Cat

Tuna & Sardine Pate

⏱ Prep: 15 min 🍳 Cook: 25 min ⌛ Total: 40 min 🟢 Easy 📦 5 days supply (for 10lb cat) 📖 4 min read
General

Ingredients

  • 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
  • 1 can (3.75 oz) sardines in water, drained
  • 1/4 cup cooked white rice
  • 2 tablespoons cooked pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup water or low-sodium fish broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Drain tuna and sardines thoroughly and place in a mixing bowl.
  2. Flake fish with a fork into small, uniform pieces.
  3. Add cooked white rice and mash together until combined.
  4. Mix in pumpkin and olive oil until smooth.
  5. Gradually add water or broth to reach desired pate consistency.
  6. Stir in all supplements thoroughly (see supplement section).
  7. Divide into portions and serve at room temperature.
  8. Refrigerate unused portions immediately.

💊 Required Supplements

Add per batch (yields ~2 servings for average 10lb cat): 1/4 teaspoon taurine powder (500-1000mg), 1/8 teaspoon iodized salt, 1/4 teaspoon calcium carbonate powder (or 1/2 eggshell powder), 1/8 teaspoon vitamin E oil (200 IU), 1/4 teaspoon B-complex powder formulated for cats. Mix supplements into food after cooking, never before heating.

Nutritional Analysis

1/2 cup (for 10lb cat)
Calories280 kcal
Protein32g (48% DM)
Fat14g (21% DM)
Carbohydrates8g (12% DM)
Fiber2g (3% DM)
Moisture68%
Calcium0.8% DM
Phosphorus1.1% DM
Ca:P Ratio1.2:1
DM = Dry Matter basis. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient sourcing and preparation methods.
This high-protein, moderate-fat recipe meets AAFCO minimums for adult cat maintenance with 48% protein on a dry matter basis. Taurine supplementation is critical and non-negotiable for feline cardiac health. The fish-based protein provides excellent palatability and omega-3 fatty acids from sardines support skin and coat health. Phosphorus levels are slightly elevated due to fish content—acceptable for healthy adult cats but not suitable for cats with kidney disease. Pumpkin provides soluble fiber for digestive regularity. Always consult your veterinarian before switching to homemade diets, and consider annual bloodwork to monitor nutritional adequacy.

🧊 Safety & Storage

Store in airtight glass containers in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, never at room temperature. Always serve at room temperature; cold food causes digestive upset. Wash hands and all surfaces thoroughly after handling raw or canned fish. Discard any food left out for more than 2 hours.

⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning

Do not substitute tuna with albacore (mercury concerns) or sardines packed in oil, salt, or sauces. Never replace pumpkin with other vegetables as they may cause GI distress. Do not omit taurine—it is essential for heart and eye health in cats. Avoid onion, garlic, or chives in any quantity as they are toxic. Do not use dog-specific supplements as they may lack critical cat nutrients like taurine.

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

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