The rise of raw cat food has changed how pet owners feed their cats. Discover the best raw cat food options for your feline friend. These foods are like what cats would eat in the wild. They mix nature’s best with new pet food technology. You can find many types of raw cat food, each one meeting different cat needs and tastes.
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food is our top choice. It uses freeze-drying to keep fresh meat’s nutrition safe and easy for owners. Open Farm is known for using top-quality ingredients and being consistent. It’s a great choice for those wanting the best for their cats.
Key Takeaways:
- The best raw cat food brands focus on natural, whole-prey diets that cats would eat in the wild.
- Freeze-dried and frozen raw cat food are easy to use and still offer the benefits of raw nutrition.
- Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food is our top pick for its quality ingredients and consistency.
- More cat owners are choosing raw food because of its many health benefits.
- It’s important to pick raw cat food from trusted brands that focus on safety and quality for your cat’s health.
What is Raw Cat Food?
Raw cat food is uncooked meat, organs, and bones. It’s like what cats would eat in the wild. Cats need a diet full of animal protein and fat, not much carbs.
Explaining the Concept of Raw Feeding
Cats need animal tissue to live. Raw cat food has uncooked meat, fish, organs, and bones. It helps cats eat like they would in the wild.
Benefits of a Raw Diet for Cats
A raw diet can make cats healthier in many ways. Cats might have better digestion, skin, coat, energy, and teeth. Raw feeding for cats can also help with obesity, allergies, and urinary issues.
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Improved Digestion | Raw cat food has more moisture and natural enzymes. This helps with nutrient absorption and digestion. |
| Healthier Skin and Coat | Raw diets have balanced fats. These fats make the coat shiny and skin healthy. |
| Increased Energy | Raw food is packed with nutrients. This gives cats steady energy, making them more active. |
| Better Dental Health | Eating raw meat and bones helps clean teeth. This reduces plaque and tartar, improving dental health. |
Raw diets have many benefits for cats. But, it’s key to switch your cat to it safely and make sure the food is safe.
Top Picks for the Best Raw Cat Food
Pet owners have many options for the best raw cat food. From freeze-dried to frozen, these brands offer nutritious meals for our cats. Let’s look at some top picks for raw cat food.
Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food Options
- Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food – This formula has 47% crude protein and 45% crude fat. It’s a nutrient-rich diet for cats.
- Nulo FreeStyle Turkey & Duck Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food – With 42% crude protein and 37% crude fat, it’s a balanced diet for your cat.
- Vital Essentials Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Cat Treats – These treats are high in protein at 70% and low in fat at 2%. They’re perfect for adding to your cat’s diet.
Frozen Raw Cat Food Choices
- Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels Raw Cat Food – This frozen food has 45% crude protein and 25% crude fat. It’s a great meal for your cat.
- Smallbatch Pets Turkeybatch Sliders Raw Frozen Patties – Easy to feed and made with quality ingredients, it ensures a natural diet for your cat.
- Answers Pet Food Fermented Raw Goat Milk – Add this supplement to your cat’s food for probiotics and enzymes, boosting their health.
| Product | Crude Protein | Crude Fat | Calorie Content (kcal/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze Dried Raw Cat Food | 47% | 45% | 5,203 |
| Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe Dry Cat Food | 41% | 22% | 4,327 |
| Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Chicken Recipe Cat Food | 38% | 30% | 5,000 |
| Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Kitten Food | 39% | 28% | 4,627 |
| Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels Raw Cat Food | 45% | 25% | 4,360 |
| Nulo FreeStyle Turkey & Duck Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food | 42% | 37% | 5,124 |
| Vital Essentials Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Cat Treats | 70% | 2% | 3,648 |
These top raw cat food options offer many nutritious and tasty choices. Whether you like freeze-dried, frozen, or supplements, there are great raw cat food recommendations for your cat’s best raw cat food needs.
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food is our top choice for your cat’s diet. It’s packed with nutrients and is made from natural ingredients. The main ingredient is humanely raised, free-to-roam chicken.
Key Features
This recipe is high in protein and low in carbs. It uses 98% chicken and other animal sources for protein. Salmon oil adds omega-3 fatty acids for your cat’s skin and coat health.
The freeze-drying process keeps all the nutrients in, making it a complete meal for your cat.
Why It’s Our Top Pick
Open Farm is known for its ethical and sustainable sourcing. They use farms that don’t give antibiotics or hormones to animals. This shows their care for animal welfare and honesty with customers.
The food comes in 3.5 oz and 9 oz sizes, making it easy to feed your cat. You can mix it with warm water or bone broth for a tasty meal. It has 47% protein, 40% fat, and less than 5% fiber, supporting your cat’s health.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 47% minimum |
| Crude Fat | 40% minimum |
| Crude Fiber | 5% maximum |
| Moisture | 5% maximum |
| Calorie Content | 5203 kcal ME/kg, 256 kcal ME/cup |
This cat food is our top pick for its great nutrients, ethical sourcing, and easy feeding instructions. It’s a top choice for cat owners looking for a natural, high-quality diet for their pets.
