Having any pet can be difficult during times of need. Cats can be especially finicky regarding food and a bit over the top about diet changes. There have been plenty of times that a well-meaning owner purchases expensive prescription food only for their cat to refuse to try it. In this article, we will explore a few homemade cat food weight gain recipes to help along with your veterinarian’s protocol. As always, we at A-Z Animals want you to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations first and foremost. We are animal lovers and experts but are not veterinarians. Your veterinarian always knows how to help your cat. Always check with them before beginning any new diet or homemade cat food regime and regarding any issues you see arise.
Homemade Cat Food Weight Gain Recipes
Elderly cats often struggle with keeping weight on.
©Lia Kos/Shutterstock.com
It can be hard to know what is making your beloved feline friend lose weight, though numerous ailments can. Some of the easier causes are tapeworms or other intestinal parasites, conflicts with other pets, and poor nutrition prior to adoption. They should still be discussed with your vet so they can be correctly handled and diagnosed.
Some of the more difficult-to-diagnose causes are hyperthyroidism (typically seen in elderly cats), anemia from severe flea infestations or internal bleeding, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, painful dental issues, pancreatitis, kidney disease, gallbladder issues, hyperadrenocorticism, and so forth. This is why it is of utmost importance to see your vet when you see that your cat is losing weight. Bloodwork may seem expensive, but it could very well be what saves your best friend’s life.
CAUTION: Be cautious about what you feed your cat. They are carnivores who require different vitamins and nutrition than we do to keep them healthy. Just because homemade cat food makes a cat gain weight does not necessarily mean it’s good for them in their situation. Be mindful and do not simply feed them treats, cheese, and fattening meats like bacon. These foods can end up causing more harm than good or even killing them.
1. Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- One cup of boiled chicken
- 1/4 cup of cooked and soft brown or white rice (white rice is easier to digest)
- 1/4 cup of low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon of fish oil
Instructions
- Cook the chicken and rice separately until the rice is soft and the chicken isn’t raw.
- Chop the chicken into small pieces. If your cat prefers a pate mixture, use a food processor for the chicken and rice combination.
- Mix the chicken and rice in a bowl by stirring thoroughly.
- Add in the chicken broth and fish oil, stirring until everything is mixed.
- Serve in small portions.
Tip: If your cat is new to rice, start by only adding a small amount to the mixture to help with digestion. You can also add a tablespoon of feline probiotic powder to the mixture or add a packet of feline probiotics to each serving.
2. Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of canned tuna (in water, not oil)
- 1/4 cup of mashed sweet potato
- 1/4 teaspoon of fish oil
Instructions
- Drain the canned tuna and place it in a bowl.
- Boil the sweet potatoes without skin.
- Mash the sweet potato and mix it with the tuna.
- Add the salmon oil, stirring thoroughly. If your cat prefers a pate, add the mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Serve in small portions, ensuring it’s fresh and at room temperature.
Tip: If your cat has digestive issues, a tablespoon of feline probiotic powder can be added, or a packet of feline probiotics can be added to each serving. Fortiflora is a great choice.
3. Salmon and Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 4 ounces of salmon
Instructions
- Boil the eggs and allow them to cool.
- Bake the salmon at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
- Put the salmon and eggs into a food processor until finely chunked.
- Serve in small, fresh portions.
Tip: Cooked salmon is easier for your cat to digest and kills any parasites in the fish.
4. Cooked Rabbit and Poultry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of pre-ground rabbit (meat, bones, and liver)
- 1/2 pound of boneless chicken or turkey meat/fat
- 1/2 cup of water (or more if your cat likes it)
- 2 eggs boiled or scrambled
- 1 tablespoon of fish oil
- 25 mg of vitamin B-complex
Instructions
- Thaw the pre-ground rabbit.
- Cut the boneless chicken or turkey meat/fat into small pieces.
- Whisk together the water, vitamin B-complex, and fish oil in a small bowl.
- Combine the pre-ground rabbit, ground chicken/turkey, and eggs in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Pour the supplement slurry over the meat mixture and mix well again.
- Add the mixture to the food processor. Blend until a chunky pate texture is reached.
- Feed in small portions while fresh.
Tip: More can be made of the recipe and frozen into small containers for servings. Fresh is always best.
5. Turkey and Pumpkin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of cooked turkey (boiled or baked)
- 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin (puree, not pie filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon of fish oil
Instructions
- Cook the turkey until fully cooked.
- Shred the cooked turkey into small pieces.
- Mix the shredded turkey and canned pumpkin in a bowl.
- Add the fish oil and stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Serve in small portions.
Tip: The recipe can be made with chicken if desired.
6. Scrambled Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 fresh, not expired eggs
- 1 teaspoon of butter
Instructions
- Fry the eggs using a tiny amount of butter so they do not stick to your pan. Do not add any seasoning or any other ingredients.
- Serve in small, fresh portions.
Tip: Always make sure to cook the eggs thoroughly.
7. Tuna and Oats Recipe
Ingredients
- Canned low-sodium tuna in water
- Oats without additives. Instant oatmeal is fine.
- 1 tablespoon of fish oil
Instructions
- Drain the tuna and place in a bowl.
- Cook or microwave the oats depending on the instructions, whether they are instant or slowly cooked.
- Add 1 tablespoon of fish oil.
- Mix ingredients together and put in the food processor until a slightly chunky pate.
- Serve in small, fresh portions.
Tip: Fresh tuna or salmon can be used in place of canned tuna.
