Elevate Your Cat's Diet with a Homemade Cat Food Premix

What Is a Premix Supplement for Homemade Cat Food—and Why Should You Care?

You’ve chopped, blended, and mixed your way to what looks like a perfect bowl of homemade cat food. Fresh meat protein? Check. Leafy greens for antioxidants and fiber? Check. Maybe even a drizzle of fish oil for good measure. But here’s the question:

Is it actually balanced?

That’s where most well-meaning cat owners get it wrong—and where a premix supplement becomes the secret sauce to safe, sustainable homemade feeding.

A premix is a carefully calibrated blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are typically missing from fresh food alone. Even the best meats and veggies can fall short on critical elements like taurine, vitamin E, calcium, and trace minerals—nutrients that cats as obligate carnivores can’t afford to go without.

Think of it this way:
Whole foods = freshness + flavor. Premix = science + safety.

By adding a high-quality premix—like Holistic Vet Blend—you’re turning your DIY efforts into a truly vet-approved cat diet that supports heart health, eyesight, digestion, and longevity. It’s how you give your cat the health benefits of real food without the nutritional risks.

"Just bought my kitties some of this mix to make them healthier food & lemme tell y'all they love it like no other!! and their fur is looking extra healthy & they have energy to last them for a couple weeks"

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brenda C. 

What is the advantage of using a premix?

Using a homemade cat food premix like TCFeline premix is the simplest way to ensure your cat’s meals are both fresh and nutritionally complete—without the stress. , especially if your adult cat enjoys raw meat. While making your cat food gives you complete control over the ingredients, it also carries the risk of missing essential nutrients, such as taurine, calcium, or vitamin E. A premix eliminates that guesswork. Formulated by veterinary and animal nutritionists to meet AAFCO guidelines, it delivers balanced, long-term nutrition with every scoop—no need to juggle a dozen supplements or worry about adding too much or too little of anything. Someone has already done the heavy lifting. You just follow the recipe, knowing your cat is getting precisely what they need to thrive.

What Do Premix Supplements Contain?

Premix supplements are scientifically formulated to include key components essential for complete nutrition:

1. Calcium & Phosphorus

• • Crucial for skeletal development, neuromuscular function, and cellular signaling.
  • Balanced in the optimal ratio to support bone integrity and metabolic health.

2. Trace Minerals

• • Micronutrients such as iron, zinc, copper, and selenium—each playing a distinct role in enzymatic reactions, immune defense, epidermal and coat health, and energy metabolism.
  • Micronutrient levels are carefully calibrated to prevent both deficiency and excess.

3. Vitamins

• • Water-soluble (B-complex): critical for cellular energy metabolism, neurological health, red blood cell production, and digestive support.
  • Fat-soluble (A, D, E): contribute to vision, calcium homeostasis, antioxidant protection, and coagulation pathways.

4. Specialized Nutrients & Functional Additives

1. 1. Choline: supports liver function, neurological development, and methylation processes, including the role of folic acid.
   2. Taurine (particularly for cats): indispensable for cardiovascular health and retinal integrity.
   3. Omega‑3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA): promote cardiovascular support, skin and coat suppleness, and anti-inflammatory balance.
   4. Organ meat: provides amino acids, trace minerals, and B vitamins

By integrating these micronutrients alongside store-bought ingredients, premixes complement the macronutrients—protein, fats, and carbohydrates—provided by whole ingredients. This ensures the final complete diet achieves nutritional completeness and balance tailored to your pet’s needs.

"After finding Dr. Dody on YouTube and wanting to follow her recipes, I bought the feline premix and fish oil and it made making homemade cat food a lot easier and more enjoyable than using raw organ meat. Will be purchasing again!"

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gay G.

Why Balanced Nutrition Matters in Homemade Cat Food

Homemade diets for cats, including homemade raw cat food (read about the recent risks of raw meat and Avian flu here), are gaining popularity among pet parents seeking fresh, natural alternatives to highly processed food. However, research has consistently shown that most DIY recipes fail to meet essential nutrient requirements.

A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA, 2019) evaluated 114 home-prepared maintenance diets for cats. Of the 94 recipes suitable for analysis, none met all National Research Council (NRC) recommended allowances (RAs) for adult maintenance. Common deficiencies included choline (89.7%), iron (76.6%), thiamine (62.8%), zinc (61.7%), manganese (57.4%), vitamin E (57.4%), and copper (45.7%).

These deficiencies are not just theoretical—they can have real clinical consequences. Choline deficiency is linked to liver fat accumulation and weight loss. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia and lethargy, while inadequate vitamin E may cause a weakened immune response.

