10 Simple & Nutritious Raw Cat Food Recipes

Are you looking for ways to boost your cat’s health through what they eat? A lot of pet parents are finding that raw food is a great way to do that, seeing how it can help with energy levels and digestion.

The great thing about raw diets is that they’re packed with nutrients without the unnecessary fillers, like grains, that you often find in commercial cat food.

While pre-made raw food is convenient, it can be pricey for some owners. That’s why you need to start learning these DIY raw cat food recipes at home.

Luckily, making these meals is easier than you might think. It usually just involves a few key ingredients and no complicated cooking.

Want to learn how? Stick around, and we’ll go through 10 delicious raw cat food recipes that you can whip up in your kitchen in no time.

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How to Make Raw Food for Cats

When making raw cat food, all you need is to get the right ingredients, prepping everything carefully, and storing it the right way. That’s how to ensure your feline friend gets a healthy uncooked meal.

First things first, you’ve got to find good quality ingredients. Always go for fresh meat that’s good enough for humans to eat, and get it from a butcher or supplier you know and trust.

For your protein base, you have several options including chicken, turkey, beef, pork, salmon, and even rabbit.

Organ meats are also crucial, with the liver, heart, and kidney all providing vital nutrients that your cat needs to stay healthy.

When selecting whole cuts, we recommend you prioritize organic, antibiotic-free, and hormone-free meats whenever your budget allows.

Safe handling of raw meats is crucial to avoid contaminations. Always wash your hands thoroughly, and make sure to clean all utensils and your prep area both before and after working with raw meat.

It’s also a good idea to use dedicated cutting boards for raw food only and disinfect them after every use.

If you’re grinding the meat yourself, make sure your grinder is spotless. If you’re using pre-ground meat, keeping it at the right temperature is important to prevent bacteria growth.

For safe storage, we recommend you portion out the prepared raw food into meal-sized containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage, up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to thaw frozen raw cat food, always do it in the fridge. Thawing it on the counter can let bacteria grow, and that’s not what we want.

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Recommended Supplements for a Raw Cat Diet

Raw feeding your cat often requires supplementation to ensure they’re getting all the necessary nutrition for healthy living.

Common dietary supplements include taurine, an essential amino acid for cats, and vitamin E, an antioxidant.

Other frequently recommended supplements are bone meal or eggshell powder for calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, often sourced from fish oil, for skin and coat health.

Kelp powder is sometimes added for iodine. Some people prefer to use psyllium husk powder for added fiber, particularly during the transition phase.

It is always best to consult a veterinarian before adding any supplements to ensure your cat’s specific nutritional needs are met.

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Tips on Switching to Raw Food

Switching your feline friend over to a raw food diet should be done in moderation. This helps avoid stomach problems and gives your cat time to get used to the new food.

Begin by mixing a little bit of the raw food with their favorite cooked food. You can start with something like 10-20% raw food and 80-90% of the cooked food.

Over the next week or depending on how your cat adjusts, slowly increase the amount of raw food in their bowl and decrease the amount of the cooked food.

Keep a close eye on your cat’s stool and how much they’re eating while making the switch. Some cats might get a little bit of loose stool at first, as their bodies adapt to the change.

If you see persistent diarrhea or any vomiting, or if your cat stops eating altogether, we recommend you slow things down or check in with your trusty vet.

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Who Should Consider Raw Food vs. Who Should Avoid It

If your cat has food sensitivities or allergies, a raw diet might help because it doesn’t have the problem-causing ingredients that are often found in processed commercial foods.

Some cat owners have noticed that their cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or skin problems seem to do better after switching to raw food.

And for cats with diabetes, the low-carb aspect of a raw diet could potentially help with keeping their blood sugar levels steady.

For overweight cats, the high-protein, low-carb aspect of raw food can be a good fit. It’s closer to what they’d naturally eat as carnivores, and that can help them manage their weight.

While a raw cat food diet offers numerous benefits, it may not be the ideal choice for every cat or every owner. This could be due to individual health conditions, lifestyle factors, and food safety concerns.

Cats with compromised immune systems, including those with FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or chronic illnesses, may be more susceptible to bacterial infections from raw food.

Also, raw diets might not be the best for very young kittens, older cats with weaker digestion, or cats who are recovering from serious conditions.

For you, as the owner, feeding raw means you have to be on top of the game when it comes to food safety.

If you’re concerned about handling raw meat correctly, or if you have people in your house with weaker immune systems, then raw feeding might not be a good fit.

