There are no arguments when we say that homemade foods are healthier for human beings. However, is the same true for cats as well? Big brands often tell us that only commercially produced cat food is ideal for felines since it is made in a controlled environment.
Cat owners are positively discouraged from feeding their cats a homemade diet. After all, it is time to bust the myth that cats cannot be fed a homemade diet! This guide compares homemade cat food with commercially produced varieties and how homemade food is an overall healthier option.
Commercial Cat Food vs. Homemade Cat Food
Traditionally, cat owners have fed commercially produced cat food to their feline friends, which comes in two main varieties.
The first one is wet cat food. This is usually marketed in cans or other tin containers and refrigerated. This form of cat food does not have a very long shelf life since it is perishable and can cost you a lot.
The second, more cost-effective cat food variety is dry cat food, which can last for much longer in your pantry. This usually comes in kibble, dried cubes, or balls. Dry cat food is usually made of animal protein mixed with various grains, such as corn.
On the other hand, homemade cat food is usually prepared by cat owners at home, on the stove, or in the oven! While you can feed your cat raw animal product, it is not recommended.
Raw animal meat may contain hidden pathogens and bacteria that could make your feline friend ill. This is why all good homemade cat food recipes involve some cooking and heating. Homemade food can be prepared in a matter of minutes since you usually need to cook up a protein source (e.g., fish or meat) and then mix it with some oil or vegetables.
You can add whatever meat is readily available in your pantries, such as chicken, beef, tuna, or even rabbit! This is why homemade cat food is a much more convenient option than commercial food since you can prepare a meal for your pet while also cooking your dinner.
No Preservatives In Homemade Food
The first and foremost advantage of homemade cat food is that it contains no preservatives. This is what makes it a much healthier option than mass-produced cat food.
Factories that produce cat food on a large scale need to add preservatives and additives since their products have to survive transportation, storage, and packaging. Since these processes can take weeks, preservatives are necessary to prevent the food from going bad.
With homemade cat food, you are entirely sure that no harmful, unnecessary chemical is added to it. The ingredients you use are all clean and natural, which means that only the finest quality product goes into your feline’s stomach.
Homemade Food Leads to a Healthy Coat
Another key advantage of homemade cat food is that you will notice a visible improvement in your cat’s fur and coat. The natural proteins and vitamins in the meats and veggies you use remain intact. On the other hand, many of these essential nutrients are destroyed in commercial foods when these same ingredients are processed.
This is why homemade cat food ensures your cat gets all of nature’s goodies, and these vitamins and proteins visibly improve the appearance of your cat’s fur. Homemade food encourages fur growth, making it heavier and shinier.
Homemade Food Can Save Money!
In addition to being a healthy cat food, homemade cat food is also much cheaper than commercial options. Many people believe the opposite: that store-bought foods are more affordable.
You can indeed get some very cost-efficient kibble from the store, but when you look at some of the higher quality commercial foods, you will see that they are pretty expensive. Since you want to give your cat the best food, buying these high-quality foods can put a strain on your budget.
This is why you can achieve the same quality at home for a much lesser price if you just put some time into preparing your own cat food.
You Can Control the Nutrients
Homemade cat food is considered healthier because you can control the proportion of the nutrients: carbs, proteins, and vitamins. You can easily adjust the quantities of various ingredients to alter the overall nutrient composition of the food you are making.
So, if your cat is overweight or diabetic, you could reduce the amount of starch and carbohydrates you are adding to the food. If you want to encourage growth, you could add more meat. Just stay in touch with your vet regarding any alterations so that you give your cat at least the minimum amount of each nutrient that it needs.
Some Cons of Homemade Cat Food
Now that we know how healthy homemade cat food is, we should discuss its minor disadvantages to give you a fairer picture. Homemade food requires time and effort to prepare since it is not something you can pick up from a store! This makes some people think as inconvenient.
Another disadvantage of preparing your own cat food is that it cannot last as long as store-bought food. You can store it for only a few days in the fridge due to the lack of preservatives.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you understand how healthier it is to give homemade cat food to your lovely cat. This food is easy to prepare, cost-effective, and much more nutritious.
And the best thing about homemade food is that it is free from harmful preservatives and chemicals. You know precisely all the ingredients entering your cat’s stomach.
While it may not be as convenient as store-bought food, a little effort goes a long way with homemade cat food!
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