So, you forgot to clean up the last raw chicken piece from your countertop, and your cat ended up eating it? And now you are worried about his health. Or are you considering jumping on the “Raw Food for Cats” bandwagon and want to know, “Is a raw diet good for cats?”
Look no further; as a veterinarian with over 5 years of experience in the field of animal health and safety, I am going to answer all your queries and clear all the doubts related to raw food for cats so you can make an informed decision that elevates the health of your feline friend!
What is a Raw Diet for Cats?
Raw food for cats generally includes unprocessed foods made from raw ingredients that cover their unique nutritional needs. It’s marketed as an alternative to readily available commercially packaged cat foods.
Raw diet for cats come in many different shapes and sizes, but two of the most commonly used options are “Homemade raw cat food” and “Commercial raw cat food.”
While commercial raw foods are best for people who want to give their pets a raw diet experience, but are short on time and cannot make the meals themselves.
As a vet, I recommend always getting your pet examined to see if it can eat and digest raw foods easily to avoid health complications.
A typical raw diet for cats consists of uncooked animal proteins, including muscle meat, organs, and bones. It might also include chicken, turkey, beef, and fish in some cases. A balanced portion of vitamins and minerals is also included if your pet is nutritionally deficient.
Is Raw Food Good for Cats?
Mixed opinions and controversies have always surrounded this question. But as a veterinarian, I can tell you that besides all the negativity surrounding raw feeding cats, the answer to “Can cats eat raw food?” is a resounding yes.
Feeding cats according to their nutritional needs can lead to a healthy and playful pet.
For cats, a professionally curated raw diet plan can lead to better dental health, Increased hydration, enhanced protein levels, and reduced chances of obesity and diabetes due to low levels of carbohydrates present in raw foods. Raw foods are also credited to provide high nutritional value and boost digestion in pets.
Risks to Consider Before Switching to a Raw Diet
While switching to a raw diet for better well-being of your cat is the most obvious thing to do considering its great health benefits, remember that it comes with its fair share of risks, too.
These risks, however, can be easily eradicated just by focusing thoroughly on your pet’s needs and wants. That’s why animal experts always vouch for personalizing your pet’s raw diet plans rather than sticking to a general, one-for-all solution.
One of the main concerns is the potential for bacterial contamination, such as salmonella and E. coli, which can affect both cats and their human caregivers. Then, there is also the risk of nutritional imbalances.
Cats require specific nutrients, such as taurine, which must be present in the correct amounts to avoid deficiencies. Moreover, handling and preparing raw meat can be more time-consuming and require careful hygiene practices to prevent cross-contamination.
Food safety and raw meat handling are also major risk factors that need to be carefully dealt with. High Pressure Processing (HPP) should be used to ensure safe nutrition.
Cat parents should always adhere to the feeding guidelines and storage recommendations provided by their veterinarian. Only those owners who can give time and effort to ensure that every one of their cat’s needs are being met in a meal should choose raw feeding.
How to Safely Make Raw Food for Cats at Home?
A raw diet can be highly beneficial for the health and nutrition of your cat. But making a raw diet for cats on your own can be a tricky and demanding job.
So, here are some guidelines to follow while you are making raw food at home to ensure your safety and avoid the risk of getting an infection from your cat or the raw food:
Practicing Hygiene
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw meat, feeding your cat, and cleaning their food dishes.
Remember to clean and disinfect all surfaces, cutting boards, utensils, and containers that come into contact with raw meat. Use hot, soapy water followed by a disinfectant.
Also, use separate utensils, cutting boards, and bowls for raw meat to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
Food Preparation
Always purchase raw meat from reputable suppliers to ensure it is fresh and free from harmful bacteria.
Store raw meat in the refrigerator or freezer. Thaw frozen meat in the fridge, not on the counter, to prevent bacterial growth.
Also, prepare and store raw food in meal-sized portions to minimize handling and reduce the risk of contamination.
Personal Protection
If someone in your household is immunocompromised, pregnant, elderly, or very young, they should avoid handling raw food and interacting closely with a cat on a raw diet.
How to Smoothly Transition Your Cat to Raw Food?
Our feline friends are extremely picky when it comes to their diets, but providing them with the least processed nutrition possible is the best thing for them.
Transitioning to progressively less processed foods over time is usually the best bet. This can be accomplished by mixing raw food, leading to a completely raw diet. As with any new food, you should always start with a slow transition over 7-10 days.
Introducing a new food or type, like raw, too quickly can lead to stomach upset or diarrhea. Your cat may also need time to get used to a new texture if they eat dry processed food.
If your cat experiences any digestive issues, you can extend the transition over a longer period. Remember! Every cat is unique; one cat can take longer to adjust than another, and it’s completely natural.
Conclusion
To wrap up, a raw diet can be a healthy and nutritious option for cats. By understanding the potential benefits and risks, and by following safety guidelines, you can provide your cat with a diet that mimics their natural eating habits.
Ultimately, the decision to feed your cat a raw diet should be made with careful consideration and expert guidance. While raw diets can improve your cat’s health, they require commitment to proper preparation and hygiene. If you’re ready to invest the time and effort, your cat could thrive on a raw diet. Always prioritize your cat’s safety and health in every dietary choice.
FAQs
What Is a Raw Food Diet?
Raw food for cats generally includes unprocessed foods made from raw ingredients that cover their unique nutritional needs—for example, Uncooked animal proteins, including muscle meat, organs, and bones.
What are the Benefits of Raw Cat Food?
Benefits of raw cat food include better dental health, Increased hydration, enhanced protein levels, and reduced chances of obesity and diabetes in animals. Raw foods are also credited to provide high nutritional value and boost digestion in pets.
Why Are Vets Against Raw Diet for Cats?
Vets sometimes advise against using raw diet for cats because one has to Invest a lot of time and knowledge to come up with a diet plan that has all necessary nutrients vital for the health and growth of cats.
