Cat food your cats will thank you for! (and how to make it)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make nutritious homemade cat food that your feline friends will love. This recipe is not only economical but also easy to prepare using an Instant Pot. You'll be able to provide your cats with a balanced diet while saving money compared to store-bought options. Let's dive into the ingredients and the step-by-step process!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 Whole Chicken (about 6 lbs) with neck and organ meat
• 2 cups White Rice (or oatmeal, optional)
• 1 can Pumpkin Puree (do not use pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 cups Ground Flax Seed (finely ground)
• 4 Large Eggs
• Nutritional Yeast Flakes
• Toasted Wheat Germ
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables
• Ground Turmeric
• Black Pepper
• Taurine Supplement
• Refined Coconut Oil

Step 2: Prepare Your Equipment

Make sure you have the following equipment ready for use:

• 16 qt stock pot
• Mesh Strainer
• 6 quart Instant Pot

You can find links to these items on Amazon for convenience.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Place the whole chicken in the Instant Pot.
2. Add enough water to cover the chicken.
3. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on the poultry setting or high pressure for 25-30 minutes.
4. Allow the pressure to release naturally.

Step 4: Prepare the Rice

1. While the chicken is cooking, rinse 2 cups of white rice under cold water.
2. Cook the rice separately according to package instructions until fluffy.

Step 5: Mix All Ingredients

1. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and let it cool.
2. Shred the chicken meat, discarding the bones and skin.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, pumpkin puree, ground flax seed, eggs, nutritional yeast, toasted wheat germ, vegetables, turmeric, black pepper, and taurine supplement.
4. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. The mixture may look a bit soupy initially.

Step 6: Store the Cat Food

1. Use a mesh strainer to portion the mixture into jars or containers.
2. Seal the containers and store them in the pantry or cabinet for long-term use.
3. Once opened, refrigerate the jar you are currently using.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not use any salted or seasoned ingredients, as they can harm your cat's health.
• Avoid human seasonings such as garlic or onion, which are toxic to cats.

Conclusion

Making homemade cat food is a rewarding way to care for your pets while being budget-friendly. This recipe yields enough food for 42 servings, ensuring your cats get their daily nutritional needs. With the right ingredients and preparation, you can create a meal that will have your kitties purring with gratitude. Ready to get started? Gather your supplies and enjoy cooking for your furry friends!