Are you worried about your cat’s health and nutrition? Being a pet parent is not an easy job. You must ensure they eat the right food, get enough nutrients, and lead a healthy lifestyle. The primary concern that arises is the food, especially in the case of cats, because they are very sensitive animals.
There is always a debate when it comes to giving homemade food to cats. However, you can provide homemade food to the cat, but that should be adequately cooked. Read this article to learn about the three best homemade foods for cats: meat, vegetables, and whole grains.
3 Best Homemade Food for Cats
There are various cat foods available in the market that you can give your cat. But it’s not right to feed your cat those ready-made foods daily. Moreover, they are expensive also. Thus, homemade food is the best option.
Here are the 3 best homemade food for your cat.
1. Meat
We all know that cats are carnivorous animals. Hence, meat is a mandatory food item in their diet. Cat’s digestive systems work best when digesting meat. Being carnivorous animals, cats need protein two to three times more than humans, provided by meat.
Suitable Meat for Cats
There are a variety of meats that you can give your cat, but you need to ensure the cooking method. Here are two common types of meat you can give your cat.
- Turkey
Turkey is one of the best sources of lean protein, which is vital for the cat’s health. Cooked turkey breast is a safe food for cats.
- Chicken
Chicken is also a good source of lean protein. However, make sure to give the boiled chicken to your cats. Moreover, ensure that the chicken does not contain any spices or bones and is cooked properly.
Benefits
Cats are carnivorous animals; thus, their digestive system differs from humans. Cat’s body is designed to break protein into glucose and then energy. Therefore, they need more protein than humans, provided by meat. It is an excellent source of lean protein, which gives them energy. Moreover, they need protein for good vision, a healthy reproductive system, and a strong heart.
How to Cook?
Boiling is the best cooking method when it comes to meat. Here are the steps you can follow to cook meat for the cats.
- Ground the meat you got from the market or purchase grounded meat.
- Place the meat in a container and add to create a stew-like consistency.
- Place the container on the gas and cook it on low flame.
- Allow the meat to boil for 30-45 minutes, depending on the amount of meat you are cooking.
2. Vegetables
Although cats are carnivorous, they still need vegetables for other nutrients to support their growth and bodily functions. However, you can’t give raw vegetables to cats as they can harm them.
Suitable Vegetables for Cats
Apart from protein, cats need other nutrients, which are provided to them by vegetables. However, not all vegetables are right for them. Here is the list of vegetables you can feed your cat.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is an excellent source of a variety of nutrients and thus helps in healthy bowel movements and calms an upset stomach of a cat. But make sure to cook the broccoli properly and cool it down before giving it to your cat.
- Asparagus
Asparagus is great for curing cats’ upset stomachs and helps prevent constipation and diarrhea. Moreover, it contains fiber in high amounts. So, overconsumption can lead to urinary and gastrointestinal problems.
- Lettuce
Lettuce is another dietary fiber that is great and is recommended by cat nutrition specialists but in small amounts for proper digestion.
Benefits
We all know that vegetables are rich sources of sodium, potassium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for our bodies. Similarly, they are equally crucial for cats but in small quantities. Vegetables provide them with nutrients that are not present in meat.
How to Cook?
Baking is the best way to feed vegetables to your cat as it retains nutritional value. Heating the vegetables often break down the vitamins present in them. Here is the step-by-step guide to baking vegetables for your cat.
- Wash the vegetables thoroughly with water before baking.
- Cut them into small and fine pieces for easy eating.
- Put them in the microwave-safe container. You can buy Pyrex Simply Store Glass Food Storage Container for the purpose. It comes with various components, all covered with a BPA-free plastic lid to bake and store vegetables effectively.
- Set the required temperature. 400 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for baking vegetables.
- You can use oil but in a minimal amount. However, avoid seasoning.
3. Whole Grain
Cooked whole grain is another best homemade food you can give your cat. Whole grains contain protein and fiber, which help maintain the cat’s overall health.
Suitable Whole Grains for Cats
There are a variety of whole grains you can feed your cat but in moderation. However, make sure to cook it properly for easy digestion. Here is the list of whole grains you can provide to your cat.
- Oats
Oats are rich in iron and are loaded with protein and fiber, thus making an excellent food for your kitty. However, you should know the correct cooking method before giving it to your cat.
- Brown Rice
Brown rice contains iron which is vital for vision and takes good care of the cat’s overall health. Steamed brown rice is the best way to feed rice to the cat.
Benefits
Whole grains contain iron, fiber, and other nutrients, which makes a wholesome food for the cat when combined with meat. However, they should be given in moderation.
How to Cook?
Steaming is the best way to cook whole grains like rice to feed the cat. It softens the grain and makes it easy to digest. Here are the steps you can follow to cook whole grains for your cat.
- Wash the whole grains thoroughly in water.
- Take it in a pan and add a considerable amount of water to it.
- Put the pan on low flame and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Don’t add any seasoning or herbs to it.
Other Food Items for Cats and Their Cooking Method
Apart from the food items mentioned above, you can give the following to cats by cooking them appropriately.
| Food Items | Cooking Method |
| Fish and Seafood | Steaming or Baking |
| Eggs | Boiling |
| Milk | Boiling |
Conclusion
Cats are sensitive animals; thus, it is essential to ensure that you follow the correct cooking method while you prepare food for them at home. However, make sure to consult the veterinary nutritionist before feeding the homemade food to your cat.
