Most people assume that feeding a raw diet must be expensive. Even our veterinarian once commented, “That must cost a small fortune!” when we made the switch.
But the truth is very different. When you actually sit down and calculate the numbers, rather than relying on assumptions, making your own cat food is often cheaper than buying premium canned food, and in many cases, healthier too.
The idea that raw feeding is expensive is one of the biggest reasons cat owners hesitate, especially when they’re already juggling rising pet care costs. So let’s break it down and answer the real question: is it cheaper to make your own cat food, and how does the cost of raw feeding compare with commercial options?
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Is it cheaper to make your own cat food?
In our experience, yes – it is cheaper to make your own cat food at home. A balanced homemade raw food diet costs significantly less than buying premium grain-free canned food or commercial raw meat patties.
Of course, raw feeding won’t beat the price of budget kibble (cat biscuits) or low-cost cans you can buy at your local supermarket. But cheap, carbohydrate-heavy diets don’t meet a cat’s needs as obligate carnivores. The hidden cost of feeding low-quality food often shows up later in life as health problems like diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and urinary issues which can mean bigger vet bills over time.
So while a bag of kibble may look cheaper at the checkout, preparing raw cat food at home is not only cost-effective in the long run, it’s also an investment in your cat’s health.
How much does raw cat food cost to make at home?
Prices will vary depending on where you live, and the quality and type of meat you choose. Below are the average prices for raw meat (per kg) in Australia, which we use to calculate the real cost of making raw cat food at home.
- Chicken breast – $11
- Chicken thighs – $14.50
- Beef – $20
- Pork – $16.70
- Kangaroo – $23
- Lamb – $22
- Duck – $38
For raw organs, the average price (per kg) is:
- Liver – $7.50
- Heart – $9
- Kidneys – $15
We’re always looking for ways to keep raw feeding affordable without cutting corners on quality. Chicken is usually one of the most budget-friendly options, so it’s a staple in our cats’ meals. We also keep an eye out for specials and bulk deals on other meats. For example, duck breast often goes on sale at a heavy discount. When that happens, we stock up and fill the freezer. Little habits like this make raw feeding much easier on the wallet while still giving our cats the variety of proteins they need.
Example: homemade raw recipe costs with chicken
A batch of the raw cat food recipe we use (18 x 55g meals) costs:
- Chicken breast – $8.11
- Organs (lamb heart, liver and kidney) – $1.78
- Vitamin supplement powder (1/2 teaspoon) – $0.58
- Egg yolk – $0.71
- Salmon oil – $0.89
That brings the total to A$12.07 per batch, or just $1.34 per cat per day. Using chicken thighs instead, works out at A$14.64 per batch or $1.63 per day.
We’ve worked out the cost of preparing our raw recipe using chicken breast, in Australian dollars. To estimate the cost in your own currency, simply enter the amount into an online currency converter, and it will update the price using the current exchange rate.
Is raw feeding expensive using other meats?
Meat prices play the biggest role in determining the overall cost of raw feeding cats. Costs vary not only by protein type, but also by season, availability, and whether you buy in bulk.
Here’s what different proteins typically cost per day, per cat:
- Beef – $2.05
- Pork – $1.78
- Kangaroo – $2.29
- Lamb – $2.21
- Duck – $3.53 (unless it’s on sale).
Raw feeding can become expensive if you rely on higher-priced meats, but it’s still cheaper than many premium wet foods. By sticking with budget-friendly cuts and buying specials when you see them, it is often far cheaper to make your own cat food than people think.
Is homemade raw food cheaper than premium wet food?
Before we switched our cats to raw, we were feeding them premium grain-free canned food. We’d stock up with 20 or more cans at a time and grab store discounts whenever we could.
These days, a quality grain-free chicken canned food works out to about A$2.04–A$2.97 per 55g meal if paying full price. With two meals a day, that’s A$4.07–A$5.93 per cat, every single day. When you add it up, it’s far more expensive than raw feeding.
Extra costs when making raw cat food
When working out how much raw cat food costs, there are a few extra costs to consider.
Supplements
There’s an initial outlay for supplements when you first get started, and these are essential for making sure the raw diet is complete and balanced. Thankfully, supplements last for many batches, so the cost per meal is minimal. For the raw recipe we use the supplement mix, salmon oil and an egg yolk add up to about A$1.91 per batch.
Kitchen equipment
The biggest upfront cost is a good quality meat grinder. If you’re feeding raw with bone-in recipes, you’ll want to invest in a grinder that can handle the job without burning out. Even if you stick to raw recipes without bones, a sturdy grinder saves time and ensures consistency. The initial outlay may feel like a lot, but it pays off quickly when you compare the savings against buying commercial raw or premium canned food every month.
If you’re just starting out, a few basic tools make the process far easier and safer. A reliable digital kitchen scale helps with accurate portioning, a sturdy grinder reduces prep time, and having mixing bowls reserved for cat food keeps preparation hygienic and organised. Once you have them, these tools last for years and quickly pay for themselves.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, the question isn’t just “is raw feeding expensive?” but “what value does it bring?” For us, the savings are clear, both financially and in the long-term health of our cats.
Preparing raw cat food takes less than two hours per month for four cats (closer to one hour if you have one or two cats). Once you get into a rhythm, it’s easy, affordable, and incredibly rewarding.
So, how much does it cost to feed raw cat food? On average, about half the price of premium wet food. And is it cheaper to make your own cat food? In our experience, absolutely. For cat owners willing to plan ahead and buy smart, raw feeding is not only affordable – it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to support long-term health.
––> If you’re still in the planning stage, our Beginner’s Guide to Raw Feeding Cats walks through how raw feeding works and what to expect.
