I used to feed all of my cats dry food because that’s what I thought was cat food. But unfortunately, they suffered.
Diabetes, kidney disease, liver failure, cancer, obesity, and the list goes on.
Our last cat, Hemi, was only 3.5 years old when he was put down. Kidney failure.
I also worked as a cat sitter for 3 years with hundreds of cats. And I realized it wasn’t only my cats who suffered. What was the common theme? Kibble.
Our little Hemi was the push that I needed to become a Clinical Pet Nutritionist. And now I know that our cats need a high moisture, high protein, low carb diet to not only survive but thrive!
This diet matches our cat’s natural diet of whole prey. And the best way to mimic this indoors is to feed whole prey and/or a balanced raw diet.
I’ve fed all types raw diets, and I’ve adjusted based on Jericho’s needs and his preferences.
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Jericho’s healthy homemade raw & whole prey recipe
Jericho’s diet is made with whole prey and homemade raw food. Jericho used to eat mice, day-old chicks, hamsters, and extra-small quail. But I’ve reduced that down to day-old chicks only. Jericho lost interest in the rodents, and I think quail was giving him digestive issues. But he loves the chicks!
Here’s the cat food recipe that I formulated for Jericho:
- 15 whole prey DOC
- 1 lb Hare Today rabbit meat/bone/organ
- 1 lb Hare Today duck meat/bone/organ
- 1 lb Viva Raw pure pork
- 1.5 oz cooked salmon
- 1.5 oz cooked blue mussels
- 1.5 oz cooked oysters
- 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon green lipped mussel powder
Technically on paper this diet is not complete for choline and biotin. But that’s because whole prey data is lacking. And the USDA usually doesn’t report choline and biotin for most ingredients.
I love feeding whole prey because it’s what our cat’s feral counterparts eat. It’s the most natural cat food. But on top of that, the bones are small and soft enough to chew. So Jericho gets mental stimulation and teeth cleaning benefits from chewing.
I used to feed homemade with raw meaty bones. But Jericho got a dental and had teeth extracted. So I don’t feel comfortable feeding chicken bones anymore.
But DOC bones are still small and soft enough to chew.
I buy whole prey, raw grinds, and green lipped mussel powder from Hare Today. I’ve been buying from them since 2019! They have lots of variety, and it’s always great quality.
I’m also using Viva Raw pure pork since they gifted me that after their launch. I may switch over to Hare Today’s pork after I’m done using Viva Raw since it’s easier to buy from one place.
And I use Paws of Prey Cat Meal Formulator to formulate this part of Jericho’s diet. I love her formulator because it’s beginner-friendly and includes whole prey. She does include Viva Raw’s pure grinds. But Hare Today grinds are not in the formulator. I added those myself to my copy.
Unfortunately, whole prey data is limited. So some nutrients appear low in the diet. But it’s because we don’t have data for those nutrients. I’m using these whole foods to make up for the data that we don’t have.
I also give Jericho a probiotic and enzyme supplement plus slippery elm to help with gut support as we deal with food allergies.
Another part of Jericho’s homemade diet is that I make my own cat treats. I call them carnivore cookies, and Jericho absolutely loves these.
I use these cookies in food puzzles and for clicker training. I prefer using cooked treats since they are easier to break up and handle.
Your healthy homemade cat food plan
Your cat’s homemade diet plan should be based on what works for you and your cat.
I love feeding whole prey because of the mental stimulation and teeth cleaning benefits. But whole prey is the most costly option. And I have to order it online.
Premade raw is very easy and convenient. But it does cost more than homemade. Homemade is the most cost-effective option. But it takes more time to buy ingredients and meal prep.
I’ve tested all types of raw feeding and have adjusted based on Jericho’s needs and preferences.
All options are very easy to do once you have a good plan in place. And you don’t have to feed 100% of any style. It’s all about finding what works best for you!
Ready to switch to raw for a happier cat? Check out my raw feeding cats guide to see which raw diet is best for you and your cat.
