Raw Food For Cats

A raw diet includes uncooked animal products like bones, organ meat, muscle meat, eggs, milk or fish. This type of food is called BARF which stands for ‘bones and raw food’.

Raw food recipes are often served to wild cats but it is not encouraged much for domesticated cats. In the zoo, it is the staple food for wild species.

Can I feed my cat raw food?

Because wild cats eat raw food, many people feel it is the healthiest and most natural alternative for their domestic cats. But this isn't always the case.

If you choose to feed your cat raw food, make sure it is complete and balanced by a veterinary nutritionist. Cats that consume an unbalanced diet are at risk for a number of health problems.

Benefits of feeding cats raw food

As we know cats are carnivores, they hunt and prey to eat raw meat. Along with the possible harms, cats avail many health benefits too by consuming raw meat.

Raw meat improves digestion in cats. Their digestive systems secrete potent acidic secretions that are specially made to assimilate raw proteins. Cats digest raw meat more easily than plant-based cat foods available on the market.

Raw proteins are very good for the growth of the coat. Cat's coat becomes smoother and silkier after a few weeks on a raw cat diet.

Studies have revealed that compared to processed meals, raw meat contains more vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. Studies have also shown that cats on raw food diets tend to be healthier than cats on alternative diets.

Harms feeding cats raw food diets

When it comes to a raw diet for cats, we cannot proceed further without discussing a broad range of harms posed by a raw diet.

According to a study conducted by U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), these bacteria are risk factors not only for cats but also pose serious health hazards for you and your family.

Raw foods are more likely to contain pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. These pathogens in food can cause a variety of problems in cats, including diarrheas' and vomiting. In severe cases, the consequences might be lethal.

Your cat can disseminate bacteria from its diet by grooming herself and then interacting with you or through its faces.

Domestic cats living with immune-compromised people should seldom be fed raw food diet. Because it may prove fatal for humans that are already suffering from immunity problems.

Raw food recipes always cost more than commercial canned dry and wet foods.

Best raw food for cats

It is always a big mistake when you feed your cat raw food without making sure that the diet is balanced. By merely feeding as much meat as desired, it should not be assumed that your cat is receiving exactly what it needs for optimal health.

A complete and balanced raw diet consists of

• Raw meat from both muscle and organ sources

• Raw ground bones

• Eggs

• Raw food supplements containing essential vitamins and minerals.

Precautions for preparing raw food recipes for your cat

• After handling raw food, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds)

• All surfaces and things that come into touch with raw food items should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Wash surfaces with hot, soapy water first, then use a disinfectant.

• Never rinse raw fish, seafood, or poultry in the kitchen sink without following the proper washing guide. Raw juices contain bacteria that can splash out and contaminate other foods and surfaces.

• Keep raw cat food away from human food items.

• When your pet is eating raw food, don't be in contact with your pet to prevent the dissemination of germs.