Homemade Cat Food Raises Concerns

As a conscious, responsible cat owner, you want to make sure your cat is eating the healthiest food she can. If you’re interested in making cat food at home, be aware that your cat has very different nutritional needs than you do. A study showed that more than 90% of homemade pet foods were found to be nutritionally unbalanced and incomplete for pets.* Without the proper quantity and balance of nutrients, your cat could end up with a variety of health problems. For example, cats need a careful balance of calcium and phosphorus to ensure a healthy metabolism.**

Cats are strict carnivores, so they must have meat for protein and a fat source; they also cannot derive the same nutritional sources we do from plant-based sources. To maintain a balanced diet, your cat also needs amino acids such as arginine and taurine (taurine is essential for your cat’s heart and vision), fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and water. A modest amount of carbohydrates will provide your cat with useful energy, but too many carbs can result in obesity.

Most concerns associated with homemade cat food are with raw or undercooked meats, which can cause foodborne illnesses in you and your cat. Raw meats often contain bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and even E. coli. These serious pathogens can be passed from your cat to anyone she comes in contact with; small children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are at highest risk. Raw bones can also tear or obstruct your cat’s gastrointestinal tract and damage her teeth. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends these actions to eliminate these possible health risks: