As a cat owner, you want to provide the best nutrition possible for your feline friend, but with so many diet options out there like freeze dried, air dried, kibble, canned and fresh cat food, it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s truly right for your cat. You may have wondered whether raw food really lives up to its growing craze among cat owners in recent years. If you’re new to the concept of raw feeding and find yourself wondering whether it’s suitable for your cat, you’re not alone. Making the decision to switch to a feline raw diet involves understanding your cat’s specific needs and weighing the potential health benefits against the challenges.

In this post, we will guide you through the key factors to consider when deciding if raw cat food is suitable for your cat, get a better understanding of their natural dietary needs, the benefits of raw feeding, and important considerations before making the switch. With all this information, you’ll be much more prepared to make an informed decision that supports your cat’s health and well-being.

Understanding Your Cat’s Needs

An article published by the University of Cornell Veterinary Medicine states that cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they thrive on nutrients found in animal products [1]. Domesticated cats evolved from wildcats who were once hunters that consumed prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and a minimal amount of carbohydrates. Their diet still requires these general proportions today. Fresh food for cats like premade raw meals, with its high protein content and lack of unnecessary additives, aligns perfectly with a cat’s dietary requirements.

However, not all cats are the same, and it’s essential to consider individual factors such as age, health status, and any medications your cat may be on. For example, while most cats, including kittens, can benefit from a raw diet, those on immunosuppressive medications may not be suitable candidates due to the potential risks associated with raw feeding [2]. It is always wise to consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat’s diet.

Additionally, to truly understand your cat’s needs, take a close look at your cat’s current eating habits. If your cat frequently turns its whiskers up at kibble or wet canned food, this could be a sign that they’re not fully satisfied with their current diet. Cats are known for being selective eaters, and their preferences often lean towards foods that are closer to what they would naturally eat.

In addition to that, a study done in the Journal of Applied Animal Research in 2020, found that cats select the food they consume by their amazing sense of smell to decide on what foods are appropriate for their needs, and what foods should be avoided [3]. Cats are known to favor foods that are high in protein for a healthy, balanced diet as they require essential nutrients such as amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins to thrive.

Reaping the Benefits of Fresh Raw Food for Cats

One of the most compelling reasons to consider a feline raw diet, is the array of health benefits it can offer your cat. Unlike kibble, which is often loaded with fillers such as corn, soy, and wheat, raw food for cats is largely free from these refined carbohydrates. Fillers are typically used to bulk up commercial pet foods at a lower cost, but they provide little nutritional value and can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations can cause energy crashes, leading to the lethargy that many pets experience after meals.

In contrast, fresh cat food like a raw diet is minimally processed and rich in natural nutrients, making it easier for your cat’s body to digest, helping to promote healthy bowel movement. Raw cat food diets, free from inappropriate ingredients and rich in moisture, are also more bioavailable. This means that your cat can absorb more nutrition from each meal.

Another significant benefit of raw feeding is the potential reduction in shedding. Excessive shedding is a common complaint among cat owners, and it can be frustrating to find cat hair on your furniture, clothes, and even in your morning coffee. Fresh cat food, rich in omega-3 and appropriate amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, supports healthier skin and a shinier coat. These essential fatty acids help maintain the integrity of your cat’s skin barrier, reducing the risk of dryness, irritation, and hair loss. Over time, you may notice that your cat’s coat becomes thicker, shinier, and less prone to shedding.

Furthermore, a research done on the effect of Omega 3 and 6 on pets, learnt that there were therapeutic benefits observed in cats and dogs with allergic dermatitis, coat problems, dry eyes, heart valve disease, and osteoarthritis [4].

Dental health is another area where raw feeding can make a significant difference. Brushing a cat’s teeth is notoriously difficult, yet dental health is crucial to your cat’s overall well-being. While it is still necessary to brush your cat’s teeth, raw food can naturally help reduce plaque buildup because it doesn’t contain the refined carbohydrates and sugars found in many commercial cat foods. These sugars can stick to your cat’s teeth and contribute to plaque and tartar formation. In addition to that, the safe raw minced bone content in fresh raw food acts as a great plaque remover as they chew.

