Easy Raw Cat Food Recipe You Can Make at Home

Disclaimer: I’m not a veterinarian or nutritionist. This post is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always check with your vet before changing your cat’s diet.

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Why Raw Feeding?

If you’ve ever looked at your cat tearing into a piece of chicken and thought, “Wow, this feels more natural than kibble,” you’re not alone. Raw feeding has become popular because it’s closer to what cats evolved to eat in the wild: fresh meat, organs, and bones. The idea is simple — fewer fillers, more species‑appropriate food. But here’s the catch: our cats don’t hunt whole prey in the backyard anymore, and supermarket chicken isn’t nutritionally identical to a mouse. That’s why a little know‑how (and a good supplement) goes a long way in making raw both safe and balanced.

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Quick Recipe (Makes About 4 Cups)

This recipe is a simple starting point that balances convenience with the basics cats need. It’s not meant to replace a professionally formulated diet, but it gives you a framework you can actually make in your kitchen without needing exotic ingredients.

• 3 1/4 cups meat (chicken thigh, turkey, rabbit, etc.)
• 1/4 cup liver
• 1/4 cup another organ (kidney, spleen, etc.)
• 1/4 cup ground bone OR 1 teaspoon eggshell powder
• Supplement mix (Alnutrin or EZComplete, follow package directions)

Steps:

1. Chop or grind the meat and organs. A food processor or meat grinder makes this easy, but a sharp knife works too.
2. Mix everything together in a big bowl until evenly combined.
3. Stir in the supplement mix carefully — this is what fills in the nutritional gaps.
4. Portion into small containers or silicone freezer trays for easy storage.
5. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

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Portions

Cats are small, but their calorie needs can vary a lot depending on age, weight, and activity. On average:

• A healthy adult cat eats about 1/4 to 1/3 cup per meal, twice a day.
• That means a 4‑cup batch should last 6–8 days for one cat.
• Kittens, pregnant cats, or very active cats may need more frequent meals or larger portions.
• Always watch your cat’s body condition — you should feel ribs under a light layer of muscle, not sharp bones or a thick fat pad.

Pro tip: freeze in daily portions so you don’t have to thaw and refreeze.

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Cost Breakdown (Approximate, per 4‑cup batch)

Feeding raw can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you buy meat in bulk or on sale. Here’s what a typical batch might cost:

Ingredient	Cost	Notes
Meat (3 1/4 cups)	$6–8	Based on chicken thighs at $2–3/lb
Liver (1/4 cup)	$0.50	Very inexpensive
Other organ (1/4 cup)	$0.75	Kidney/spleen, varies by source
Bone/eggshell	$0.25	Minimal cost
Supplement mix	$1–2	Alnutrin/EZComplete per batch

Total per batch: ~$9–11
Daily cost for 1 cat: ~$1.25–1.50

That’s often cheaper than premium canned food, especially if you’re feeding multiple cats.

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Calories (Approximate)

Cats are obligate carnivores, so almost all their calories come from protein and fat. Meat and organs average 35–40 calories per ounce.

• A 4‑cup batch = about 1,200–1,400 calories total.
• An average adult cat needs ~200 calories per day.
• That means one batch covers about a week’s worth of meals for one cat.

If your cat is gaining weight, reduce the portion slightly. If they’re losing too much, bump it up.

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Alterations

One of the best parts of raw feeding is flexibility, as long as you stay balanced.

• Protein variety: Rotate between chicken, turkey, rabbit, and pork to keep things interesting and cover nutrient gaps.
• Bones: If you don’t have access to a grinder, powdered eggshell works fine as a calcium source.
• Supplements: Always include a premix unless you’re working with a vet nutritionist. Skipping it risks deficiencies that may not show up until it’s too late.
• Texture: Some cats love chunky pieces they can chew, while others prefer a ground, pâté‑like texture. Experiment and see what your cat likes.
• Batch size: Double or triple the recipe if you have multiple cats or want to prep for the month.

