Homemade Cat Raw Food Recipe: Easy & Nutritious

Did you know making 15 pounds of homemade raw cat food takes just an hour and a half, including cleanup¹? It’s not only easy to make, but it’s also better for your cat. It gives them a diet that’s close to what they would eat in the wild¹. By making their food yourself, you can choose the best ingredients and ensure they get a balanced diet.

Many people think making homemade raw cat food is hard. But it’s actually simple and can fit into your daily routine. If you want to give your cat a more natural diet or control their nutrition, this guide will help. You’ll learn how to make a delicious, homemade raw cat food that your cat will enjoy.

Key Takeaways

• Homemade raw cat food is easy and nutritious to make
• It consists of meat, organs, bone, fat, egg yolks, water, and supplements
• Making 15 pounds of raw food takes about 1.5 hours, including cleanup
• Supplements like Taurine, Salmon Oil, and Vitamin E are essential
• A simple recipe can provide all the necessary nutrients for your cat

The Benefits of Homemade Raw Cat Food

Homemade raw cat food is great for your cat’s health. It’s like a natural prey-based diet that cats need as obligate carnivores². Unlike store-bought cat food, which can have too many carbs and bad ingredients, you can choose the best for your cat. This way, your cat gets a biologically appropriate diet³.

Mimicking a Natural Prey-Based Diet

Cats need a diet rich in animal proteins and fats, just like their natural prey. Homemade raw cat food is full of these nutrients, making it easy for your cat to digest. It helps keep your cat healthy². You can add muscle meats, organs, and bones to make sure your cat gets everything it needs³.

Complete Control Over Ingredients

With homemade raw cat food, you pick the best, freshest ingredients for your cat. This way, you can skip the bad stuff in commercial cat food, like low-quality meat and too many carbs³. You can make a diet that’s perfect for your cat, keeping them healthy and happy².

“Collaborative efforts between pet owners and veterinarians are key to the best nutrition and health for pets.”²

Homemade raw cat food is great for many reasons. It can help with weight, health, and even make mealtime more natural for your cat³. Working with a vet nutritionist ensures your cat’s diet is balanced and complete²³.

Essential Equipment for Making Raw Cat Food

Making homemade raw cat food needs special tools for efficiency and safety. A strong meat grinder⁴ is key. It must handle raw chicken bones well. Choose a high-quality grinder like the Weston #12 or Tasin TS-108 for this task⁴.

You’ll also need sharp knives, poultry shears, and a meat cleaver for prep work⁴. Don’t forget mixing bowls, freezer-safe containers, and a kitchen scale for measuring⁴.

Good equipment is vital for safe, balanced, and nutritious homemade pet food⁵. A strong grinder and enough freezer space are essential⁴.

With the right tools and practices, you can give your cat a tasty, healthy homemade diet⁴. The writer stresses the need for proper equipment for a balanced meal⁵.

Sourcing High-Quality Meats and Eggs

Creating a nutritious homemade raw cat food recipe starts with top-notch ingredients. Sourcing the freshest, highest-quality meats and eggs is key for your cat’s health and happiness.⁶

Chicken is a favorite for raw cat food, and it’s easy to see why. It’s used in the recipe about 70% of the time⁶. The recipe includes a lot of chicken, like 3 kg of thighs, 900 grams of heart, and 300 grams of liver⁶.

Buying meat in bulk from local farms or butchers is a smart move if you have freezer space. It’s a cost-effective way to get fresh, organic ingredients⁷. For eggs, choose the freshest, highest-quality ones. Opt for organic and from pasture-raised hens⁷.

Cats can be picky, and they might not eat meat if it’s not fresh⁶. By using the best ingredients, you’ll give your cat the nutrition they need and make sure they love the food⁷.

“Making homemade raw cat food takes under two hours to prepare 25 pounds of food, showing how efficient the process is.”⁷

Vital Supplements for a Balanced Diet

Feeding your cat right is key, and supplements are a must in a homemade raw cat food diet. These supplements are not just nice to have; they are necessary for your cat’s health and energy⁸.

Importance of Supplementation

Not adding important supplements or letting your recipe get off track can harm your cat’s health. Supplements like taurine, vitamins, and minerals fill the nutritional gaps in a raw meat diet⁸.

