Homemade cat food

Turkey & Carrot Baked Meatballs

Tender little baked meatballs of lean turkey mince flecked with soft carrot — a wholesome, low-fat treat that is easy to portion.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
35 min
Makes
About 10 mini meatballs

🧺 Ingredients

  • 120 g lean turkey mince
  • 1 tbsp finely grated carrot, lightly steamed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp plain cooked mashed pumpkin (optional, to bind)

👩‍🍳 Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment.
  2. Steam the grated carrot briefly until soft, then drain and cool.
  3. Combine the turkey mince, carrot, egg yolk and optional pumpkin, mixing to a soft, mouldable texture.
  4. Roll into small marble-sized balls and space them on the tray.
  5. Bake for about 20 minutes until firm and cooked right through, then cool completely; serve one or two and refrigerate the rest for up to three days.
Nutrition: Lean turkey is a light, highly digestible protein rich in the amino acids cats need for muscle, while a little steamed carrot adds soft texture, beta-carotene and gentle fibre, giving a satisfying treat that is easy on the waistline.

📝 Notes

Keep the mixture plain — no salt, onion, garlic or seasoning — and make sure the turkey is fully cooked with no pink centre. Serve as an occasional treat rather than a complete meal, and introduce new proteins gradually.

⚕️ 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.