How to Make Your Own Cat Food

Once upon a time pets ate what people ate; vegetables, grains, meat scraps, whatever basic "table" food that was available. In the 1800's someone introduced a packaged dog food, but the first commercial cat food didn't come along until the 1930's when it was introduced in can form by the Gaines company.

Commercial cat food is made from some of the same ingredients as people food and just like packaged people food it contains chemical preservatives. Many people somehow believe that an animal's digestive system somehow protects them and is even designed for low quality food but this is just not the case.

Consuming large quantities of packaged food is not the healthiest choice for humans, why should things be any different for a pet? Animals are even more vulnerable than children and they both need and deserve care, loving attention and quality food.

Pets can be picky eaters just like children, particularly when they are accustomed to one food in particular as pet owners who have tried to switch brands have often discovered. If you have made the decision to give your cat healthier home made food than what it is used to it may take a while to win them over to their new diet.

While it may sound like a good idea, especially in light of all the recent commercial pet food recalls, making your own cat food at home is actually a labor intensive process and it can get a little expensive unless you plan ahead. To make your own cat foods at home start with only the best fresh ingredients and don't give your pet anything of questionable quality such as older meats that you would not want to eat yourself.

Just like humans cats require a balanced diet so it is helpful to understand a bit about cat nutrition before creating your own homemade cat food. There are a number of websites online devoted to cat health with articles on the topic of making your homemade cat food. Catnutrition.org is an excellent source of information and features a free beneficial handout specifically about cat food and cat health with information on commercial and home made cat foods.

In addition to your fresh ingredients you will need a grinder and several small storage containers for keeping your homemade raw cat food in the refrigerator and freezer. It is important to remember that raw food should not be left sitting out for long periods of time since it can and will develop bacteria that can make your pet sick.

Common opinion is that cats, like humans, are meant to be carnivorous. However, if you are following a vegan or vegetarian diet and would like the same for your cat you can find a recipe for vegan cat food at http://www.ehow.com/how_2053681_make-vegan-cat-food.html. If you are not trying to turn your cat into an herbivore and just want healthy organic food for your cat you can find a recipe at http://www.ehow.com/how_2032608_oranic-cat-food.html.

While the average person may not have the time to grind up raw bones into meal to add to their homemade pet food (remember this is labor intensive) and therefore might choose to skip this step it is important to be sure your pet is receiving the proper nutrition and that means adding supplements to the food you are making. Be sure to do a little research before you begin to get the best results and have a happy healthy pet.