Cat

Tuna & Sardine Pate

General

Ingredients

  • 85g (3 oz) canned tuna in water (drained)
  • 55g (2 oz) canned sardines in water (drained)
  • 20g (2 medium) egg yolks, lightly cooked
  • 15g (1 tbsp) chicken fat or fish oil
  • 10g (1 tbsp) cooked chicken liver
  • 3g (½ tsp) sunflower lecithin
  • 30g (2 tbsp) steamed pumpkin puree
  • 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) low-sodium fish stock

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Steam the pumpkin until soft and mash into a smooth puree; set aside to cool.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna and sardines, then mash with a fork until a chunky pate consistency is achieved.
  3. Cook the egg yolks by poaching or scrambling without oil until fully set, then finely chop.
  4. Steam or poach the chicken liver until cooked through (no pink remaining), then mince finely.
  5. Combine the fish, chopped egg yolk, minced liver, pumpkin puree, and fish stock in the bowl.
  6. Add the chicken fat or fish oil and sunflower lecithin; stir until evenly incorporated.
  7. Portion into silicone molds or small containers; smooth the tops and refrigerate until set.
  8. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed (never hot); refrigerate unused portions immediately.

💊 Required Supplements

Add per batch (yields ~200g total): 250mg taurine powder, 50mg vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), 10mg vitamin B complex (specifically formulated for cats), 200mg calcium carbonate (or 500mg eggshell powder), 100mg potassium chloride, 15mg zinc glycinate, 0.5mg iodine (kelp-based). Mix thoroughly into the base before portioning.

Nutritional Analysis

50g (for a 4kg cat, ~25g twice daily)
Calories180 kcal
Protein18g (48% DM)
Fat12g (22% DM)
Carbohydrates3g (8% DM)
Fiber1g (3% DM)
Moisture72%
Calcium0.8% DM
Phosphorus1.0% 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 a high-moisture, moderate-protein, and moderate-fat profile suitable for adult cats. The protein is derived primarily from ocean fish, offering highly digestible amino acids including taurine (supplemented for cardiac and retinal health). The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio falls within the recommended 1.1:1 to 1.5:1 range for adult cats. Carbohydrate content is intentionally low to mimic a feline-appropriate macronutrient distribution. Essential fatty acids from sardines and added fish oil support skin and coat integrity. This meal is designed as a complete diet when prepared with the listed supplements; without them, nutritional deficiencies (particularly taurine, calcium, and vitamin E) may develop over time.

🧊 Safety & Storage

Refrigerate in airtight glass or BPA-free containers for up to 3 days. Freeze individual portions in silicone molds for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight, never at room temperature for extended periods. Always use canned fish packed in water with no added salt or seasonings. Discard any uneaten food left out for more than 2 hours. Wash all surfaces and utensils thoroughly with hot, soapy water after preparation.

⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning

Do not substitute tuna with raw fish species high in thiase (e.g., raw carp) which destroys vitamin B1. Avoid canned tuna in oil or brine as these add excessive fat and sodium. Pumpkin puree should be plain with no added spices or sweeteners. Egg whites must be cooked; raw egg whites contain avidin which binds biotin. Calcium supplementation is critical and must not be omitted, as the recipe is naturally high in phosphorus. Do not replace sardines with smoked or seasoned varieties. Always consult your veterinarian before making this a sole diet, as individual cats may have specific nutritional needs.

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

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