Preparing homemade cat food can be a rewarding experience for both owner and pet. By taking the time to cook up homemade cat food, engaged pet parents can ensure that their cats receive the best possible nutrition. Additionally, owners can tailor the food to their cat’s specific needs, whether they have allergies, sensitivities, or just need a little extra help shedding a few pounds. Our list of the top seven best homemade cat food ingredients could help cat parents find a new favorite recipe for kitty.
It’s important to note that while homemade cat food can be a healthy and nutritious option for cats, it should be carefully planned and prepared to ensure that the cat is getting all the nutrients they need. Consulting with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist is the best way to create a balanced and complete homemade diet for your cat. With that in mind, we turned to 10 expert sources to help us find some of the consensus best homemade cat food ingredients on the web. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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The List: Best Homemade Cat Food, According to Feline Experts
1. Salmon
Salmon is one of America’s most popular fish for healthy protein. It turns out that salmon is a solid option for cats as well. Craving to pamper your feline friend with a delightful and healthy meal? Consider incorporating salmon into their diet! As several sources point out, salmon offers a delicious and nutritious option for your cat.
Salmon is packed with great nutrients for your kitty! Pets Love to Know highlights the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fish oil in salmon. These nutrients have the potential to benefit cats with dry skin, joint problems, and even slow the progression of kidney disease.
Plus, salmon is undeniably delicious, making it a hit with your furry companion. It’s crucial to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food, especially raw options. This ensures the chosen recipe aligns with your cat’s specific needs, age, and health condition. Your veterinarian’s guidance is crucial for creating a happy and healthy dining experience for your feline friend.
2. Chicken
Cat owners can attest that some felines go nuts when they catch the scent of a roasted bird. Chicken can be a great go-to protein for cats. Hepper Blog recommends making chicken and rice, highlighting the importance of portion control and tailoring recipes to your cat’s individual characteristics.
Floppy Cats specifically suggests using boneless thighs with approximately 20 to 25 percent of the bone removed to maintain a healthy calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. They also advise against including skin in the recipe if your cat is overweight.
Get Set Pet recommend their “Classic Chicken and Rice Feast.” Chicken and rice is suitable for cats of all ages and dietary needs, but ensure it contains a balanced combination of lean protein (chicken) and carbohydrates (rice), along with additional ingredients to enhance flavor and nutritional value.
3. Eggs
Cooked eggs can be a healthy addition to a cat’s diet. Other ingredients or mix-ins can be added based on a vet’s recommendations. FirstCry.com raves about giving your cat eggs and cottage cheese for breakfast. You can also combine this combo with some veggies for even more of a nutritious punch! AZ Animals mentions how eggs are a great source of healthy, lean protein for you cat which is really important for their diets.
You can even crush eggshells finely for a calcium boost. While some cat owners give their kitties a bone meal supplement, finely crushed eggshells will do the trick and can be made right at home! (Catster).
4. Turkey
Birds are a natural part of a cat’s diet, and some cats are perfectly fine sourcing their own wild protein. For the indoor kitty, turkey can be a delicious treat that also provides an excellent source of nutrients. While chicken and rice are common ingredients in homemade cat food, other protein sources and flavorful combinations can be explored.
Holistic Vet Blend suggests an easy homemade turkey and pumpkin pate recipe, yielding enough food for five to six days for an average cat. The benefits of making your own kitty cat food are the potential cost savings compared to commercially prepared food and the absence of undesirable ingredients like by-products and chemicals.
While your mind might not immediately go to turkey as a kitty’s favorite snack, Hepper Blog shares a personal anecdote about their cat’s surprising love for turkey, spinach, and squash together. Exploration beyond traditional ingredients can show you what unexpected flavor combinations your cat enjoys.
AZ Animals acknowledges that Some cats even prefer turkey over chicken. AZ Animals recommends serving up turkey giblets and rice at mealtimes, offering a nutrient-rich organ-based meal for your pet.
5. Beef
Red meat is another solid option for added feline nutrition. Adding red meat to your kitty’s diet provides a great source of iron and protein. A Hepper Blog reviewer uses beef to sneak in a few veggies in their cat’s diet. They write: “I was thinking, ‘There is no way my cat is going to eat raw carrots, even mixed with beef.’ But I was wrong. He devoured it.” You may be surprised about how diverse your cat’s palate is!
Beef stew for cats? Yes, there is such a thing! Get Set Pet says to make it with lean beef cuts, wholesome veggies, and any other add-ins you think your kitty will like. This stew is your oyster!
Why switch to homemade cat food? 🐱
- Control over ingredients: Cat owners are increasingly becoming aware of the ingredients in their cat’s food and the potential health risks associated with artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers. Homemade cat food allows them to have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that their cat is getting a healthy and nutritious diet.
- Fresher ingredients: Homemade cat food is made with fresh ingredients, which are often more palatable and nutritious than the ingredients found in commercial cat food. Fresh ingredients also provide a higher level of essential vitamins and minerals, which can contribute to a cat’s overall health and well-being.
- Bonding experience: Preparing homemade cat food can be a bonding experience between the cat owner and their feline friend. It allows the owner to show their cat love and care by taking the time to prepare their meals personally.
- Cost-effective: While the initial investment in equipment and ingredients can be higher, homemade cat food can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially for cat owners with multiple cats or cats with special dietary needs.
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Sources:
- FirstCry.com
- AZ Animals
- Catster
- Pets Love to Know
- Holistic Vet Blend
- Hepper Blog
- Shopee
- Get Set Pet
- Floppy Cats
- Cats.com
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
thyank you for sharing