How to Make Homemade Food for Your Cat
Wholesome meals for your cat can be made at home using many of the same food humans eat. The cat's diet can include human-grade products such as chicken, vegetables and brown rice, but it should also meet your cat's special dietary needs. There are two schools of thought when it comes to homemade cat food: Some experts recommend cooking the food, while others recommend leaving it raw. Either way, as long as the proper nutrients are added, homemade meals can lead to a happy, healthy kitty.
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Things You'll Need
- Chicken, turkey or fish
- Carrots or squash
- Brown rice or rolled oats
- Cooked eggs
- Olive oil or flaxseed oil
- Food processor
- Container with lid or resealable plastic bags
Instructions
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Make sure to include all the nutrients your cat needs. In addition to plenty of fresh water, cats need proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. Vitamin supplements formulated for cats can be mixed into the food while it is being prepared.
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Give your cat raw food if the animal likes it. The less a cat's food is cooked, the more nutritious it is. In a food processor, combine 3 cups diced chicken, 1 cup cooked brown rice, 1/2 cup peas and carrots, 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 tsp. olive oil and 3 cat multivitamins. Puree until smooth. Place it in a medium bowl with a lid if you are going to refrigerate it. Separate it into serving-size portions in resealable bags for freezing. Make sure to label and date the food you are freezing.
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Make up a batch of cooked food ahead of time. If you are uncomfortable giving your pet raw meat, cook it before adding it to the other items. For example, sauté 3 cups ground turkey until fully browned. Drain off grease and put the turkey in a food processor. Add 1 cup cooked rolled oats, 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin, 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 tsp. flaxseed oil and 3 cat multivitamins. Puree everything until smooth. Refrigerate in a covered bowl, or divide single portions into resealable bags and freeze.
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Tips & Warnings
Cats are finicky and may have a hard time adjusting to homemade food. Introduce the new food slowly by blending it with some of their familiar canned food.
Many foods are health risks for cats. Do not include any form of onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins or nuts. Check with your veterinarian for a complete list.
Cats are better equipped than humans to deal with possible bacteria in raw meats, but if you choose to feed your cat raw meat, make sure the meat is from a trusted source.
References
Resources
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