Homemade Cat Food: What To Know + 8 Vet-Inspired Recipes For Meals & Treats

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

I’m not a fan of cat kibble (and my three cats aren’t either), and I’ve found that my cats get tired of canned wet food. When I share fresh chicken, turkey, or tuna with them, they go crazy!

That’s when I started to consider making homemade cat food. My thinking at the time was, how hard could it be?

After doing a lot of research into this choice for my kitties and scouring through all the homemade cat food recipes online, I realized there’s a lot more to consider for ideal cat nutrition. Here’s what I found and what you need to know for your cat’s dietary health.

Bottom Line: If you want to make homemade cat food to replace a commercial diet, you need to do so carefully in conjunction with a certified animal nutritionist. However, if you want to complement your cat’s diet with homemade food occasionally, it’s a healthy way to give your kitty many benefits.

Top 4 Benefits Of Homemade Cat Food

“The main advantage of feeding homemade cat food is that some cats might find it more palatable than commercial alternatives,” says Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS, a small animal veterinarian in the United Kingdom. “Some owners also like the idea of offering their pet food that they deem as being less processed.” But there are other reasons.

1. Ingredient Transparency

You know exactly what’s going into your cat’s food. There are no vague “meat by-products,” fillers, or artificial preservatives.

2. Customizable for Health Needs

Cats with food allergies, gastrointestinal issues, or chronic conditions (like kidney disease) often respond better to diets tailored to their needs.

3. Freshness and Quality

You can choose fresh, high-quality meats and prepare food in small batches for optimal nutritional value.

4. Ethical or Environmental Preferences

Some pet owners prefer sourcing organic or sustainably raised proteins for ethical or environmental reasons — something that can be rare with mass-market pet food.

But remember: cats have very specific dietary requirements, so it’s not as simple as tossing chicken, veggies, and rice in a bowl.

What Are The Risks Of Homemade Cat Diets?

“Most vets recommend sticking to a good-quality, AAFCO-approved, complete and balanced cat food. This ensures the food will meet all your cat’s nutritional needs,” shares Dr. MacMillan. “Cats have very specific dietary requirements that vary with their age and health status.”

“Homemade diets should only be offered to your pet under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist, as it can be very easy to get things wrong. Nutrient imbalances and deficiencies often occur when owners try to create their own diets, which could leave your cat very unwell,” she says.

The best resource for homemade cat food is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. These experts can create customized recipes based on your cat’s age, weight, and health conditions. Ask your regular vet for a referral, or search for local or remote specialists through the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

What Research Has Uncovered About Homemade Cat Food

Most research studies indicate that homemade cat food is generally not better or healthier than properly formulated, high-quality commercial cat food.

A 2019 study by veterinary researchers at the University of California, Davis, analyzed 114 home-prepared maintenance diets for cats from online sources and books. They found that most recipes lack essential nutrients and may contain potentially toxic ingredients.

A 2017 review that evaluated recipes of home-prepared diets for dogs and cats published in the Journal of Nutritional Science found that nutritional imbalances were extremely common, especially in recipes not developed with the help of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.

The most common nutrient deficiencies researchers found in over 50% of homemade cat food recipes analyzed were iron, vitamin E, zinc, thiamine, calcium, copper, and choline.

What Specific Nutrients Do Cats Need?

Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine explains that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they depend on nutrients that are found exclusively in animal-based foods. Throughout evolution, cats developed as predators that thrived on a diet rich in protein, with moderate fat levels and very few carbohydrates.

Today, their nutritional needs remain largely the same. In addition to high-quality animal protein, cats also require a range of essential nutrients, including specific vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids to maintain optimal health.

1. Protein

The cornerstone of any feline diet, animal-based proteins provide essential amino acids, such as taurine and arginine, and support muscle maintenance, organ function, and immune health.

Deficiencies of single essential amino acids can lead to serious health problems. For example, taurine deficiency can cause blindness, heart failure, and reproductive problems.

