7- Best Vet Approved Homemade Cat Food Recipes (2024)

Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Amanda P. Brown

Even though several veterinarian-approved pet foods are on the market, feeding homemade cat food usually leaves the pet owner feeling satisfied. Another benefit of cooking your cat’s food at home is the peace of mind that you’re doing everything possible to ensure their long, healthy, and happy lives.

Cat owners are increasingly turning to make their cat food, and it’s a decent option, provided you can make it work. Fortunately, you can now get Vet Approved Homemade Cat Food Recipes right here in this article.

Vet Approved Homemade Cat Food Recipes

Table of Contents

Here are the top Vet Approved Homemade Cat Food Recipes to help you with your pet’s care. These foods have been specifically formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of cats.

If you’re looking for a specific protein, you can add or eliminate components like liver, heart, skin, or other supplements from the recipe.

1. Raw Chicken and Salmon Recipes

Ingredients

  • Water: 2 cups
  • Raw chicken liver: 50g
  • Raw salmon: 100g (with bone)
  • Raw egg: 1 whole (with shell)
  • Raw chicken wings: 700g (bone-in, skin-on)
  • Raw beef kidney: 50g
  • Raw chicken heart: 100g
  • Taurine supplement: 1 teaspoon

Process:

  1. Chop the organ meats as well as the salmon into bite-sized parts and grind them.
  2. Slice the chicken wings to fit the grinder.
  3. Put a bowl directly underneath the grinding device. At this point, the flesh and the organs should feed through.
  4. Combine all of the ground mixtures in a large mixing container.
  5. Add taurine, water, and egg, and mix it well.
  6. Pour the mixture into individual serving containers and store the rest in the freezer.

2. Mackerel Recipe

Ingredients

  • Chicken broth or water: 1-2 tablespoon
  • Brown rice: 1 tablespoon, cooked
  • Canned mackerel: 1 cup
  • Sunflower seed oil: 1 tablespoon

Process:

  1. In a food grinder, combine all ingredients and process them until completely smooth. Check to see that everything has been properly integrated.
  2. After the ingredients have been combined, you can either serve it right away or put it in the freezer for up to three days.

3. Raw Chicken Thighs With Bone

Ingredients

  • Springwater: 8oz.
  • Salmon oil: 4000mg
  • Iodized salt: 1 ½ teaspoon
  • Chicken thighs with bone: 5 pounds
  • Raw chicken heart: 14oz.
  • Raw egg yolk: 4
  • Chicken liver: 7 oz.
  • Vitamin E: 200 IU
  • Vitamin B complex: 200mg
  • Husk powder: 4 teaspoons (optional)
  • Taurine: 2000mg

Process:

  1. Remove the skin from half of the chicken thighs, but keep the rest of the meat intact.
  2. Discard one-quarter of the chicken thighs’ bones. Use water to wash the meat.
  3. Place all dry supplements in a bowl and combine them thoroughly before using them.
  4. Stir the water and egg yolks to form a mixture.
  5. Measure out the chicken heart, thigh meat, and liver after cutting and dividing them into individual portions.
  6. Feed the meat grinder ingredients using a bowl.
  7. At times, add the liver, heart, and fish oil capsules; utilize the complete fish oil capsule.
  8. In a large bowl, stir the powdered psyllium husk with the egg mixture and the ground combination that was already combined.
  9. Finally, dish out the mixture to serve or store in the refrigerator.

4. Turkey Delight for Cats

Ingredients

  • Raw turkey giblets: ½ pound, chopped into bite-sized
  • Brown rice: ½ cup, uncooked
  • Chopped carrot: ¼ cup
  • Iodized salt: ½ teaspoon (optional)
  • Water: 11/2 cups
  • Chopped spinach: ½ cup
  • Corn oil: 2 teaspoons

Process:

  1. Boil oil, water, and salt in a large pot.
  2. Reduce the heat to low. Boil rice for 10 minutes.
  3. Add spinach, carrots, and turkey giblets after 10 minutes of boiling rice. Now, boil it again for 10 minutes.
  4. Before feeding it to your cat, let it cool down. You can also store leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed jar.