Research published in JAVMA found that over 90% of home-prepared diets for dogs and cats were nutritionally inadequate, often missing critical nutrients such as calcium, choline, zinc, vitamin D, and copper. These deficiencies are not always obvious in the short term but can lead to serious issues like anemia, metabolic bone disease, organ dysfunction, and immune suppression.

Why Following a Veterinary-Formulated Recipe Is Critical

Dogs and cats are not small humans—they have species-specific nutritional requirements that are more rigid and less forgiving. Unlike people, who can tolerate wide variations in their diets, pets rely on precise levels of essential nutrients to support vital functions, such as growth, metabolism, immune defense, nutrient absorption, and organ health. Even minor imbalances in key vitamins and minerals can lead to significant health issues over time.

Following a recipe developed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist—and using a scientifically formulated premix—ensures that:

• All essential nutrients are present in species-appropriate amounts and ratios
• The diet aligns with recognized standards, such as AAFCO or NRC guidelines
• Nutrients with narrow safety margins (e.g., vitamin D, selenium, iodine) remain within safe and effective ranges

Dogs and cats have different physiological needs—for example, cats are obligate carnivores and require dietary taurine, preformed vitamin A, and higher protein levels. Dogs are omnivorous but still require specific amino acids, fatty acids, and mineral ratios. These distinctions make precise formulation essential for long-term health.

"At first skeptical about cooking for cats but this supplement blend made the process easy and tasty. Its quick to make and enough options to provide variety of flavors. The recipes are easy to follow. Best of all the cats will eat it , including picky girl."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Deanna S.

 

Why You Can’t Supplement Your Way Out of an Unbalanced Pet Diet

Many well-meaning pet parents try to improve homemade or ultraprocessed diets by adding a multivitamin, calcium powder, or “topper”—a habit borrowed from human nutrition, where we often take a multivitamin “just in case.” However, when it comes to feeding cats, this approach is not only inadequate, it can also be risky.

Pet multivitamins are typically designed to be used in conjunction with a complete and balanced commercial diet, not to create nutritional balance from scratch. They are meant to top off—not fill in—the nutritional gaps. Similarly, adding fresh food “toppers” to kibble may improve palatability or offer small benefits. Still, they fail to address the fundamental issues in ultraprocessed diets or balance core nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin D.

Micronutrients such as selenium, copper, and vitamin A are needed in minuscule, species-specific amounts. These nutrients have narrow safety margins, meaning that too little can cause deficiency, but too much may lead to toxicity. Some nutrients (like vitamin D or iodine) can become harmful at levels only slightly above the recommended allowance.

Common pitfalls of DIY supplementation include:

• Inaccurate dosing: Without specialized software or training, it’s almost impossible to calculate the right amount of each micronutrient by hand. Even using a digital scale may not provide the precision needed for nutrient additions measured in milligrams or micrograms per serving.
• Imbalanced ratios: Nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, or zinc and copper, must be provided in the correct ratios—not just the right amounts. Excess of one can interfere with the absorption of another, creating new deficiencies.
• Omission of essential nutrients: Human supplements often lack nutrients that are critical for pets, such as taurine for cats or preformed vitamin A (retinol). Using a “human-grade” vitamin or mineral supplement doesn't guarantee species-appropriate nutrition.
• Inconsistent batches: Adding multiple separate supplements by hand to each meal or batch increases the likelihood of human error—especially over time.

A well-formulated dog or cat food premix eliminates these risks by providing all essential vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients in the correct proportions, based on the diet’s macronutrient profile and your pet’s species, life stage, and health status. It’s the veterinary equivalent of using a calibrated prescription—rather than guessing on the dose.

Nutrient Gaps in Homemade Diets: What You Need to Know

Even with the best intentions, homemade pet food often falls short in providing essential nutrients. Here’s a quick overview of the most common problems—and why a balanced premix matters.

Common Deficiencies:

• Calcium & Vitamin D – Needed for strong bones; deficiencies can lead to fractures, deformities, and poor mineralization. Too much vitamin D can cause organ damage.
• Vitamin E – Lacking this antioxidant can trigger muscle weakness and immune dysfunction.
• Zinc, Iron, Copper – Important for skin, coat, blood health, and immunity. Deficiencies often show up as dull coat, lethargy, or anemia.
• Choline – Supports liver and brain health; a deficiency can lead to fatty liver and neurologic signs.
• B Vitamins (Thiamine & Riboflavin) – Critical for nerve and energy function. Low levels can cause seizures, weakness, or stunted growth.
• Iron, Selenium, Iodine – Needed in trace amounts but vital for thyroid health, red blood cells, and immune support.
• Taurine (especially for cats) – Deficiency can result in heart disease, vision loss, and reproductive issues. Often destroyed by cooking or missing in plant-based recipes.

