"Is Cooking for Your Cat Better?"

Frequent question, complicated answer. Let's take a look at the real pros and cons of a homemade diet versus commercial food.

What Does "Homemade Feeding" Mean

A diet based on home-cooked ingredients: meat, fish, organs, vegetables, specific supplements. Different from the BARF diet (raw meat).

The Pros of Homemade

  • Control of Ingredients (you choose what goes in)
  • Suitable for multiple allergies
  • No chemical preservatives, colorings, flavorings
  • Often more palatable for picky cats
  • Customization based on health

The Cons of Homemade

  • Difficult to balance (the cat is a strict carnivore)
  • Nutritional deficiencies if not properly supplemented (taurine, vitamins, minerals)
  • Equivalent or higher cost compared to quality wet food
  • Daily preparation time
  • Limited storage (24-48 hours in the fridge)

The Pros of Commercial Food

  • Balanced (formulated by nutritionists)
  • Convenient (ready, measurable)
  • Long-lasting
  • More economically accessible (especially kibble)
  • Standardized (the same quality every time)

The Cons of Commercial Food

  • Quality can vary greatly (premium kibble vs supermarket)
  • Preservatives and additives in many products
  • Often high carbohydrates in kibble
  • Low hydration of kibble
  • Lower palatability for fussy cats

When Homemade Makes Sense

  • Confirmed multiple allergies
  • Specific chronic diseases (with a plan from a veterinary nutritionist)
  • Refusal of all commercial foods
  • Owner willing to invest time and budget

When Commercial Food is Better

  • Family with little time
  • Cat without specific issues
  • No budget for a veterinary nutritionist
  • "Normal" life without specific needs

The Compromise: Mixed Diet

Many veterinarians today recommend:
  • 70% quality wet food (commercial or homemade)
  • 20% quality kibble
  • 10% extras (quality snacks, supplements)
Maintaining balance and variety.

Golden Rule for Homemade

Never improvise. Always follow a nutritional plan written by a veterinary nutritionist (not a blog). Blood tests every 6 months to check for deficiencies.

In a Nutshell

There is no "best." There is what is most suitable for your cat, your life, and your budget. For most cats, quality commercial wet food is the safest and most practical choice. For specific cases, homemade may be better — but only with a professional plan.