Looking for a simple yet incredibly beneficial addition to your cat’s diet? You’ve come to the right place! Learning how to make cat gravy is a game-changer for picky eaters and a fantastic way to boost hydration and nutrient intake. This recipe is designed for adult cats and can be a delightful topper to their regular meals, encouraging them to eat more and providing an extra dose of moisture and essential vitamins.
Key Ingredients for Cat Gravy
- 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (Unsalted): The base of our flavorful gravy. Provides hydration and essential minerals.
- 1/4 cup Cooked Chicken Breast (Plain, Shredded): A lean protein source. Offers easily digestible amino acids for muscle health.
- 1 teaspoon Nutritional Yeast: A deactivated yeast with a cheesy, umami flavor. Provides B vitamins, crucial for energy metabolism and nerve function.
- 1/2 teaspoon Psyllium Husk Powder (Optional, for thickening): A soluble fiber. Aids in digestive health and can help regulate bowel movements.
Health Benefits
This homemade cat gravy is a nutritional powerhouse designed to support your feline’s well-being. The low-sodium chicken broth is a fantastic source of hydration, which is incredibly important for cats, especially those who tend to not drink enough water on their own. Proper hydration supports kidney function and can help prevent urinary tract issues. The lean, shredded chicken provides high-quality protein, essential for maintaining strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat. Nutritional yeast, often called “brewer’s yeast” in pet circles, is a superfood for cats. It’s packed with B vitamins, which play a vital role in everything from energy production to a healthy nervous system, and can also contribute to a glossy coat and healthy skin. If you choose to include psyllium husk, it acts as a gentle source of fiber, promoting healthy digestion and can even help with hairball management by moving contents through the digestive tract more smoothly.
How to Make Cat Gravy
Learning how to make cat gravy is surprisingly easy and takes minimal time, making it a convenient way to enhance your cat’s meals. This recipe focuses on wholesome, cat-safe ingredients that provide valuable nutrition and irresistible flavor. In less than 15 minutes of active prep and cooking, you can whip up a delicious, moist, and nutrient-dense gravy that your cat will adore.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Pour the 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth into a small saucepan.
- Add Flavor and Protein: Add the 1/4 cup of cooked, plain, shredded chicken breast to the saucepan with the broth.
- Boost the Nutrients: Stir in the 1 teaspoon of nutritional yeast. If you’re using it for thickening, add the 1/2 teaspoon of psyllium husk powder now as well.
- Simmer and Thicken: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened slightly. If using psyllium husk, you’ll notice it will thicken as it heats.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the gravy cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, you can serve it as is, or gently mash the chicken pieces further if your cat prefers a smoother consistency.
Is This Recipe Safe for Cats?
Absolutely! This how to make cat gravy recipe is crafted with your cat’s safety and health as the top priority. We have strictly avoided any ingredients that are harmful to felines, such as onions, garlic, excessive salt, sugar, and any form of spices. These ingredients can be toxic or cause digestive upset in cats. The chicken broth used is specifically low-sodium and unsalted to protect your cat’s kidneys and overall health. While this recipe is designed to be safe, it’s always a good practice to consult with your veterinarian if your cat has any specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or underlying health conditions before introducing new foods, even homemade toppers like this gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making your own cat gravy offers a fantastic alternative to many commercially produced wet food toppers or broths. Store-bought options can sometimes contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives that you might prefer to avoid. By learning how to make cat gravy, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring your feline friend is only consuming wholesome, natural goodness. This also provides peace of mind knowing exactly what you’re feeding them.
Furthermore, this homemade gravy is incredibly cost-effective. While premium cat food can add up, the ingredients for this simple recipe are readily available and inexpensive staples. You can make a batch of this delicious gravy for a fraction of the cost of a single can of specialized wet food or store-bought broth. Plus, the freshness is unparalleled – no sitting on a shelf for months! You’re giving your cat a vibrant, flavorful boost made with care and love, right in your own kitchen.
How Much Should I Feed My Cat?
This homemade cat gravy is intended as a meal topper or a hydrating treat, not a complete diet. Therefore, serving sizes will vary depending on your individual cat and their regular food intake. A general guideline is to start with 1-2 tablespoons per feeding as a topper for their dry or wet food. You can adjust this amount based on your cat’s preference and how well they tolerate it. For kittens, use smaller amounts and monitor their digestion. If you are unsure about the appropriate portion size for your cat, especially if they have specific health needs, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.
Storing Tips
Once your delicious cat gravy has cooled completely, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the gravy cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen gravy will remain fresh for up to 2 months. To reheat, gently warm a portion on the stovetop over low heat or thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Always ensure the gravy is cooled to a safe, lukewarm temperature before serving it to your cat.
FAQs
- Can I use different types of meat for this cat gravy?
Yes, you can! Plain cooked turkey or fish (like salmon or tuna, ensuring bones are removed) can also be used. Ensure any meat is thoroughly cooked and free of any seasonings, bones, or skin. - My cat is a very picky eater. Will they like this gravy?
Most cats find the aroma and taste of unseasoned chicken broth and meat very appealing! The added nutritional yeast gives it an extra umami kick that many cats can’t resist. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it to see if it entices them. - How often can I give my cat this gravy?
As a topper, you can offer this gravy with their meals daily or a few times a week. Because it’s rich and intended to supplement their diet, avoid overfeeding to ensure they still consume their balanced main food.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make cat gravy is an easy and rewarding way to enhance your cat’s diet. It’s a simple recipe that provides significant hydration and nutritional benefits, and most importantly, it’s a delicious treat that your feline companion will surely look forward to. Enjoy the satisfaction of spoiling your cat with this wholesome, homemade goodness!
Required Disclaimer
This homemade pet food recipe is intended as a general guide and should not replace veterinary-recommended diets.
How To Make Cat Gravy: A Delicious and Nutritious Boost for Your Feline Friend
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour the 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth into a small saucepan.1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (Unsalted)
- Add the 1/4 cup of cooked, plain, shredded chicken breast to the saucepan with the broth.1/4 cup Cooked Chicken Breast (Plain, Shredded)
- Stir in the 1 teaspoon of nutritional yeast. If you’re using it for thickening, add the 1/2 teaspoon of psyllium husk powder now as well.1 teaspoon Nutritional Yeast, 1/2 teaspoon Psyllium Husk Powder
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened slightly. If using psyllium husk, you’ll notice it will thicken as it heats.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the gravy cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, you can serve it as is, or gently mash the chicken pieces further if your cat prefers a smoother consistency.