If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re curious. Curious about what goes into your cat’s bowl. Curious about the hype around raw cat food recipes. Maybe even a little worried about whether homemade food is good or risky.
I get it.
Feeding cats isn’t just about filling their stomachs. It’s about health, happiness, and yes—long life. Cats are obligate carnivores. They crave meat, bones, organs. But here’s the twist. Not every raw diet is safe. Not every recipe is complete. And that’s where most owners get stuck.
Let’s break this down. Simple. Direct. Honest.
What do vets say about the raw cat food diet?
Ah, vets. Always cautious. Always protective. And honestly, for good reason.
Most veterinarians don’t outright dismiss raw feeding. But they do warn about two things: nutritional balance and bacteria.
Cats need precise nutrients: taurine, calcium, vitamin D, and fatty acids. Miss even one, and health can suffer. Blindness, weak bones, heart disease—it’s serious stuff.
Then comes bacteria. Salmonella. E. coli. Campylobacter. These bugs don’t just harm cats. They can harm you too, especially children or elderly in your home.
So what do vets say? They say—if you must go raw, do it right. Balanced. Hygienic. Supervised.
Is homemade cat food healthy?
Good question. The short answer? It can be. The long answer? It depends.
Homemade food gives control. You choose the meat. You choose the quality. No hidden fillers. No artificial stuff. That’s power. That’s freedom.
But with freedom comes risk. Without proper knowledge, a “healthy” meal might lack taurine or calcium. A small deficiency today. A big health problem tomorrow.
So yes, homemade food can be healthy. But only if you’re careful. Only if you balance it right.
What Can Cats Eat from the Fridge ?
Gravy for Cat Food: Homemade, Easy & Healthy Cat Gravy Recipe.
What should you know before making raw cat food at home?
Before you jump in, pause. Breathe. Making raw cat food isn’t like cooking chicken soup. Cats need precise nutrition.
Here are the pillars you must keep in mind:
Balance
Balance is life. Cats need the right mix: muscle meat, organs, bones, fats. Too much liver? Vitamin A toxicity. Too little calcium? Brittle bones. Think formula. Not guesswork.
Quantity and quality
Don’t feed scraps. Don’t feed leftovers. Cats deserve premium. Choose fresh, human-grade meat. Check sourcing. Quantity matters too. Cats need calories—but not obesity.
Regular health checks
Even with the best raw diet, regular vet checks are non-negotiable. Blood work. Weight checks. Urine tests. Your cat can’t talk. Their body will.
Ingredients to include in your raw cat food recipes – to tide you over while waiting for an order
Sometimes your order is late. The pet store is closed. Or your delivery is stuck. What do you do? Don’t panic. You can still whip up a temporary raw recipe with safe, basic ingredients.
Eggs
Nature’s multivitamin. Eggs give protein, vitamin B, choline. Feed raw yolk, but cook the whites lightly if you want to reduce avidin risk.
Sardines or mackerel
Packed with omega-3. Great for shiny coats. Great for brain health. Always choose canned in water, no salt, no oil.
Mince and chunks of meat
Chicken mince. Turkey chunks. Beef strips. Keep it fresh. Freeze first, then thaw to kill parasites.
Organs
Liver, heart, kidney. They’re nutrient bombs. Feed in moderation. Too much liver = toxicity.
Bone
Ground bone provides calcium and phosphorus. Never feed cooked bones. They splinter.
Vegetables and berries
Tiny amounts only. Cats don’t “need” them, but antioxidants help. Think pumpkin, spinach, blueberries. Just a sprinkle.
Ingredients to include in your homemade recipes – when you’re considering longer-term DIY raw feeding
If you’re going long-term, planning matters. Here’s your essential shopping list for consistent raw meals:
Raw meat + offal
Base of every raw cat food recipe. Muscle meat builds strength. Offal (liver, kidney, spleen) supplies micronutrients. Ratio? Roughly 80% meat, 10% bone, 10% organs.
