Homemade Beef & Carrot Stew for Cats: A Veterinarian-Approved Recipe

"Close-up of cat's beef and carrot stew in a ceramic bowl"

Homemade Beef & Carrot Stew for Cats: A Veterinarian-Approved Recipe

KEY INFO

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4-6 cat portions

Calories: 120 per serving

Protein: 18g per serving

Fat: 6g per serving

Carbohydrates: 3g per serving

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cost: $10-15

Professional kitchen workspace with raw cubed beef, diced carrots, egg yolk and barley powder neatly arranged on marble countertop in bright natural light.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon
Alternative Tools:
  • Food processor (for finer texture)
  • Ice cube tray (for portion freezing)
INGREDIENTS
Main Components:
  • 200g/7oz lean beef, cubed small (substitute: lean turkey)
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 egg yolk (organic preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon barley powder
  • 120ml/½ cup low-sodium beef broth
Optional Additions:
  • 1 tablespoon cooked oatmeal
  • 1 teaspoon dried catnip

Close-up view of beef cubes being cooked in a Dutch oven with steam rising, under soft lighting highlighting the meat's changing color against the cast iron surface.

METHOD
  1. Cut beef into 0.5cm/¼-inch cubes
  2. Heat pot over medium heat (no oil needed)
  3. Add beef, cook until no pink remains (about 8-10 minutes)
  4. Add carrots and broth
  5. Reduce heat to low, simmer for 20 minutes
  6. Remove from heat, let cool for 5 minutes
  7. Stir in egg yolk and barley powder
  8. Cool to room temperature before serving

Overhead view of simmering beef and carrot stew in pot with rising steam in afternoon light

CRUCIAL TIPS
  • Never serve hot food to cats
  • Meat must be thoroughly cooked
  • Store portions within 2 hours of cooking
  • Introduce gradually over 5-7 days
STORAGE & SCALING
Refrigeration:
  • Store in airtight containers
  • Keep for up to 3 days
  • Never reheat more than once
Freezing:
  • Freeze individual portions
  • Use within 1 month
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator

Stew being portioned into ice cube trays and glass containers in a modern kitchen under clean, clinical lighting

VETERINARY NOTES
  • Consult your vet before changing your cat’s diet
  • This recipe is supplementary, not complete nutrition
  • Monitor your cat’s reaction to new ingredients
  • Adjust portions based on age, weight, and activity level
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
  • Don’t add salt or seasonings
  • Never use onions or garlic
  • Don’t substitute ingredients without veterinary approval
  • Avoid serving straight from refrigerator

Close-up image of a cat-sized portion of perfectly cooked stew, showing tender meat and soft carrots in a ceramic pet bowl under soft lighting

Remember: This recipe is meant to complement, not replace, commercial cat food unless specifically advised by your veterinarian.