Cats' Basic Nutritional Needs

• Protein from a meat, fish, or poultry source
• Taurine, an essential amino acid
• Certain other vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fatty acids
• Water

That's it, basically. Cats do not need carbohydrates, although corn, wheat, and/or rice are used as fillers for both canned and dry cat foods. Other ingredients, such as binders, flavoring, and coloring, are added by cat food manufacturers to satisfy the aesthetic wants of the consumer. Although preservatives are necessary, to keep foods fresh for our cats, canned food should not be allowed to remain out for any length of time, in any case.

How to Make Homemade Cat Food

Big Mack for Cats

Yield: About 10 cups | Serving Size: 1/2 Cup

1 1/2 pounds mackerel fillets or sardines (fresh, if possible, or frozen, never canned)
1/2 pound green beans, coarsely chopped
1/2 pound carrots, coarsely chopped
1/2 pound celery, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon kelp powder
4 to 6 cups spring water

Combine all ingredients in a stainless steel pot with enough water to cover. Bring to boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. Remove from the heat and let cool. With an electric hand mixer or a food processor blend all the ingredients (working in batches) in to a puree. Using plastic containers, make up meal-sized portions and freeze whatever you won’t use within 2 days.

Salmon and Veggie Patties

Yield: 4 servings / Serving Size: 1-1/2 inch patty

1/4 cup coarsely chopped green beans
1/4 cup coarsely chopped sweet potatoes
1/4 cup coarsely chopped zucchini
1/4 cup coarsely chopped yellow squash
1/2 cup spring water
1/2 pound wild salmon
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon plain yogurt

Combine the green beans, sweet potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash and water in a large skillet over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then add the salmon. Cover and steam for 5 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

Cool to room temperature, then transfer to a food processor. Add the orange juice, Parmesan cheese and yogurt and blend well. Shape into patties and either serve right away or store in the refrigerator. Freeze any portions you won't use within 2 to 3 days.