Some Key Considerations Before You Start on Raw Food for Your Cat

While the benefits of raw feeding are compelling, it’s important to consider whether this approach fits with your lifestyle. Feeding your cat raw meat requires careful handling, storage, and strict hygiene practices to ensure the safety of both your cat and your household. Raw food should not be left out at room temperature for more than an hour, which means free-feeding isn’t an option. Instead, you’ll need to establish a feeding schedule that allows you to monitor and manage your cat’s meals.

Time and scheduling are key factors to consider. Raw feeding is more involved than simply filling a bowl with kibble. It requires a level of commitment that some pet owners may find challenging. You’ll need to allocate time for meal preparation, feeding, and cleaning up afterward. If you have a busy schedule, it’s important to assess whether you can realistically incorporate raw feeding into your daily routine.

Your family situation is another important consideration. If you have young children, pregnant family members, elderly, or anyone who is immunocompromised living in your household, extra precautions are necessary when handling raw food. This includes using hot, soapy water to thoroughly clean all surfaces, feeding bowls, and utensils that come into contact with raw food. It’s also advisable to store raw food separately from other household items to prevent cross-contamination.

Hear it from one our Grateful Cats

Dusty, an adopted Nebelung, faced significant health challenges when he first came into his new home. He was highly stressed, to the point where he had rubbed off half his eyebrow, and was dealing with ear and fur mites. Additionally, Dusty had not been sterilized or vaccinated, adding to the complexities of his early care. Committed to improving Dusty’s quality of life, his owner decided to start him on The Grateful Pet’s raw chicken diet, a decision that has brought about remarkable improvements in Dusty’s health and well-being.

Since adopting a fresh food diet, Dusty has shown significant positive changes. His fur, once dull and patchy due to stress and poor health, has transformed into a sleek, shiny coat, reflecting his improved overall condition. The clean, species-appropriate ingredients in his diet, free from unnecessary additives, have not only supported his physical health but also contributed to better digestion, resulting in less odorous waste.

A high-quality feline raw diet can lead to visible and lasting improvements in a cat’s health and happiness and Dusty’s transformation shows the potential benefits of a raw diet for cats, particularly for those with specific health needs.

The Grateful Pet’s Approach to Raw Feeding

At The Grateful Pet, we take a comprehensive approach to raw feeding, ensuring that our products meet the specific nutritional needs of cats while prioritizing safety and convenience. Our balanced, vet-reviewed fresh cat food is carefully crafted to provide all the essential nutrients your cat needs to thrive. For example, we add taurine in our recipes, an essential nutrient that cats cannot synthesize on their own but is vital for their heart health.

Quality and safety are at the forefront of everything we do. Our rigorous safety procedures, including blast freezing, ensure that harmful pathogens are eliminated, making our raw food safe for your cat to consume. Our production facility is AVS-certified, giving you peace of mind that our products meet the highest standards of hygiene and quality.

We also understand that convenience is important for pet owners with busy schedules. That’s why we’ve made raw feeding easier with our convenient tub packaging, which allows you to store and serve your cat’s food with minimal fuss. Whether you’re new to raw feeding or a seasoned pro, our products are designed to fit seamlessly into your routine, making it easier than ever to provide your cat with the best possible diet.

Switching to raw food is a decision that can have a profound impact on your cat’s health and well-being. With The Grateful Pet, you can trust that you’re making a choice that supports your cat’s natural dietary needs while ensuring safety and convenience for your household.

Reference:

[1] Feeding Your Cat, College of Veterinary Medicine, July 2017 https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feeding-your-cat 

[2] One veterinarian’s experience with owners who are feeding raw meat to their pets, Lea Stogdale, June 2019 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6515799/ 

[3] Taste preferences and diet palatability in cats, Journal of Applied Animal Research, June 2020 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09712119.2020.1786391 

[4] Therapeutic Effect of EPA/DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases, PubMed, May 2021 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8193331/