Making Organic Cat Food at Home

Are you tired of looking for the perfect cat food for your feline friend? Are you tired of pricey cat foods that do little to help provide your cat with nutrition? Not only do you have to search for cat food that’s within your budget and is a nutritionally good diet, but it also has to suit your cat’s picky taste.

You might have decided to take matters into your hands and cook homemade cat food instead. It’s a great idea if you know what you’re doing.

Why homemade cat food?

To start with, when you cook your cat’s food, you will know exactly what you put in there. If you do it yourself, you are aware of what your cat eats and what it doesn’t eat. Also, some of the longest-living cats stick to a homemade food diet.

Although cats might fancy a routine, they also like having a diverse diet. Cooking up something new for your cats once in a while is better than have them turn their noses up at the same old boring food you’ve been giving them every day.

Mostly, dry kibble is packed with plant-based proteins and carbohydrates. What’s worse is it’s usually contaminated by fungal mycotoxins and bacteria. You would want your cat to have better nutrition. Except for that, there isn’t sufficient enough moisture content from dry food for cats.

Cat Food: Raw or Cooked?

There’s always a question on whether which of the two is better for cats. To answer the question, “Why not both?” Instead of worrying about the potential bacteria and parasites in raw food and the loss of nutrients when it comes to cooked food, it’s better to study the benefits each has for your cat. You could consider par-cooking, which is heating the food just enough for the surface bacteria to be eliminated.

Apply the same food safety precautions you take when preparing raw meat for your consumption in preparing your cat’s food. Don’t use the same cutting utensils and board on vegetables and raw meat to avoid cross-contamination and store the former at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Always wash your hands before and after handling food.

Remember that your cat’s nutritional needs are much different than yours. Cats can eat raw meat and organs that otherwise make people squeamish. However, cats with damaged or sensitive gastrointestinal tracts as well as older feline transitioning to a homemade food diet might gain more from cooked food diets.

When it comes to bones your cat champs on, it’s better if they’re served raw rather than cooked since cooked bones can splinter harm your furry friend.

The essential nutrients needed in cats’ diet:

  • Water
  • Animal Protein
  • Animal Fats
  • Vitamins
  • Calcium and phosphorus
  • Taurine

Ingredients to avoid!!!

It’s best to note the ingredients to avoid when making your homemade cat food and not be experimental. Garlic and onions are good for human consumption, but for cats, they’re a no-no. It’s the same with raw egg whites, a big exception from raw foods that are safe for cats to eat.

You’re also not allowed to incorporate tomatoes and anything grapes in your cat’s diet. Anything with caffeine as well as chocolates is prohibited as most dairy products can’t be processed by adult cats. Also, keep the sweets away since cats can’t taste them and sugar isn’t good for their health.

ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR ORGANIC HOMEMADE CAT FOOD

Meat

Cats are carnivores, so their diet should almost entirely be meat-based. You can feed your cat raw or cooked meat as long as you’re following the safe handling protocols; wash your hands, and the meat should be served just slightly hot or slightly cold.

Bones

Don’t serve your cat cooked bones. They’re quick to splinter and can externally or internally harm your cat. Moreover, raw bones are a great source of calcium and would be a good exercise for your feline’s teeth. If you offer your cat fresh fish, be sure to take out the bones before giving it to them.

If your cat loves to gnaw on a fresh bone, make sure they do it sparsely and under supervision. You can also grind the bones as calcium carbonate is a natural preservative that provides cats with the necessary calcium.

Organs

The top source of Vitamin A for cats is the liver, while kidneys are filled with iron and B vitamins. Some organs your cat might also like are the tongue, tripe, and heart. The heart is a great source of phosphorus, vitamin B12, and iron. Keep in mind not to overcook it. The beef tongue contains zinc, B12, iron, and cholesterol, so you have to consider the portion sizes. Brains are also considered delicacies as long as they’ve been taken good care of to avoid having your cat eat something infected.

Supplements

The organic food itself already contains nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are good for your cat but adding a supplement can benefit them too, although it depends on the circumstances. It’s easiest to add supplements in liquid or powdered forms.

Don’t forget to check with your veterinarian first before feeding your cat vitamin supplements to ensure their safety, and make sure not to surpass the prescribed dose.