Cat

Tuna & Sardine Pate

General

Ingredients

  • 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
  • 1 can (3.75 oz) sardines in water, drained
  • 1 large egg, hard-boiled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cooked pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon sunflower oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon taurine powder (500mg)
  • 1/4 teaspoon calcium carbonate powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon potassium chloride
  • 1/8 teaspoon iodized salt
  • 100 mg vitamin E (dry powder or capsule)
  • 10 mg B-complex vitamin (powdered)
  • 1/4 teaspoon zinc methionine (providing ~10mg zinc)
  • Water as needed for consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Drain the canned tuna and sardines thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
  2. Place the tuna and sardines in a food processor and blend until a smooth paste forms.
  3. Add the chopped hard-boiled egg and pumpkin puree; pulse to combine evenly.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the taurine powder, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, iodized salt, vitamin E, B-complex, and zinc methionine with 1 tablespoon of warm water until dissolved.
  5. Pour the supplement mixture into the food processor and blend again until uniform.
  6. Add the sunflower oil and blend for 15-20 seconds.
  7. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, and blend until desired pate consistency is reached (typically 2-4 tablespoons).
  8. Portion into daily servings using an ice cube tray or small containers.
  9. Refrigerate portions not being served immediately.

💊 Required Supplements

Per batch (approximately 4 servings): Taurine 500mg, Calcium carbonate 1200mg, Potassium chloride 600mg, Iodized salt 600mg, Vitamin E 100 IU, B-complex 10mg, Zinc methionine 10mg. These supplements are essential and must not be omitted; they provide nutrients that are insufficient in muscle meat and organ-based recipes.

Nutritional Analysis

2.5 oz (70g) per serving (for 10lb cat)
Calories185 kcal
Protein22g (48% DM)
Fat9g (20% DM)
Carbohydrates2g (4% DM)
Fiber0.5g (1% DM)
Moisture72%
Calcium1.1% DM
Phosphorus0.8% 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 delivers high animal-based protein appropriate for obligate carnivores. The tuna and sardine combination provides natural taurine precursors, DHA, and EPA for cardiovascular and cognitive health. Added calcium carbonate corrects the high phosphorus-to-calcium ratio inherent in fish-based diets. The low carbohydrate content aligns with feline metabolic needs. Sunflower oil contributes linoleic acid for skin and coat health. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to protect unsaturated fatty acids. This recipe is formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult cat maintenance when supplements are included as directed. Consult your veterinarian before making this a sole diet source.

🧊 Safety & Storage

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight, never at room temperature. Discard any food left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Always wash hands and sanitize surfaces after handling raw food. This recipe is for intermittent or supplemental feeding unless confirmed complete by a veterinary nutritionist.

⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning

Do not substitute tuna with albacore (higher mercury risk). Do not replace sardines with other fish without adjusting omega-3 content. Do not omit taurine—taurine deficiency causes blindness and heart failure in cats. Do not add onion, garlic, chives, grapes, raisins, or xylitol, as these are toxic to cats. Do not use raw eggs due to biotin absorption interference and salmonella risk.

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

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