You’ve probably seen debates online about raw diets. While some argue it’s beneficial, some also state that the risks outweigh the benefits. The idea makes sense on the surface, after all. Cats are natural-born hunters, which means they thrive on fresh meat.
But here’s the catch: what’s natural is not always safe or balanced in a domestic setting. So, while you’ve been scrolling for the right answers, we’ve lined them all up for you. For the short answer, cats can eat raw meat, but they shouldn’t. They’re better off with a formulated diet.
With that, let’s find out if raw cat food is one of the best options or just a bad one.
Why Do Pet Owners Consider Raw Cat Food?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they rely solely on the nutrients found in animal tissue to survive. Unlike dogs or humans, they can’t thrive on plant-based proteins, carbohydrates, or healthy fruits and veggies. Their bodies are designed to process animal tissue.
That’s where the consideration for raw pet food for cats comes in. Some pet owners believe that returning to a cat’s natural eating habits can lead to better nutrition and more noticeable health improvements. Here are the potential benefits of raw cat food when served properly:
Improved Digestion. Cats fed a raw diet often have smaller, firmer, and less smelly stools. That’s because raw meat is highly digestible and doesn’t have any unnecessary fillers.
Healthier Skin and Coat. A raw diet is rich in naturally occurring omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, especially when it includes raw chicken, turkey, or oily fish. This improves skin health and coat quality, avoiding some serious skin issues in cats.
Cleaner Teeth and Better Oral Health. Raw meaty bones can act like natural toothbrushes. Chewing and tearing through raw meat helps scrape off plaque and exercise a cat’s jaws.
Stronger Bones and Joints. Raw cat food, especially bones, can contain essential amounts of calcium and phosphorus, minerals that support bone health and development.
Increased Energy. Cats on a raw diet often maintain higher and more consistent energy levels. The high amounts of protein without the fillers can improve your cat’s energy. You may notice your cat being more playful and active for longer.
Lean Muscle Mass. High-quality animal protein builds lean muscle, and the absence of processed carbs helps reduce fat gain. This leads to a leaner muscle build with significantly less fat.
Better Hydration. Raw meat contains around 70-75% moisture, much like a cat’s natural prey. This added hydration supports kidney function and the urinary tract.
Risk and Safety Concerns of Raw Meat for Cats
Feeding raw meat to your cat can offer real benefits, but it can also pose some real risks. If handled incorrectly, raw cat food can be dangerous. Here are the potential risks of raw meat for cats:
Bacterial Contamination
Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli. While cats have highly acidic stomachs that can help destroy pathogens, the risk is still there, and it’s a concern for kittens, seniors, or those with suppressed immune systems.
Infections can result in severe digestive issues, such as chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Even with thorough preparation, a mistake in the process can be dangerous for overall cat health and nutrition.
Parasites
Other than bacteria, parasites can also be present in raw meat. It’s prevalent in raw pork, with Trichinella spiralis, Toxoplasma gondii, and many other tapeworms. The only surefire way to eliminate these parasites is through cooking, which raw diets don’t include.
Nutritional Imbalances
While raw meat can provide cats with high amounts of protein, consuming just that will lead to nutritional deficiencies. Cats still need a varied diet to obtain the other necessary nutrients they need to grow and develop.
Diets that are not completely balanced can have deficiencies, which can lead to long-term health issues and problems with development.
Bone Hazards
Raw bones can help clean a cat’s teeth and provide natural calcium. However, this comes with its own set of risks. Bones can fracture teeth, puncture gums, or cause choking, resulting in oral and gastrointestinal issues.
These risks are especially high whenever the bones cats eat are too large or too hard. When a bone gets stuck in the gastrointestinal tract, it could damage the area and cause some serious digestive issues.
Cross-Contamination
While commercially available raw cat food adheres to a level of safety and cleanliness, improperly preparing the meal at home can pose the risk of cross-contamination. The bacteria within the raw meat can spread throughout your kitchen, from chopping boards to sharp knives.
This can put everyone at home at risk. Raw meat should be prepared and stored properly. Any simple mistake can be dangerous for everyone.
What Raw Meats Can Cats Eat?