• Association of American Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines recommend a minimum of 30% protein for kittens and pregnant cats and 26% for adult maintenance (dry matter basis)
• Ideal sources: chicken, turkey, beef, rabbit, duck, fish lamb, and organ meats (like liver and heart)

2. Fat (Including Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids)

Cats need moderate levels of animal fat for energy and to support skin, coat, and brain health. Essential fatty acids like EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are critical for inflammation control and cell function.

• The AAFCO recommends a minimum of 9% fat content for all life stages (dry matter basis)
• Good sources of omega fatty acids: fish (salmon, fish oil), chicken fat, and eggs

3. Vitamins & Minerals

Essential vitamins and minerals are crucial for a cat’s bone health, nerve function, immune function, metabolism, hydration, and various other bodily processes.

• Vitamins: vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, choline, and biotin
• Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, and selenium

4. Do Cats Need Carbohydrates & Fiber?

Carbohydrates aren’t essential for cats, but they can provide quick energy. And fiber helps regulate their digestive system. Most commercial cat foods include carbs and fiber from grains, legumes, or other plants, but cats don’t need much of these.

Because cats are carnivores, the short length of their long intestines limits their ability to ferment fibers that are found in many carbohydrates, according to the National Council of the National Academies.

• Good sources for cats: pumpkin, green beans, carrots, cat grass, wheat bran, and rice

How To Make Cat Food At Home Safely

Making cat food at home isn’t easy if you’re trying to replace your cat’s daily diet with homemade cat food. Not only is it time-consuming, but it’s a definite challenge to meet the daily nutritional requirements that our feline friends need.

“Care needs to be taken not to cause toxicity by getting the ingredient volumes wrong,” says Dr. MacMillan. “For example, providing a diet that is too rich in vitamin A could cause symptoms of ill health. A diet featuring too much liver, or certain supplements containing vitamin A, could lead to vitamin A poisoning.”

You can mimic a feline diet by using the right balance of muscle meat, organs, and bone, but it’s not easy. To avoid nutritional gaps or overloads, you’ll typically need to include a variety of animal sources.

For instance, liver from duck, beef, or lamb is higher in vitamin A than chicken or pork liver. But relying only on chicken or pork liver could leave your cat short on copper. Mixing animal protein sources is key to maintaining a safe and balanced diet.

But protein sources aren’t the only concern.

Using A Commercial Supplement Is Key

Unless you’re working with a veterinary nutritionist to balance nutrients from whole foods, you’ll need a commercial supplement mix, often called a meal completer or premix supplement, made specifically for homemade cat food.

These supplements are designed to fill nutritional gaps when added to fresh meat, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. You’ll still need to do your research and consult your vet to choose the right one for your cat’s health and your feeding method.

Some popular options include:

• EZComplete Fur Cats Premix: Designed for raw or cooked boneless meat diets
• Alnutrin: Offers versions for meat recipes with and without bones
• Balance IT Feline: Offers supplement blends for boneless meat
• Know Better For Cats: Designed for boneless cooked or raw meat
• TC Feline: No liver, egg-free premix
• Holistic Vet Blend Feline Premix: Designed for boneless cooked or raw meat

These products help ensure your cat gets the right amounts of taurine, calcium, vitamins, and other essential nutrients, making homemade feeding safer and more balanced.

Consider A Pet Food Maker

If you don’t want all the mess and time involved in preparing homemade cat food, you may want to invest in a pet food maker like Total Pet Kitchen Pet Food Maker or Innovet’s ChefPaw.

Just load in the fresh ingredients, hit start, and let the machine handle the rest. In under an hour, you’ll have perfectly cooked, ready-to-serve cat food — no stirring or supervision required. It’s well worth the money.

Ingredients To Avoid

• Onions and garlic: Toxic to cats, even in small amounts.
• Bones (unless ground): Can splinter and cause internal injury.
• Dairy: Most cats are lactose-intolerant.
• Butter, lard, etc: These saturated fats can lead to health complications.
• Salt, pepper, and other seasonings: Seasonings can be dangerous for cats, and they don’t need them.

See our ultimate guide on which human foods cats can and cannot eat.

5 Homemade Cat Food Recipes

Note: The cat food recipes I share here are not meant to replace a complete, balanced diet or a consultation with a certified veterinary nutritionist.

