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 chicken liver, cooked and finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling)
  • 1 teaspoon sunflower oil
  • 1/4 cup water (reserved from cooking or as needed for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Boil the egg for 10 minutes, cool under cold water, peel, and finely chop.
  2. In a small pan over medium-low heat, cook the chicken liver for 5-6 minutes until no pink remains, then mince finely.
  3. Drain the tuna and sardines, reserving a small amount of the canning water.
  4. Place the tuna, sardines, chopped egg, minced liver, pumpkin puree, and sunflower oil into a food processor or blender.
  5. Blend until a smooth pate consistency is reached, adding reserved water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed.
  6. Transfer to a clean bowl and mix in the supplements thoroughly (see supplements section).
  7. Portion into daily servings and store appropriately.

💊 Required Supplements

Per batch (approximately 4 servings): Add 1/4 teaspoon taurine powder (250mg), 1/8 teaspoon iodized salt, 1/4 teaspoon calcium carbonate powder (provides ~100mg calcium), 1/8 teaspoon zinc gluconate (provides ~5mg zinc), 1/8 teaspoon vitamin E powder (50 IU), and 1/8 teaspoon B-complex powder formulated for cats. Mix thoroughly into the pate after blending. Do NOT add these supplements if feeding this recipe as a topper (less than 25% of diet).

Nutritional Analysis

1/4 batch (~2.5 oz / 70g for a 10lb cat)
Calories145 kcal
Protein18g (52% DM)
Fat7g (20% DM)
Carbohydrates2g (6% DM)
Fiber0.5g (1.5% DM)
Moisture72%
Calcium0.6% DM
Phosphorus0.5% DM
Ca:P Ratio1.2:1
DM = Dry Matter basis. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient sourcing and preparation methods.
This recipe provides approximately 580 kcal per batch with a macronutrient profile of 52% protein, 20% fat, and 6% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, which aligns with feline obligate carnivore requirements. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1.2:1 falls within the acceptable range of 1:1 to 2:1 for adult cats. Taurine supplementation is critical and non-negotiable for feline cardiac and retinal health. The omega-3 fatty acids from sardines support skin, coat, and joint health. This recipe is intended to be fed as a complete diet only when all listed supplements are included at the specified dosages. Consult your veterinarian before transitioning to a homemade diet and schedule bloodwork monitoring every 6 months.

🧊 Safety & Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze individual portions in ice cube trays for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Never leave at room temperature for more than 30 minutes. Always use fresh, high-quality canned fish packed in water with no added salt or seasonings. Discard any uneaten food after your cat finishes eating.

⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning

Do NOT substitute tuna with raw fish due to thiaminase and parasite risks. Do NOT replace sardines with larger fish like swordfish or king mackerel due to mercury concerns. Do NOT omit taurine — deficiency causes blindness and heart failure in cats. Do NOT use pumpkin pie filling (contains toxic spices). Do NOT add onion, garlic, chives, or any Allium species — these are toxic to cats. Do NOT use dog-specific supplements as they may lack taurine. Any substitution may render this recipe nutritionally incomplete or dangerous.

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

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