Best 3 Easy Plant Based Cat Food Recipes (Vegan & Homemade))

I am Koushik, and I want to share this special Plant Based Cat Food Recipe with you. If you are worried about mystery ingredients in store-bought bags or if your cat has a sensitive tummy, this home-cooked meal is a total lifesaver.

Finding the best plant based cat food can be hard. Most store-bought bags are full of things you can’t pronounce. Making it in your kitchen means you know exactly what goes into the bowl.

This recipe is perfect for cats with meat sensitivities or for owners who want to try a vegetarian cat food recipes approach.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer (Must Read)

Cats are obligate carnivores. This means they require specific nutrients (especially taurine, arachidonic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and methionine) that do not naturally occur in all plants.

A homemade plant-based diet is NOT recommended without veterinary supervision.

What is Plant Based Cat Food?

This is food made using grains, beans, and veggies instead of animal meat. It focuses on getting protein from plants like lentils or chickpeas.

While cats are natural hunters, a plant based wet cat food can work if you add the right vitamins that they usually get from meat.

The food stays meat-free, yet nutrients meet feline needs through lab-made sources.

Plant Based Cat Food Recipe
Plant Based Cat Food Recipe

Benefits of Plant-Based Cat Food

  • Helpful for cats with meat intolerance
  • Fits ethical feeding goals
  • Clear control over ingredients
  • Works for short-term trials or mixed feeding plans

What Vegetables Can Cats Eat?

Cats can eat a few different veggies. Carrots, peas, and green beans are great choices. Pumpkin is also a big hit for digestion. Always cook them until they are soft so your kitty can swallow them easily.

What Plant-Based Foods Can Cats Eat?

Aside from veggies, cats can have cooked rice, quinoa, small amounts of tofu and Nutritional yeast (limited). These provide the energy they need to jump and play.

The Best Plant Based Cat Food Recipe

Recipe 1: Plant Based Cat Food Recipe (soft mash & easy to eat)

Recipe Overview

This plant based cat food recipe is a soft mash that smells great and is easy for cats to eat.

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 25 minutes
  • Total time: 35 minutes
  • Cuisine: Pet Food
  • Course: Main Meal
  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: 195 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils (cooked until very soft)
  • 1/2 cup sweet potato (peeled, boiled, and mashed)
  • 1/4 cup green peas (steamed and mashed)
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor cats love)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Essential Step: 1 serving of a vegan cat supplement (like Vegedog) to provide taurine and minerals.

Ingredient Notes

  • Lentils: These are the main source of plant based protein cat food.
  • Sweet Potato: Adds a smooth texture to the food.
  • Nutritional Yeast: This is the secret to making them want to eat it!
  • Supplement: You cannot skip this. Cats need specific vitamins to stay healthy.

Guaranteed Nutritional Analysis (Per 100g)

NutrientAmount
Crude Protein (min)28%
Crude Fat (min)8%
Crude Fiber (max)4%
Moisture (max)12%
  1. Taurine Source: Synthetic Taurine (from the added supplement).
    • Amount: 250mg per serving.
  2. Arachidonic Acid Source: Schizochytrium seaweed oil or specialized vegan pet supplement.
    • Amount: 0.03% per serving.

Instructions

  1. Boil the lentils: Place the red lentils in a pot with water. Cook them until they are mushy. Drain any extra water.
  2. Prep the veggies: Boil the sweet potato and steam the peas. Mash them together in a big bowl until there are no large lumps.
  3. Mix it all: Add the cooked lentils to the veggie mash. Stir in the olive oil and nutritional yeast.
  4. Add the vitamins: Wait for the mix to cool down. Once it is room temperature, stir in your vegan cat supplement. This is very important so the heat does not ruin the vitamins.
  5. Serve: Put a small scoop in your cat’s bowl and watch them enjoy!

Tips and Variations

  • Grain Twist: You can swap half the lentils for cooked brown rice for a different texture.
  • Better Smell: If your cat is picky, add a tiny bit of vegetable broth (make sure it has no onions or garlic).
  • Organic Option: Use organic veggies to make an organic vegan cat food.

Serving and Storage Guidelines

  • Serving: Serve at room temperature.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze small portions for later.

