Homemade Duck & Pumpkin Cat Food – A Vet-Approved Recipe

/ Diet, Cats / By
"Close-up of homemade cat food with ground duck and pumpkin in a white ceramic pet bowl on a marble countertop"

Homemade Duck & Pumpkin Cat Food – A Vet-Approved Recipe

KEY INFO:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 cat portions (250g each)
Cost: $10-15

NUTRITIONAL VALUES (per serving):

Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Taurine: 250mg

DIETARY TAGS:

✓ Grain-free
✓ Hypoallergenic
✓ High-protein
✓ Balanced feline nutrition

Professional kitchen scene featuring measured raw ingredients including duck meat, pumpkin, liver and supplements, neatly arranged on a marble countertop, lit naturally

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Optional: Food processor, storage containers
INGREDIENTS:
  • 450g ground duck meat (1 pound)
  • 240ml cooked pumpkin purée (1 cup)
  • 60g chicken liver, finely chopped (1/4 cup)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 tsp taurine powder
  • 1/4 tsp calcium carbonate
  • 15ml salmon oil (1 tbsp)
METHOD:
  1. Heat your skillet over medium heat (no oil needed).
  2. Add ground duck, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
    Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
  3. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  4. Transfer cooked duck to mixing bowl.

    5. Duck cooking process with sizzling ground meat in a stainless steel skillet, steam rising, thermometer showing temperature under warm kitchen lighting

  5. Add pumpkin purée, chopped liver, and beaten egg.
  6. Sprinkle in taurine powder and calcium carbonate.
  7. Pour in salmon oil.
  8. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.

    9. Overhead shot of cooked duck mixed with vibrant orange pumpkin puree, raw egg, and dietary supplements in a mixing bowl.

  9. Let cool completely before serving.
CRUCIAL TIPS:
  • Never skip the taurine – it’s essential for cat health.
  • Always cook duck thoroughly – no pink meat.
  • Cool completely before storage.
  • Mix supplements evenly throughout.
STORAGE:
  • Refrigerate: 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze: Up to 2 months in portion-sized containers.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Clear glass containers filled with prepared cat food, labeled with dates, in a clean, modern kitchen setting

SCALING:
  • Recipe doubles easily.
  • Maintain supplement ratios exactly.
  • Don’t exceed 3x batch size for even cooking.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:
  • Don’t substitute supplements.
  • Never serve warm.
  • Don’t change ratios without vet approval.
  • Avoid garlic and onions completely.
VARIATIONS:
  • Turkey substitution: Use lean ground turkey.
  • Squash swap: Replace pumpkin with butternut squash.
  • Extra nutrition: Add 1 tbsp finely grated carrots.
  • Texture adjustment: Blend for smoother consistency.

Single portion of food in a ceramic pet bowl under soft natural lighting, showing texture and consistency, garnished with a small parsley leaf

Remember: While this recipe is vet-approved, always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat’s diet, especially if they have existing health conditions.

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