Bones
Ground chicken necks. Rabbit spines. Quail bones. Natural calcium source. Crucial for strong teeth and bones.
Quality omega-3 fats
Fish oil. Krill oil. Helps balance omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Reduces inflammation. Protects joints.
Eggs
A staple. Raw yolk or lightly cooked. One or two per week is plenty.
Bone broth
Great for hydration. Rich in collagen, glucosamine, minerals. Plus—cats love the taste.
Vegetables and berries
Minimal, but useful. Fiber helps digestion. Blueberries, pumpkin, broccoli. Keep portions tiny.
Homemade cat food recipes
Here’s a simple raw cat food recipe to try. Adjust portions based on your cat’s weight and vet guidance:
Ingredients:
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500g chicken thighs (with bone, ground)
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100g chicken liver
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50g beef heart
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1 egg yolk
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1 sardine (canned, in water)
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1 tsp fish oil
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1 tbsp bone broth
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Small pinch pumpkin puree
Method:
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Grind meat, liver, and bones together.
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Mix with egg yolk, sardine, fish oil, and broth.
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Stir in pumpkin puree.
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Divide into small daily portions.
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Freeze immediately. Thaw before serving.
This gives protein, fat, vitamins, minerals—all in one bowl.
Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cats
Best cat food recipes with fish
Are there any risks to cats eating raw meat?
Yes. Two big ones.
Nutritional deficiency
Raw meat alone isn’t enough. Without bones, organs, and supplements, cats miss taurine, calcium, vitamin D. Long-term? Heart disease. Blindness. Weak bones.
Bacteria
Raw meat carries bacteria. Cats handle bacteria better than humans, but still—not risk-free. Plus, you handle the meat. Hygiene matters. Always wash hands. Clean utensils. Store properly.
What are the benefits of a home-made raw diet?
Let’s be fair. Risks aside, raw feeding has real benefits.
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Shinier coats. Less shedding.
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Smaller, less smelly poop.
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More energy. Better muscle tone.
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Weight control.
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Fewer food allergies compared to kibble.
And let’s be honest. Watching your cat crunch raw bones feels… natural. Like they’re living their true instinct.
Benefits of a personalised Bella+Duke raw diet for your cat
Not ready to DIY? Bella+Duke (UK’s raw food company) offers ready-made meals. Balanced. Delivered frozen. Designed by nutritionists.
Why cat owners love it:
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Saves time. No grinding, no mixing.
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Guaranteed balance.
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Fresh, high-quality sourcing.
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Tailored portions for weight management.
Convenience meets confidence.
What is the cost of Bella+Duke?
Prices vary. But on average, £1.70–£2.50 per day for a cat. That’s less than your daily coffee. And far cheaper than long-term vet bills from poor diets.
Think investment. Not expense.
References
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American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Raw Food Diets
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FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines for Cats
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Cornell Feline Health Center
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Bella & Duke official site
Homemade raw cat food FAQs
Q: Can I feed my cat only chicken?
No. Chicken alone lacks taurine, calcium, and micronutrients. Always balance with organs and supplements.
Q: Is freezing enough to kill bacteria?
Freezing reduces parasites but doesn’t kill all bacteria. Hygiene still matters.
Q: How much raw food should I feed daily?
Rough guide: 2–4% of your cat’s body weight per day. Adjust with age, weight, activity.
Q: Can kittens eat raw?
Yes, but extra caution needed. Kittens require higher calories and precise nutrients. Consult a vet first.
Q: Do I need supplements?
Yes, in most cases. Especially taurine, fish oil, and sometimes vitamin E.
Final Thoughts
Raw feeding isn’t just a trend. It’s a lifestyle choice. Done right, it can transform your cat’s health. Done wrong, it can cause harm.
So take it slow. Learn. Experiment. Monitor. Talk to your vet.
Because at the end of the day—your cat deserves more than just food. They deserve nutrition. They deserve health. They deserve the best version of you… and the best version of their bowl.
