As a cat parent, you want to provide the best possible nutrition for your furry friend. While commercial cat food can be convenient, it may not always be the healthiest option. That’s why many cat owners are turning to homemade raw food recipes to ensure their cat is getting the nutrients they need.
Raw feeding is a growing trend that is becoming more and more popular due to the numerous health benefits it can offer. This guide will explore the benefits of raw cat food, provide a step-by-step guide to making raw cat food at home, and share some of our favorite homemade raw cat food recipes.
Whether you’re a seasoned raw feeder or just starting out, this guide will provide everything you need to know to make healthy and delicious raw food for your cat.
Benefits of Homemade Raw Cat Food
As per Wsava”The majority of pets tolerate high-fat, low-fiber diets (raw meat, cooked), but some will have gastrointestinal issues raw meat can be unsafe for pets and owners.”
Here are some of the main benefits of homemade raw cat food
- Better Nutrition: Homemade raw cat food is made with fresh ingredients, so it contains all the essential nutrients that cats need to thrive.
- Customization: By making your own cat food, you can tailor the ingredients to meet your cat’s specific dietary needs and preferences.
- Reduced Risk of Health Issues: Commercial cat food can contain preservatives, artificial ingredients, and by-products, all of which can be harmful to your cat’s health. Raw food is free from these additives, reducing the risk of health issues.
- Increased Hydration: Raw food contains more moisture than commercial cat food, which can help keep your cat hydrated and prevent urinary tract issues.
- Better Digestion: Raw food is easier for cats to digest, which can improve their overall digestive health and reduce the risk of digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea.
- Enhanced Immune System: Raw food contains high levels of vitamins and minerals that support the immune system, helping to keep your cat healthy and strong.
- Improved Skin and Coat: Raw food is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients that promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Cost Savings: While the initial investment in ingredients may be more expensive than commercial cat food, making your own raw food can ultimately save you money in the long run.
Homemade Raw Cat Food Recipes
Recipe 1: Chicken and Vegetable
Equipment
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Food processor
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast (boneless)
- 1 cup Chopped carrots
- 1 cup Chopped spinach
- 1 tbsp Salmon oil
Instructions
- Begin by cleaning and cutting the chicken breast into small pieces.
- Add the chicken to a food processor and pulse until it is ground into small pieces.
- Next, add the chopped carrots and spinach to the food processor and pulse until they are well combined with the chicken.
- Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and stir in the salmon oil.
- Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Divide the mixture into portion-sized containers and freeze until needed.
- To serve, simply thaw a portion of the mixture in the refrigerator overnight and serve to your cat.
- Store any unused portions in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe 2: Beef and Heart
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| ground beef | 1 lb |
| beef heart | 1 lb |
| sweet potato | 1 |
| kelp powder | 1 tsp |
Instructions:
- Chop the beef heart into small pieces and grind it using a meat grinder or food processor.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef and beef heart.
- Add in the grated sweet potato and kelp powder.
- Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into portion-sized containers and store in the freezer.
- When ready to serve, thaw a portion in the refrigerator and serve immediately.
- Leftover food should be discarded after 24 hours.
Recipe 3: Rabbit and Vegetables
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| ground rabbit | 1 lb |
| carrots (chopped) | 2 |
| broccoli (chopped) | 1 cup |
| cod liver oil | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions:
- Begin by washing and chopping the carrots and broccoli.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground rabbit, chopped carrots, and chopped broccoli.
- Stir in the cod liver oil, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Using a food processor or blender, blend the ingredients until they are well combined and of a desired consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a covered container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
- Serve the rabbit and vegetable mixture to your cat as a meal, either by itself or mixed in with other raw food ingredients.
- Store any unused portions in the freezer for later use.
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Recipe 4: Pork and Eggs
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| ground pork | 1 lb |
| spinach | 2 cups |
| turmeric | 1 tsp |
| eggs | 4 |
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and eggs.
- Wash and chop the spinach into small pieces, then add it to the bowl.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric and mix everything together until well combined.
- Use a measuring cup to portion the mixture into serving-size portions.
- Place the portions in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer.
- Thaw one portion at a time in the refrigerator before serving to your cat.
- Serve the thawed mixture as a complete meal, along with fresh water.
Recipe 5: Salmon and Shrimp
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| salmon | 1 lb |
| raw shrimp | 1 lb |
| zucchin | 1 |
| coconut oil | 1 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Begin by cleaning and deboning the salmon and shrimp.
- Dice the zucchini into small pieces.
- In a food processor or blender, blend together the salmon, shrimp, and zucchini until you have a fine mixture.
- Add the coconut oil to the mixture and blend until combined.
- Spoon the mixture into a container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
- Serve the raw food to your cat as part of a balanced diet, ensuring that they get a variety of different protein sources.
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FAQs
Is raw food safe for cats?
“If done correctly by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, a homemade diet is good for cats – or better said, a cat can do just as well on a homemade diet (some would argue better) as a commercial diet” says Joe Bartges, DVM, PhD From pets.webmd. When prepared and stored properly, raw food can be a safe and nutritious option for cats. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before starting a raw food diet and to ensure that the raw food you prepare is nutritionally balanced.
How should I store homemade raw cat food?
Homemade raw cat food should be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. Always make sure to properly label and date your raw food to avoid spoilage and foodborne illness.
What supplements should I add to my raw cat food?
Some supplements that are commonly added to raw cat food include salmon oil, coconut oil, kelp powder, and egg yolks. These supplements provide essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that support your cat’s health.
How often should I switch up my cat’s raw food recipes?
It’s a good idea to rotate your cat’s raw food recipes to provide variety and ensure they are getting a well-rounded diet. Aim to switch up your cat’s recipes every few weeks or so.
Well, It’s a Wrap
In conclusion, Homemade Raw Cat Food Recipes offer many benefits for cats, including better nutrition, customization, and reduced risk of health issues.
While making raw cat food requires some initial investment in ingredients and preparation time, it can ultimately save you money and provide your cat with a healthier diet.
When making raw cat food, it’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that the diet is nutritionally balanced.
With careful planning and attention to detail, making homemade raw cat food can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend.
Charlene Pare is the founder of Cat Likes Best. She manages and strategizes the content published on this website. When she isn’t working, she enjoys exploring the city around with her Ameican Shorthair kitty–Moli. Being a technocrat and an avid cat lover, she also writes on pet tech products and some of the featured articles.
What a fantastic recipe article! The combination of salmon and shrimp is not only delicious but also provides a great source of protein and healthy fats. I can’t wait to try this recipe.
It’s wonderful to see the emphasis on using high-quality ingredients and ensuring that the meal is nutritionally complete.
This is a great article for cat owners who are looking to provide their pets with a healthy and homemade raw diet.