Can you make gravy for your cat? Yes, you can definitely make delicious and healthy gravy for your cat! Adding a bit of homemade cat food gravy can transform even the most finicky eater’s meal into a culinary delight. It’s a fantastic way to boost hydration, add extra flavor, and ensure your feline friend is getting a truly nutritious meal. Whether you’re looking to enhance dry kibble or simply add a little something special to their wet food, this guide will walk you through creating simple, safe, and delectable gravies.
Image Source: i.ytimg.com
Why Add Gravy to Your Cat’s Food?
Cats are often drawn to the enticing aromas and flavors of gravy. This isn’t just about taste; there are several benefits to incorporating a homemade cat food gravy into their diet.
Enhancing Palatability
Many cats, especially older ones or those recovering from illness, can be reluctant eaters. A flavorful gravy can be the secret ingredient to entice them to eat. The rich smell and moist texture can make even bland food irresistible.
Increasing Hydration
Cats, by nature, don’t always drink enough water. Their ancestors evolved to get most of their moisture from prey. Adding gravy to their food is a clever way to boost their daily water intake, which is crucial for kidney health and overall well-being. This is especially important for cats who primarily eat dry food.
Nutritional Boost
When you make your own cat food sauce, you have complete control over the ingredients. This means you can add extra vitamins, minerals, and protein, creating a truly nutritious cat food gravy. You can tailor it to your cat’s specific dietary needs or preferences.
Variety and Enrichment
Just like humans, cats can get bored with the same old meals. A quick cat food gravy can introduce new flavors and textures, keeping mealtime exciting and providing mental stimulation.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Cat Food Gravy
The beauty of making your own cat food gravy is the simplicity and the ability to use wholesome ingredients. You don’t need fancy equipment, just a few basic items.
Base Liquids
The foundation of any good gravy is a flavorful liquid.
- Water: Plain, filtered water is the simplest base.
- Low-Sodium Broth: Unsalted chicken broth, beef broth, or fish broth are excellent choices. Always ensure they are specifically low-sodium or unsalted, as too much sodium is harmful to cats.
- Broth from Cooking Meat: If you cook plain chicken, beef, or fish without added salt or spices, the natural juices can be a fantastic base.
Flavor Enhancers (Use Sparingly and Safely)
These ingredients add taste and aroma. Remember, cats have sensitive systems, so less is more.
- Plain Cooked Meats: Small amounts of finely shredded or pureed chicken, turkey, beef, or fish (without bones, skin, or seasoning) can be added.
- Nutritional Yeast: A small pinch can add a savory, cheesy flavor that many cats enjoy. It also contains B vitamins.
- Salmon Oil or Fish Oil: A tiny drop can add omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for skin and coat health, and provide a desirable fishy aroma.
Cat Food Thickeners
To achieve that desirable gravy consistency, you’ll need a cat food thickener.
- Cornstarch: A small amount of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water before adding to the hot liquid will create a smooth thickening effect.
- Tapioca Starch: Similar to cornstarch, tapioca starch can be used to thicken gravies.
- Xanthan Gum: Use this sparingly as it’s very potent, but it can create a smooth, stable gravy.
- Psyllium Husk: This is a good source of fiber and can also act as a thickener.
Important Note: Never use: onions, garlic, chives, or any other ingredients from the allium family, as these are toxic to cats. Avoid salt, pepper, spices, and artificial sweeteners. Always cook any meat thoroughly before adding it to the gravy.
Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Cat Food Gravy
Here are a few simple recipes to get you started. These are designed to be quick and easy, allowing you to whip up a tasty gravy in minutes.
h3: The “Plain Jane” Chicken Cat Food Gravy
This is a foundational recipe, perfect for introducing gravy to your cat or for sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup low-sodium, unsalted chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon finely shredded plain cooked chicken (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the Broth: Pour the chicken broth into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat.
- Make a Slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and about 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. This prevents lumps.
- Thicken: Once the broth is warm (not boiling), slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while whisking continuously.
- Simmer: Continue to whisk and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Chicken (Optional): Stir in the finely shredded chicken if using.