Required Supplements and Their Sources

Important supplements for your homemade raw cat food include taurine, wild salmon or small fish oil, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, and lite salt. These are the same as human supplements but in cat amounts. You can also use a premixed supplement made for raw meat diets⁸.

Using a premixed supplement like Balance IT is also a good idea. It offers products for raw cat food diets⁸. Balance IT products are animal-free to avoid allergies⁸.

Adding the right supplements is key for your cat’s health. With these supplements, you can make sure your cat gets all the nutrients they need⁸.

Basic Homemade Raw Cat Food Recipe

Ingredients and Quantities

Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients for a nutritious homemade cat food. This recipe includes chicken thighs with bone, liver, heart, raw egg yolks, and supplements¹⁰. Make sure to remove 20-25% of the bone to keep the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio¹⁰.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, grind the chicken thighs, liver, and heart together in a meat grinder¹¹. Then, mix in raw egg yolks and supplements like taurine, salmon oil, vitamin E, and B-50 complex¹¹. Make sure to mix well so the supplements are evenly spread¹¹.

This simple recipe gives your cat a balanced, natural diet. It’s based on their natural prey eating habits¹⁰. The mix of raw and cooked meat ensures your cat’s safety and health¹⁰.

This homemade cat food recipe is a great way to feed your cat naturally. It lets you control the ingredients and how it’s made¹⁰. By following these steps, you ensure your cat gets a balanced, healthy meal¹².

Cat Raw Food Recipe Variations

The basic homemade raw cat food recipe is a great start. But, you can try different ingredients to make it even better. This way, you can meet your cat’s special tastes and health needs.

For example, you can use turkey, duck, or pheasant instead of chicken¹³. Or, you can add red meats like rabbit or quail. Fish like sardines or wild-caught salmon are also good options¹³. Just make sure to adjust the recipe to keep the right balance of nutrients.

You can also add organ meats like liver and heart to your cat’s diet¹³. Raw egg yolks and various vegetables and fruits can be added too. Just remember to check what your cat likes and needs.

“The key to a well-balanced homemade raw cat food diet is ensuring the proper nutrient ratios, no matter what protein sources you choose.”

It’s important to keep the right balance of calcium and phosphorus in your cat’s food¹⁴. This ratio should be about 1.1:1¹⁴. You can get this by adding the right amount of raw bone, usually 7-10%¹⁴.

By trying out different ingredients, you can give your cat a varied and healthy diet. This diet will meet their unique tastes and health needs.

Estimated Costs and Money-Saving Tips

Many people think making homemade cat food is expensive. But, it can actually save you money compared to canned diets. You might only need to make food every two to four weeks¹⁵. Buying meat and ingredients in bulk from local farms or butchers helps save money. This way, you can make a budget-friendly meal plan for your cats.

Having your meat professionally ground saves time and effort. It makes the food preparation easier and ensures your cats get the right nutrients¹⁵. Homemade raw cat food can cost between $1 to $2 per day per cat. This is much cheaper than commercial diets¹⁵.

• Cost of homemade cat food varies between $0.90-1.52 per day depending on the recipe¹⁵.
• Potential savings of thousands per year by making cat food at home¹⁵.
• Comparison of cost per day (based on feeding 200 calories per day to one cat):
  • Dry: $1.77
  • Wet: $6.74
  • Freeze-dried raw: $6.75
  • Ground raw: $2.41
  • Homemade raw: $1.52
• Annual savings comparison from homemade raw food:
  • Dry: $646.05
  • Wet: $2,460.10
  • Freeze-dried raw: $2,463.75
  • Ground raw: $879.65
  • Homemade raw: $554.80
• Estimation of budget range for homemade cat food: $1-2 per day per cat¹⁵.
• Recommendation for feeding whole prey and various cuts of meat for complete nutrition¹⁵.

By choosing cost-effective feeding, bulk purchasing, and a budget-friendly approach, you can give your cats a healthy diet. You might even save thousands of dollars over time¹⁵.

Homemade raw food can be cheaper, but it’s key to check with a vet or use special software. This ensures your recipes are balanced and complete. It helps avoid health problems and keeps your cats well-nourished¹⁵.

Feeding raw meaty bones also has benefits for your cats’ teeth and overall health¹⁶. By using these cost-saving tips and best practices, you can give your cats a healthy, budget-friendly diet. This supports their long-term health and happiness.

