Cats are animals strict carnivoresThey have been predators since they began to evolve, and they probably always will be, since they are predators and, of course, hunting only to not eat would represent an unnecessary expenditure of energy. Although nowadays we tend to feed them kibble more frequently, even if it is of very good quality, it can never have the same nutritional value and freshness as the homemade food well balanced.
When we talk about natural feeding, it's not about keeping rodents in the refrigerator and feeding them little by little, but about knowing how to prepare meat for cats safely. Any type of meat, whether chicken, pork, beef, or others, can be an excellent base if cooked properly.
What meat to give to cats?
This question has a simple answer: the one that is suitable for human consumptionThis means we must buy the ingredients at the supermarket or the local butcher, making sure they have passed strict controls. quality controlsAlthough buying human-grade meat may seem more expensive, it is an investment in health that avoids future expenses at veterinarians.
Understanding the composition of a healthy diet is fundamental. If we look at the cat's most common prey, the mouse, we see that it consists of approximately... 60% water20% protein and a small percentage of carbohydrates and fiber. animal fats (up to 12%) are essential and should not be missing from your diet to guarantee energy and cellular function.
Advantages and disadvantages of homemade food
Choosing to cook at home offers clear benefits, primarily the choice of quality and the origin of the ingredients. You control the exact composition, allowing you to meet your pet's individual needs. Furthermore, using reusable containers reduces waste. waste production compared to commercial cans.
However, there are risks if you lack nutritional knowledge. The main danger is that the food may not contain all the necessary nutrients. essential nutrients (such as taurine), which can lead to serious deficiencies. Therefore, it is highly recommended to seek advice from a specialized veterinarian in feline nutrition.
Other drawbacks include the investment of time which requires cooking and logistics during the holidays. To optimize this, it is recommended to batch cookingCook large quantities once a week or month and freeze the portions in individual servings.
How to prepare meat: Cooking methods and safety
There are two main paths: the BARF diet (raw foods) and cooked food. In this article, we focus on the BARF diet. cooked meat, which eliminates pathogens and parasites, reducing germ contamination for the animal and the human environment.
To preserve nutrients, the ideal method is gentle cooking: steamed, baked or grilledIt is recommended that the inside of the meat reach the 75ºC for a few minutes to kill bacteria without destroying vitamins. In the case of vegetables, which aid digestion, it is preferable to steam or bake them to avoid the leaching (loss of nutrients in the boiling water).
It is vital to keep in mind that the pork It must be thoroughly cooked to prevent transmission of the Aujeszky's disease virus. Raw poultry can also contain [unspecified pathogens]. salmonellaTherefore, hygiene in the kitchen is paramount to protect children and immunocompromised people.
How to prepare a homemade recipe?
If you're looking for a simple and nutritious homemade recipe, we recommend the following:
Ingredients
- 1 liter of meat broth (strictly without salt, leek, garlic or onion, as these are toxic to cats).
- 500 grams of meat veal, pork or beef.
- 100 grams of meat rs.
Step by step
- Cut all the meat in very small pieces to make chewing easier.
- Place the pieces in a pot with water (or the prepared broth) and Cook them for 45 minutes.
- Check the texture by piercing the meat; it should be soft and fall apart easily.
- Turn off the fire and leave rest until completely cooled.
- Serve the desired portion.
Tips for transition and conservation
If your cat isn't used to natural food, the change should be gradual. Start by mixing a quarter of the new recipe with their usual food, gradually increasing the proportion over several days to avoid digestive discomfort.
Beware gourmet catsIf you only give them the part they like best (like liver), they could develop deficiencies. Make sure they consume the full range of nutrients.
How to preserve the meat recipe?
To maintain freshness and food safety, you have two main options:
- In the fridgeStore the meat in a sealed airtight container. This way, it will keep until 3 days without deteriorating.
- In the freezerUse silicone molds or freezer balls. This way, the food will stay perfectly preserved. 2 months.
Preparing homemade food is a sign of love and care for our feline friends, allowing us to control each ingredient to improve their quality of life, as long as it is done under a appropriate nutritional guidance and respecting hygiene and cooking measures.