We all know that a nutritionally balanced diet made up of high quality ingredients is vital to a long and healthy life. But with so many types of senior cat food on the market, how can you be sure that you’re choosing one that fits your elderly feline’s dietary restrictions? Well, in short, extensive research! This is only one option though – you might also opt for a few vet-approved recipes that you can create in your own kitchen.
Now, before making any sort of drastic switch in the food you serve to your cat, you should clear it with your veterinarian. Unfortunately, there isn’t one size fits all when it comes to transitioning your cat to senior food. So, your vet will have a better understanding of the health of your feline and what they require as they enter their golden years!
Although cats are obligate carnivores, there is a lot more involved than just giving them some meat. It’s important to make sure they are getting the right amount of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals, and this is particularly important for our older felines. This can be really tricky to do at home, which is why AAFCO-approved and formulated cat foods are the safest way to go. There are lots more options these days when it comes to commercial cat food, with companies like Smalls that make freshly prepared meals that are just like homemade but have been tested to ensure they meet AAFCO standards.
The following recipes will provide you with some great inspiration for creating some healthy homemade recipes for your geriatric feline, but we recommend that these are only given once or twice a week as a special treat.
The 6 Homemade Cat Food Recipes for Senior Cats:
1. The Easiest Senior Cat Food Recipe
Chicken & Tuna Senior Cat Food
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Storage container
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken breast (plain) cooked
- 1/2 can tuna within springwater with oil
- 1 tbsp cooked sweet potato or pumpkin
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces
- Combine with the tuna & veg and serve!
- If your elderly cat struggles with eating chunks, you can combine all three ingredients in your blender or food processor to create a paté consistency.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days or the freezer for up to three weeks.
Notes
2. Tuna Patties
This easy to assemble recipe includes 4 ingredients that will keep your senior cat both intrigued and satisfied. Ready in a whopping 15 minutes means you will able to whip this meal up for your feline in a jiffy. The recipe yields 6 patties and depending on your cat’s feeding schedule will last two or three days in the fridge. The best part about this recipe is that the ingredients are simple enough to stockpile in your pantry. Make sure that when you are choosing canned products, that you select the ones that are free of any additives.
3. Supplemented Chicken Cat Food
This recipe will require a bit more of a commitment from you as it takes about an hour to prepare and includes a few supplements that senior cats may benefit from. Now before supplementing your feline with any of the vitamins in this recipe it is important that you receive approval from your vet! Once you have the A-OK, you can proceed with this hearty senior cat food recipe!
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4. Mackerel Recipe for Senior Cats
Fish is an excellent source of fatty yet nutritional oils for cats. When we think of their love for fish, tuna might be the first swimmer to pop into our heads, but mackerel is a much healthier option. This recipe would be a great treat for a senior cat once or twice a week to ensure they get their fill of the healthy fats mackerel provides! Sardines are another great alternative if you are looking to swap mackerel occasionally.
5. Homemade Chicken Cat Food
This recipe is a great option if your senior cat also has a sensitive tummy. This recipe is cooked, simple, and sure to be a favorite of your mature feline! There are only 4 ingredients, each natural and free of additives, making it easily digestible.
6. Homemade Beef Cat Food
Here is another great option for senior cats with sensitivities. Limited and all-natural ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe one for the books!
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Wrapping Up
Of course, old age is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean we need to start preparing for the worst. It means we should prepare for the long haul! Maintaining the health of your feline as they age should be a priority and starting with their food is an excellent idea.
We hope that you have found these unique yet simple recipes useful when learning how to make cat food for senior cats!
Looking for more great recipes for your feline? Check these out!
Feature Image Credit: Kristi Blokhin, Shutterstock