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15 Raw Cat Food Recipes

1. Chicken & Organ Raw Cat Food

Ingredients:

• 4.5 lbs chicken thighs (with some bone removed)
• 7 oz raw chicken liver
• 14 oz raw chicken hearts (or 4000 mg taurine if unavailable)
• 8 oz water (preferably bottled)
• 4 raw egg yolks
• 2000 mg taurine (in addition to heart substitution)
• 4000 mg wild salmon or small fish oil
• 200 mg vitamin B complex
• 200 IU vitamin E
• 1 ½ tsp lite iodized salt
• 4 tsp psyllium husk powder (optional)

Procedure:

1. Remove the skin from half of the chicken thighs, and take out about 20-25% of the bones to balance the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Keeping some bone in the mix ensures proper nutrition.
2. Rinse the chicken thighs, liver, and hearts under cold running water to remove any surface bacteria, then cut them into chunks that will fit into your meat grinder.
3. Using a grinder that can handle bones, process the chicken thighs, liver, and hearts until you achieve a fine, even consistency. If substituting hearts with taurine powder, simply grind the chicken thighs and liver.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and water, then mix in the taurine, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, lite salt, and psyllium husk powder (if using). This mixture helps distribute the supplements evenly throughout the food.
5. Combine the ground meat with the supplement mixture and mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Make sure everything is evenly blended to ensure a balanced meal for your cat.
6. Portion the prepared food into airtight containers or freezer bags, dividing it into daily servings. Store in the refrigerator for short-term use or freeze for longer storage.

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2. Balanced Raw Meat & Organ Recipe

Ingredients:

• 737g boneless protein (chicken, turkey, kangaroo, beef, etc.)
• 85g heart meat (chicken, beef, or other)
• 45g liver (chicken, beef, or other)
• 45g kidney (chicken, beef, or other)
• 1 tsp finely ground eggshell powder or 26 capsules of calcium hydroxyapatite
• 7 capsules of 500mg salmon oil
• ½ tsp vitamin supplement mix
• 1 large egg yolk

Procedure:

1. Rinse all meats under cold water and pat them dry. Cut the boneless protein, heart, liver, and kidney into small chunks for easier processing.
2. If using whole eggshells for calcium, ensure they are cleaned, baked, and ground into a fine powder before use.
3. Grind the meats together using a meat grinder or food processor until well combined. If a chunkier texture is preferred, set aside some small pieces before grinding.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolk and mix in the vitamin supplement, salmon oil, and eggshell powder or calcium hydroxyapatite. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
5. Add the supplement mixture to the ground meat and mix thoroughly, making sure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
6. Portion the food into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Store in the refrigerator for short-term use or freeze for longer storage.

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3. Puppy’s Tiger Blood Raw Cat Food

Ingredients:

• 5.5–6 lbs. chicken thighs (with skin and bone)
• 7 oz chicken livers (preferably organic)
• 14 oz chicken hearts
• 4 large egg yolks (from pastured, organic eggs)
• 1.5 tsp lite salt
• ½ tsp taurine powder
• ⅛ tsp vitamin E powder
• 1.5 tsp lysine powder (optional)
• 4 capsules of wild salmon oil
• 2 capsules of vitamin B complex
• 1 cup filtered water

Procedure:

1. Remove 20–25% of the bones from the chicken thighs to balance the calcium ratio. Keep the skin on about a quarter to half of them, depending on your cat’s dietary needs.
2. Rinse the chicken thighs, livers, and hearts under cold water, then cut them into manageable chunks.
3. Using a meat grinder or a high-powered blender, grind the chicken thighs, hearts, and livers into a smooth consistency. If your butcher offers grinding services, you can have them grind the meats for convenience.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, lite salt, taurine, vitamin E, lysine (if using), and the contents of the vitamin B complex capsules. Pierce the salmon oil capsules and squeeze the oil into the mixture. Add ½ cup of water and mix well.
5. Blend the remaining half cup of water with the reserved bones until finely ground, ensuring there are no large fragments. If using a grinder, grind the bones separately and mix them with the meat.
6. Pour both the supplement mixture and bone blend into the large bowl of ground meat. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.
7. Portion the mixture into airtight containers, keeping one in the refrigerator and freezing the rest for later use. Thaw each portion in the fridge before serving.

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4. Raw Poultry & Rabbit Diet

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. poultry thigh meat (including bones and skin) or 2 ¼ lbs. ground rabbit (whole carcass)
• ¾ lb. boneless chicken (if using rabbit) or ¾ lb. turkey (including meat, skin, and fat)
• 1 cup water (adjust as needed)
• 2 eggs (use yolks raw, lightly cook the whites)
• 5g fish oil (for essential fatty acids)
• ⅓g vitamin E (powdered form)
• 1/16g vitamin B12 Supplement
• 2g taurine (powdered, in capsules, or loose)
• ¾ tsp lite salt (with iodine, only if using chicken or turkey)
• 1.5 oz liver (chicken or other poultry)

Procedure:

