Going to the grocery store to purchase meat for your pet does not have to be complicated. Using a simple few rules, you can confidently go into your local meat market, grocery store or ethnic food store and buy meat for your pet! So, what do you buy?
It really depends on a number of factors: Your cat’s preference and tolerance for different meats. The ability of your cat to handle different cuts of meat, including bone-in cuts. Your budget. And, of course, local availability.
Within those parameters, however, here’s your simplified shopping list:
“Must Have”
- At least 3 different protein sources (chicken, turkey, duck, pork, beef, etc).
- Calcium source such as a boned in meat (duck and chicken wings, quail, Cornish Game Hen, rabbit) or egg shells (save them from when you use eggs). (Click here for dosage amounts.)
- Liver: calf, chicken, beef, pig, etc.
- Secreting organs such as glands, brain, kidney, etc.
- Small fish such as water packed sardines or mackerel.
- Notes: Some stores carry chicken feet, which are a good source of glucosamine – which is excellent for joint health. Check out your local ethnic food stores for “odd” parts.
“Avoid”
- Seasoned meats Smoked meats Enhanced meats with a sodium level of over 100mg per 4 ounce serving.
- Ground meats. If you must feed ground meats-grind it yourself at home.
- Weight bearing bones, such as chicken and turkey thigh, drumstick, and shoulder bones.
- Tripe fit for human consumption or “white” tripe, which is scaled and bleached (you want green tripe).
- Large fish.
This document is part of the CatCentric Facebook Community files. Note these are informal documents created by various members of the group for the benefit of all. Use of the information is at your own discretion.
Updated 03/05/2016
