I have not started yet but I did get my Tasin grinder :-)

http://www.catinfo.org/ is by far the best info source I've come across - by a DVM who knows her stuff. Her approach is to partially bake the meat so as to kill any surface bacteria that might remain but to leave the insides uncooked so as to preserve some of the nutritious benefits of raw.

You must be wary of where you get your info and be sure you're providing complete nutrition for the animal. There was one recipe I came across that was harmful - consisted only of waste from a fish processing plant. No taurine which would have eventually led to blindness and possibly death if this was the only diet. But hey the fish waste was free and so the authors patting himself on the back about what a clever idiot he is. Never mind the string of complaints in the comment section - why that stupid article hasn't been taken down I have no idea.

Thanks so much for the link Kashka, lots to read on that site. I thought of a home-made diet as either raw OR cooked, but partial cooking makes much more sense. Am still researching the right grinder, hope you'll come back and review the Tasin when you start using it. I've mainly looked at manual ones, but electric would be great too. Considering the cost of canned food, it would pay for itself quickly. :)

Fish waste, wow. One of ours had to have PO surgery due to constant recurring blockages and the vet suggested we avoid fish to help prevent further issues. Fish also seems to be linked to kitty hyperthyroidism and high levels of toxins, but so many cat foods contain fish, even the chicken or turkey foods.

Supplements to add to the home made food, another thing to worry about. I read that most supplements are now manufactured in China, which does not instill much confidence. This website sells pre-ground meats for pet food (expensive!!) and most of their foods have added Taurine, vitamins, and a host of other stuff. RawPawshttps://www.rawpawspetfood.com/

There is also a company that makes a supplement to help you make your pet(s) food. We have used it for our cats, we alternate between this and manufactured food. It is simple to prepare and is AAFCO approved so the nutrients are there. They have a supplement for cooked and raw.

https://www.knowbetterpetfood.com/U-Stew