As a cat parent, I have allways been on the lookout for the best possible nutrition for them. Over the past few months I’ve been exploring the world of sustainable cat food – and let me tell you, the benefits are purr-fect!
You might not be aware that traditional cat food often relies on unsustainable practices, like using meat from factory-farmed animals or ingredients that aren’t great for the environment. On the other hand, sustainable cat food takes a different approach, focusing on eco-friendly, high-quality ingredients that are better for our cats and the planet.
In this article, I’ll share 5 delicious and easy-to-make sustainable cat food recipes you can make at home that your feline friend will go wild for. Plus, I’ll give you the scoop on how you can feed your cat sustainably, the most environmentally friendly animal protein options, and some ready-made sustainable cat food options you can find on Amazon.
Why Sustainable Cat Food Matters
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why sustainable cat food is so important. Here are a few key reasons why you should consider making the switch:
Now that you know why sustainable cat food is a game-changer, let’s explore how you can feed your cat sustainably!
How Can I Feed My Cat Sustainably?
Feeding your cat sustainably doesn’t have to be a challenge! Here are a few tips to help you make eco-friendly choices when it comes to your cat’s diet:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Look for cat food made with whole, natural ingredients. Opt for brands that source their protein from sustainable farms and prioritize ethical practices.
- Incorporate Plant-Based Ingredients: While cats are obligate carnivores, adding some plant-based ingredients like vegetables and grains can lower the carbon footprint of their diet. Just be sure to balance their meals to meet their nutritional needs.
- Reduce Packaging Waste: Consider buying in bulk or choosing brands that use minimal, recyclable, or compostable packaging. You can also use refillable containers for dry food.
- Make Your Own Cat Food: With the recipes I’ll share below, you can prepare meals for your cat using sustainable ingredients, reducing reliance on commercial cat food and its associated environmental impact.
- Support Sustainable Brands: Look for brands that have a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. This way, your purchases support responsible practices in the pet food industry.
Now that you have some tips for feeding your cat sustainably, let’s jump into those delicious recipes!
5 Sustainable Cat Food Recipes
Chicken and Sweet Potato Cat Food
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken thighs and diced sweet potato on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potato is tender.
- Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked sweet potato, brown rice, chia seeds, and ground flaxseed.
- Add the water and mix everything together until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into individual portions and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This recipe is a great example of sustainable cat food because it uses:
- Chicken from a local, ethical farm
- Sweet potatoes, a nutrient-dense and environmentally-friendly vegetable
- Whole grains like brown rice
- Chia and flaxseed, which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids
Plus, you can make a big batch and freeze it for easy, on-the-go meals for your feline friend.
Tuna and Quinoa Cat Food
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of wild-caught tuna, drained
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup steamed broccoli, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon dried catnip (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mash the drained tuna with a fork.
- Stir in the cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, and coconut oil until well combined.
- If desired, sprinkle in the dried catnip and mix it in.
- Divide the mixture into individual portions and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
This recipe is sustainable because it uses:
- Wild-caught tuna, which is a more eco-friendly source of protein than farmed fish
- Quinoa, a nutrient-rich and environmentally-friendly grain
- Broccoli, a vitamin-packed vegetable that’s easy to grow and source locally
- Coconut oil, a sustainable and healthy fat
The addition of catnip is optional, but it can be a fun and natural way to entice your cat to enjoy their sustainable meal.
Beef and Veggie Cat Food
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef from a local, sustainable farm
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced green beans
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1 tablespoon bone broth
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add the cooked lentils, diced carrots, diced green beans, and oats to the pan with the beef. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the bone broth and mix everything together until well incorporated.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then divide it into individual portions and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This recipe is sustainable because it uses:
- Grass-fed, local beef, which has a lower environmental impact than factory-farmed beef
- Lentils, a nutrient-dense and eco-friendly legume
- Fresh, seasonal vegetables like carrots and green beans
- Oats, a whole grain that’s easy to source and grow
The addition of bone broth adds extra nutrients and moisture to keep your cat’s meal moist and delicious.
