10 Easy and Cheap Homemade Cat Food Recipes

Do you want to give your cat the best possible nutrition, but don’t want to spend a fortune on commercial cat food? If so, you may be interested in making your own cat food at home.

Homemade cat food can be a great way to ensure that your cat is getting the nutrients they need, without any of the fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors that are often found in commercial cat food.

Also, making your own cat food can be a lot cheaper than buying it pre-made.

Why Homemade cat food is better than packaged food?

When it comes to feeding our beloved furry companions, we want nothing but the best for them. Cats, being obligate carnivores, require a diet rich in protein and essential nutrients to thrive.

While many cat owners opt for store-bought packaged food due to convenience, homemade cat food offers several advantages that can lead to a healthier and happier feline friend.

Control over Ingredients

One of the primary benefits of homemade cat food is the ability to handpick each ingredient. Unlike commercial cat food, where the ingredient list might include fillers and artificial additives, homemade meals allow you to use only high-quality, natural ingredients.

By having control over the ingredients, you can tailor the diet to your cat’s specific dietary needs and preferences.

Freshness and Nutritional Value

Packaged cat food goes through various processes, including heating and preservation, which may reduce its nutritional value.

On the other hand, homemade cat food uses fresh ingredients, ensuring that your cat receives the maximum nutritional benefits from every meal.

This can lead to improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, and overall better well-being for your feline companion.

Avoiding Allergens and Sensitivities

Cats can be sensitive to certain ingredients, leading to allergies and digestive issues. Homemade cat food allows you to eliminate potential allergens and provide alternative ingredients that suit your cat’s individual needs.

This can significantly reduce the risk of allergic reactions and promote better digestive health.

Minimizing Harmful Additives

Packaged cat food often contains artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, which can be harmful to your cat’s health in the long run.

By preparing food at home, you can avoid these additives and ensure that your furry friend enjoys a diet free from potentially harmful chemicals.

Tailoring to Health Conditions

If your cat has specific health conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes, homemade cat food can be customized to accommodate their dietary restrictions.

Veterinarians may recommend specific ingredients or nutrient levels that are better controlled through a homemade diet, ensuring your cat’s well-being is prioritized.

Enhanced Palatability

Cats can be finicky eaters, and some may refuse to eat certain types of commercial cat food. Homemade cat food allows you to experiment with flavors and textures to find what your feline friend enjoys most.

This can make mealtime more enjoyable for your cat and reduce the chances of them being a picky eater.

Cheap Homemade Cat Food Recipes

Recipe 1: Chicken and Rice

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white rice
• 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, cook the chicken in a separate pan until fully cooked.
3. Combine the cooked chicken and rice and let cool before serving.

Recipe 2: Fish and Potato

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white potatoes
• 1/2 cup any type of white fish

Instructions:

1. Cook the potatoes in boiling water until tender. Drain and mash the potatoes.
2. Meanwhile, cook the fish in a separate pan until fully cooked.
3. Combine the cooked fish and mashed potatoes and let cool before serving.

Recipe 3: Turkey and Vegetable

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped turkey
• 1/4 cup any type of chopped vegetables (such as carrots, peas, or green beans)

Instructions:

1. Cook the turkey in a pan until fully cooked.
2. Add the vegetables and cook until tender.
3. Let cool before serving.

Recipe 4: Venison and Sweet Potato

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup diced venison
• 1/2 cup peeled and diced sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Cook the venison in a pan until fully cooked.
2. Add the sweet potatoes and cook until tender.
3. Let cool before serving.

Recipe 5: Lamb and Quinoa

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1/2 cup diced lamb

Instructions:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, cook the lamb in a separate pan until fully cooked.
3. Combine the cooked lamb and quinoa and let cool before serving.

Recipe 6: Beef and Brown Rice

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown rice
• 1/2 pound ground beef

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, cook the ground beef in a separate pan until fully cooked.
3. Combine the cooked beef and rice and let cool before serving.

Recipe 7: Salmon and Broccoli

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked salmon
• 1/4 cup cooked broccoli

Instructions:

1. Cook the salmon in a pan until fully cooked.
2. Add the broccoli and cook until tender.
3. Let cool before serving.

Recipe 8: Tuna and Pea

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup canned tuna
• 1/4 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. Drain the tuna and combine with the frozen peas in a pan.
2. Cook until the peas are tender and the tuna is heated through.
3. Let cool before serving.

Recipe 9: Shrimp and Sweet Potato

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked shrimp
• 1/2 cup peeled and diced sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Cook the sweet potatoes in boiling water until tender.
2. Meanwhile, cook the shrimp in a separate pan until pink.
3. Combine the cooked shrimp and sweet potatoes and let cool before serving.

Recipe 10: Chicken and Pumpkin

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken in a pan until fully cooked.
2. Add the canned pumpkin and cook until heated through.
3. Let cool before serving.

FAQs on Homemade Food for Cats

Can cats survive on homemade food?

Cats can survive on homemade food as long as it is nutritionally complete and balanced. It is important to consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that the homemade diet meets your cat’s nutritional needs.

Is it cheaper to make your own cat food?

It can be cheaper to make your own cat food if you are able to source ingredients at a lower cost than commercial cat food.

However, it may be more expensive to make your own cat food if you need to purchase specialized ingredients or equipment.

Is homemade cat food expensive?

Homemade cat food can be expensive, especially if you need to purchase specialized ingredients or equipment. However, it is also possible to make homemade cat food using more affordable ingredients.

Is it cheaper to feed cats wet or dry food?

It can be cheaper to feed cats dry food, as it is often less expensive than wet food. However, wet food may be more appealing to some cats and may be a better choice for cats with certain health conditions.

Can I feed my cat human food instead of cat food?

It is generally not recommended to feed cats a diet consisting solely of human food. While some human foods are safe for cats to eat in moderation, most do not provide the complete and balanced nutrition that cats need.

It is important to feed cats a diet specifically formulated for their nutritional needs.

Conclusion

Homemade cat food can be a healthy and cost-effective option for your furry friend. These 10 easy cheap homemade cat food recipes provide a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients that your cat is sure to love.

Give homemade cat food a try and see the benefits for yourself. Remember to always consult with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist before making any changes to your cat’s diet.