1. If using ground rabbit, thaw it completely and mix it with ground and chunked chicken or turkey thigh meat and skin. If using whole chicken or turkey thighs, proceed to the next step.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the chicken or turkey thighs and liver, ensuring about 50% of the thigh meat remains raw. Bake in a Pyrex dish to retain fat drippings.
3. Remove the baked meat from the oven and immediately place it in cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain texture and prevent overcooking.
4. Separate some raw meat from the bone and cut it into small chunks, between pea-sized and dice-sized, to encourage chewing and support dental health.
5. Use a 4mm plate on a grinder to process the remaining thigh meat, bones, and skin. Run the liver and cooked eggs through the grinder to distribute them evenly in the mixture.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together water, egg yolks (if raw), vitamin E, vitamin B-complex, taurine, and fish oil. If needed, soak the fish oil capsules in warm water for 15 minutes to help them dissolve.
7. Pour the supplement slurry into the ground meat mixture and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. If using only chicken or turkey, add lite salt for iodine.
8. Portion the finished mixture into airtight containers and store in the freezer. Keep portions in the refrigerator for up to 48–72 hours before serving.

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5. Balanced Raw Meat & Organ Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. raw muscle meat
• 14 oz raw heart
• 7 oz raw liver
• 1 lb water
• 3 Tbsp bonemeal (for human consumption)
• 2 Tbsp unflavored gelatin
• 4 raw egg yolks
• 4 capsules of raw glandular supplement
• 4000 mg salmon oil
• 800 IU Vitamin E
• 4 Vitamin B-50 complex capsules
• 1.5 tsp lite salt (with iodine)
• 4 tsp psyllium husk powder

Procedure:

1. Remove about half of the skin from the muscle meat and cut it into nickel-sized bite-sized chunks. Set aside for later; do not grind.
2. Grind the raw liver, heart, and remaining muscle meat together. Stir the mixture thoroughly and refrigerate.
3. In a bowl, whisk 2 cups of water with all the supplements, including bonemeal, egg yolks, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-50, and salmon oil. If using Vitamin A and D or Taurine as substitutes, add them now.
4. Gradually add the psyllium husk powder (if using) and gelatin, stirring well to prevent clumping.
5. Combine the supplement mixture, the ground meat mixture, and the reserved meat chunks in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
6. Portion the mixture into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags.
7. Store in the freezer for long-term use. If freezing for more than two weeks, consider adding an extra 4000 mg of Taurine to compensate for potential degradation.
8. Thaw portions in the refrigerator before serving, and sprinkle extra Taurine on meals two to three times a week for added nutritional support.

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6. Beef, Chicken & Fish Raw Cat Food

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 1 lb. chicken livers
• 1 lb. chicken hearts
• 1 lb. chicken wings
• 4 cans (15 oz each) tuna in spring water (no added oil or salt)
• 4 cans (4.4 oz each) of sardines in spring water (no added oil or salt)

Procedure:

1. Chop the chicken livers, hearts, and wings into bite-sized pieces using kitchen scissors for the organs and a meat cleaver for the wings.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped livers, hearts, and wings. Mix thoroughly with a spoon until well incorporated.
3. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and wrap each portion securely for freezer storage. When ready to serve, take one portion from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator.
4. Drain one can of tuna and one can of sardines, chopping the sardines into smaller pieces. Mix the drained tuna and chopped sardines into the thawed meat portion until evenly combined.
5. Store the prepared mixture in the refrigerator, and use within 2–3 days based on portion sizes. Repeat the process for each portion as needed, keeping extra portions frozen until use.

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7. Chicken Raw Cat Food

Ingredients:

• 4.5 lbs. chicken thighs (including bones and skin)
• 14 oz chicken hearts
• 7 oz chicken livers
• 2 cups water
• 4 egg yolks or whole eggs (optional)
• 200 mg vitamin B complex
• 800 IU vitamin E
• 1.5 tsp lite iodized salt
• 4000 mg taurine (if freezing for more than a week)

Procedure:

1. Remove half of the skin and about 20% of the bones from the chicken thighs, then discard them.
2. Using poultry shears, cut most of the muscle meat into small chunks, or grind all of it if preferred.
3. Grind the remaining muscle meat along with the bones, skin, heart, and liver, then mix thoroughly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, eggs, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, lite iodized salt, and any added taurine.
5. Combine the chunked meat, ground mixture, and supplement mixture in a large bowl, stirring well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
6. Portion the mixture into airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion when freezing.
7. Label each container with the contents and date before placing them in the freezer.
8. Thaw portions in the refrigerator before serving, ensuring they are used within a few days.