“Providing wet food snacks with added water or broth, such as chicken, turkey, or beef, offers a means to enhance a cat’s hydration levels and nutrient intake, aiding in maintaining bladder and kidney health.”¹⁶

Serving and Storing Homemade Raw Cat Food

Feeding your cat homemade raw food needs the right serving size and storage. A third to half a cup of food is best, given twice a day¹⁷. To warm the meal, microwave it for 20 seconds. Then, add 2-3 tablespoons of boiled water and mix well¹⁷.

For storage, keep the food in the fridge. Only thaw one or two servings at a time¹⁷. If you have little food left, bring a frozen portion from the freezer¹⁷. Thawing takes about 24 hours in the fridge.

By following these tips, you can make sure your cat gets the right food. They will enjoy a safe, healthy meal every time.

Consistency, proper preparation, and careful storage are key for a raw diet¹⁸. Talking to a vet or your cat’s healthcare provider can help. They can create a feeding plan that fits your cat’s needs.

Addressing Medical Conditions and Consulting a Vet

Working with your vet is key when it comes to your cat’s diet, even more so if they have health issues. Homemade raw cat food can be very beneficial. But, it’s important to make sure it meets your cat’s specific needs, if they have health problems.

It’s vital to talk to a vet before changing your cat’s diet. They can help you make the right changes and make sure the homemade food is good for your cat¹⁹. Always check with a vet before making big changes to your cat’s diet¹⁹.

Cats need a special mix of proteins, fats, and nutrients to stay healthy¹⁹. If your cat has digestive problems, start adding raw food slowly over weeks¹⁹. It’s important to include meat, organs, and bones in their diet to avoid nutritional gaps¹⁹.

Some cats, like those with chronic kidney disease, might not do well on homemade raw food. Your vet can suggest the best diet for your cat’s health¹⁹.

By teaming up with your vet, you can make sure your cat gets the right food, even with health issues. This way, you can smoothly transition to homemade raw food while considering your cat’s health¹⁹.

Always put your cat’s health first when changing their diet. With a vet’s help, you can make a homemade raw food diet that’s just right for your cat¹⁹.

cat raw food recipe

Making a healthy, homemade raw food diet for your cat is rewarding. It includes chicken thighs with bone, chicken liver, chicken heart, raw egg yolks, and essential supplements²⁰.

Start by grinding the chicken thighs, liver, and heart with a meat grinder²¹. This makes the food just right for your cat. Then, mix the raw egg yolks with water and add supplements like taurine, wild salmon oil, and vitamins²².

The meat mix should be 3 pounds of poultry to 2-2.25 pounds of rabbit or 0.75-1 pound of boneless chicken or turkey²². This mix is full of proteins and nutrients your cat needs. Don’t forget to adjust the salt based on the meat²².

After mixing everything, portion the food and freeze it for easy access²⁰. When it’s time to feed, just thaw and serve. This homemade recipe can greatly improve your cat’s health and energy²⁰.

By making this nutritious raw cat food, you give your cat a diet like their natural prey. This supports their nutrition and health²⁰. Enjoy making this healthy meal for your pet.

Tips for Introducing Raw Food to Your Cat

Changing your cat’s diet to raw food needs patience and a slow start²³. Begin by adding a little raw food to their usual diet. Slowly increase the amount over time²⁴. Watch how your cat reacts and adjust as needed.

Some cats might have stomach problems when trying new food. Adding fiber, like psyllium husk powder, can help²⁴. Kittens need more food than adults and eat more often, about every 4 to 6 hours²⁴.

The time it takes for your cat to get used to new food varies²⁴. Some cats adjust quickly, while others might take up to a year²⁴. It’s important to remember your cat’s food likes and to warm the raw food to a warm temperature before serving²⁴.

Being patient and consistent is vital when introducing a new diet to your cat²³. With time and adjustments, your cat will likely enjoy the benefits of raw food. These include better digestion, healthier skin and coat, and more energy²³.

“Continuous learning and improvement are essential in maintaining a healthy raw diet for cats, adapting and optimizing based on new information or guidelines.”²³

Conclusion

Feeding your cat homemade raw food has many benefits²⁵. It lets you mimic their natural diet²⁵ and control what they eat²⁵. This can help keep your cat healthy and happy, thanks to the high moisture content in homemade food²⁶.

Starting out might seem hard, but it gets easier with time. With the right steps and advice from your vet, you can make the switch to homemade raw food²⁷. More and more pet owners in the U.S²⁵. and Europe²⁵ are choosing this method for their pets.

