Can cats eat raw chicken? With the rise of raw pet diets, many cat owners are asking, “Is raw chicken good for cats?” In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain whether raw chicken is safe for your feline friend, covering topics such as whether cats can eat raw chicken breast, can cats eat raw chicken bones, and even can cats eat raw chicken from the grocery store.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to include raw chicken in your cat’s diet safely, so stay with me and learn to make the best choices for your furry companion.
Can Cats Have Raw Chicken?
The answer to this question is subjective and may vary from cat to cat. But in general, yes, cats can eat and digest raw chicken. Cats are carnivorous animals and have been living in the wild for centuries. Their main food source from ancestral times came from hunted raw meat, and for centuries, they have lived comfortably on raw food.
Raw chicken can indeed be beneficial for cats, as we’ll explore later in this article. However, it’s crucial to remember that every cat is unique. As a veterinarian, I strongly advise consulting with your vet before transitioning your pet to a raw diet.
A thorough checkup will reveal whether your cat can safely adapt to raw chicken or if any health conditions necessitate a different diet.
Benefits of Raw Chicken for Cats
Now that we have established that cats are welcoming towards a raw diet let’s look at some of the benefits raw chicken might provide your furry friends with:
Best Source of Protein
Raw chicken, a protein powerhouse, is packed with the most amino acids compared to any other raw meat. This makes it an ideal choice for small kittens, pregnant cats, or those with certain medical conditions that require a high-protein diet. The nutritional benefits of raw chicken are unparalleled, making it a top choice for your cat’s health.
Shiny Skin and Coat
Chicken fat contains a healthy amount of linoleic acid, which is vital for good skin and coat, normal immune function, and growth. As a result, giving your cats a balanced diet containing raw chicken will eventually make their skin and coat shinier and healthier.
Reduces Allergies
Many pet owners have stated that they noticed a significant reduction in their cats’ allergies after switching to a raw diet. The absence of processed foods and preservatives in a raw diet makes it easier for pets with sensitivities to digest, leading to improved health and well-being.
Rich In Taurine
Raw chicken, particularly chicken liver, is a rich source of taurine, which is a vital amino acid that cats need for bile production, healthy eyes and hearts, and reproduction.
Improved Joint and Bone Health
Chicken meat and cartilage contain glucosamine and chondroitin. The presence of these enzymes improves joint health. Raw chicken also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Neck and Bones?
While raw chicken meat is generally safe for cats, it’s crucial to exercise caution when choosing the cuts to serve your pet. Specifically, refrain from sharing anything with your cat that includes necks or bones. These can pose serious risks such as choking, digestive tract obstructions, or even constipation.
Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Skin?
You should avoid feeding cats the skin of the chicken, as it is difficult to chew and digest and will cause vomiting and diarrhea. Chicken should be served plain, without oils or seasonings, as these ingredients can cause digestion issues.
Risks of Serving Raw Chicken to Cats
Along with its fair share of benefits, serving raw chicken to cats also comes with its risks that should not be ignored in any capacity.
Some of the most common risks are discussed below:
Bacteria and Parasites
Both cats and humans can fall sick from the parasites and bacteria in raw meat. However, cats have a shorter digestive tract and higher stomach acidity than humans, making it less likely for pathogens or parasites to stay in their system long enough to cause illness.
One of the most crucial steps in preventing contamination is to purchase fresh raw meat and disinfect all surfaces that come into contact with it. Equally important is to wash your hands thoroughly or wear gloves when handling raw meat, as this can reduce the risk of illness.
Nutritional Imbalance
Raw chicken is a nutritious option, but a diet exclusively based on it may not meet all the nutritional needs of your cat. This could lead to a nutritional imbalance, which is why I recommend seeking professional advice from a vet before considering a raw chicken-only diet for your cat.
Choking Hazard
Be mindful that small bones, such as those in raw chicken, can cause choking or injure your cat’s digestive system, causing a choking hazard. In some cases, pieces of bone can cut the intestines, which can become life-threatening.
How to Prepare Raw Chicken for Cats?
Preparing raw chicken for cats safely while maintaining hygiene can be tricky for cat parents who have recently shifted to raw food. Here’s a list of things to prepare a balanced raw diet for your furry friend:
- Consult Your Veterinarian
Before starting your cat on a raw chicken diet, consult your vet to ensure it suits your cat’s health needs. Also, get advice on creating a balanced diet.
- Purchase High-Quality Chicken
Buy fresh and top-quality chicken from a reputable source. Organic or free-range chicken is preferable.
- Clean and Disinfect
To prevent cross-contamination, deeply clean and disinfect all surfaces and bowls that come into contact with the raw chicken.
- Portion the Chicken
Cut the chicken into appropriate portions for your cat. This can include muscle meat, organs, and bones.
- Remove Bones
Some pet owners include bones in the diet for dental health, but bones can pose a choking hazard or cause internal injury. If you’re concerned, you can remove bones or use bone meal as an alternative calcium source.
- Serve Fresh
Serve the raw chicken fresh and at room temperature. After about 30 minutes, discard any uneaten portions to prevent bacterial growth.
Conclusion
Feeding your cat raw chicken or not is a decision that should be made carefully, considering the benefits and risks. While it’s an essential source of nutrients and also improves overall health, ensuring safety through proper handling and preparation is paramount.
FAQs
- Can Cats Get Salmonella from Raw Chicken?
Yes. If the chicken is kept in unsafe environments and is handled unhygienically, the risk of cats getting bacterial contamination like salmonella and E. coli increases significantly.
- Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Liver?
Yes, cats can eat raw chicken liver, as it is a nutrition-filled source of protein for them.
- Can Cats Eat Chicken Bones?
No. Bones for cats are not recommended, and you should avoid offering your cat raw chicken bones as they can infiltrate their intestines, causing major disruptions.
