Homemade Turkey & Cranberry Holiday Feast for Cats
A vet-approved, grain-free festive meal for your feline friend.
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:
- Heat your saucepan over medium heat (no oil needed).
- Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C. - Add chopped liver to the pan.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until no longer raw. - Remove from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Transfer meat mixture to food processor.
Add cranberries, egg, and bone broth. - Pulse until finely minced but not pureed.
Mixture should hold together but retain some texture. - Stir in dried catnip by hand.
- Form into small patties or use molds.
Each serving should be about 2-3 tablespoons. - 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.
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.