To use Instincts you ideally need a set of scales, a measuring jug and a small food processor.

The scales and jug can be part of your normal kitchen equipment but we recommend that if you convert to making your own pet food using raw meat that you get a food processor that you can use exclusively for this purpose.  

We are currently researching the best available models for each.

• Scales: Preferably with a digital readout - the main advantage of these is that you can 'tare' them (reset to zero with your container in place)  - prices range in the UK from £10 - £40. (€15 - €60) For the traditionalists, a conventional set of balances are very accurate but you cannot 'tare' them. You can, however keep them in balance by having the same size container on either side.

• Measuring Jugs - any with ml scale will be OK. As this is just used for measuring the water you can use your normal kitchen jug.

• Food processor: Model of choice at the moment is the Kenwood FP116 We have tried a variety of different processors ranging from £10 - £35 (€15 - €50). The key thing to look for is how the bowl attaches to the motor. With some cheap ones you can get juices around this joint which from a hygene point of view is not good. You can get cheap ones that are OK though and we found an excellent one for £12 (€17). It had a glass bowl that developed a crack somehow. Such is the fast paced world of retailing that when we went to get another one it had been discontinued. A good tip is that if you find one that you like and it is cheap, get a spare one.

              The reason that we like the Kenwood FP116 mentioned above is that the motor to blade                   joint is protected by a vertical shaft so it is virtually impossible to get any leakage.

All these small processors are fine for making smallish batches and also great if you get into the lazy habit of making your food daily. The most time efficient way, however,  is to make largish batches - say 2 or 3 weeks worth at a time. For this it is better to get a larger machine which will make things a lot quicker and will also deal with chicken bones should you wish to use the component method as outlined by Anne at htttp://www.catnutrition.org/ 

That machine of choice is the one from Northern Tools.

 
 
             http://www.northerntooluk.com/products.asp?partno=168620E

This machine is seriously powerful and easy to keep clean. It comes with a set of three sized grinding wheels. For grinding meat we use the coarse or medium one. When we grind meat and bones it is a 2 stage process. First use the coarse wheel and then put everything through again using the small sized wheel. This is probably erring on the safe side but it is good to know that no dangerous sized particles of bone can get through.

I have a 'feeling' that grinding the meat rather than 'blitzing' it in a food processor may be better at releasing the goodness in the meat. This is certainly true for garlic, coffee and making juices for human consumption. 

Northern Tools also do a really cool stainless steel version. 

This is more expensive at £294 (€ 429) but I am half hoping our current grinder breaks so I have an excuse to get one! It looks as though it would last for years.