Let’s be honest here – your wallet is crying every time you walk down the pet food aisle. I get it. Between rent, groceries, and that streaming service you forgot to cancel (again), pet food costs feel like they’re spiraling out of control. But what if I told you there’s a way to feed your feline friend premium nutrition for less than you’re spending on that basic Friskies?
You heard that right. We’re talking about homemade raw cat food that costs just $2.04 per pound compared to Friskies’ $2.33 per pound. And before you roll your eyes thinking this is some complicated culinary nightmare – it’s not. This is real food for real cats, made by real people who don’t have time for Pinterest-perfect pet cuisine.
Why Homemade Raw Cat Food Makes Perfect Sense (Especially Now)
Picture this: You are standing in a pet store, staring at a can of cat food that is costing more per ounce than your lunch. Meanwhile, your cat gives you that look – you know the one – like they’re judging your life choices. Well, maybe it’s time to make some better ones.
Commercial cat food prices have gone through the roof, and honestly, half of the ingredients sound like they belong in a chemistry lab rather than your cat’s bowl. When you are making raw cat food at home, you’re not just saving money – you’re taking control of exactly what goes into your furry friend’s body.
Think about it: in the wild, cats really don’t hunt down processed kibble trees. They eat whole prey – meat, organs, bones, and all. This recipe mimics that natural diet while keeping your bank account happy.
The Real Cost Breakdown: Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s talk dollars and cents because that’s what really matters here. For 10 pounds of homemade raw cat food, here’s what you’re looking at:
| Ingredient | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs (10 lbs) | $1.29/lb | $12.90 |
| Chicken Hearts (14 oz) | Various | $2.50 |
| Chicken Livers (7 oz) | Various | $1.80 |
| Supplements & Additives | Mixed | $3.21 |
| Total for 10 pounds | $20.41 | |
| Cost per pound | $2.04 |
Compare that to Friskies at $2.33 per pound, and you’re saving $0.29 per pound. That might not sound like much actually, but if your cat eats 2 pounds of food per week and you are saving over $30 per year. And that’s just comparing to basic commercial food – premium brands can cost $4-6 per pound.
Your Complete Shopping List (No Fancy Ingredients Required)
Here’s what you need to grab on your next grocery run. Most of this stuff you can find at any regular supermarket – no need to hunt down specialty pet stores.
The Main Players:
- 10 pounds of chicken thighs (fresh, with skin and bones)
- 14 ounces of chicken hearts (check ethnic markets if your regular store doesn’t have them)
- 7 ounces of chicken livers (usually easy to find)
- 4 raw eggs (you’ll only use the yolks)
The Supporting Cast (Supplements):
- Taurine capsules (2,000 mg total needed)
- Fish oil (4,000 mg – Grizzly Salmon Plus Omega 360 works great)
- Vitamin B complex capsules (200 mg needed)
- Kelp powder (2 teaspoons)
- Liquid Vitamin E (1/8 teaspoon)
Optional Extras (For the Overachievers):
- Powdered grass supplement (barley grass, wheatgrass, alfalfa blend)
- Vegetables (steamed carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, or butternut squash)
Pro tip: Can’t find chicken hearts? No worries. Just use an extra 14 ounces of chicken thigh meat and bump up your taurine supplement to 4,000 mg total.
The Step-by-Step Process (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Like a Pro
Start with those chicken thighs. Here’s where you get to play butcher (in a good way):
- Remove skin from half the thighs – keep some fat because cats need it, but don’t go overboard
- Remove about 25% of the bones – you want some bone content for calcium, but not too much
- Cut everything into smaller pieces that’ll fit through your meat grinder
If your cat needs to lose weight, remove more skin. If they’re a skinny little thing, keep more fat.
Step 2: Time to Grind (Get Your Equipment Ready)
You’ll need a stand mixer with a meat grinder attachment for this. Yes, it’s an investment (around $80), but think of it as buying a 40 pounds worth of premium cat food upfront. It pays for itself pretty quickly.
Start grinding the organ meats first – they’re softer and easier to process. Hearts and livers go through like butter. Then move on to your chicken pieces. The grinder can handle bones, so don’t stress about getting every tiny piece out.
