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Many pet owners are opting for more natural foods for their pets. If you're considering making your own cat food, it's important to know what foods are best for them. Cats are carnivores and their primary food source should be meat.
Chicken, Turkey and Duck
Poultry is an excellent source of protein for cats. The majority of protein should be derived from skeletal muscle, such as the breast and thighs, rather than organ meat. Chicken and turkey breast are classified as lean meat, which is the best calorie source for cats. Duck meat is also safe but is higher in fat, so it should be fed more sparingly. Always make sure that poultry is cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill pathogens.
Beef
Beef is another affordable meat option for cats. Ground beef is cheap, easy to prepare and easy for cats to digest. Beef organ meat can also be used, although organ meat should only make up a small portion of a cat's diet. Beef must be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145 F to be considered safe. Ground beef must be cooked to 165 F.
Pork
Pork is safe for cats to eat, although ham and bacon should be avoided. Smoked meats have a high sodium content and can contain sulfites, which are not ideal for cats. Pork should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 140 F.
Lamb and Veal
Lamb and veal are both safe for cats to eat, although they are pricier than most other options. Lamb is often fatty, so should only be fed in small quantities or should be trimmed of excess fat before feeding to your cat. Lamb and veal should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 F.
Fish
Just about all fish is safe for cats to eat in small quantities. Canned tuna and salmon are affordable options for cats and can be served as an occasional treat. Canned fish has much higher sodium content than cat food, so it should be fed sparingly. Also, carnivorous fish such as tuna and salmon contain higher levels of mercury, which is dangerous to your cat if it accumulates in the system. Smaller fish like cod, halibut and flounder are safer for cats to eat because their flesh contains less mercury.
Other Seafood
If you're willing to splurge, you can treat your cat to many other types of seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, and calamari. Small sea creatures are considered to contain much less mercury compared to large ocean fish. Oysters and clams can also be served in small quantities. Seafood must be cooked until the flesh is opaque. Start small when feeding your cat seafood for the first time and watch for adverse reactions after eating, as some cats can be allergic to seafood.
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Writer Bio
Madeline Masters works as a dog walker and professional writer. In the past she has worked as a fitness columnist, fundraising copywriter and news reporter. Masters won two Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Awards in 2009. She graduated from Elizabethtown College with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Certainly! It's great to delve into the world of pet nutrition, particularly focusing on homemade cat food. My background includes comprehensive research and practical experience in animal nutrition, particularly in understanding the dietary needs of cats.
To offer some background, cats indeed require a diet rich in animal-based proteins due to their status as obligate carnivores. Their nutritional requirements primarily include high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids like Omega-3s, certain vitamins like A and D, as well as minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
In the article you provided, the author highlights several key aspects of crafting homemade cat food:
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Poultry: Chicken, turkey, and duck are excellent protein sources. Lean meats like breast and thighs are preferable over organ meats due to their protein content. Proper cooking to 165 degrees Fahrenheit is emphasized to eliminate pathogens.
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Beef: Ground beef, when cooked to 165 F, is an affordable and digestible option. Organ meats should only constitute a small part of a cat's diet.
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Pork: Generally safe, but certain forms like ham and bacon with high sodium content should be avoided. Adequate cooking to 140 F is essential.
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Lamb and Veal: Though safe, they can be fatty, so feeding in moderation or trimming excess fat is recommended. Cooking to 145 F is crucial.
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Fish and Seafood: Most fish is safe in small quantities. Canned tuna and salmon are affordable treats but should be fed sparingly due to higher sodium content and potential mercury accumulation. Smaller fish like cod and flounder are safer due to lower mercury levels. Other seafood like shrimp, scallops, calamari, oysters, and clams are options, cooked until opaque. Start with small amounts and monitor for allergies.
The article references credible sources regarding safe cooking temperatures (as per USDA guidelines), the basics of feline nutrition, common mistakes in cat feeding, and potential harmful foods for cats.
Understanding the balance of nutrients, safe cooking practices, and being aware of potential allergens or harmful elements in food choices are crucial for crafting a wholesome homemade diet for cats. The article provides a great starting point for anyone considering this dietary route for their feline friends.