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8. Homemade Raw Cat Food

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. boneless meat (chicken, turkey, or beef)
• 7 oz organ meat (liver, heart, or kidney)
• ½ cup finely diced vegetables (optional)
• 4000 mg taurine
• 1 tsp fish oil
• 1 tsp vitamin supplement mix
• ½ tsp lite iodized salt

Procedure:

1. Ensure all utensils, cutting boards, and hands are thoroughly cleaned to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.
2. Dice the boneless meat into small, bite-sized pieces, and chop the organ meat into smaller portions. If adding vegetables, finely dice them as well.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the meat, organ meat, and vegetables, mixing well to distribute evenly.
4. Add the taurine, fish oil, vitamin supplement mix, and lite salt, stirring thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Divide the mixture into meal-sized portions and transfer them into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags.
6. Store the portions in the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
7. Transition your cat gradually to the raw food diet, mixing small amounts with their current food to help with adaptation.
8. Monitor your cat’s health and appetite, and consult your veterinarian for any adjustments to the diet.

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9. Raw Chicken & Duck Cat Food

Ingredients:

• 14 oz chicken breast
• 11 oz duck heart (or chicken heart)
• 1.5 oz chicken liver
• 80g Salmon
• 1.5 oz duck liver
• 1.5 oz spinach
• 1 whole egg (including shell)
• 0.2 oz kelp
• 0.7 oz ground flaxseed or chia seed
• Nutritional or brewer’s yeast (optional, for transitioning cats)

Procedure:

1. Chop the chicken breast and duck (or chicken) heart into small pieces. For a smoother texture, blend the chicken breast in a food processor.
2. Measure and set aside 1.5 oz each of chicken and duck liver. If substituting with fish, use the same amount.
3. Cook the spinach by boiling or blanching it briefly, then puree or finely chop it.
4. Crack the whole egg, including the shell, and set it aside.
5. Measure 0.2 oz of kelp and 0.7 oz of ground flaxseed or chia seed for additional nutrients.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, ensuring everything is well mixed. Use a food processor for a more uniform consistency.
7. If your cat is new to raw food, mix in a small amount of nutritional or brewer’s yeast to enhance palatability.
8. Portion the food into daily servings and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer. Thaw before serving.

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10. Easy Raw Food Recipe for Cats

Ingredients:

• 2 oz pork loin chops (or lean ground beef)
• 1 oz chicken heart
• 0.7 oz Cornish hen wing (or chicken wing tips)
• 0.1 oz beef liver
• 0.3 oz beef kidney
• 0.4 oz cooked blue mussels
• 1 gel cap of natural vitamin E oil (given once per week)
• 1 pasture-raised egg yolk
• 600 mg eggshell powder

Procedure:

1. Weigh out the pork loin chops (or lean ground beef), chicken heart, Cornish hen wing (or chicken wing tips), beef liver, and beef kidney according to the ingredient list.
2. Prepare the supplements by measuring out the eggshell powder and cracking one pasture-raised egg yolk. The vitamin E oil should be given once per week.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the weighed and prepared ingredients. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of nutrients.
4. Portion the mixture into individual servings based on your cat’s weight. A 10 lb. adult cat requires about 5 oz per day. Adjust portion sizes accordingly.
5. Store meal-sized portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. Keep in the refrigerator for short-term use and freeze extra portions for longer storage.
6. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator before serving, ensuring they are at room temperature for your cat’s comfort.

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Ensuring Complete Nutrition in a Raw Cat Food Diet

Embracing a homemade raw food diet for your cat is a wonderful way to provide them with fresh, natural ingredients and take control of their nutrition.

However, it’s vital to remember that ensuring complete nutritional balance is paramount, especially when it comes to uncooked foods.

Cats need very specific and complex nutrients, and even homemade raw recipes made with the best intentions can miss the mark if they’re not carefully planned.

Before you switch your cat over to a raw food diet, we strongly recommend working closely with your vet. for professional advise.

A vet experienced in feline nutrition can assess your cat’s individual needs and guide you on essential supplements that are often necessary to create a balanced raw diet.

Raw food usually has a lot of moisture, which is similar to what a cat would eat in the wild. But, it’s always important to make sure it has all the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids they need.

A well-planned raw diet for cats, possibly with supplements your vet suggests, is essential to avoid any nutritional gaps.

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Conclusion

Choosing a raw diet for your cat is a personal decision, and it’s smart to think through all the information, especially since there are different opinions about this style of feeding.

It’s understandable to be concerned about spreading disease and making sure your cat gets all the nutrients they need, and those are things you should take seriously.

That’s why, if you decide to make raw cat food at home, you’ve got to be committed to finding fresh, top-notch ingredients from suppliers you trust and making sure to add in the right supplements.

We strongly recommend switching your cat’s diet gradually, especially if they’re used to eating kibble, and remember to follow strict food safety rules in your kitchen.

Always talk to your vet before making changes to your cat’s diet, and be ready to fine-tune the recipes to fit your cat’s specific nutritional needs.

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