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Benefits of Raw Feeding

Many cat owners who switch to raw notice changes within just a few weeks. It’s not magic — it’s simply giving your cat food that’s closer to what their body was designed to eat. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Shinier coat and healthier skin: high‑quality animal fat and protein support fur growth and reduce dandruff.
• Better dental health: chewing on meaty chunks can help scrape teeth and reduce tartar.
• Smaller, less smelly stools: since raw food is highly digestible, there’s less waste.
• Steadier energy: many cats maintain a leaner, more muscular build with fewer “sugar crashes” than on carb‑heavy kibble.

Not every cat will show all of these changes, but most owners report at least one noticeable improvement.

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Risks and Challenges

Raw feeding has its upsides, but it’s not without downsides. The main risks fall into three buckets:

Risk	Why it matters	How to manage it
Nutritional imbalance	Missing taurine, vitamin E, iodine, etc. can cause serious health issues over time	Always use a supplement premix or a vet‑formulated recipe
Food safety	Raw meat can carry bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli	Handle like raw chicken, wash hands, clean surfaces, freeze portions
Transition hurdles	Some cats refuse new textures or flavors	Introduce slowly and mix with familiar food

Being aware of these challenges makes it easier to plan ahead and feed raw safely.

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Shopping & Sourcing Tips

One of the biggest questions people have is: where do I even find organs and bones? The good news is you don’t need a specialty supplier to get started.

• Local butchers often sell chicken livers, hearts, and kidneys at very low prices.
• Ethnic grocery stores are goldmines for organs and less common cuts.
• Bulk buying at warehouse clubs or farm suppliers can cut costs dramatically.
• Freezer space is your friend — even a small chest freezer can hold a month’s worth of meals for multiple cats.

Pro tip: keep a separate cutting board and knife just for pet food prep. It keeps things cleaner and avoids cross‑contamination.

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Storage & Handling

Raw feeding only works if you treat the food with the same care you’d use for your own dinner. Here’s a quick guide:

• Fridge life: 2–3 days max once thawed.
• Freezer life: up to 3 months if well‑sealed.
• Thawing: always in the fridge, never on the counter.
• Hygiene: wash bowls daily, sanitize prep areas, and wash your hands thoroughly.

Think of it like meal‑prepping chicken for yourself — the same rules apply.

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Transition Guide

Cats are famously picky. Switching from kibble or canned to raw can take patience. A slow transition works best:

1. Start with a teaspoon of raw mixed into their usual food.
2. Gradually increase the raw portion every few days.
3. If your cat refuses, back up a step and go slower.
4. Some cats transition in a week, others take a month or more.

The key is consistency without pressure. Forcing the change too fast can backfire and create food aversion.

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When to Avoid Raw

Raw feeding isn’t right for every household. You may want to skip it if:

• Your cat has a weakened immune system.
• Someone in the home is very young, elderly, or immunocompromised.
• You’re uncomfortable handling raw meat safely.

In these cases, a high‑quality canned diet may be a safer option.

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Vet Involvement

Even if you’re confident in your prep, it’s smart to loop in your vet. A feline‑focused veterinarian can:

• Review your recipe or supplement choice.
• Suggest bloodwork to make sure your cat is thriving.
• Help troubleshoot if your cat develops digestive issues.

Think of your vet as a partner — raw feeding done right can be great, but it’s even better with professional oversight.

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FAQ

Q: Can I skip the supplements?
A: It’s not a good idea. Even with organs included, homemade raw diets often miss taurine, vitamin E, iodine, and trace minerals. Deficiencies can cause serious health issues over time.

Q: What if my cat won’t eat organ meat?
A: Try smaller amounts mixed in well, or lightly sear the organ pieces to make them smell more appealing. Grinding them in is another easy trick.

Q: Do I need to feed raw bones?
A: No. Bones can be risky if not ground properly. Eggshell powder or a premix with calcium is safer and easier.

Q: How do I switch my cat to raw?
A: Go slow. Start by mixing a spoonful of raw into their regular food, then gradually increase the raw portion over 1–2 weeks. Some cats take longer to adjust.

Q: Is raw food safe?
A: Handle it like you would raw chicken for yourself. Wash hands, clean surfaces, and don’t leave it out too long. Freezing in small portions helps reduce waste and keeps things fresh.