- Cool: Let the gravy cool completely before serving.
h3: Savory Beef Cat Food Gravy
A richer option for cats who enjoy the taste of beef.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup low-sodium, unsalted beef broth
- 1 teaspoon tapioca starch
- 1 teaspoon finely pureed plain cooked beef (no seasoning)
Instructions:
- Warm Broth: Heat the beef broth in a small pot over medium heat.
- Prepare Thickener: Mix the tapioca starch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until it’s a smooth paste.
- Incorporate Thickener: Gradually add the tapioca starch mixture to the warm broth while stirring constantly.
- Thicken and Cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about a minute, stirring, until it thickens.
- Mix in Beef: Stir in the pureed beef.
- Cool Down: Allow the gravy to cool thoroughly before serving.
h3: Fish Cat Food Gravy Delight
A great choice for encouraging hydration and for cats who love fish flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted fish broth (made from boiling plain white fish like cod or tilapia, then straining and reserving the liquid) OR 1 cup water mixed with 1 teaspoon of plain, unsalted fish (like tuna or salmon, packed in water, drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon psyllium husk (as a cat food thickener)
- A tiny drop of salmon oil (optional, for extra appeal)
Instructions:
- Heat Liquid: Gently heat the fish broth or fish-infused water in a saucepan.
- Add Psyllium Husk: Whisk in the psyllium husk. It will start to thicken as it heats.
- Simmer Briefly: Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes, stirring, until it reaches a gravy-like consistency. Psyllium husk can thicken quickly, so watch it closely.
- Add Salmon Oil (Optional): If using, stir in the tiny drop of salmon oil.
- Cool Completely: Ensure the gravy is at room temperature or slightly warm before offering it to your cat.
h3: Mixed Meat Marvel Gravy
Combine different flavors for a unique taste experience.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium, unsalted chicken broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium, unsalted beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon finely shredded plain cooked chicken
- 1 tablespoon finely pureed plain cooked beef
Instructions:
- Combine Broths: Pour both chicken and beef broths into a saucepan. Heat gently.
- Create Slurry: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
- Thicken: Slowly add the slurry to the warm broths while whisking.
- Simmer: Cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Add Meats: Stir in the shredded chicken and pureed beef.
- Cool Off: Let it cool completely before serving.
Tips for Serving and Storing Homemade Cat Food Gravy
Once you’ve made a batch of this delicious and healthy gravy, how do you best serve and store it?
Serving Suggestions
- For Dry Cat Food: Drizzle a tablespoon or two of gravy over your cat’s kibble. It softens the kibble and adds a flavor boost.
- For Wet Cat Food: Mix a small amount of gravy into their wet food. This can make the meal more appealing, especially if your cat is showing signs of pickiness.
- As a Treat: You can also offer a small amount of gravy as a special treat in a separate bowl.
- Temperature: Always ensure the gravy is at room temperature or slightly warm (like a freshly caught mouse!). Never serve it hot.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Homemade cat food gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the gravy in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. This is a very convenient way to have gravy on hand. Thaw frozen gravy in the refrigerator or gently reheat it.
How to Tailor Gravy to Your Cat’s Needs
You can customize your homemade cat food gravy to suit specific dietary requirements or preferences.
h4: High-Protein Gravy
If your cat needs a protein boost, you can add more finely pureed or shredded cooked meats like chicken, turkey, or lean beef. Ensure the meat is plain and free of any seasonings.
h4: Kidney Support Gravy
For cats with kidney issues, focus on low-phosphorus ingredients. Consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations, but generally, a plain water or very low-sodium chicken broth base with a small amount of lean white meat is a good starting point. Avoid fish-based gravies for kidney concerns unless approved by your vet.
h4: Sensitive Stomach Gravy
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, stick to very basic ingredients. Plain chicken or turkey broth with a tiny amount of a simple thickener like cornstarch is usually well-tolerated. Introduce any new ingredients very gradually.
Ensuring Safety: What NOT to Add
It’s crucial to be aware of ingredients that are harmful to cats. Always double-check before adding anything to your homemade cat food gravy.
