select a premix that is specifically designed for your chosen diet type.

5 Homemade Cat Food Recipes to Get You Started

Below are five sample homemade cat food recipes to inspire you. These recipes include options balanced with premix supplements as well as those using ingredient variety and individual supplements. These recipes were prepared and tested for practical use.

Disclaimer: These recipes are intended as examples and may not be suitable for all cats. Always consult with a veterinary nutritionist to tailor any homemade diet to your cat’s specific health needs.

1. Turkey Breast and Sweet Potato Recipe (using Balance It® Carnivore Blend® premix)

Balance.it, founded by board-certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Sean Delaney, offers custom pet food recipes and premix powders. This recipe, created using their online recipe builder for a 10-pound adult neutered male cat, is a high-protein, low-carb option yielding approximately 170 grams of food with 265 calories.

Ingredients:

• 3 ⅜ oz. (96g) Cooked turkey breast (meat only)
• 1 ⅝ tsp (7g) Canola oil
• ⅖ ml (0.37g) Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid
• 5/16 cup (63g) Baked sweet potato
• ⅛ tsp (0.75g) Morton Iodized Salt
• ¾ tsp (3.07g) Balance IT Carnivore Blend

Instructions:

1. Roast turkey breast at 350℉ (175°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ (74°C).
2. Bake sweet potato until tender.
3. Scoop out sweet potato flesh and weigh the required amount.
4. Finely chop turkey breast and weigh the required amount.
5. Combine sweet potato and turkey in a bowl.
6. Add supplements and mix thoroughly.
7. Portion into meals and serve one immediately.
8. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrient Content (Approximate):

• Protein: 113.43g
• Fat: 36.79g
• Fiber: 7.78g
• Ash: 7.58g
• Carbs: 48.84g

Caloric Distribution:

• Protein: 47.73%
• Fat: 32.59%
• Carbs: 19.68%
• Moisture: 66.04%

Note: Prepare larger batches of turkey and sweet potato in advance, then portion and add supplements just before serving for convenience.

2. Raw Ground Rabbit Recipe (using Alnutrin for Meat & Bone)

Alnutrin premixes from Alternative Nutrition, LLC are formulated to AAFCO nutrient profiles. The Meat & Bone premix is designed for use with whole rabbit or chicken (including bone and organs). This recipe is ideal for cats with food sensitivities, using rabbit as a novel protein source.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack (4g) Alnutrin for Meat & Bone
• ¼ cup (60g) Water
• 1 lbs (454g) Raw ground rabbit meat & bones

Instructions:

1. Debone rabbit carcass and chop meat into 1-inch pieces.
2. Chop or crush bones into grinder-safe pieces.
3. Grind meat, bones, and organs into a bowl.
4. Whisk Alnutrin and water in a small bowl.
5. Mix premix mixture into ground rabbit, portion, and freeze.

Nutrient Content (Dry Matter):

• Protein: 65.3%
• Fat: 15.7%
• Fiber: NA
• Ash: 3.44%
• Carbs: 0%

Nutrient Analysis (As Fed, per 100g):

• Protein: 13.5g
• Fat: 3.24g
• Fiber: 0g
• Ash: 0.71g
• Moisture:3g

Note: Ensure whole rabbit includes organs. If not, supplement with organs or use a different premix. Nutrient analysis is based on Alnutrin’s data using a whole dressed rabbit carcass.

3. Cooked Meat Recipe (using EZComplete Fur Cats)

EZComplete Premixes from Food Fur Life are made with human-grade ingredients in an FDA-inspected facility. EZComplete Fur Cats requires only boneless meat and water and can be served raw or cooked. This recipe uses cooked ground beef for a palatable and easy-to-prepare option.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. (907g) Ground meat, cooked (lean proteins like turkey, chicken, or pork are also suitable)
• ½ cup (53.3g) EZComplete Fur Cats
• 1 ½ cups (12 oz.) Water

Instructions:

1. Place ground meat in a slow cooker with ¼ cup water per pound of meat.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until cooked through.
3. Cool meat and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
4. Stir in EZComplete until thoroughly mixed.
5. Portion mixture, distributing cooking juices evenly.
6. Refrigerate or freeze in airtight containers.

Nutrient Content (Dry Matter):

• Protein: 85%
• Fat: 11%
• Fiber: 0%
• Ash: 4%
• Carbs: 0%

Notes: Nutritional values are based on Food Fur Life’s analysis using EZComplete with turkey breast.

4. Prey Model Raw Diet Recipe (from Little Carnivore)

The Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet follows an 80/10/10 ratio: 80% meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs. The PMR+ diet includes added supplements for complete nutrition. Variety is key in PMR diets to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients. This recipe follows guidelines from feline nutritionist Coline Doebelin of The Little Carnivore.

