This simple guide shows you how to make cat food at home using a nutritious salmon recipe that’s high in protein, omega-3s, and cat-approved. Learn how to bake crispy salmon safely, how to transition picky cats from store-bought food, and why salmon is healthy when fed in moderation. Includes step-by-step instructions, feeding tips, and answers to common questions.
Looking for more easy cat food recipes? Explore the full collection of homemade meals for your furry friend!
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How to Make Cat Food That Even the Pickiest Cats Will Love
The rain is pouring down, and my cats have fully embraced their lazy, nap-all-day mode. Well, all except Tito. While the others are curled up in cozy spots, Tito is at the door, staring me down, demanding access to the terrace. He doesn’t care that it’s raining – he has opinions, and right now, his opinion is that he should be outside. Tito has opinions about everything – and he will yell at me about them, probably at 3 a.m. If the neighbors heard him, they’d probably assume he runs the household. (Honestly? Not entirely wrong.)
Today, Tito has complaints too. So, I decided to make him something special – his favorite homemade cat food: Crispy Salmon Dinner. If you’ve ever wondered how to make cat food at home, it’s easier than you think, and Tito is living proof that a fresh, homemade meal can turn even the loudest complainer into a satisfied, purring fluffball. Tito may be loud, but he never complains about a good meal.
Why Should You Make Homemade Cat Food?
Have you ever checked the label on commercial kibble? Half of it sounds like chemistry class. That’s why learning how to make cat food at home is such an empowering move – you control what goes into the bowl.
Homemade cat food can:
- give your cat fresh, whole ingredients
- eliminate unnecessary fillers
- reduce stomach issues
- support healthier skin, coat, and digestion
- help picky eaters actually enjoy mealtime
And yes – it’s budget-friendly too.
Got a cat with tummy troubles? Don’t miss my Sensitive Stomach Recipes – vet-approved, easy to digest, and Tito-tested!
Learning how to make cat food at home ensures your cat gets the freshest, healthiest ingredients.
The Benefits of Homemade Cat Food (Healthier & Safer)
- Quality Control – You choose the ingredients; no mystery meats.
- Better Nutrition – Essential amino acids, taurine, omega-3s – all under your control.
- No Preservatives – Fresh food only.
- Cost-Effective – Bulk ingredients > premium canned brands.
- Customizable – Ideal for the picky eaters, cats with allergies, or older cats who need moisture.
How to Make Cat Food at Home: Easy Salmon Recipe
This is Tito’s all-time favorite meal. Unless it’s tuna – he hates tuna with the passion of a thousand suns.
How to Make Cat Food Step-by-Step: Crispy Salmon Dinner for Cats
Want a nutritious and easy cat food recipe that your kitty will adore? This simple homemade cat food recipe is packed with protein and omega-3s, supporting a shiny coat, strong joints, and a happy tummy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 1-2 meals
Ingredients:
- 1 small salmon fillet
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons oatmeal (for fiber and texture)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Wondering about adding pumpkin? I wrote a full guide Can Cats Eat Pumpkin? – including Tito’s dramatic berry reaction. – here’s the video + vet-backed info
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Set to 180°C (350°F).
2. Prepare the Coating
Beat the egg yolk in a bowl. Dip the salmon fillet in the yolk until well-coated.
3. Add the Crunch
Roll the salmon in oatmeal to give it texture.
4. Bake
Place the salmon in a baking pan with oil. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for another 10 minutes.
5. Cool & Serve
Let it cool before cutting into bite-sized pieces. If it looks dry, add a tiny dash of cream (Tito insists on this).
Tito’s official review: “Five paws up. I yelled only once.”
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Serving: Serve at room temperature – cats prefer food that isn’t too cold!
Is Salmon Good for Cats?
Salmon is a feline superfood! According to Cornell Feline Health Center, omega-3s help maintain skin and coat health in cats. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help:
- Support healthy skin & coat
- Reduce inflammation in joints
- Boost the immune system
- Aid brain development (especially in kittens!)
Bonus Tip: Want to make this meal even healthier? Add a few drops of wild Alaskan salmon oil for an extra omega-3 boost!
Not sure what meat, portions, or supplements are right for your carnivore? My guide on How to Feed Your Cat the Right Way covers it all – plus a simple beef recipe to get you started!
More Easy Homemade Cat Food Ideas
If your kitty loved this, try these other simple homemade cat food recipes that are both nutritious and easy to make:
Beefy Bites – Crunchy homemade cat treats made with real beef.
Chicken Liver Pâté – A smooth, creamy DIY cat food recipe packed with nutrients.
Chicken Meovy Jello – A high-protein, poultry-packed delight, perfect for those looking for an easy cat food recipe at home.
Want more homemade cat food recipes? Check out list of ten simple homemade cat food recipes here and stay tuned for upcoming posts!
Support the Cause: Help Stray Cats Stay Safe This Winter!
While our kitties enjoy homemade salmon feasts…
Many cats are cold, hungry, and fighting for survival.
SOS Cat Rescue (Croatia) rescues:
- injured cats
- abandoned kittens
- feral colonies
- and yes… squirrels, hedgehogs and birds too
They desperately need help with:
- winter food
- vet bills
- spay/neuter costs
Donate:
Emergency Appeal – Help Stray Cats Survive This Winter
Even €2 feeds a cat for a day.
Want to make even more magic in the kitchen? Check out my DIY Cat Food FAQ for 25 helpful answers, from picky eaters to supplements.
Visit My Shop: Cat-Themed Clothing & More
- cozy hoodies
- cat-lover t-shirts
- fun designs
- everything made with whisker-approved style
Cat Prints by BSilvia – Treat Yourself!
Homemade Cat Food for Happy Kitties
Cooking for your cat is a small gesture that brings huge joy. Tito supervised this recipe personally (loudly). I hope your cat loves it too!
Tried it? Share a pic of your kitty enjoying their homemade meal! I’d love to see your furry food critics in action!
Reminder: This salmon recipe is a complementary meal, not a complete diet. Cats need taurine, calcium, and balanced nutrients – ask your vet before making major changes.
Veterinary Sources & Evidence-Based References
Below are trusted veterinary nutrition resources that support the information in this article. These organizations publish science-based guidelines on feline dietary needs, supplements, and safe homemade feeding practices:
- FEDIAF – Nutritional Guidelines for Complete & Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs
European Pet Food Federation - AAFCO – Cat Food Nutrient Profiles
Association of American Feed Control Officials - AAFP – Feline Nutrition Guidelines
American Association of Feline Practitioners - Cornell Feline Health Center – Nutrition Resources
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine - Merck Veterinary Manual – Nutritional Requirements of Cats
Merck & Co., Veterinary Division - VCA Animal Hospitals – Homemade Diet Risks & Considerations
Veterinary Centers of America - Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS)
Peer-reviewed studies on feline dietary deficiencies, taurine metabolism, and nutritional standards
These references reflect widely accepted veterinary nutrition principles, which I use to guide homemade feeding in my own home – always in consultation with a qualified veterinarian.
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