These homemade options include a mix of meats, veggies, grains, and supplements to support your cat’s nutrition and mealtime.

I haven’t included raw food recipes due to the risk of bird-flu-contaminated meats and other contamination concerns. Several domestic cats have died from consuming bird-flu-tainted raw pet food, so caution is essential.

1. Easy Turkey Recipe

If you’re looking for a no-fuss way to prepare balanced homemade meals for your cat, this recipe is as easy as it gets. Food Fur Life, a U.S.-based company, offers EZComplete Premixes made with human-grade ingredients in an FDA-registered facility.

Their EZComplete Fur Cats blend requires just two ingredients: boneless meat and water. I made this recipe with lean ground turkey to avoid higher fat content, but you can also use chicken thighs, ground beef, pork loin, or other animal proteins.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. lean ground turkey
• 1 ½ cups water
• ½ cup EZComplete Fur Cats Premix

Instructions

1. Place the turkey into a slow cooker.
2. Pour in water.
3. Cover and cook on low heat for 4–6 hours, or until fully cooked.
4. Let the meat cool completely, then shred or finely chop into bite-sized pieces.
5. Stir in the EZComplete premix until evenly blended.
6. Divide the mixture into daily servings, distributing the cooking juices as evenly as possible.
7. Store portions in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer, depending on when you’ll use them.

Nutritional Analysis (Dry Matter Basis)

This recipe is AAFCO compliant for all life stages.

• Protein: 85%
• Fat: 11%
• Carbs: 0%
• Fiber: 0%
• Ash: 4%

Source: Food Fur Life

2. Chicken, Rice & Carrots Recipe

Balance.it is a U.S.-based company founded in 2003 by Dr. Sean Delaney, DVM, MS, DACVIM, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. The brand offers an online platform that creates custom homemade pet food recipes, each paired with one of their specialized premix supplements to ensure nutritional balance.

I used the Balance.it recipe builder to create a recipe for a 12-pound, 6-year-old spayed female cat. This recipe is 291 calories, which is enough for a daily meal for my kitty. I divided it in half to feed her twice.

Ingredients

• 3-3/4oz (160g) chicken breast, skinless, boneless
• 1/4 cup (46g) long-grain white rice
• 1/8 cup grated raw carrots
• 1-1/2 tsp (7g) canola oil
• 2.5 mL (0.37g) Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid
• 1/8 tsp (0.75g) iodized salt
• 1-3/5 (1.64g) red scoop Balance IT Feline

Instructions

1. Bake the chicken at 350°F until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F).
2. Boil rice and carrots until soft, then drain.
3. Finely dice or shred the chicken.
4. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, cooked rice, carrots, water, and oil.
5. Stir in the Balance IT premix, salt, and omega-3 oil until fully combined.
6. Divide into daily servings. Feed one portion fresh and store the rest in the fridge in airtight containers.

Nutritional Analysis

This recipe is AAFCO compliant for adult cat maintenance.

• Protein: 48.65%
• Fat: 33.29%
• Carbohydrate: 18.06%

Source: Balance.it

3. Bea’s Beef and Sardines

This hearty, grain-free recipe is perfect for cats who crave bold flavors. Featuring grass-fed beef as the primary protein and boosted with the omega-3 goodness of sardines or fish oil, this meal delivers a powerhouse of nutrients.

It’s designed to be simple to prepare, balanced when paired with the Holistic Vet Blend Feline Premix, and easy to blend to your cat’s preferred texture.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 cups, 350 calories per cup

• 1 pound 85-90% grass-fed ground beef
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 cup water or bone broth
• 1 tin of sardines in water (approx 3.5 ounces) or 1/2 tsp of fish oil
• 2 Tbsp (15g) Holistic Vet Blend Feline Premix or Senior Premix

Instructions

1. Saute the meat lightly in coconut oil (6-8 minutes).
2. Optional: add 1 or 2 eggs at the end of the saute and allow to fully cook 2-3 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and add water/broth.
4. Add sardines (or fish oil) and premix.
5. Use a hand-held mixer or food processor to blend to desired consistency.

