Hey, fellow cat lovers! Ever looked at your cat’s store-bought food and thought, What even is this? I have. Many times. Some of those ingredient lists sound more like a science experiment than actual food.
That’s why I started making easy homemade cat food recipes – simple, fresh, and free from unnecessary fillers. Trust me, my cat Tito is the world’s pickiest eater (and a food critic, I swear), but even he can’t resist these nutritious, homemade meals.
If you want to try making your own healthy cat food, stick around. I’ll share quick recipes, essential tips, and common mistakes to avoid so your feline friend gets everything they need. Let’s get cooking!
Why Make Homemade Cat Food?
I know what you’re thinking – Is homemade cat food really better than store-bought? The short answer? Yes and no.
✔ Yes, because… You control the ingredients. No weird preservatives, no artificial flavors – just fresh, real food.
✔ No, because… Most store-bought cat foods are nutritionally complete. If you switch to homemade meals entirely, you must balance the nutrients properly.
That’s why these easy homemade cat food recipes work best as supplements or occasional meals. They’re perfect for adding variety while ensuring your cat gets a nutritious diet.
🐱 The Basics of Homemade Cat Food
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s cover the essentials.
✔ What Should Be in Homemade Cat Food?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must be meat-based. Here’s what a good meal should include:
- High-quality protein – Chicken, beef, turkey, fish, or liver
- Healthy fats – Salmon oil or animal fat
- Taurine – An essential amino acid found in meat (cats must have this!)
- Limited carbs – A tiny amount of peas, pumpkin, or carrots is fine
- Calcium & vitamins – Eggshell powder or vet-approved supplements
❌ What to Avoid?
- Onions & garlic – Toxic to cats
- Dairy – Most cats are lactose intolerant
- Raw egg whites – They interfere with vitamin absorption
- Too many carbs – Cats don’t need grains like rice or wheat
🐾 5 Easy Homemade Cat Food Recipes
Now for the fun part – cooking! These recipes are quick, healthy, and cat-approved (yes, even by Tito).
🐱 Chicken & Pea
Ingredients:
- 1 small chicken breast (cooked, no seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons cooked peas
- 1 teaspoon salmon oil
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the chicken, let it cool, then chop finely.
2️⃣ Mash the peas and mix with the chicken.
3️⃣ Add salmon oil and serve at room temperature.
Why This Works: Packed with protein, taurine, and omega-3s – all essentials for your cat’s health!
Read more about this recipe: Chicken & Pea
🐟 Sardine Surprise
Ingredients:
- 1 canned sardine (in water, no salt or oil)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin puree
Instructions:
1️⃣ Mash the sardine with a fork.
2️⃣ Mix in pumpkin puree.
3️⃣ Serve fresh and watch your cat devour it!
Why It’s Great: Omega-3-rich for shiny fur and healthy digestion.
Read more about this recipe: Sardine Surprise
🥩 Beefy Barley Delight
Ingredients:
- 100g lean ground beef
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon barley powder
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the beef thoroughly and let it cool.
2️⃣ Mix in egg yolk and barley powder.
3️⃣ Form into bite-sized portions and serve.
Why It’s Great: Packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber!
Read more about this recipe: Beefy Barley Delight
🐟 Crispy Salmon Dinner
Ingredients:
- 1 small salmon fillet
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons oatmeal
Instructions:
1️⃣ Coat the salmon in egg yolk and roll in oatmeal.
2️⃣ Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes.
3️⃣ Let it cool, then serve in small pieces.
Why It’s Great: Omega-3s support joint health and a glossy coat.
Read more about this recipe: Crispy Salmon Dinner
🍗 Chicken Meowy Jello
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup shredded cooked chicken
Instructions:
1️⃣ Heat chicken broth, then stir in gelatin until dissolved.
2️⃣ Add shredded chicken and mix.
3️⃣ Pour into molds and refrigerate until firm.
Why It’s Great: A hydrating and protein-rich treat for your kitty!
Read more about this recipe: Chicken Meowy Jello
How to Store & Serve Homemade Cat Food
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in small portions for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve at room temperature (cats don’t like cold food).
FAQs About Homemade Cat Food
Yes, if done right! It’s fresher and free from fillers but must be nutritionally balanced.
Only if it’s properly supplemented. These recipes are meant as occasional meals.
Chicken, beef, turkey, and fish – always cooked, unseasoned, and boneless.
Try These Easy Homemade Cat Food Recipes!
Tito and I had so much fun making these recipes (okay, I cooked, he supervised). I hope your cat enjoys them too!
🐾 Tried one? I’d love to see your kitty’s reaction!
Now go give your cat a forehead kiss and enjoy your day! 😻
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