Keeping your cat healthy starts with what goes into their bowl.
If you’re looking for a simple, nutritious, and balanced homemade cat food recipe, this guide walks you through exactly what your cat needs—and just as importantly, what they don’t.
This recipe is easy to prepare, highly digestible, and designed specifically for cats’ unique nutritional needs.
I’ll explain every ingredient, why it matters, and how to put it all together step by step.
Important Nutrition Rules for Cats
Before jumping into the recipe, it’s important to understand a few key facts about feline nutrition.
Cats Are Obligate Carnivores
Cats require animal protein to survive. Their bodies are designed to thrive on meat, not plants.
This means the foundation of any healthy homemade cat food must be high-quality animal protein with a complete amino acid profile.
The best protein options for cats include:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Duck
For this recipe, I’m using ground turkey, which is lean, easy to digest, and highly nutritious.
Cats Do Not Need Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are unnecessary for cats and can actually be harmful.
Many cats develop health issues, including diabetes, from high-carb dry kibble.
Eliminating carbs is one of the biggest benefits of feeding a homemade diet.
No Vegetables Required
Unlike dogs, cats would not eat vegetables in the wild.
Vegetables are not a natural part of a feline diet and are not required for balanced nutrition.
Calcium Must Be Added
Since we’re not feeding bones, we must supplement calcium.
This recipe uses ground eggshell, which is one of the most absorbable and natural sources of calcium available.
Taurine Is Non-Negotiable
Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats. Deficiencies can lead to:
- Heart disease
- Vision problems
- Neurological issues
Every homemade cat food recipe must include taurine.
Ingredients for a Balanced Homemade Cat Food Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need for one batch, which uses one pound of ground turkey.
1. Animal Protein
- 1 pound ground turkey
This serves as the primary source of protein and essential amino acids.
2. Healthy Fat
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
Sunflower oil provides a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio and is rich in vitamin E, an important antioxidant for cats.
3. Egg
- 1 whole egg
Eggs increase the protein content and provide:
- B vitamins
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Selenium, a powerful antioxidant
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Protein
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a frying pan.
Add the one pound of ground turkey and cook thoroughly until fully done.
Step 2: Add the Egg
Crack one egg into the cooked turkey and mix well.
Allow the mixture to cook gently, then remove it from heat and let it cool before adding supplements.
Essential Supplements and Nutrients
Once the turkey and egg mixture has cooled, it’s time to add the nutrients that make this recipe complete and balanced.
Calcium (Ground Eggshell)
To prepare eggshell calcium:
- Rinse the eggshell thoroughly
- Roast it in the oven for 10–15 minutes
- Grind it into a fine powder using a coffee grinder
For one pound of meat, add:
- 1 teaspoon ground eggshell (approximately 1,000 mg of calcium)
Eggshell calcium is highly absorbable and also contains magnesium, another important mineral.
Taurine
Add:
- 1,000 mg taurine per pound of meat
This equals two 500 mg taurine capsules.
Open the capsules and mix the powder directly into the food.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Krill Oil)
Add:
- 1,000 mg krill oil
Krill oil provides EPA and DHA, powerful anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. These support:
- Heart health
- Kidney function
- Joint health
- Liver health
- Immune system function
Krill oil is also rich in antioxidants and vitamin D.
Fiber (Ground Flaxseed)
Cats don’t get much natural fiber indoors, but they still need some to support digestion.
Add:
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
This helps maintain healthy bowel movements and supports gut health.
Optional: Add a Feline Multivitamin
To further support overall health, you can add a complete multivitamin and mineral supplement.
A high-quality feline supplement can help cover any minor nutritional gaps and enhance taste.
For this recipe:
- Add 2 scoops of a feline multivitamin supplement per pound of meat
A good supplement may also support:
- Joint health
- Immune function
- Digestive health
- Skin and coat condition
How Much Homemade Cat Food to Feed
For an average 10-pound cat:
- Daily intake: about 130 grams of animal protein per day
- Divide into 2–3 meals daily
One pound of this recipe will provide approximately three days of food for a typical adult cat.
Final Thoughts on Homemade Cat Food
This balanced homemade cat food recipe is designed to meet your cat’s nutritional needs while avoiding unnecessary fillers, carbohydrates, and artificial ingredients.
By focusing on:
- High-quality animal protein
- Essential fats
- Calcium
- Taurine
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Digestive support
You’re giving your cat a diet that closely matches what their body is designed to eat.