Source: Holistic Vet Blend

4. Chicken Stew For Cats

This recipe for homemade cat food is simple to make. It only requires one pot, some veggie chopping, and a blender or food processor. However, it was not complete and balanced, so I added 1/2 cup of Know Better For Cats supplement premix. My kitties love it! If you’re not a fan of grains for your cat, you can just omit the brown rice for a protein and veggie feast!

Ingredients

• 2 cups brown rice
• 8 carrots, scrubbed and chopped
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken
• ¼ cup fresh green peas
• ½ cup finely chopped green beans

Instructions

1. Boil chicken pieces in water until tender, then reduce heat, cover, and cook until chicken is moist.
2. While the chicken simmers, chop carrots and green beans into small pieces.
3. Add veggies, green peas, and brown rice to the stew pot with cooked chicken, and simmer until the rice is done.
4. If cooking rice separately, simmer stew until veggies are tender.
5. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until you achieve a thick, porridge-like consistency.
6. Let the stew cool to room temperature and serve in your cat’s favorite bowl.

Source: FursnPaws

5. Simple Salmon Recipe

This simple, grain-free, freezer-friendly homemade cat food recipe is a great option for most cat parents. It’s free from common allergens like gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, and added sugar, making it a gentle choice for sensitive cats. The broccoli adds fiber to help with digestion.

Best of all, it’s easy to scale up — double or triple the batch and store extra portions in the freezer for later. Just don’t forget to add a balanced premix supplement to ensure your cat gets all the essential nutrients they need.

Ingredients

• 2& cups cooked salmon, boneless
• 2 tbsp steamed broccoli
• 2 tbsp fish oil
• 2 boiled eggs

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl or food processor.
2. Blend until the mixture is even.
3. Stir in premix supplement.
4. Divide your homemade cat food into individual portions.
5. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.

Source: Catster

3 Kitty Treat Recipes

Making homemade treats for your feline friend is a safer alternative to entirely replacing their diet with homemade food. Still, treats should only make up 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. Why?

Too many treats on top of full meals can cause kitties to gain weight easily, which can lead to major health problems down the road. Overweight cats are prone to diabetes, heart issues, and many other problems.

1. Kitty Tuna Dreams Recipe

Your feline friends will find these kitty treats purr-fect. Tuna is mixed with eggs, bread crumbs, and brewer’s yeast and baked into tasty biscuits that are delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients

Yield: 72 biscuits

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, or more as needed
• 2 cups canned low-sodium tuna in oil
• 4 cups bread crumbs
• 4 cups eggs, beaten
• 2 cups teaspoons brewers’ yeast (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Lightly grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil.
3. Drain tuna and reserve oil; add enough vegetable oil to make 1/4 cup total.
4. Combine tuna, reserved oil, bread crumbs, eggs, and brewer’s yeast in a bowl.
5. Drop 1/4 teaspoonfuls of tuna mixture 1 inch apart onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until set, about 10 minutes.
7. Cool biscuits and store covered in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Analysis (Per Biscuit)

• Calories: 36
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Carbs: 4 g

Source: Allrecipes

2. Chicken & Pumpkin Soft Treats

These Chicken & Pumpkin Soft Treats are the perfect blend of protein and fiber, made with just four ingredients you probably already have on hand. With tender shredded chicken and gut-friendly pumpkin, these soft bites are easy to chew and ideal for kittens, seniors, or any picky feline.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of cooked chicken, shredded
• ¼ cup of pure pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 cup of oat flour

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blend chicken and pumpkin until smooth.
3. Add egg and flour to form a dough.
4. Roll into small pieces and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
6. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Source: Holistapet

3. Carrot And Catnip Kitty Treats

Our feline friends go bonkers for catnip, so these treats are sure to be a hit. They’re a great way to give your kitty all the health benefits from carrots.

