Tuna & Sardine Pate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454g) fresh tuna steak, diced
- 3.75 oz (106g) canned sardines in water (1 tin, drained)
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 200g), peeled and cubed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water or low-sodium fish stock
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steam or boil the sweet potato cubes until very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash thoroughly, then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a non-stick pan over medium heat, sear the tuna steak for 2-3 minutes per side until just cooked through. Do not add oil or seasonings. Let cool completely.
- Drain the canned sardines and gently mash with a fork, checking for and removing any large bones if desired.
- Flake the cooled tuna into small pieces using two forks, keeping some texture for a pate consistency.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, flaked tuna, mashed sardines, beaten egg, and olive oil. Mix until evenly combined.
- Add the water or fish stock gradually while mixing to achieve a smooth, spreadable pate consistency.
- Portion the mixture into airtight containers or silicone molds. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
💊 Required Supplements
Add the following per 1 lb (454g) of prepared food: 1/2 tsp (2.5g) of a complete cat vitamin-mineral supplement powder (such as Balance IT Feline or Alnutrin for Cats), 1/4 tsp (1.25g) of taurine powder, 1/8 tsp (0.6g) of wild salmon oil (for omega-3 fatty acids), and 1/16 tsp (0.3g) of iodized salt. Mix supplements thoroughly into the food immediately before serving.
Nutritional Analysis
3.5 oz (100g) per meal for average 10lb cat| Calories | 165 kcal |
| Protein | 22g (52% DM) |
| Fat | 7g (17% DM) |
| Carbohydrates | 6g (14% DM) |
| Fiber | 1g (2% DM) |
| Moisture | 62% |
| Calcium | 0.8% DM |
| Phosphorus | 0.7% DM |
| Ca:P Ratio | 1.14:1 |
🧊 Safety & Storage
Store refrigerated portions in airtight glass containers for up to 4 days. Freeze individual portions in silicone molds for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Always use fresh, sushi-grade tuna to minimize mercury exposure. Never feed raw tuna due to thiaminase and parasite risks. Discard any uneaten food after 2 hours at room temperature. Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw fish.
⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning
Do not substitute tuna with other fish varieties without adjusting mercury exposure calculations. Replacing sardines with tuna-only recipes eliminates the calcium benefit from sardine bones. Do not omit taurine supplementation as this recipe alone is insufficient in this essential amino acid for feline cardiac health. Avoid adding onions, garlic, grapes, or any seasoning as these are toxic to cats.
⚕️ Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
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