Cat

Tuna & Sardine Pate

General

Ingredients

  • 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
  • 2 cans (3.75 oz each) sardines in water, drained
  • 100g chicken liver, cooked and chopped
  • 2 large eggs, hard-boiled and mashed
  • 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook chicken liver in a small pot of water over medium heat until fully cooked through (approximately 10-12 minutes), then drain and chop finely.
  2. Hard-boil the eggs by placing them in boiling water for 10 minutes, then cool, peel, and mash with a fork.
  3. Drain the tuna and sardines thoroughly to remove excess sodium from the canning liquid.
  4. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend using a food processor or immersion blender until a smooth, pâté-like consistency is achieved.
  5. Add water or broth gradually during blending to reach desired texture.
  6. Divide meal into individual daily portions and store in airtight containers.

💊 Required Supplements

Per 1 kg of prepared food, add: 2,000 mg taurine powder (critical for cats), 1 teaspoon (5g) bone meal powder or 1,000 mg calcium carbonate for calcium, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cod liver oil for vitamins A and D, 100 IU vitamin E (dry powder or capsule), 25 mg B-complex vitamin supplement, 1/8 teaspoon iodized salt (for iodine), and 10 mg zinc methionine. Mix supplements thoroughly into the food immediately before serving to ensure even distribution.

Nutritional Analysis

1/3 cup (for 10lb cat)
Calories180 kcal
Protein22g (48% DM)
Fat9g (20% DM)
Carbohydrates3g (7% DM)
Fiber0.5g (1% DM)
Moisture65%
Calcium1.0% DM
Phosphorus0.8% DM
Ca:P Ratio1.25:1
DM = Dry Matter basis. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient sourcing and preparation methods.
This recipe provides high-quality animal-based protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids from sardines, supporting coat health and joint function. The high moisture content supports urinary tract health, which is critical in cats. The low carbohydrate profile aligns with feline metabolic needs as obligate carnivores. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio falls within the recommended 1.1:1 to 1.5:1 range for adult cats. Supplementation is essential—without added taurine, calcium, and vitamins, this recipe is nutritionally incomplete and may cause serious health problems over time.

🧊 Safety & Storage

Store prepared food in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or portion and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Always serve at room temperature or slightly warmed—never serve food directly from the microwave without stirring to check for hot spots. Wash hands and all surfaces thoroughly after handling raw liver. Discard any uneaten food left out for more than 1 hour. Consult your veterinarian before switching to a homemade diet and schedule bloodwork monitoring every 6 months.

⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning

Do not substitute tuna with albacoin or other mercury-accumulating fish. Do not replace sardines with oil-packed varieties as they alter the fat and calorie profile. Chicken liver must not be omitted or replaced with other organs as it provides essential vitamin A and iron at precise ratios. Do not skip or reduce taurine supplementation—taurine deficiency in cats causes irreversible blindness and heart failure. Do not use onion, garlic, or salted broths as these are toxic to cats.

⚕️ Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

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