Ingredients

• 2 cups tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 1/4 cups oat flour
• 1 tablespoon dried catnip
• 3/4 cup finely shredded carrots
• 1 large egg
• cold water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In medium bowl add oil and mix in 1 cup of the flour until mixture looks sandy.
4. Stir in catnip and carrots.
5. Mix in egg.
6. Add a little water if the mixture looks too dry and isn’t holding together. Add a little flour if the mixture looks too wet and sticky.
7. Sprinkle flat surface with a little additional flour and roll or pat out dough to ¼ inch thickness. Sprinkle dough with additional flour as needed.
8. Prick dough all over with a fork.
9. Use pizza wheel to cut dough into 1/2 inch squares.
10. Arrange squares on prepared baking sheet.
11. Bake for about 12 minutes or until starting to brown.
12. Cool on baking sheet.
13. Store in airtight container for several days or freeze for longer storage.

Source: Epicuricloud

See even more treats in our dedicated article. In addition to wholesome meals, why not spoil your cat with a celebratory treat? For fun, vet‑inspired options, try our festive cat cake recipes, perfect for birthdays and special moments.

Common Mistakes When Making Cat Food At Home

Even well-meaning cat owners can make mistakes that harm their pet’s health. Here are some of the most common problems that occur with homemade cat diets:

• Feeding only meat without supplementation: Leads to calcium, taurine, and vitamin deficiencies.
• Guessing on nutrient balance: Without lab analysis or guidance from a veterinary nutritionist, it’s easy to get it wrong.
• Inappropriate calcium sources: You can’t just toss in a bone or eggshell without calculating ratios.
• Adding unsafe ingredients: Onions, garlic, chives, and many seasonings are toxic to cats.
• Using homemade dog food recipes: Dogs and cats have different dietary needs — dog food doesn’t cut it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions owners have about making homemade cat food. If you don’t see yours here, please ask us in our comments section, and we’ll do our best to help you!

How Much Food Should I Feed My Cat Each Day?

The amount of food to feed your cat per day depends on several factors, including their age, weight, activity level, and whether they are spayed or neutered. As a general guideline, an average 10-pound cat may need around 200-300 calories per day. However, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian.

Is Homemade Cat Food Cheaper?

Often, that’s not the case. High-quality ingredients, supplements, and other tools you’ll need to ensure your kitty is getting a complete and balanced diet can add up quickly. However, it may save money long-term on vet bills if your cat is healthier.

Should I Consult A Vet Or Animal Nutritionist?

Absolutely, and early in your process of transitioning to a homemade cat food diet. Homemade diets can be life-enhancing or life-threatening depending on how well they’re executed. A qualified veterinarian or board-certified veterinary nutritionist can:

• Help formulate a balanced diet tailored to your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and health conditions
• Recommend trustworthy supplements
• Review commercial premixes you’re considering
• Offer guidance on whether raw or cooked is appropriate

Can I Just Feed My Cat Meat?

No. Pure meat lacks calcium and other essential nutrients. This can lead to severe health issues.

How Do I Transition My Cat To Homemade Food?

Slowly mix it with their current food over 1–2 weeks to avoid digestive upset.

How Do I Know If My Homemade Cat Food Is Balanced?

This is where homemade pet food gets so tricky. The only way you’ll know for sure that your kitty is getting a complete and balanced diet is by using formulation tools, lab analysis, or guidance from a qualified vet.

Is Homemade Cat Food Right For Me?

Done right, a homemade diet can help your cat thrive with fewer allergies, better energy, and a healthier coat. Done wrong, it can silently cause malnutrition or organ damage.

If you’re considering going all in on putting your cat on a homemade diet, first ask yourself:

• Do I have the time to consistently prepare food and follow safe handling guidelines?
• Can I afford quality meat and supplements regularly?
• Am I willing to consult a vet or nutritionist and stick to a science-backed feeding plan?

If yes, then homemade cat food could be a fantastic choice for your cat’s long-term health. If not, you can still improve your cat’s diet with fresh human-grade cat food or high-quality wet or dry food.

Investing In Your Cat’s Health Long-Term

Regardless of which diet you feed your kitty, you want to ensure your furry feline stays as healthy as possible. So, it’s important to consider investing in pet insurance. By paying a low monthly fee, you can ensure your cat gets the best veterinary care in the event of any unexpected illnesses or accidents that may occur.