Raw Cat Food Diet: Vet Reviewed Pros & Cons Explained

Rewrite and expand this content to 700 words The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Raw cat food is a diet for cats that consists only of raw and unprocessed animal sources such as meat, eggs, organs, and bones. The raw ingredients are usually obtained from humanely-raised or wild-caught animals. This type of diet attempts to mimic the natural predatory behavior of cats in the wild by providing them with high-quality proteins and fats from fresh sources. Let’s learn more about raw food diets for cats and the pros and cons of them. How Does It Work? Raw cat food diets are based on the premise that cats in the wild would naturally consume a wide variety of fresh prey, including small animals such as mice and birds. In contrast to kibble which is made from ultra-processed meat, grains, and other ingredients, raw cat food diets consist of unprocessed animal proteins like chicken, beef, fish, eggs, organs, and bone. These ingredients are usually ground up into a fine consistency before being served to cats. Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock What Are the Different Types of Raw Cat Food Diets? There are several types of raw cat food diets available, including: Whole Prey – These diets mimic the natural diet of cats in the wild and consist of fresh, whole-prey animals such as mice, birds, and fish. Domestic cats usually wouldn’t get this type of diet. Raw Meat Diet – This type of diet is made up of fresh muscle meats and organs from humanely-raised or wild-caught animals. It does not contain any grains or fillers. Balanced Homemade Raw Diet– This type of diet utilizes a combination of fresh meat, eggs, organs,  bones, and supplements that are balanced for a cat’s nutritional needs. Where Is It Used? Raw cat food diets are most commonly used by pet owners who want to provide their cats with a more natural and nutrient-rich diet. It can also benefit cats with allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients found in processed kibble. Some veterinarians may also recommend raw cat food diets for cats with specific health issues such as diabetes or digestive problems. However, it’s important to note that these diets should always be discussed with a vet beforehand since there can be risks associated with feeding cats something other than traditional commercial pet foods. Additionally, these diets require careful preparation and handling to avoid potential bacterial contamination from raw meats. Image Credit: Abeer Zaki, Unsplash Advantages of Raw Cat Food Diets There are many advantages of raw cat food diets, including: High-Quality Sources of Protein Raw cat food contains more high-quality proteins than regular kibble since it utilizes fresh meats, which are much richer in nutrients. This can give cats more energy, help maintain a healthy weight and promote overall health. Higher Fat Content Raw cat food diets usually contain higher amounts of fat than kibble diets, which can benefit cats who need extra calories. Nutrient-Rich Diet Raw cat food is loaded with essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that are necessary for a healthy metabolism and overall wellness. They also include natural sources of taurine, an essential amino acid for cats that helps them to maintain their cardiac and visual health. Easier Digestion Because raw cat foods are unprocessed, they are much easier to digest than kibble, which can help cats with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. Image Credit: prachyaloyfar, Shutterstock Disadvantages of Raw Cat Food Diets The main disadvantages of raw cat food diets are: Potential Bacterial Contamination Raw cat foods can be polluted by bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can harm both cats and humans. Therefore, taking extra precautions when sourcing, handling, preparing, and feeding raw cat food is important. Cost Raw cat foods are typically more expensive than processed kibble because they require higher-quality ingredients. Additionally, obtaining humanely-raised or wild-caught animal proteins will also elevate the costs.  Time-consuming Preparing and serving raw cat foods takes time since it involves grinding the ingredients and ensuring that all the nutrients are balanced for a cat’s nutritional needs. This can make it difficult for busy pet owners to provide their cats with a nutritious diet on a consistent basis. Overall, raw cat food diets can benefit cats looking to get more natural and nutrient-rich nutrition in their diet. However, it’s important to consult with a vet beforehand and take extra precautions when handling and preparing raw foods to avoid contamination. Additionally, these diets can be expensive and time-consuming, making them impractical for some pet owners. Image Credit: Daria Miroshnikova, Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Why should I consider a raw cat food diet? There are many advantages to a raw cat food diet, including higher quality proteins, more natural nutrition, and easier digestion for cats with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. Additionally, some veterinarians may suggest this type of diet for cats with specific health conditions such as diabetes, allergies, or digestive problems. How do I transition my cat to a raw food diet? It’s best to transition your cat slowly over several weeks to avoid potential gastric upset or behavioral issues that could arise from a sudden change. Start by gradually increasing the amount of raw food in your cat’s diet while decreasing the amount of processed kibble. Additionally, make sure to transition gently and consult with a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about how to properly transition your cat to a raw food diet. What are the benefits of a raw cat food diet? There are many anecdotally reported benefits to feeding cats a raw food diet, including increased nutritional value, better digestion, and improved overall wellness. Raw foods provide cats with higher-quality proteins than those found in processed kibble, as well as essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids for optimal health. Additionally, these diets can be easier on cats with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. Image Credit: Astrid Gast, Shutterstock Are there any additional costs associated with a raw cat food diet? Yes, raw cat foods are typically more expensive than processed kibble because they require higher-quality ingredients. Additionally, obtaining humanely-raised or wild-caught animal proteins will also elevate the costs.  However, the improved nutrition that comes from feeding your cat a raw food diet can help reduce long-term veterinary costs. How will I know if my cat gets all the nutrients he needs on a raw diet? It’s important to make sure that you’re providing your cat with all of the nutrients it needs in order to stay healthy and active. A balanced raw diet should include muscle meats, organs, and bones from humanely-raised or wild-caught animals to provide essential proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Additionally, it’s important to make sure the diet is balanced with the essential micronutrients that cats need in order to stay healthy. You should consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about a raw food diet for your cat. Sample Recipe for Beginners   Turkey Raw Cat Food Course Main CourseCuisine Cats 2 lbs Turkey breast with skin88 gr Chicken livers178 gr Chicken hearts1.8 gr Salmon oil1 ¾ Egg yolks (pasteurized)3.76 oz Purified drinking water1 tsp Eggshell powder3.74 gr Morton® Lite Salt890 mg Taurine 89 mg Vitamin B-complex67 mg Vitamin E d-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (IU) Combine all the ingredients in a strong blender and mix until having the desired texture. Feel free to add more water if your cat prefers a softer pate texture.Spoon the mixture into individual meal-sized portions inside sealed containers. It is a good idea to have one container to store the meals your cat will eat in one day.Refrigerate the food that you will use today and tomorrow. Keep it safely sealed and away from other food items.Freeze the rest of the portions.Allow the frozen food to thaw in the freezer for about 18-24 hours before feeding. Do not thaw this food outside the fridge. This recipe is intended to provide only a basic outline for creating a raw cat food diet. Please consult your veterinarian to approve what is the best diet and recipes for your cat.  Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock Keyword turkey and vegetable raw cat food How to Avoid Nutritional Deficiencies While Feeding a Raw Diet The best way to ensure your cat gets the nutrients they need from a raw diet is to start with…