HOMEMADE SARDINE & QUINOA CAT FOOD RECIPE

/ Cats, Diet / By
"Overhead shot of homemade sardine and quinoa cat food with fresh vegetables in a white ceramic bowl, with prep bowls of ingredients in the background"

HOMEMADE SARDINE & QUINOA CAT FOOD

A protein-rich, omega-3 packed meal for your feline friend

KEY INFO
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 cat meals
  • Calories per serving: 85
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cost: $10-15

Sunlit modern kitchen countertop with fresh sardines, quinoa, green beans, sweet potato, a glass measuring cup, and stainless steel mixing bowls

EQUIPMENT NEEDED
  • Medium-sized pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Food processor (optional)
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup quinoa (180g)
  • 1 can sardines in water (3.75 oz/106g), drained
  • ¼ cup sweet potato (60g), cooked and mashed
  • ¼ cup green beans (30g), finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon salmon oil (15ml)

Optional additions:

  • 1 teaspoon ground eggshell (for calcium)
  • ¼: 100%; height: auto;” src=”https://heartsofpets.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/33quinoa-steam-pot.jpg” alt=”Golden quinoa grains cooking in a silver pot with steam rising against a dark background” />
    METHOD
    1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions until fluffy (approximately 15-20 minutes).
    2. Steam sweet potato until fork-tender (8-10 minutes).
    3. Steam green beans until soft (5-7 minutes), then finely chop.
    4. Drain sardines completely.
    5. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa and mashed sweet potato.
    6. Add sardines and mash thoroughly into the mixture.
    7. Fold in chopped green beans.
    8. Stir in salmon oil and optional supplements.
    9. Mix until completely combined with no large chunks remaining.

    Green beans and sweet potato chunks steaming in a modern steamer basket under soft kitchen lighting

    CRUCIAL TIPS
    • Always consult your vet before changing your cat’s diet.
    • Introduce gradually over 7-10 days to prevent digestive issues.
    • Ensure no fish bones remain in sardines.
    • Serve at room temperature.
    • Store portions in airtight containers.

    Overhead view of flaked sardines being mixed with quinoa in a ceramic bowl, garnished with drizzled salmon oil

    STORAGE
    • Refrigerate up to 3 days.
    • Freeze individual portions up to 2 months.
    • Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
    COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
    • Don’t add onions or garlic.
    • Don’t skip the taurine supplement if using as the main diet.
    • Don’t overfeed – portion according to your cat’s weight.
    • Don’t serve cold from the refrigerator.

    Portioned serving of cat food on a ceramic plate, garnished with fresh herbs, on a rustic wooden surface

    VARIATIONS
    • Substitute quinoa with brown rice.
    • Use mackerel instead of sardines.
    • Add finely chopped cooked carrots.
    • Include a tablespoon of pureed pumpkin for fiber.

    Remember: This recipe works best as a supplement to commercial cat food unless specifically approved by your veterinarian as a complete diet.

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