After adopting Zakk with FeLV, I quickly realized I needed to rethink how I was caring for him. Through research and trial and error, I’ve found products that genuinely support his health—not just what’s convenient or heavily marketed.
I’ve organized these into two categories
One-Time Investments for Making Raw Cat Food
These are the bigger purchases you’ll need if you’re planning to make raw cat food in bulk. They’re upfront costs, but they pay for themselves over time.
To make raw cat food you will need a meat grinder, a supply of freezer safe food containers (I have over 100 of these), and a chest freezer for storage.
Meat Grinder
When I first started making raw food for Zakk, I bought the most expensive grinder available. Big mistake—it didn’t have the features I actually needed. I switched to a less expensive model that’s worked perfectly for years.
I have a 1856 Redhead meat grinder, but that model isn’t available anymore. After years of use, I’ve figured out exactly what to look for in a grinder for raw cat food preparation.
Freezer Safe Containers
This might seem minor, but choosing the right containers matters when you’re storing months of food.
I use 4-ounce containers—the perfect size for one meal. Smaller portions are important because you only want to thaw what you’ll use that day. This way, your cat gets fresh food every time without the risk of spoilage from defrosting too much at once.
My top choice: Ziploc Twist ‘n Loc Mini containers
Why screw-top lids matter: I learned this the hard way when I used snap-on lids and slightly overfilled the containers. After freezing, about 40 lids popped off, causing massive freezer burn. Screw-top lids prevent this.
Backup option: Target’s up & up brand Twist and Store containers work well too.
You don’t have to use these brands, but I have found the above brands work best. If you do go with another brand I suggest you choose ones based on the following:
What to look for:
- Screw-on tops (not snap-on)
- Freezer safe
- Reusable and stackable
- Small size (4 oz for one cat)
Chest Freezer
A dedicated freezer is essential if you’re making bulk batches of raw food. I store 2-3 months of Zakk’s meals at a time, which makes the prep work worth the effort.
Not all freezers are created equal—some features matter more than others for storing raw pet food.
Health & Quality of Life Upgrades
These purchases weren’t strictly necessary, but they’ve made a real difference in Zakk’s health and daily comfort.
Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain
Zakk drinks significantly more water from a fountain than he ever did from a bowl. Cats instinctively prefer moving water—it’s fresher and more appealing to them. Proper hydration is crucial for kidney health and preventing urinary issues.
I use a stainless steel, wireless fountain that I can place anywhere without dealing with cords.I chose stainless steel because its more hygienic than plastic.
Large Litter Box with Pine Pellets
Traditional cat litter is full of dust and chemicals that both cats and humans inhale. I switched to a natural pine pellet system that’s healthier for Zakk and costs a fraction of what I was spending on conventional litter.
This setup completely changed how I think about litter boxes.
Why These Products Matter
The one-time investments in raw food supplies have proven essential for maintaining Zakk’s health long-term. The health upgrades—the fountain and litter box—weren’t strictly necessary, but they’ve improved his quality of life in ways I didn’t expect.
I still use everything listed here for Zakk today. Click through to read detailed reviews of any product that interests you.