Common Excesses:

• Vitamin A – Too much (often from liver) can cause painful bone changes and long-term skeletal damage.
• Vitamin D – Over-supplementation can lead to dangerous calcium buildup in soft tissues.
• Calcium & Phosphorus – When out of balance, can harm bones and kidneys—especially in growing pets.
• Fat – High-fat diets without enough antioxidants like vitamin E can trigger inflammation

Other Risks:

• Omega-3 Deficiency – Leads to poor skin, coat, and cognitive decline.
• Missing Amino Acids – Can cause muscle loss, poor immunity, and stunted growth.
• Calorie Imbalance – Too much or too little energy can lead to obesity or malnutrition.
• DIY Supplementation – Using human or generic pet vitamins without precision can do more harm than good.

"This is an excellent product and has appeared to help with my cat’s skin issues and energy levels. Thank you, God bless you!"

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Allyson

Why These Problems Occur

• Most recipes are not formulated by veterinary nutritionists and lack precise nutrient balance.
• Many omit essential supplements or use inappropriate ones, especially for trace minerals and fat-soluble vitamins.
• Cooking and ingredient selection can further reduce nutrient availability (for example, fish oil should not be heated).
• Rotating recipes does not address the underlying common deficiencies, as most share similar nutrient gaps.

Holistic Vet Blend Premix (kittens to cats age 7)

This premix was formulated for multi-cat households and is designed to meet AAFCO and NRC requirements for growth and maintenance (for older cats and cats of all life stages). We recommend a proactive transition to the mature/senior blend at 7 years of age.

Holistic Vet Blend Feline Mature and Senior Premix (cats over 7 years of age)

This premix was formulated to have the lowest Phosphorus level possible and still be considered a maintenance diet. Learn more about Phosphorus levels in cat food here.

"I began making our cat food a few months ago, using the recipe on the back of the container of the Feline Senior Premix. Since then, our cats have stopped vomiting, their coats look beautiful and soft, and they have both gained weight appropriately. They were looking haggard before, but much better now. And they seem happier. Their appetites have increased too. It's wonderful!"

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sarah H.

Easy, Beginner-Friendly Homemade Cat Food Premix Recipe

This recipe can be prepared in under 15 minutes and lasts 5-7 days.

Turkey with spinach

Ingredient list:

• 1 pound 85% lean ground turkey
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2 ounces of fresh baby spinach
• 1 egg
• 1 cup of water
• 2 Tbsp Holistic Vet Blend Feline Premix or Feline Senior Premix
• 1/2 tsp of Holistic Vet Blend Omega-3 fish oil or Green Omega-3

Instructions

1. Melt coconut oil in a skillet (preferably one with high sides so you can blend recipe in the skillet)
2. Add the turkey and saute on medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Add the spinach and egg, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the last traces of pink are gone and the spinach is wilted and the egg is cooked through.
3. Turn off heat and add 1 cup of cold water.
4. When the recipe is cooled, add the Holistic Vet Blend premix and fish oil.
5. Blend in the pot (if you have one with high sides, this is easy and you don't need to transfer the mixture to a blender) using a stick blender or transfer it to a food processor. Blend to desired consistency.
6. Freeze what you will not use in 3-4 days.

Feeding Guide

Balanced Homemade Diets Start with the Right Foundation

Homemade pet food can be a nourishing and rewarding choice—but only when it’s done right. Even the most thoughtfully chosen whole-food ingredients fall short in key micronutrients without careful formulation. A veterinary-formulated premix supplement provides the critical vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients that fresh ingredients alone cannot supply.

To support your dog or cat’s long-term health, always follow a complete and balanced recipe—ideally one developed by a board-certified animal and veterinary nutritionist—and use a premix exactly as directed. Avoid the temptation to rely on generic multivitamins or guesswork. DIY supplementation carries a high risk of nutrient imbalances that can affect your pet’s health in the long run.

"My 2-year-old cat is very food driven and screams for meal time... It doesn't change the scent of the food, none that my human nose can notice. I've been using this premix for over a year and it has saved me SO much money. She is at a healthy weight, looks amazing, feels amazing."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Paige R.

Feeding your cat fresh, homemade food doesn’t have to be complicated—or risky. With the proper support and a thoughtfully formulated premix, you can skip the guesswork and know better, feeling good knowing every meal is balanced, complete, and made without artificial additives with love. You bring the real food. We’ve handled the hard part.

Try our human grade Holistic Vet Blend Feline Premix and discover how easy it can be to feed fresh, feed smart, and help your cat truly thrive.