Step 3: Mix It Up (Literally)
Once everything’s ground up, it’s time to add your supplements. Put on some gloves (trust me on this) and mix everything by hand. Add:
- 4 raw egg yolks (ditch the whites – they mess with B vitamin absorption)
- All your supplements according to the amounts listed above
- Optional vegetables if you’re feeling fancy (1-2 cups max)
Mix it thoroughly. This is your workout for the day.
Storage Solutions That Actually Work
You’ve made 10 pounds of cat food – now what? Freezing is non-negotiable for food safety. Here are three methods that actually work:
Method 1: Ice Cube Trays
Perfect for portion control. One cube = one serving for most cats.
Method 2: Cookie Sheet Method
Scoop one-ounce portions onto parchment paper, freeze, then transfer to freezer bags.
Method 3: Paper Ice Cream Containers (My Personal Favorite)
Buy these in bulk online. They stack beautifully in the freezer and hold the perfect amount for a few days’ worth of meals.
Important: Don’t add water before freezing. Add it just before serving to mimic the moisture content of commercial wet food.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because I Know You’re Wondering)
Is raw food actually safe for cats?
Raw food mimics what cats eat in nature. The key is proper handling and fresh ingredients. Always freeze homemade raw food and thaw only what you’ll use within 48 hours.
Can I use other meats besides chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey, cornish game hens, quail, or rabbit all work. Just adjust for different bone contents – some meats are bonelier than others.
What if my cat won’t eat it?
Transition slowly. Mix small amounts with their current food and gradually increase the ratio. Some cats are stubborn, but most come around when they realize how good this stuff tastes.
Do I really need all those supplements?
Yes, especially the taurine. Cats can’t make their own taurine, and deficiency causes serious heart problems. The other supplements ensure nutritional completeness.
How long does homemade cat food last?
Frozen: up to 6 months. Thawed in fridge: 48 hours max. When in doubt, throw it out.
Equipment You Actually Need (No Fluff)
Let’s be real about what you need to make this work:
Essential:
- Food scale (under $10 at most stores)
- Stand mixer with meat grinder attachment (~$80 investment)
- Large mixing bowl
- Disposable gloves
- Storage containers (ice cube trays or paper containers)
Nice to Have:
- Kitchen scale for precise supplement measuring
- Freezer space (obviously)
Variety is the Spice of Life (Even for Cats)
Don’t feel like you have to make this recipe forever. Mix things up! Rotate between homemade raw, high-quality commercial raw, and premium canned foods. Your cat will appreciate the food variety, and you’ll have backup options for busy weeks.
Some cats are food snobs, others will eat anything. Figure out what your cat prefers and adjust accordingly.
When Homemade Might NOT Be Right for You
Let’s be honest – this isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Skip homemade raw if:
- You’re squeamish about handling raw meat
- You don’t have freezer space
- Your schedule is too chaotic for meal prep
- You have a compromised immune system in your household
- Your cat has specific medical dietary needs
There’s no shame in choosing quality commercial food if homemade isn’t practical for your situation.
The Bottom Line: Your Cat’s Health AND Your Wallet
Making homemade raw cat food isn’t just about saving money – though saving $30+ per year per cat doesn’t hurt. It’s about knowing exactly what you’re feeding your furry family member and giving them nutrition that actually makes sense for their biology.
Will it take more effort than opening a can? Yes. Will your cat’s energy levels, coat quality, and overall health potentially improve? Many pet owners report exactly that. Will you feel like a responsible pet parent who’s not getting ripped off by Big Pet Food? Absolutely.
Ready to give it a try? Start with a smaller batch first – maybe 2-3 pounds worth – to see how your cat responds. You can always scale up once you’ve got the process down and your cat is on board.
Your wallet will thank you, your cat will thank you (in their own aloof way), and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s going into every meal. In a world where everything seems to cost more every month, that’s a win-win-win situation if I ever saw one.
What’s stopping you from trying homemade raw cat food? Share your concerns or success stories in the comments below – I’d love to hear how this works out for you and your feline overlords!