Viva for Cats Turkey Formula Raw Frozen Cat Food
Viva for Cats Turkey Formula Raw Frozen Cat Food is a complete raw food option for cats. It meets their special dietary needs. The food is made with high-quality, USDA-inspected turkey from small, humane farms. It has over 50 whole food ingredients, tested in the recipe making process. This ensures a balanced diet for cats at all life stages.
This cat food has a fine texture that cats find easy to chew and digest. It helps them absorb nutrients better. Experts in nutrition and industry made the recipe, adding organic supplements and wild-caught seafood. This makes it a complete and balanced meal for cats.
| Key Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Single Protein Source (Turkey) | Minimizes the risk of food sensitivities and supports a healthy gut |
| Finely Ground Texture | Easier for cats to chew and digest, promoting better nutrient absorption |
| Organic Supplements and Wild-Caught Seafood | Provides a balanced and complete diet for cats of all life stages |
| USDA-Inspected Meat from Smaller, Humane Farms | Ensures high-quality, hormone, and antibiotic-free ingredients |
| Low Carb, High Protein Formula | Supports lean muscle development and weight maintenance |
Viva for Cats is a trusted brand that offers high-quality, right-for-cats nutrition. They focus on transparency and spend a year making their recipes. Their Turkey Formula Raw Frozen Cat Food is a great choice for pet owners looking for a nutritious and tasty option.
“The Viva cat food formula boasts natural fats and oils that enhance coat health and keep yeast and bacteria in check.” – Dr. Barbara Royal, Veterinarian
Customers love Viva for Cats Turkey Formula Raw Frozen Cat Food, giving it over 300 five-star reviews. Pet owners see better health, digestion, and fewer food sensitivities in their cats. It costs about $2.50 a day for a 10 lb cat, making it a good value for pet parents wanting the best for their cats.
Smallbatch Pets Turkeybatch Sliders Raw Frozen Patties
Smallbatch Pets Turkeybatch Sliders Raw Frozen Patties are a great choice for your cat’s diet. They are made with 97% humanely raised turkey. This makes them highly digestible and right for your cat.
Easy to Feed
The 1-ounce patty size of the Smallbatch Pets Turkeybatch Sliders is easy to serve. Just thaw and give your cat the right amount. This makes mealtime simple for you and your cat.
It also helps you control how much your cat eats. This ensures they get the right amount of food.
High-Quality Ingredients
Smallbatch Pets uses only the best, animal-based ingredients in their raw cat food. The Turkeybatch Sliders are made with high-quality, humanely raised turkey. They also include organic vegetables for a balanced meal.
With Smallbatch Pets Turkeybatch Sliders Raw Frozen Patties, you know you’re giving your cat a nutritious and tasty meal. It supports their health and happiness.
“The Smallbatch Pets Turkeybatch Sliders have been a game-changer for my cat. She loves the taste, and I appreciate the high-quality ingredients and convenient serving size.”
– Sarah, a satisfied Smallbatch Pets customer
Answers Pet Food Fermented Raw Goat Milk
Answers Pet Food’s Fermented Raw Goat Milk is a great choice for your cat’s diet. It can be mixed into meals, used as a topper, or given as a treat. This makes it easy to add nutrition to your cat’s meals.
The fermentation process boosts the milk’s health benefits. It helps with your cat’s hydration and digestion. Cats like the taste of fermented foods, and the packaging is easy to store.
Versatile Supplement
This supplement is not only nutritious but also versatile. You can add it to your cat’s Answers Pet Food raw cat food for extra moisture and health support. Or, you can put it on their meals as a topper to make them more appealing and tasty.
It’s also perfect for special treats. The creamy texture and probiotics make it a great snack for your cat.
“The fermentation process used by Answers Pet Food enhances the milk’s natural benefits, supporting your cat’s hydration and digestion.”
Looking to boost your cat’s raw cat food diet or add variety? Consider Answers Pet Food’s Fermented Raw Goat Milk. It’s a nutritious and versatile choice that supports your cat’s health.
Hare Today Freeze-Dried Ground Chicken
For cat owners who like to make their pets’ food, Hare Today’s Freeze-Dried Ground Chicken is a great choice. It’s easy to rehydrate because of its fine texture. Plus, it has a mix of muscle meat, organs, and bone, perfect for cats.
Hare Today is known for its high-quality raw pet food. Their freeze-dried chicken is no different. It has 80% meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ (like liver), giving your cat a well-rounded meal.
Ideal for Homemade Diets
After rehydrating, the Hare Today Freeze-Dried Ground Chicken has certain nutrients:
- (min.) 15%: Crude Protein
- Crude Fat (min.): 9.0%
- Crude Fiber (max.): 2.0%
- Moisture (max.): 67.0%
This is perfect for homemade raw cat food, offering a tasty and nutritious base. Many customers love the quality, taste, and how versatile it is. They use it as a main meal or a treat for picky eaters.