5. Chicken and Rice Gravy for Cats

Ingredients

  • Rice flour: 1 tablespoon
  • Rice: ¼ cup
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Chicken broth: 3 cups
  • Chicken meat: 1 cup

Process:

  1. Place the chicken in a pot, add the oil, and cook it over medium heat until it is done.
  2. Stir rice flour and simmer it unless a paste forms.
  3. Mix the remaining ingredients. Cook it for a minimum of 10 minutes.
  4. Set aside to cool before serving to your cat.

6. Almost Spot’s Stew

Ingredients

  • Brown rice: 2 cups
  • Broccoli crown: 1
  • Yellow squash: 3
  • Celery: 6 talks
  • Chicken: 1 whole
  • Zucchini: 2 or 3
  • Carrot: 8
  • A handful of green beans

Process:

  1. Clean and rinse the chicken and place it in a big stew pot with enough water to cover it.
  2. Cut the vegetables into chunks and add them to the chicken— add rice to the saucepan.
  3. Cook the chicken and veggies until they can easily pierce with a fork and the chicken is almost falling off the bone.
  4. Remove every single bone from the chicken. This step is crucial because fragmented cooked chicken bones can seriously injure the intestines.
  5. Transfer the stew to a processor and puree it until the mixture is gritty and around the size of bite-sized pieces.
  6. Serve it and then place any leftover parts in plastic bags and freeze it.

7. Carrot and Chicken Gravy for Cats

Ingredients

  • Carrot: 2 large, grated
  • Oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Chicken broth: 2 cups
  • Pre-hydrated and sugar-free gelatin: 2 tablespoon
  • Water: 1 cup
  • Dark chicken meat: 1 cup
  • Chicken parts: 1 cup

Process:

  1. Cook the chicken in a medium skillet until it becomes tender.
  2. Add water, chicken parts, carrots, and chicken stock to a boil in the pot.
  3. Lower the heat for the last few minutes of the boil. Cook for an additional 20 minutes.
  4. Allow cooling before serving your cat after cooking for 20 minutes.

Key Nutrients For Feline Diets

Being a good cat owner means knowing what your Cat needs to eat for a healthy life. Ensuring your Cat gets the right nutrients in their homemade food is key to their happiness and long life. Check out this simple guide for what your Cat needs and how much.

NutrientSourcePortion Amount
ProteinChicken, Turkey, Beef, Fish2/3 to 3/4 of the total recipe
TaurineHeart and Liver200 mg per 5 lbs of body weight
FatsPoultry Fat, Fish Oil10-15% of total calories
CalciumBone Meal, Eggshells, Ground Bones1.0 to 1.2% of total recipe
PhosphorusBone Meal, Eggshells, Ground Bones0.8 to 1.0% of total recipe
VitaminsBalanced Vitamin SupplementFollow AAFCO guidelines
WaterMoist Ingredients, Fresh WaterEnsure adequate hydration
FiberVegetables, Small Amount of Grains1-2% of total recipe
LiverBeef or Chicken Liver (in moderation)|1-2 times per week
Minerals (Potassium, Magnesium)Balanced IngredientsFollow AAFCO guidelines
Prebiotics/ProbioticsYogurt (in moderation)Small amount as a supplement

How to Store Homemade Cat Food?

Storing homemade cat food requires careful consideration. Thus, you can maintain its nutritional integrity and ensure your feline companion receives a safe and wholesome diet. Here’s a complete method to store homemade cat food properly.

1. Choose the Right Containers

Selecting appropriate storage containers is crucial. Choose airtight containers crafted from superior materials like BPA-free plastic or glass. These materials keep air and moisture out, protecting the freshness of the food and preventing deterioration.

The original bag or container can serve as a fat barrier if stored airtight. This assists in maintaining the food’s quality.

2. Refrigeration or Freezing

Refrigerate or freeze homemade cat food in small, manageable portions. This keeps freshness and allows you to defrost only what your Cat requires. Thus, this reduces waste.

Refrigeration is suitable for short-term storage, typically up to 2-3 days, while freezing extends the shelf life up to 3 months. Freezing is particularly beneficial for preserving the nutritional value and minimizing bacterial growth.

3. Labeling and Dating

Label each container with the date of preparation to track freshness and adhere to recommended storage durations. This simple step ensures you use the homemade cat food within safe time limits. Additionally, labeling can be helpful if you prepare various recipes, allowing you to identify the specific ingredients in each container.

