Homemade Cat Kibble Alternative Recipe

A healthy, vet-approved alternative to commercial cat food that puts you in control of your feline friend’s nutrition.

KEY INFO:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-5 days (one adult cat)
Calories: 265 per 100g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: <2g
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $10-15 per batch

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

Food processor or high-powered blender
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Kitchen scale (recommended)
Airtight storage containers

INGREDIENTS:

Primary Proteins:

500g lean ground chicken or turkey
100g chicken liver
50g chicken heart
1 large egg

Essential Supplements:

2 tbsp bone meal powder
2000mg taurine powder
200 IU vitamin E
100mg vitamin B complex
1 tsp lite salt (for iodine)
1 tbsp salmon oil

Optional:

1 tbsp psyllium husk powder (for fiber)

METHOD:

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
In your food processor, combine chicken, liver, and heart. Process until finely ground (30-45 seconds).
Transfer meat mixture to a large bowl. Add egg and bone meal. Mix thoroughly.
Add all supplements and salmon oil. Mix until evenly distributed.
Form small, pea-sized balls or nuggets. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving small gaps between pieces.
Bake for 15 minutes. Flip pieces. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until firm.
Cool completely before serving.

CRUCIAL TIPS:

Never skip the taurine – it’s essential for cat health.
Maintain consistent piece size for even cooking.
Store properly in airtight containers.
Introduce gradually to prevent digestive upset.

STORAGE:

Refrigerate up to 3 days.
Freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

SCALING:

Recipe doubles easily.
Adjust cooking time +5-10 minutes for larger batches.
Maintain supplement ratios precisely.

COMMON MISTAKES:

Over-processing meat (should be ground, not paste).
Skipping essential supplements.
Making pieces too large.
Over-baking (results in dry, unpalatable kibble).

VARIATIONS:

Turkey Version: Replace chicken with lean ground turkey.
Rabbit Option: Use ground rabbit meat (excellent for sensitive cats).
Pumpkin Addition: Add 1 tbsp pureed pumpkin for extra fiber.
Fish-Free: Omit salmon oil, replace with cod liver oil.

Remember: This recipe isn’t meant to replace veterinary advice. Consult your vet before making significant changes to your cat’s diet, especially if they have specific health conditions.