Chicken thighs are the cheapest good protein for cats, and a little rice stretches the batch. This version costs about a dollar a day for one cat.
Like all homemade cat food, it needs taurine and a complete supplement. Ask your vet which one to use.
Why your cat will love this
- About $1 a day for one cat
- Uses budget chicken thighs
- Freezes in single portions
Ingredient notes
- Boneless chicken thighs Safe
Cooked, boneless dark meat has more taurine than breast.
- Chicken liver Caution
Good source of vitamin A, but too much causes toxicity. Keep to about 5% of the recipe.
- Eggs Safe
Fully cooked only.
- Cooked white rice Safe
Keep rice small; cats need very few carbs.
Plain cooked rice in small amounts.
- Taurine supplement Safe
Essential for cats. Homemade cat food must include a taurine source or supplement.
Cheap Homemade Cat Food (Chicken & Rice)
Chicken thighs, egg and a small amount of rice, with taurine.
- 5 of 6 ingredients safety-checked, 4 marked safe
- Wheat-free
- Dairy-free
- Peanut-free
- Contains: Egg, Chicken
Ingredients
Makes 12 cups
- SafeCooked, boneless dark meat has more taurine than breast. Safe amount: Part of a balanced diet.
- CautionGood source of vitamin A, but too much causes toxicity. Keep to about 5% of the recipe. Safe amount: Small amounts.
- SafeFully cooked only. Safe amount: A teaspoon or two.
- SafePlain cooked rice in small amounts. Safe amount: A teaspoon or two.
- SafeEssential for cats. Homemade cat food must include a taurine source or supplement. Safe amount: Per your vet or recipe.
Equipment
- Food processor
Instructions
-
Simmer the thighs until cooked, adding the liver for the last 5 minutes.
-
Hard-boil the eggs, then peel.
-
Chop or pulse everything with the rice to a coarse mince.
-
Cool, then mix in the taurine and supplement.
-
Portion into containers or ice cube trays.
Tips for success
- Buy family packs of thighs and freeze extras for the next batch.
- Keep the rice to no more than 10% of the batch.
- Label portions with the date; use fridge portions within 3 days.
Nutrition per 1/2 cup
- Calories
- 170 kcal
- Protein
- 19 g
- Fat
- 8.0 g
- Fiber
- 0.2 g
- Carbs
- 4.0 g
Storage
- Fridge 3 days
- Freezer 60 days
How much to serve
About 2/3 cup a day for a 10 lb cat, split into 2 or 3 meals.
| Small cat (7 lb) | up to 1.25 1/2 cups a day |
|---|---|
| Average cat (10 lb) | up to 1.50 1/2 cups a day |
| Large cat (14 lb) | up to 2 1/2 cups a day |
Last updated September 9, 2026.
How to make Cheap Homemade Cat Food
Cheap Homemade Cat Food takes about 40 minutes from start to finish and makes 6 cups. It is an easy recipe. You will need a food processor. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.
Ingredients and why they are here
You need 6 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for cats.
- 2 lb boneless chicken thighs: Cooked, boneless dark meat has more taurine than breast.
- 3 oz chicken liver: Good source of vitamin A, but too much causes toxicity. Keep to about 5% of the recipe.
- 2 large eggs: Fully cooked only.
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice: Keep rice small; cats need very few carbs. Plain cooked rice in small amounts.
- 2000 mg taurine supplement: Essential for cats. Homemade cat food must include a taurine source or supplement.
- 1 dose vet-recommended cat supplement
Step-by-step instructions
- Simmer the thighs until cooked, adding the liver for the last 5 minutes. Allow about 25 minutes.
- Hard-boil the eggs, then peel. Allow about 10 minutes.
- Chop or pulse everything with the rice to a coarse mince.
- Cool, then mix in the taurine and supplement.
- Portion into containers or ice cube trays.
Tips for success
- Buy family packs of thighs and freeze extras for the next batch.
- Keep the rice to no more than 10% of the batch.
- Label portions with the date; use fridge portions within 3 days.
How to store it
Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.
How much to serve
About 2/3 cup a day for a 10 lb cat, split into 2 or 3 meals. Each 1/2 cup has about 170 calories. Switch from your current food over 7 days, mixing in a little more of the new food each day, and weigh your cat every two weeks to adjust the amount.
Swaps and variations
No boneless chicken thighs? Use turkey thighs. Change one ingredient at a time so you can tell how each swap affects the texture.
Why cats love it
About $1 a day for one cat. Uses budget chicken thighs. Freezes in single portions.
Feeding tips for cats
Cats can be cautious with new foods. Offer a tiny amount next to something familiar, and be patient if your cat sniffs and walks away the first time. Warm refrigerated food to room temperature, since cats prefer food near body temperature. Cats with kidney, thyroid or urinary conditions may need a special diet, so ask your vet before adding new foods.
Safety notes
Homemade cat food must include taurine and a vet-approved vitamin and mineral supplement to be complete and balanced. Chicken Liver: Good source of vitamin A, but too much causes toxicity. Keep to about 5% of the recipe. Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your cat. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to make cat food?
Usually yes, compared with premium wet food, especially with chicken thighs bought in bulk.
Can cats eat rice?
A small amount of plain cooked rice is fine.
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