Foods Toxic to Cats
- Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks: These alliums are highly toxic and can cause damage to a cat’s red blood cells.
- Alcohol: Even small amounts can be dangerous.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic.
- Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
- Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, and some sodas.
- Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products, highly toxic.
- Cooked Bones: Can splinter and cause internal damage.
- Dairy Products: Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and can experience digestive upset.
- Raw Dough: Can cause bloating and alcohol poisoning.
- Nutmeg: Toxic in large amounts.
Seasonings and Additives
- Salt: High sodium content can be harmful.
- Pepper and Spices: Can irritate a cat’s digestive system.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Many are toxic.
- MSG (Monosodium Glutamate): While not definitively proven toxic, it can cause adverse reactions in some cats.
Troubleshooting Your Gravy Making
Even with simple recipes, you might run into a few common issues.
h5: My Gravy is Too Thin
- Solution: If your gravy is too thin, you can create another small slurry with your chosen thickener (cornstarch or tapioca starch) and cold water and whisk it into the simmering gravy. Cook for another minute or two until it reaches the desired consistency.
h5: My Gravy is Too Thick
- Solution: If the gravy becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little more warm, unsalted broth or water until it thins out to your liking.
h5: My Cat Won’t Eat It
- Solution: Ensure the gravy is at the right temperature (room temp or slightly warm). Try adding a very small amount of a highly palatable ingredient like a tiny bit of pureed salmon or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. You can also try starting with a smaller amount of gravy mixed into their food. Some cats are just very particular!
The Nutritional Value of Homemade Cat Food Gravy
When made correctly, homemade cat food gravy is not just about taste; it’s also about nutrition.
Macronutrients
- Protein: If you include shredded or pureed meats, the gravy will provide valuable protein, essential for muscle maintenance, growth, and overall bodily functions.
- Carbohydrates: Thickeners like cornstarch or tapioca starch will contribute some carbohydrates for energy.
- Fats: Small amounts of healthy fats from fish oil or the natural fats in meat can provide energy and aid in nutrient absorption.
Micronutrients
- B Vitamins: Nutritional yeast is a good source of B vitamins, important for metabolism.
- Minerals: Broths can contain trace minerals like potassium and sodium (in very small, safe amounts if unsalted).
- Water: The most important “nutrient” for hydration.
Comparison to Commercial Gravies
Commercial cat food gravies often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and sometimes unwanted fillers. While convenient, homemade versions allow you to control the quality and nutritional profile, ensuring your cat receives only the best. Making a simple cat food sauce at home is often healthier than many store-bought options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Food Gravy
q: How often can I give my cat homemade gravy?
A: You can give your cat a tablespoon or two of homemade gravy with their meals daily, especially if they are a picky eater or need extra hydration. However, it should be considered an addition to their balanced diet, not a replacement.
q: Can I use the water from boiling chicken or beef for gravy?
A: Yes, if you boil plain chicken or beef without any salt or seasonings, the natural juices make an excellent base for your gravy. Just ensure it’s cooled and free of any fatty residues.
q: Is it okay to add a little bit of tuna in water to the gravy?
A: Yes, a very small amount of plain tuna packed in water (drained) can be a flavor enhancer. However, tuna should not be a primary part of a cat’s diet due to the risk of mercury contamination and a potential lack of essential nutrients. Use it sparingly as a flavor boost for the gravy.
q: How do I know if my cat likes the gravy?
A: Your cat will show their approval by eating it enthusiastically! Watch for signs of enjoyment like purring, licking their lips, and finishing their meal quickly. If they ignore it, try a different flavor or adjust the consistency.
q: Can I make gravy with bone broth for my cat?
A: Plain, unsalted bone broth can be used as a base for cat food gravy. It can be nutritious and palatable. However, always ensure it’s specifically made without onions, garlic, or excessive salt. If you’re making it yourself, strain it well to remove any small bone fragments.
Making homemade cat food gravy is a rewarding way to show your love for your feline companion. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious addition that can significantly improve their mealtime experience and overall well-being. Experiment with these recipes and find the perfect gravy to make your cat purr with delight!