Salmon and Sweet Potato Cat Food
Ingredients:
- 1 lb wild-caught salmon filet
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the salmon filet and diced sweet potato on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the sweet potato is tender.
- Once cooled, flake the salmon using a fork.
- In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, cooked sweet potato, quinoa, coconut oil, and dried parsley. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into individual portions and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This recipe is sustainable because it uses:
- Wild-caught salmon, which is a more eco-friendly and ethical source of protein than farmed fish
- Sweet potatoes, a nutrient-dense and environmentally-friendly vegetable
- Quinoa, a whole grain that’s easy to grow and source
- Coconut oil, a sustainable and healthy fat
- Dried parsley, a flavorful and easy-to-grow herb
Your cat will love the delicious combination of flavors and textures in this sustainable meal.
Veggie and Grain Cat Food
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup diced zucchini
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, lentils, diced zucchini, diced bell pepper, pumpkin puree, and chia seeds.
- Mix everything together until well incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into individual portions and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This recipe is sustainable because it uses:
- Whole grains like brown rice, which are environmentally-friendly and nutrient-dense
- Lentils, a protein-packed and eco-friendly legume
- Fresh, seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers
- Pumpkin puree, a vitamin-rich and sustainable ingredient
- Chia seeds, a superfood that’s easy to grow and source
This veggie-and-grain-based recipe is a great option for cats who need a more plant-based diet or for those who are looking to reduce their cat’s carbon paw-print.
What Is the Most Environmentally Friendly Animal Protein?
When it comes to animal protein, some options are more sustainable than others. The most environmentally friendly animal proteins include:
- Fish: Specifically, wild-caught fish from sustainable fisheries can be a great protein source. Look for products that carry certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label, which indicates responsible fishing practices.
- Poultry: Chicken and turkey, especially when sourced from local farms that prioritize humane practices, tend to have a lower carbon footprint compared to red meat options.
- Grass-Fed Beef: While beef is generally less sustainable than poultry or fish, grass-fed beef can be more environmentally friendly than grain-finished beef if sourced from local farms that practice regenerative agriculture.
- Insects: Though not as common in pet food, insect protein is gaining traction as a sustainable and nutritious alternative. Insect farming has a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional livestock.
By choosing these environmentally friendly protein sources, you can help reduce your cat’s carbon paw-print while still providing them with the nutrition they need.
Ready-Made Sustainable Cat Food Options on Amazon
If making your own sustainable cat food seems a bit too time-consuming, don’t worry! There are plenty of great ready-made options available on Amazon. Here are a few of my top picks:
- Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Cat Food: This recipe uses high-quality, sustainable ingredients like cage-free chicken and non-GMO fruits and veggies.
- Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food: Formulated with premium, sustainable proteins and superfoods, this dry food is a great option for eco-conscious cat parents.
- Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Cat Food: Made with certified organic ingredients, this dry food is a sustainable and nutritious choice for your feline friend.
- Purina Beyond Canned Cat Food, Grain Free, Organic: These canned wet food recipes use high-quality, organic proteins and produce for a sustainable and delicious meal.
- Halo Holistic Grain Free Natural Wet Cat Food: Featuring sustainably-sourced proteins and non-GMO vegetables, this wet food is a great option for cats who prefer a moisture-rich diet.
Conclusion
Making the switch to sustainable cat food is a great way to provide your cat with the best possible nutrition while also reducing your environmental impact. Whether you choose to make your own recipes or opt for a ready-made sustainable option, your cat is sure to love the delicious and nutritious meals.
Remember, the key to sustainable cat food is using high-quality, eco-friendly ingredients and avoiding overly processed or factory-farmed products. With a little bit of creativity and planning, you can whip up some purr-fectly sustainable meals that your cat will go wild for.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get cooking and give your cat the sustainable, healthy diet they deserve!
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