Homemade Turkey & Cranberry Holiday Feast for Cats

"Heart-shaped turkey and cranberry cat food patties on a white ceramic dish with holiday decorations"

Homemade Turkey & Cranberry Holiday Feast for Cats

A vet-approved, grain-free festive meal for your feline friend.

Bright professional kitchen setup featuring neatly arranged measuring cups, silicone molds, and fresh ingredients on a marble countertop

Key Info:
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 cat portions
  • Calories: 120 per serving
  • Protein: 18g per serving
  • Fat: 6g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 2g per serving
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Dietary Tags: Grain-free, High-protein, Carnivore-friendly
Equipment Needed:
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Food processor or blender (or meat grinder)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Storage containers (optional)
  • Silicone molds (optional)
Ingredients:
  • 450g/1 lb ground turkey (unseasoned)
  • 60g/¼ cup turkey liver, finely chopped
  • 60g/¼ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 large egg
  • 60ml/¼ cup unseasoned bone broth
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip

Method:

Sizzling ground turkey being stirred with a wooden spoon in a stainless steel pan with steam rising, under warm kitchen lighting

  1. Heat your saucepan over medium heat (no oil needed).
  2. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
    Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
  3. Add chopped liver to the pan.
    Cook for 2-3 minutes until no longer raw.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Food processor blending cooked meat, cranberries, and a golden egg with splashes of bone broth in natural morning light

  6. Transfer meat mixture to food processor.
    Add cranberries, egg, and bone broth.
  7. Pulse until finely minced but not pureed.
    Mixture should hold together but retain some texture.
  8. Stir in dried catnip by hand.
  9. Festive holiday shaped cat treats being sprinkled with dried catnip and arranged on parchment paper under soft directional lighting

  10. Form into small patties or use molds.
    Each serving should be about 2-3 tablespoons.
  11. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Crucial Tips:

  • Never add onions, garlic, or commercial seasonings.
  • Use lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended).
  • Don’t skip the liver – it’s packed with essential nutrients.
  • Always cook turkey thoroughly.
  • Keep portions appropriate for your cat’s size.

Storage & Serving:

  • Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze: Up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Serve at room temperature.

Variations:

  • Substitute chicken for turkey.
  • Replace cranberries with plain pumpkin puree.
  • Add a sprinkle of powdered eggshell for calcium.
  • Use different silicone molds for festive shapes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Overcooking the meat.
  • Adding unsafe seasonings.
  • Making portions too large.
  • Skipping the cooling period.
  • Using seasoned bone broth.

Heart-shaped turkey patties garnished with fresh cranberries on a ceramic cat dish, creating a cozy holiday ambiance

Remember: This recipe is meant as an occasional treat, not a complete diet replacement. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat’s diet.