Homemade cat food
Bonito Flake & Kelp Taurine Topper
A no-cook savoury topper for fussy or convalescing cats. Dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi) are pure aroma and protein, and a tiny pinch of kelp adds trace minerals to sprinkle over a normal meal.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 5 min
- Makes
- 10 servings
🧺 Ingredients
- A small handful of dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi), unsalted and additive-free
- A tiny pinch of food-grade dried kelp or nori, finely ground
- 1–2 tsp warm water or unsalted plain broth (optional, to soften)
👩🍳 Method
- Check the bonito flakes are plain — no added salt, soy, sugar or seasoning of any kind.
- Crush a small handful of flakes lightly between your fingers so they scatter easily.
- Grind the kelp or nori to a fine powder and measure out only a very small pinch.
- Sprinkle the bonito over your cat's usual wet food as a flavour topper.
- Dust the meal with the tiny pinch of kelp powder and stir through.
- For older cats, soften the flakes first with a little warm water or broth to make them easier to eat.
Nutrition: Bonito is naturally high in taurine and lean protein, and its strong smell tempts inappetent, senior or recovering cats to eat. Kelp contributes trace iodine and minerals — but the operative word is trace.
📝 Notes
This is a topper to enhance a complete diet, not a meal in itself. Use kelp very sparingly — it is rich in iodine, and too much over time can upset thyroid function. Avoid katsuobushi products aimed at humans if they list added salt or dashi seasoning. Introduce gradually and stop if it causes any digestive upset.
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⚕️ Before you cook for your cat
- Homemade food must be balanced. Cats need taurine, and deficiency causes heart and eye disease.
- Treat recipes are supplements to a complete diet, not a replacement for it.
- Check any new ingredient against the toxic-foods list, and ask your vet before switching diets.