These days, choosing cat food is a real headache for cat owners, especially with constant news of one brand or another being recalled, and the worry of buying unsafe cat food.
Some owners simply make their cat’s meals themselves, so at least they know exactly what goes in. Among them, some choose cooked food, while others want to mimic how cats eat in the wild and switch to a raw diet.
What is a raw diet?
A raw diet means feeding cats uncooked animal foods such as raw meat, organs and bones. Some call it the BARF diet, which stands for Bones and Raw Food, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. If you’re thinking of switching your cat to raw, remember to have a veterinary nutritionist check the recipe for nutritional adequacy and suitability, rather than doing it haphazardly.
Why consider raw feeding?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they can only survive on animal protein. They don’t need vegetables and certainly shouldn’t eat too many carbohydrates. Raw-feeding advocates believe high-protein, high-moisture raw meat is closest to a cat’s original diet and preserves taurine, fatty acids and other important nutrients. Some owners even say that after switching to raw, their cats’ coats look better, their teeth are cleaner, they don’t gain weight as easily, and they’re generally more energetic.
But is raw food really that good? Is it safe?
Honestly, raw feeding carries risks. Raw meat can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which in serious cases can be fatal. Although cats’ digestive systems are tougher than ours and often pass these pathogens without issue, if you have a baby, an elderly person or someone immunocompromised at home, you must guard against cross-contamination. Raw meat can contaminate your table, knives, bowls and even the cat’s own mouth, and can spread to people if you’re not careful.
Want to try raw? What to watch out for
If you’d like to try feeding your cat raw, keep the following in mind:
- Keep a separate prep area and clean thoroughly
- Wear gloves when handling meat
- Use frozen meat where possible
- Don’t feed on carpets or sofas, they get dirty easily
- Wash the bowls and area immediately after feeding
Raw bones also carry risks: too large and they can cause choking, too fragmented and they can injure the gut. If you do give bones, it’s best to grind them.
The most common mistake: thinking meat alone is enough
Many people assume that as long as there’s meat it’s fine, but that’s completely wrong. A cat’s diet must be complete and balanced; simply throwing together some meat will, over the long term, lead to malnutrition and even health problems. Wild cats have short lifespans, often precisely because of inadequate nutrition, so don’t copy them!
If you want to try raw, how should you do it?
- Have a vet or nutritionist work out a nutritionally complete recipe for you
- You may need to add some nutritional supplements
- Tools to prepare include:
- A large chopping board (dishwasher-safe)
- A meat grinder
- Scissors for cutting poultry
- Stainless steel or glass bowls
- Gloves, freezer containers, ice trays, and so on
Many owners make several days’ worth at once and thaw it gradually in the fridge.
Commercial raw food is also an option
If you don’t want to go through all those steps yourself, you can buy commercial raw food on the market (frozen or freeze-dried). While raw-feeding purists feel it’s not as good as home-made, it’s still healthier than dry food.
Remember to follow the handling guidelines all the same, and don’t take it lightly.
Want the health benefits but not the risk? What can you do?
You can choose a home-style food that is cooked but complete, or a high-protein wet food. Remember to read the ingredient list, and ideally avoid too many carbohydrates. Many vets now recommend grain-free dry food, because too much carbohydrate can make cats prone to obesity and diabetes.
In summary:
✅ Benefits of raw: mimics nature, nutrient-rich, great vitality
⚠️ Risks: bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalance, cross-infection
🔧 Solutions: consult a professional, clean thoroughly, use the right ingredients
🙅♀️ Not suitable if you have a baby / elderly person / immunocompromised person at home