“I have ordered this ground chicken breast a few times and each time I am amazed at how fresh and clean the meat is! Hare Today sources the best quality available.”
To make the freeze-dried chicken ready, just mix it with warm water at a 1:1 ratio. This makes 1 lb of food. The freeze-drying keeps 97% of the original nutrients, making it a great choice for your cat.
Is Raw Cat Food Safe?
Raw cat food can be good for cats, making their digestion better and their coats shiny. But, it’s important to talk about the safety issues with this diet. Raw food might have harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria. These can be dangerous to cats and their owners.
Addressing Safety Concerns
Cats have a short gut and strong stomach acid that helps protect them from some pathogens in raw meat. But, many raw cat foods have Salmonella and Listeria. These can cause serious illnesses, especially in people who are more vulnerable.
Handling and Storage Tips
- Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly when handling raw cat food.
- Store raw food in the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces and utensils used for raw food preparation.
- Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked foods separate.
- Monitor your cat closely for any signs of illness, and consult your veterinarian if concerns arise.
Choosing high-quality raw cat food from trusted sources can lower the risks. It’s also key to talk with your vet before switching to a raw diet to make sure it’s right for your cat.
“To avoid the risk of infection from raw cat food, certain guidelines like thorough hand washing and disinfection of surfaces are recommended.”
By handling and storing raw cat food correctly, pet owners can safely enjoy its benefits. This keeps their cats and their homes safe.
best raw cat food Brands to Consider
When picking raw cat food, look into the brand and check their reputation, how they source ingredients, and their quality checks. Top raw cat food brands are known for their ethical and sustainable sourcing. They follow strict safety protocols and aim to offer top-quality products.
Reputable Manufacturers
Leading raw cat food manufacturers like Instinct, Stella & Chewy’s, and Vital Essentials focus on quality and being open about their processes. Instinct’s Raw Boost Chicken Cat Food has 41% crude protein. Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Raw Cat Food has even more at 45%. ORIJEN Dry Cat Food and Instinct Raw Meals Chicken Cat Food both have 40% crude protein.
Primal Chicken & Salmon Formula Raw Cat Food has a high 49% crude protein. Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Patties offer 52% crude protein. These brands are dedicated to offering raw cat food that is full of nutrients and high in quality.
Sourcing and Quality Control
Top raw cat food brands focus on ethical and sustainable sourcing. Hare Today uses 19 different protein sources in their raw cat food, showing a wide variety of ingredients. Viva Raw’s Pure blends and Complete formula offer many protein choices, including chicken, beef, turkey, and more.
A 2019 survey showed only 0.24% of raw food samples were contaminated, with just 0.02% sent for analysis. Yet, Midwestern Pet Foods recalled ~140 lots of dry kibble in March 2021 due to salmonella risk. This highlights the need for strict quality control in raw cat food.
Choosing a raw cat food brand means looking for a good reputation, sustainable sourcing, and strong quality control. This way, you can make sure your cat gets the best nutrition for their health and happiness.
Transitioning Your Cat to a Raw Diet
Switching your cat to a raw diet needs a careful, step-by-step plan. Cats like routine, and big diet changes can upset their stomach or make them not want to eat. By doing it slowly, you can help your cat get used to the new diet’s benefits.
Gradual Introduction
Start by adding a little raw food to your cat’s diet and slowly increase it. Begin with 10% raw food and add more every few days. This way, your cat’s stomach can get used to the new food without upset.
Monitoring Your Cat’s Response
Keep an eye on how your cat acts and feels as you add raw food. Look out for signs of allergies like skin issues, sneezing, or vomiting. Changes in poop are normal at first, but if they’re bad, talk to your vet right away.
Be patient when changing your cat’s diet. Cats are picky and like what they know. By adding raw food slowly and watching how your cat reacts, you can make the switch easier. This helps your cat eat healthier and feel better.
“A gradual transition method is the key to success when introducing raw food to your cat. Start slow, observe their response, and be prepared to make adjustments along the way.”
Working with your vet is important when changing to a raw diet. They can give you advice and help make sure your cat is doing well. With patience and care, you can move your cat to a diet that makes them healthier and more lively.
Conclusion
Raw cat food is a great choice for cats because it’s nutritious and fits their natural diet. By picking top-quality products and following safe feeding tips, cat owners can help their pets get the best nutrition. This article has given many options for raw cat food to meet different needs and likes.
Statistics show that more pet owners are choosing raw food for their pets. In the USA, 3% of dog owners and 4% of cat owners buy raw pet food. Also, 17% of dog owners in the USA feed their pets raw or cooked human food, showing a move towards natural diets.
Many studies have found that raw meat diets are good for cats. They help with dental and skin health, prevent certain diseases, and make cats behave better. As the raw pet food market grows, it’s important for owners to keep up with new research and rules. This way, they can make the best choices for their cats’ health and nutrition.
