Feeding Your Feline Homemade Cat Food

Cats need a lot of protein. In fact, at least two-thirds of their diet should be made up of protein. They do not do well on a vegetarian diet. Cats should not be fed dog food, because it is too low in protein. Dogs don't need nearly as much protein as cats do.

Cats should not be fed raw meat or eggs. Meat and eggs should always be cooked before being served to your cat.

Cats should be fed little or no milk, because they do not digest lactose well. Lactose-free milk, the kind made for lactose-intolerant people, can be used instead of regular milk.

If you choose to feed your cat a homemade diet, make sure to offer your cat a variety of foods. Do not prepare and serve the same recipe every day. Your cat will not get all of the necessary nutrients that way.

Food is best served to your cat at room temperature. Make sure any cooked food is cooled to room temperature before serving.

When feeding homemade food or food from a can, allow your cat to eat as much as he or she wants within a thirty-minute period, then refrigerate leftovers. Offer food two or three times a day. Dry food can be left out all day. Make sure fresh water is available to your cat at all times. Feed treats sparingly.

Do not make sudden changes in your cat's diet, unless advised by your vet. If you wish to change to a homemade diet for your cat, do so gradually. It is best to check with your vet about your cat's dietary needs, and to check with your vet before making changes to your cat's diet.

Recipes

Here are a couple of simple recipes you can use to fix healthy, homemade meals and treats for your cat.

Beef and Eggs

4 oz beef baby food

2 eggs, scrambled

1 tablespoon carrot, shredded

1 tablespoon cottage cheese

1 tablespoon sunflower oil

Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well. Store leftovers in tightly sealed container in refrigerator.

Chicken and Rice Dinner

4 oz chicken-flavored baby food

½ cup cooked rice

2 tablespoons carrots and/or celery, cooked and mashed

Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well. Store leftovers in tightly sealed

container in refrigerator

Catnip Cookies

1 cup whole wheat flour

¼ cup soy flour

1 teaspoon catnip

1 egg

1/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons wheat germ

1/3 cup evaporated milk

1 tablespoon molasses

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine dry ingredients in bowl, then add molasses, egg, oil, and milk. Roll out

flat and cut into small, cat bite-sized pieces. Bake 20 minutes. Cool before serving.

Store in tightly sealed container.

Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/284217/feeding_your_feline_homemade_cat_food.html