Homemade cat food recipes can make an excellent addition to the diet of your furry friend, offering nutritious benefits that commercial foods cannot.
Cats are obligate carnivores and thus need high-quality animal-derived protein for sustenance. Additionally, essential fats help them absorb vitamins and minerals more effectively.
1. Chicken and rice
Boiled chicken and rice can help harden loose stool while remaining soothing to their digestive systems.
The meal also provides essential taurine for cat health. Without enough of this nutrient, cats could face blindness, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
However, only feed your cat boiled chicken and rice once or twice every week as too often feedings may increase their risk of diabetes and obesity.
2. Tuna stir fry
As carnivores, cats depend on meat as part of their diet – it tells their brain when they’re full while providing essential proteins and fats.
Fish such as tuna is full of omega-3s and other essential nutrients that support cat health, but it is wise to steer clear of non-water packed tuna that could contain excessive salt or oil levels.
Cooked vegetables are excellent options for cats, and can either be mixed into their food or crushed up and served separately. Be mindful when providing any foods containing xylitol as this could cause alcohol poisoning in cats.
3. Lamb chops with asparagus
Lamb is an excellent alternative to beef, boasting similar protein and calorie counts but lower calorie counts.
Use a skillet to sear juicy lamb chops before sauteing crisp asparagus with an exciting four-ingredient pan sauce for maximum flavor and presentation. Accompany this meal with warm toasty bread for optimal result.
Eggs are an excellent source of animal protein for obligate carnivores to produce liver enzymes necessary to metabolize protein metabolism. Eggs also boast vitamin A, fatty acids and minerals; plus this recipe offers an optional garnish of shredded brussel sprouts which is cat-safe!
4. Chicken soup
Cats are obligate carnivores and need a diet rich in meat-based proteins such as chicken and beef for protein intake in a soup base, including gizzards (an excellent source of Omega-3s that may promote dental health). This recipe utilizes chicken and beef meat as protein sources while also including gizzards as an Omega-3 source to support dental health.
Bone broth is an abundant source of vital nutrients that support hair growth, anti-inflammatory benefits, and long term recovery. Making bone broth at home using bones and cheap cuts of meat simmered slowly in your slow cooker or crock pot is easy and quick!
When providing homemade cat food to your feline companion, always consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist first so it meets their individual dietary needs. Also watch out for any homemade foods recalled because they may contain harmful contaminants like melamine.
5. Beef stroganoff
This classic skillet meal is so decadent, even the pickiest mushroom-haters in your family will adore it! Serve over noodles, rice or poleta with some parsley sprinkled for an easy yet delectable dinner option.
Beef meat provides cats with essential proteins and other vital nutrients. However, too much raw beef may cause digestive issues for your cat. In addition, any form of alcohol should be avoided as this could cause liver or brain damage in cats.
6. Salmon with mashed potatoes
Salmon provides your cat with essential omega-3 fatty acids for their skin and brain health, and also packs plenty of protein – both essential nutrient sources! This recipe also boasts plenty of moisture which promotes optimal cat health.
Seafood is generally safe for cats, though feedlot-raised fish should be avoided. Furthermore, cooked bones can splinter and lead to intestinal blockages if fed directly to them.
Homemade diets may be beneficial for cats with severe allergies or specific nutritional requirements that cannot be fulfilled through commercial food sources. When considering this route, however, be sure to follow a veterinarian-recommended recipe for success.
7. Chicken and broccoli
Broccoli makes an irresistibly crunchy treat for cats, and also boasts high amounts of antioxidants to combat free radical damage. Furthermore, broccoli contains plenty of Vitamin B-6, Phosphorus and Selenium to round out its nutritional profile.
This recipe provides an excellent source of iron, while chicken provides low-calorie proteins to reduce obesity risks and aid digestion for felines compared to some other animal proteins.
Cheese is a high-protein snack that’s generally safe for most cats to eat in small amounts, though some felines with sensitive stomachs cannot digest dairy products.
8. Tuna salad
Tuna can provide cats with an excellent source of protein. You can serve it alone or combine it with other cat food. Organ meats like liver can provide extra vitamin A. Lamb and mutton should be limited due to their higher fat content.
Watermelons provide essential vitamins A, B, C and potassium while being an excellent source of fiber if eaten in moderation and after peeling off its hard skin and seeds.
9. Chicken with green beans
cats are obligate carnivores, meaning meat should form an essential component of their diet. Fatty acids, vitamin A and niacin may also play an essential role.
Chicken makes for an excellent protein source. You can either prepare it yourself at home, or purchase commercial canned food that meets your pet’s nutritional requirements.
Green beans are an incredibly low-cal vegetable rich in fiber and potassium that are easy to incorporate into a pet’s meal as a nutritious, tasty topping. Gizzards make another delectable topping choice that cats will appreciate as well!
10. Chicken and potatoes
Oft times sick cats require high-calorie and protein-rich meals. Boiled chicken and rice provide the perfect source of essential nutrition.
Boiled, mashed or baked potatoes are safe for cats to eat; however, fried or chipped versions contain unhealthy fats and oils which could pose risks.
Liver is an excellent source of vitamin A, while kidneys offer B12, iron and phosphorus; beef tongue provides even more phosphorus! For added nutrition you could mix all the ingredients together before portioning them out to refrigerate or freeze before enjoying!