Ingredients:

• 220g White meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit)
• 220g Red meat (beef, lamb, duck, veal)
• 100g Chicken hearts (or other heart)
• 100g Gizzards, tongue, or lung
• 100g Chicken, duck, or turkey neck
• 100g Chicken wings or quail bones
• 15g Chicken livers
• 15g Beef livers
• 70g Other organs (kidney, spleen, brain)
• 30g Whole sardines in water
• 30g Anchovies

Supplements:

• Chelated manganese
• Kelp powder (iodine)
• Psyllium husk (fiber)
• Vitamin E
• B-complex vitamins
• Calcium (optional)
• Zinc (optional)
• Taurine (optional)
• Iron (optional)

Instructions:

1. Chop ingredients into 1-inch pieces, crush bones if needed.
2. Grind all ingredients together or separately then weigh out ratios.
3. Use The Little Carnivore calculator to determine feeding amounts and supplement dosages based on your cat’s weight.
4. Portion and freeze in airtight containers.
5. At mealtime, mix supplements with thawed food before serving.

Nutrient Content (Dry Matter):

• Protein: 57.09%
• Fat: 30.3%
• Fiber: 0%
• Ash: 4.44%
• Carbs: 0.62%

Note: Nutrient content varies based on ingredients. This analysis is estimated using primarily chicken, turkey, and beef. Review guidelines on The Little Carnivore and consult with a vet for personalized recipes.

5. Ground Chicken Thigh with Bone and Organs Recipe (from Feline Nutrition Foundation)

This recipe from the Feline Nutrition Foundation uses raw meat with bone, organs, and specific supplements. It requires more preparation but provides a nutritionally robust homemade option.

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs. (2.27kg) Chicken thighs with skin and bone
• 7 oz (200g) Raw chicken liver
• 14 oz (400g) Raw chicken heart
• 8 oz. Water
• 4 Raw egg yolks
• 2000 mg Taurine
• 4000 mg Wild salmon oil capsules
• 200 mg Vitamin B Complex
• 200 IU Vitamin E
• 1 ½ tsp (8.4g) Lite Iodized Salt
• 4 tsp (8g) Psyllium husk powder

Instructions:

1. Remove skin from half the chicken thighs and bone from 20-25%.
2. Weigh out 4.5 pounds of chicken and rinse.
3. Cut chicken and organs into 1-inch pieces, crush bones.
4. Grind ingredients with salmon oil capsules.
5. Whisk egg yolks with other supplements.
6. Pour slurry over ground ingredients and mix well.
7. Portion and freeze.

Nutrient Content (Dry Matter):

• Protein: 53.53%
• Fat: 33.06%
• Fiber: 0.81%
• Ash: 2.75%
• Carbs: 1.96%

Nutrient Analysis (As Fed, per 100g):

• Protein: 10.3g
• Fat: 6.36g
• Fiber: 0g
• Ash: 0.53g

Notes: Use wild salmon oil capsules, not cod liver oil. Use dry powder supplements in capsules or loose powder form.

Best Supplies To Make Homemade Cat Food

For a simplified homemade diet, consider ground meat (or meat and bone) combined with a premix supplement. Here are recommended supplies and premixes:

#1

Weston Butcher Series Electric Meat Grinder Commercial Grade 1HP Motor

• Powerful 1HP motor for grinding meat and soft bones
• Economical price
• Countertop size with two speeds

Check Price

#2

Balance It Feline

• Formulated by veterinary nutritionist
• Formulas for various life stages and health needs
• Recipe calculator available

Check Price

#3

EZComplete fur Cats

• AAFCO guideline compliant
• Human-grade ingredients, made in USA
• Just add boneless meat and water

Check Price

#4

Alnutrin for Meat & Bone

• AAFCO guideline compliant
• Products for different diet types
• Free recipes on website

Check Price

#5

TCfeline

• AAFCO compliant for all life stages
• Mimics nutritional value of mice
• Low phosphorus formula available

Check Price

#6

Raw Meow Mix

• AAFCO nutrient profile minimums
• Made in Australia
• Wide range of formulas

Check Price

#7

Purrform

• Available in UK and Europe
• Likely FEDIAF compliant
• Just add boneless meat

Check Price

Frequently Asked Questions

Is homemade cat food safe?

When prepared and stored correctly, homemade cat food is safe. However, raw meat can carry pathogens. Practice strict hygiene: disinfect surfaces, wash hands, and prevent your cat from licking faces after meals, especially for children. Proper handling minimizes risks associated with raw meat in homemade diets.

How much does homemade cat food cost?

The cost of homemade cat food varies based on ingredient choices and diet type (raw or cooked). Ingredient quality and quantity will significantly influence the overall expense.

Is raw cat food better than cooked?

Raw cat food is often considered more biologically appropriate for cats. However, it’s not suitable for every cat owner due to handling and potential pathogen risks. Research both raw and cooked options to determine the best fit for your cat and lifestyle.

How much should I feed my cat?

An average adult cat needs about 200 calories daily, or approximately 6 ounces of homemade food. Calorie content varies with protein and fat sources. Consult your veterinarian or online calorie calculators for your cat’s specific needs to determine accurate portion sizes.