If you’re ready to explore raw feeding, take note of the types that cats can eat. Not all raw food is the same, and some can do more harm than good. Here is a quick list of the possible raw meats cats can eat when prepared correctly and safely:
Raw Meat | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
Chicken | Chicken is a staple protein that is easy to digest and widely available, making it great for raw feeding. Thighs, breasts, hearts, and gizzards are the best parts to use. |
Rabbit | Raw rabbit is a great source of protein for cats. It can serve as a novel protein option for cats who have allergies to other types of meat. |
Beef | Ground or cubed beef is rich in iron and B vitamins. Lean cuts of beef work best. This adds variety to your cat’s diet. |
What Raw Meats Should Cats Not Eat?
While there are raw meats cats can eat, there are those that should be avoided entirely, no matter how thorough the preparation process is.
Raw Meat | Why It’s Bad |
|---|---|
Pork | Unfrozen raw pork can carry the parasite Trichinella spiralis, which can cause trichinosis, a potentially fatal disease. |
Fish | Feeding raw fish as part of a normal diet is not recommended as it can contain thiaminase, a compound that destroys vitamin B1, an essential vitamin for neurological function. |
Processed Meats | Any meat that has been smoked, cured, salted, or seasoned should never be given, whether raw or cooked. These products contain ingredients that are toxic to cats and can cause kidney damage. |
Turkey | Raw turkey is also another type of raw meat that can be dangerous. It’s not recommended for cats. |
Lamb | Raw lamb, even in small amounts, contains high levels of fat, which are not ideal for cat nutrition. The fat level not only leads to obesity but can also put your cat at risk of pancreatitis. |
Vet Tips: How to Safely Feed Raw Meat to Your Cat
Improving your cat’s diet starts with the right process. If you’re set on feeding raw pet food for your cat, then be sure to do it right. Take note that these steps should be done properly and systematically in order to prevent any issues with the food and your home.
Choose High-Quality Raw Meat
Start with fresh, high-quality meat from trusted sources. To be sure, avail these products from providers that focus on selling raw meat specifically for cats. Avoid bulk meat from unknown or questionable suppliers.
It helps a lot if the meat you ordered is portioned into separate bags depending on your cat’s daily meals. When the raw cat food you ordered arrives, freeze the raw meat for at least 3 days before feeding.
Wash and Sanitize
To start feeding, we must first prepare in a clean area. Wash your hands properly for about 20 to 30 seconds. Prepare the area by cleaning it with hot, soapy water, then use a pet-safe disinfectant. Use equipment and kitchen tools that are meant for handling raw food.
Thaw the Meat
The raw meat you have frozen should be thawed in the refrigerator or microwave, never at room temperature. This ensures that the bacteria does not multiply rapidly, allowing the food to stay within a safe temperature range.
Cut and Chop the Raw Products
Any raw meat, bones, and organs you have should be appropriately portioned and prepared. This helps reduce the risk of choking and makes it easier for cats to eat them. Use a heavy-duty kitchen knife and chopping board meant for handling raw food. This should be done in a few minutes.
Serve the Raw Meat
Once the raw meat is prepared, place the food in your cat’s bowl. Watch closely and monitor for any signs of complications, such as choking. The initial stages will always be the most crucial part of the process.
If your cat is new to this kind of diet, then slowly transition to the new food. You can easily do this by starting with one type of raw meat. Then follow this general feeding guide:
Day | Amount of Food |
|---|---|
1 to 3 | 25% raw food, 75% previous food |
4 to 6 | 50-% raw food, 50% previous food |
7 to 9 | 75% raw food, 25% previous food |
10+ | 100% raw food |
For more specific measurements based on your cat’s requirements, you can consult with our vets.
Discard Leftovers and Sanitize
If you see any leftovers, discard them altogether. Leftover raw meat, especially when left for more than two hours, should be thrown away since the risk of bacterial growth is high. Also, this is the time to clean your cat’s bowl, your preparation area, the tools used, and your hands.
“Feeding your cat is about choosing the healthiest and safest options to keep them happy for long.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska
Final Thoughts on Raw Meat for Cats
While cats can eat raw meat, they generally shouldn’t. Feeding a raw diet is not as simple as throwing your cat a piece of meat. The benefits are real, but the risks are even more serious and dangerous.
For your cat’s health and nutrition, we recommend feeding specially formulated food. They offer convenience, reliability, and complete nutrition without sacrificing health. It’s an easy way to provide your cat with the nutrients it needs.
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