4. Avoid Plastic Odors

While some pet owners prefer transferring cat food from the bag to another container, studies have shown that certain plastic containers may impart odors and tastes to the food.

If you opt for storage containers, choose clean metal containers, such as small metal tins or metal garbage cans. If you want to use plastic, leave the food in the original bag in the container. This will aid in reducing odor transmission.

5. Thawing Considerations

If you choose to freeze homemade cat food, plan for thawing. Defrost the food in the refrigerator to guarantee a safe and gradual process. Avoid microwaving since it can cause uneven melting and nutritional loss.

The Pros and Cons of Homemade Cat Food Diets

7- Best Vet Approved Homemade Cat Food Recipes (1)

The advantages of homemade cat food are undeniable, but your cat will only receive the full benefits if you prepare a well-balanced meal. Before you decide whether you should switch to homemade cat food or not, read the pros and disadvantages of homemade cat food outlined here.

Pros-

  • Feeding your homemade cat food can give them better nutrients than commercial feeds.
  • When you make the food for your cat, you have complete control over the ingredients, which allows you to assure that your cat receives the most nutritious diet feasible.
  • If your cat has delicate digestive systems or allergic reactions, you can modify their diet to their specific needs by simply preparing their food at home.
  • Homemade cat food is best, especially for older cats with trouble chewing because their teeth are worn down.
  • When you prepare your cat food, you can easily incorporate supplements into it to make it more convenient for you to feed your pets.

Cons-

  • Making homemade cat food takes a very long time.
  • Preserving homemade cat food is a total hassle.
  • It can be tough to prepare a well-balanced diet at home. To ensure that your pet gets balanced food, you can only follow a veterinarian-formulated recipe.
  • Feeding your homemade cat food is more expensive than purchasing commercial food.
  • If your cat has been eating homemade food for some time, it may be challenging to switch to a diet that consists of commercially available products.

Switching your cat to a homemade diet is a big decision to make. It will be worse than a commercial diet if your cat does not obtain the proper nutrition or a balanced diet from homemade food. As a result, before making any nutritional changes, you need always discuss them with your cat’s veterinarian.

Why Do Vets Not Like Grain-Free Cat Food?

Vets do not like grain-free cat food because these foods lack an amino acid called taurine, which is vital for a cat’s heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy.

Do Vets Recommend Wet or Dry Food for Cats?

Canned or dry food is fine for the majority of cats. Tinned food is currently the preferred method of storing food, yet it cannot argue that canned food is superior to dry food. To the untrained eye, kibble and canned food appear to be opposed.

FAQs

How Long is Wet Cat Food Good for After Opened?

Wet cat food typically lasts 5-7 days in the fridge after opening. You need to refrigerate it at 40-45°F. Empty your pet’s bowl of any uneaten moist or canned food within 4 hours if the ambient temperature exceeds 50°F. Ensure your pet’s safety by discarding leftovers after the recommended time frame.

How Long is Cat Food Good in the Fridge?

For homemade cat food, it’s crucial to prioritize freshness. Since it lacks preservatives, aim to use it within 2–3 days for the best quality. Check for spoilage indicators regularly, such as an off odor or color or texture change. Thus, you can ensure your Cat’s safety and enjoyment.

Can Cats Eat Expired Cat Food?

No, cats can’t. Giving your Cat expired cat food is not a good idea, even if it looks okay. The nutritional value can decrease over time, which could be risky for your Cat’s health. Stick to fresh cat food to ensure your furry friend gets the best nutrition.

Can Humans Eat Cat Treats?

No, While eating a small amount of cat treats usually won’t cause immediate harm, it’s not recommended for humans. Cat treats are formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of cats. So, relying on them as a regular part of the human diet may lead to nutritional gaps. Stick to treats intended for human consumption for a balanced diet.

Final Verdict

The veterinarian-formulated recipes will be excellent homemade food for your furry buddy among the thousands of cat foods available. But making homemade food for your cat is a tough challenge if you’re doing it all on your own.