Choosing homemade raw food means you’re directly involved in your cat’s diet. It’s a way to give them the best nutrition for their health and long life.

Source Links

1. Feline Nutrition – Feline Nutrition’s Easy Homemade Cat Food Recipe – https://hare-today.com/feline-nutrition/nutrition/making-raw-cat-food-for-do-it-yourselfers
2. Homemade Cat Food and Raw Cat Food – https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/features/homemade-cat-food-and-raw-cat-food
3. Benefits of homemade cat food + easy healthy recipes – Caticles – https://caticles.com/benefits-of-homemade-cat-food/
4. DIY: Making Raw, Ground Cat Food at Home – Cats Herd You – https://catsherdyou.com/diy-making-raw-ground-cat-food-at-home/
5. The Complete Guide to Making Homemade Cat Food – Cats.com – https://cats.com/making-cat-food-homemade
6. Raw Cat Food Recipe | Meow Lifestyle – https://meowlifestyle.com/raw-cat-food-recipe/
7. Raw Cat Food – How to make raw cat food – Savvy Pet Care – https://savvypetcare.com/raw-cat-food/
8. Meal completers for your cat’s homemade diet — The Little Carnivore – https://thelittlecarnivore.com/en/blog/meal-completers-for-your-cats-homemade-diet
9. Whole Foods That Provide Essential Nutrients for Cats & Kittens – https://perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-knowledgebase/whole-foods-for-cats-and-kittens/
10. Making Cat Food – https://catinfo.org/making-cat-food/
11. Beef Raw Cat Food Recipe | Meow Lifestyle – https://meowlifestyle.com/beef-raw-cat-food-recipe/
12. Raw Homemade Kitten and Cat Food Recipe (all meat) – https://healthhomeandhappiness.com/raw-homemade-kitten-and-cat-food-recipe-all-meat.html
13. Delicious Homemade Raw Cat Food Recipe | Petcubes – https://www.petcubes.com/blogs/raw-cat-food/raw-cat-food-recipe?srsltid=AfmBOoro-l5Pa2SB1Hc0A9aj7HamKZdWK_l5baNxxYVxnlkVdOqyI1cN
14. Homemade Cat Food: Feeding Your Cat for Optimal Health and Longevity – https://furraticbehavior.com/homemade-cat-food-the-art-of-feeding-your-cat-for-optimal-health-and-longevity/
15. What’s the cost of homemade cat food? – Jess Caticles – https://caticles.com/cost-of-homemade/
16. 10 Cheap Ways to Improve Your Cat’s Diet – https://www.chicagoblackcat.com/post/10-cheap-ways-to-improve-your-cat-s-diet
17. Recipes – Cat Nutrition – https://catnutrition.org/recipes/
18. 5 Homemade Cat Food Recipes (Vet Reviewed & Approved) – Cats.com – https://cats.com/homemade-cat-food-recipes
19. Benefits and Considerations of a Raw Food Diet for Cats – https://drpashu.com/transitioning-cat-to-raw-food-diet-safely/
20. Raw Cat Food Recipe – Keto Kitties with Allergies – Have Butter Will Travel – https://havebutterwilltravel.com/keto-cat-raw-food-recipe/
21. Recipes for Home Made Raw Food – https://www.savannahcatchat.com/threads/recipes-for-home-made-raw-food.905/
22. Raw Home-Made Cat Food – https://www.mychampionheartragdolls.com/post/raw-home-made-cat-food
23. My complete guide to raw feeding! — The Little Carnivore – https://thelittlecarnivore.com/en/blog/raw-feeding-my-complete-guide-to-start-with-your-cats
24. Feline Nutrition – How to Transition to a Raw Cat Food Diet – https://hare-today.com/feline-nutrition/nutrition/how-to-transition-your-cat-to-a-raw-diet
25. Raw diets for dogs and cats: a review, with particular reference to microbiological hazards – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6849757/
26. Vet-Approved Homemade Cat Food Recipe, Side by Side Cooked and Raw Versions – https://holisticvetblend.com/blogs/news/vet-approved-homemade-cat-food-recipe-side-by-side-cooked-and-raw-versions
27. How we make raw dog and cat food. – https://homesteademporium.com/blog/2014/01/07/how-we-make-raw-dog-and-cat-food/