Recipe Note

  • Cats are obligate carnivores by nature.
  • Only use this recipe if your vet says it is okay.
  • Always use a supplement to prevent heart issues.
  • Never use onions, garlic, or grapes in any cat food.
Plant Based Cat Food
Plant Based Cat Food

Recipe 2: Plant Based Cat Food Recipe (Dry-Style Soft Kibble)

Plant Based Cat Food Recipe with taurine support and algal fats

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian
  • Course: Cat Food
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Calories: 180 per serving

Ingredients

  • Chickpea flour – 1 cup
  • Cooked lentils – ½ cup
  • Cooked pumpkin – ¼ cup
  • Ground oats – ¼ cup
  • Coconut oil – 1 tbsp
  • Synthetic taurine – 250 mg
  • Algal oil (ARA source) – 0.2 g
  • Calcium carbonate – 800 mg
  • Vitamin B12 supplement – 5 mcg
  • Water – as needed

Instructions

  1. I preheat my oven to 350°F.
  2. I mix dry items in one bowl.
  3. I stir pumpkin, lentils, oil, and water until soft dough forms.
  4. I fold taurine and supplements in last.
  5. I shape small pellets.
  6. I bake 25 minutes.
  7. I cool fully before serving.

Kitchen Tip: I weigh supplements with a digital scale. Accuracy matters here.

Guaranteed Nutritional Analysis (Dry Matter Basis)

  • Crude Protein: 30%
  • Crude Fat: 14%
  • Crude Fiber: 4%
  • Moisture: 8%
  • Taurine: 0.20%
  • Arachidonic Acid: 0.02%
  • Calcium: 1.1%
  • Phosphorus: 0.9%

Taurine Source

  • Synthetic taurine powder
  • Amount: 250 mg per batch

Arachidonic Acid Source

  • Algal oil (fungal-derived ARA)
  • Amount: 0.2 g per batch

Serving and Storage Guidelines

  • Feed small portions only
  • Store refrigerated 3 days
  • Freeze up to 30 days

Recipe Note

This food suits trial feeding only. I rotate it with vet-approved diets.

Recipe 3: Plant Based Wet Cat Food (Soft Mash)

Plant based wet cat food with gentle texture

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Calories: 150 per serving

Ingredients

  • Cooked rice – ½ cup
  • Mashed peas – ¼ cup
  • Sweet potato – ¼ cup
  • Sunflower oil – 1 tsp
  • Synthetic taurine – 300 mg
  • Algal oil (ARA) – 0.25 g
  • Calcium carbonate – 700 mg
  • Water – ½ cup

Instructions

  1. I simmer rice and veggies with water.
  2. I mash until smooth.
  3. I stir supplements after cooling slightly.
  4. I serve warm.

Guaranteed Nutritional Analysis

  • Crude Protein: 28%
  • Crude Fat: 13%
  • Fiber: 3.5%
  • Moisture: 70%
  • Taurine: 0.22%
  • Arachidonic Acid: 0.025%

Taurine Source

  • Synthetic taurine
  • 300 mg per batch

Arachidonic Acid Source

  • Algal oil
  • 0.25 g per batch

Tips and Variations

  • Add brewer’s yeast for taste
  • Swap pumpkin for carrot
  • Keep the texture smooth for senior cats

More homemade Cat Food You May Like

5 Best Homemade Cat Food To Gain Weight (Vet approved)

10 Healthy Homemade DIY Wet Cat Food Recipes

FAQ

Is Plant-Based Cat Food Good For Cats?

Cats need strict nutrient control. Plant recipes must use supplements.

Is There Plant Based Cat Food Sold Commercially?

Yes. Evolution plant based cat food exists. brands like Evolution plant-based cat food are available if you don’t have time to cook.

Can Cats Live Fully Vegetarian?

Only with vet monitoring and lab-made nutrients.

Is Organic Vegan Cat Food Safer?

Organic helps ingredient quality, not nutrient gaps.

What Is The Best Vegetarian Cat Food For Beginners?

This lentil and sweet potato mash is the easiest one to start with!

Can I Give This To My Kitten?

Kittens have very high needs. Talk to your vet before giving a vegetarian diet for cats to a growing kitten.

Final Thoughts

I share this Plant Based Cat Food Recipe for readers who want honest, careful options. This food stays simple, measured, and transparent.

Try small servings, watch your cat closely, and talk with your vet. If you cook it, tell me how your cat reacts. I read every message on perfectcatfood.com.

Does your cat have a favorite veggie? Let me know in the comments below.

Koushik

Hi there! My name is Koushik; I am a cat lover. I specialize in writing about pet care & food. I have a wealth of knowledge on cat food niches and related subjects. I have worked in the pet industry for over 5 years and am passionate about helping cat owners provide the best care for their furry friends. With knowledge of cat food and nutrition, I aim to share their insights and help cat owners navigate the world of cat food niches. I enjoy playing with my two cats, reading, and exploring new cat food brands in my free time.

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