DIY Cat Food Recipe: Save Money & Improve Your Cat's Health!

Updated at: 16/05/2025

Are you tired of the ever-increasing cost of commercial cat food, yet concerned about the quality of ingredients? Many pet owners share this dilemma, constantly juggling budget constraints with their feline companion's nutritional needs. The good news is, you can reclaim control over your cat's diet and significantly reduce your spending by making your own delicious and nutritious cat food at home! DIY cat food offers a fantastic opportunity to tailor meals to your cat's specific dietary requirements, ensuring they receive the optimal balance of proteins, fats, and essential nutrients. You'll be surprised by how simple it is to create healthy and palatable meals your cat will adore.

Preparing homemade cat food not only saves you money but also allows you to avoid potentially harmful additives and fillers often found in processed commercial brands. This empowers you to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients, leading to a shinier coat, improved digestion, and a healthier, happier cat overall. Ready to embark on this rewarding journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step process of creating your own delicious and healthy DIY cat food recipe!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Manual Grinder (optional, but recommended)
  • Pot
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
Safety Guidelines
  • Never feed your cat raw meat or bones without thoroughly researching safe handling and preparation to avoid bacterial contamination and choking hazards.
  • Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat's diet, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions. A sudden dietary shift can cause digestive upset.
  • Ensure the recipe is nutritionally balanced for cats. Homemade cat food must contain the right proportions of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to prevent deficiencies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Protein Sources

    • Bake six pounds of chicken thighs for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
    • Boil four eggs for three to four minutes.
    • Fully cook three and a half chicken livers (may need to add broth).
    • Remove bones from 20% of the baked chicken thighs (2 out of 10 in this example).
    Remove bones from chicken: Remove bones from 20% of the baked chicken thighs (2 out of 10 in this example).Remove bones from chicken: Remove bones from 20% of the baked chicken thighs (2 out of 10 in this example).Remove bones from chicken: Remove bones from 20% of the baked chicken thighs (2 out of 10 in this example).Remove bones from chicken: Remove bones from 20% of the baked chicken thighs (2 out of 10 in this example).
    Prepare Protein Sources

  2. Grind Meat

    • Grind the cooked chicken meat and bones using a grinder.
    Grind meat and bones: Grind the cooked chicken meat and bones using a grinder.
    Grind Meat

  3. Add Supplements and Liquids

    • Add 10,000-20,000 milligrams of fish oil (about 15,000 milligrams or 24 capsules used in this example). Refrigerate to prevent rancidity.
    • Add 2 capsules of vitamin B, 4 capsules of taurine, 2 capsules of vitamin E, and 2 teaspoons of Morton light salt.
    • Add chicken liver broth and water for a total of 2 cups of liquid.
    Add liquid: Add chicken liver broth and water for a total of 2 cups of liquid.Add liquid: Add chicken liver broth and water for a total of 2 cups of liquid.Add liquid: Add chicken liver broth and water for a total of 2 cups of liquid.
    Add Supplements and Liquids

  4. Combine and Freeze

    • Thoroughly combine the ground chicken mixture with the other ingredients.
    • Transfer the mixture into containers and freeze.
    Freeze: Transfer the mixture into containers and freeze.Freeze: Transfer the mixture into containers and freeze.
    Combine and Freeze

Read more: Homemade Chicken Broth for Healthy Cats: Boost Immunity & Recovery

Tips

  • If your cat resists the new food, mix in chopped cat treats.
  • Keep the food cold using ice packs to maintain freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Nutrient Balance

Reason: Homemade cat food recipes often lack essential nutrients cats need, like taurine, arachidonic acid, and specific vitamins.
Solution: Use a reputable cat food recipe designed by a veterinary nutritionist to ensure a balanced diet.

2. Using Unsafe Ingredients

Reason: Some human foods are toxic to cats (e.g., onions, garlic, grapes). Improperly cooked or stored ingredients can also lead to bacterial contamination.
Solution: Strictly follow a recipe that specifies safe and appropriate ingredients, ensuring proper handling and storage.

3. Ignoring Calorie Needs

Reason: Failure to accurately calculate and adjust calorie intake based on your cat's age, weight, activity level, and health condition can lead to obesity or malnutrition.
Solution: Consult a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to determine your cat's daily caloric requirements and adjust the recipe accordingly.

FAQs

Is homemade cat food really healthier than commercial brands?
Yes, homemade cat food allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives often found in commercial brands. You can use high-quality, fresh meats and vegetables, ensuring your cat receives optimal nutrition.
How do I ensure my homemade cat food is balanced and provides all the necessary nutrients?
Use a reliable recipe that's formulated to meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient profiles for cats. Consult your veterinarian to ensure the recipe meets your cat's specific needs, especially if they have allergies or health conditions.
Isn't making homemade cat food time-consuming and expensive?
While it requires some initial preparation, making larger batches can save time in the long run. The cost savings from avoiding expensive commercial brands often outweigh the cost of ingredients, especially when considering the long-term health benefits.