Salmon Cat Food Pâté

Many cats love fish. This pâté pairs canned salmon with chicken so it is not fish-only, which keeps mercury and thiamine issues in check.

Serve it as part of a rotation with meat-based meals, not every day.

Why your cat will love this

• Smooth, wet-food texture
• Omega-3s from salmon
• A good rotation meal

Ingredient notes

• Salmon in water, no salt added (14.75 oz) Safe

  Remove the larger bones.

  Canned in water, no salt added.

• Boneless chicken thigh, cooked Safe

  Cooked, boneless dark meat has more taurine than breast.

• Egg yolks, cooked Safe

  Fully cooked only.

• Taurine supplement Safe

  Essential for cats. Homemade cat food must include a taurine source or supplement.

See every ingredient in the safety guide

How to make Salmon Cat Food Pâté

Salmon Cat Food Pâté takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and makes 4 cups. It is an easy recipe. You will need a blender. 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 5 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for cats.

• 1 can salmon in water, no salt added (14.75 oz): Remove the larger bones. Canned in water, no salt added.
• 1 lb boneless chicken thigh, cooked: Cooked, boneless dark meat has more taurine than breast.
• 2 large egg yolks, cooked: Fully cooked only.
• 1/2 cup water
• 1000 mg taurine supplement: Essential for cats. Homemade cat food must include a taurine source or supplement.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Cook the chicken thigh until done and cool slightly. Allow about 20 minutes.
2. Drain the salmon and remove the spine bones.
3. Blend the chicken, salmon and egg yolks, adding water until smooth.
4. Stir in the taurine once cool.
5. Portion and refrigerate or freeze.

Tips for success

• Rotate fish meals with chicken or turkey meals through the week.
• Blend longer for picky cats who prefer very smooth pâté.
• Warm refrigerated portions to room temperature; cats dislike cold food.

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

Up to 1/3 cup per meal for a 10 lb cat, two or three times a week. Each 1/2 cup has about 190 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 salmon in water? Use sardines in water. Change one ingredient at a time so you can tell how each swap affects the texture.

Why cats love it

Smooth, wet-food texture. Omega-3s from salmon. A good rotation meal.

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.

Make it ahead

To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.

Safety notes

Homemade cat food must include taurine and a vet-approved supplement to be complete and balanced. 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

Can cats eat salmon every day?

It is better as part of a rotation. A fish-only diet is not balanced.

Is canned salmon safe for cats?

Yes, in water with no salt added.

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