You May also Like to Read:

  • Best Homemade Food for Persian Kitten
  • Wet Cat Food-26 Question and Answer
  • Dry Vs Wet Cat Food Pros and Cons-Well Explained
7- Best Vet Approved Homemade Cat Food Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What should the first 3 ingredients in cat food be? ›

#1 Scan the First 3 Ingredients

To ensure that your cat gets enough good sources of protein – think chicken, beef, fish and lamb -- check the first three ingredients on the label. Pet food labels list ingredients in order of the weight of the ingredient, starting with the heaviest.

What is the number 1 healthiest cat food? ›

Which are the best cat foods in 2024? At a glance
  • Best overall – Royal Canin.
  • Best value cat food - Whiskas.
  • Best wet cat food – Purina Gourmet.
  • Best kitten food – Hills Science Plan Kitten Food.
  • Best senior cat food – Republic of Cats.

Do vets recommend homemade cat food? ›

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, professor at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and a board- ...

What is the most important ingredient in cat food? ›

Protein is best known for supplying amino acids, or protein subunits, to build hair, skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Common cat food protein sources include meat, chicken, fish and some plant ingredients like corn gluten and soybean meal.

What is the 25 rule for cat food? ›

Dinner means a minimum of 25% of the named ingredient must be in the diet (not including water). This is the “Dinner” or “25% rule.” Chicken can be anywhere between 25% & 94%. Simply by changing the phrase Chicken Cat Food to Chicken Cat Dinner, you may decrease the amount of chicken in the diet by as much as 70%.

What ingredients should I avoid in cat food? ›

Wheat, soy and corn can be allergens and have a high chance of being genetically modified (GMO). They have not been studied for their affects on cats and should be avoided. Avoid gluten as an ingredient as it's not digestible and has been known to be a serious contaminant.

What is the healthiest meat for cats? ›

Cooked, unseasoned chicken or turkey are excellent sources of protein for your cat. Aside from protein, cats also derive vitamin B6, selenium, phosphorus, and Omega-6 from these types of meat. Chicken and turkey are also beneficial because they are lean meats with a lower calorie content than beef.

Is it better to feed cats raw or cooked meat? ›

Cooking with heat can cause the meat to lose nutrients, which is why raw feeding is considered to be very beneficial. However, if you are concerned about feeding your cat uncooked meat because of the potential for bacteria, Lisa A. Pierson, DVM and owner of CatInfo.org advises that you can also partially cook the meat.

Is canned tuna good for cats? ›

Cats can eat canned tuna, as long as it is packed in spring water only and has no seasonings or additives. Never feed your cat tuna in brine or sunflower oil, which is for human consumption only. Brine is salt water, and its high sodium content can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in your cat.

Can cats eat scrambled eggs? ›

Yes, cats can eat eggs. Fully cooked eggs are a great nutritional treat for cats. Eggs are packed with nutrients, like amino acids, which are the building blocks to protein, and they're also highly digestible. Scrambled, boiled, however you choose to prepare them is fine.

Is it cheaper to make your own cat food? ›

The cost of homemade cat food ranges between $0.90–1.52 per day depending on the recipe. I compared the cost of the best in each category of commercial cat food. And you could save thousands per year making cat food at home. It will take more time to make your cat's food at home.

What is no better for cats? ›

Description. Know Better for Cats is a premix for preparing a raw or cooked cat food. This healthy diet is ideal for all life stages and is made with 100% human grade ingredients. Many of the diseases associated with commercial cat foods can be avoided with a balanced homemade meat diet.

What ingredients should be first in cat food? ›

The first ingredient in cat food should be a high-quality source of animal protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish.

What are the first ingredients in cat food? ›

Look for foods in which meat, meat byproducts, or seafood are listed among the first few ingredients, as this indicates the food probably contains enough animal-source ingredients to supply essential amino acids and fatty acids.

What ingredients should be in cat food? ›

The most important nutrients found in ingredients to look for when choosing the best cat food are protein, fat and carbohydrates, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center, part of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. Cats' meals should meet these basic requirements for these nutrients.

What ingredients should you avoid when buying cat food? ›

Wheat, soy and corn can be allergens and have a high chance of being genetically modified (GMO). They have not been studied for their affects on cats and should be avoided. Avoid gluten as an ingredient as it's not digestible and has been known to be a serious contaminant.

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