! IMPORTANT NOTE: This is the diet I feed Zakk. I believe a species-appropriate diet is ideal for every animal, whether they have disease or not. Through my personal research, I’ve found that much of the mainstream information about diet and disease doesn’t tell the whole story.
Please consult your veterinarian about your cat’s health before changing your pet’s diet.
Zakk’s main diet is homemade raw cat food with added supplements. I prep his food in large batches and freeze individual portions in a chest freezer. Each night, I pull out what he needs for the next day and let it defrost in the refrigerator so he always has fresh food.
Most of what I’ve learned about raw feeding comes from the Feline Nutrition Center, particularly their section on preparing homemade raw diets. If you’re considering switching your cat to raw food, I strongly recommend reading their resources first—they cover everything from nutrition basics to safety.
How I Make Zakk’s Raw Cat Food
I’ve put together a series of videos showing exactly how I make a batch of Zakk’s food. Some people prefer watching the process rather than reading about it, so I filmed myself making an actual batch from start to finish.
In the videos, you’ll see everything I use—from the meat grinder to the storage containers—along with the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years. I’ve streamlined the process quite a bit since I started, and I want to share what actually works.
Expect to spend a few hours from start to finish, including cleanup. The food lasts for months, so this isn’t something you’re doing weekly or even monthly. And you’ll save considerably compared to buying commercial cat food.
Store-Bought Wet Food
Zakk mainly eats homemade raw food, but I rotate in high-quality wet food when I’m running low or just want to give him some variety. When I buy wet food, I stick to Tiki Cat—specifically the varieties with the fewest ingredients.
I avoid the pates because they have more fillers and carbohydrates. If you’re looking at Tiki Cat as an option, just read the labels and choose the ones that look like actual meat with minimal extra ingredients.
Cat Treats
Zakk gets treats in moderation. I use Tiki Cat Stix—creamy mousse treats that he actually likes. I usually buy the large tub of 50 sticks, which comes with three different flavors.
They’re a healthier option than most treats, and the single-serve pouches make portion control easy.
Where I Buy Wet Food & Treats
I buy Zakk’s wet food and treats on Amazon. They often have coupons available, so it’s worth checking before you order. The Subscribe & Save program offers additional savings, and you can easily cancel or delay shipments if you don’t need food yet or if prices spike. It’s convenient and usually cheaper than buying individual cans at the pet store.