Cat

Tuna & Sardine Pate

General

Ingredients

  • 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
  • 1 can (3.75 oz) sardines in water, drained
  • 2 tablespoons cooked pumpkin (plain, no spices)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon taurine powder (500 mg)
  • 1/4 teaspoon calcium carbonate powder (600 mg)
  • 1/8 teaspoon iodized salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil (mixed tocopherols, about 50 IU)
  • 1/8 teaspoon zinc gluconate powder (provides ~5 mg zinc)
  • 1/8 teaspoon manganese amino acid chelate (provides ~2 mg manganese)
  • Water as needed for consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Drain the canned tuna and sardines thoroughly and place them in a mixing bowl.
  2. Mash the fish with a fork until a smooth pate-like consistency is achieved.
  3. Add the cooked pumpkin and mix well to bind the ingredients.
  4. Incorporate the olive oil and stir evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the taurine, calcium carbonate, iodized salt, vitamin E, zinc gluconate, and manganese amino acid chelate over the mixture.
  6. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the supplements are evenly distributed.
  7. Add water one tablespoon at a time if needed to reach a smooth, spreadable pate consistency.
  8. Divide the mixture into single-serving portions using an ice cube tray or small containers.
  9. Refrigerate portions you will use within 3 days and freeze the remainder for up to 2 months.
  10. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight and serve at room temperature.

💊 Required Supplements

Taurine: 500 mg per batch; Calcium carbonate: 600 mg per batch; Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols): 50 IU per batch; Zinc gluconate: 5 mg per batch; Manganese amino acid chelate: 2 mg per batch; Iodized salt: 1/8 teaspoon per batch. These dosages are calculated for the entire recipe batch as listed above.

Nutritional Analysis

1/4 cup (for a 10 lb cat)
Calories180 kcal
Protein22g (48% DM)
Fat8g (18% DM)
Carbohydrates3g (7% DM)
Fiber1g (2% DM)
Moisture68%
Calcium1.1% DM
Phosphorus0.85% DM
Ca:P Ratio1.3:1
DM = Dry Matter basis. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient sourcing and preparation methods.
This recipe provides high-quality animal protein from tuna and sardines, meeting the carnivorous dietary needs of adult cats. The added taurine supports cardiac and retinal function, while calcium carbonate ensures proper bone health with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1.3:1, within the recommended range for cats. The inclusion of pumpkin provides gentle dietary fiber for digestive support. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, and trace minerals zinc and manganese support immune function and skin health. This recipe is intended to be nutritionally complete when supplements are included as directed; periodic veterinary nutritional review is recommended.

🧊 Safety & Storage

Store refrigerated portions in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Always thaw in the refrigerator, never at room temperature for extended periods. Wash hands and all surfaces thoroughly after handling raw or canned fish. Discard any uneaten food left out for more than 2 hours. Consult your veterinarian before switching to a homemade diet and schedule regular check-ups to monitor your cat's health.

⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning

Do not substitute tuna with raw fish due to potential parasite and bacterial risks. Do not replace sardines with oil-packed varieties as excess fat can cause digestive upset. Do not omit taurine as it is an essential amino acid critical for feline heart and eye health. Do not use pumpkin pie filling instead of plain cooked pumpkin. Do not increase supplement dosages without veterinary guidance as overdoses of minerals like zinc and manganese can be toxic.

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

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