Raw Food For Cats: Is It Healthy?

A popular diet for cats is the raw food diet. Also known as the raw meat diet or raw feeding, a raw food diet for cats can have some health benefits — after all, cats in the wild eat their prey raw.

But how healthy is a raw food diet for cats? As with all diets for cats, the answer isn’t completely straightforward. However, you should understand the benefits and risks before switching your cat to a raw food diet. 

Is Raw Food Good For Cats?

As noted before, the raw food diet is meant to emulate the natural diets of cats in the wild. Proponents note that raw food benefits can include healthier skin, shinier fur, and better digestion, among other benefits. For example, chewing on some bones could be good for cleaning cats’ teeth. 

Of course, cats might not be able to get all of their nutritional value from the same raw food, a reason why many cat owners prefer a mix of dry and wet food. Also, raw meat always carries the risk of exposing your cat to parasites or bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. 

If you plan to get raw food for your cat, make sure to get it from a trustworthy source. Locally-based raw food companies give you the best chance of getting the raw meat well before it starts to spoil.

What Raw Food Can Cats Eat?

For the most part, cats only eat raw food that they might find in the wild. Of course, there are other types of meats and foods that are good for cats that they wouldn’t get without your help.

Here are the types of raw foods that cats can eat.

Raw meat. Raw chicken, turkey, lamb, and rabbit are generally considered healthy raw foods for cats. If cats eat it in the wild, then they can probably eat it at home!

Raw organs. Aside from the muscle meat, cats can and will eat organs. Organs like the liver or heart provide health benefits, too, and your cat might prefer these over muscle meat.

Raw bones. Bones are found in animals like birds and rabbits, so they’re safe for your cat to eat. Stay away from splintering bones that could cause your cat harm.

Raw eggs. If you want to get your cat more protein but aren’t comfortable feeding it raw meat, raw eggs are also an option. Keep in mind that raw eggs can still be contaminated, so proceed with caution.

Do Cats Live Longer on a Raw Food Diet?

There are a ton of factors that go into your cat’s health and lifespan, and its diet certainly plays a role. However, there is no evidence to show that a raw food diet lets your cat live longer than it would on a wet or dry food diet. 

To get an idea of how a raw food diet could or couldn’t extend your cat’s life, consider yourself and your own diet. Would switching to an intense diet extend your life? Perhaps, but you could also be starving yourself of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins not easily found within the constraints of a diet. 

If you want to give your cat the longest, healthiest life possible, a combination of different types of food is probably your best option. A mixed diet provides a range of nutrients that can only come from eating different foods. 

Do Vets Recommend Raw Food for Cats?

For every vet that recommends a raw food diet, you’ll probably find another vet that prefers your cat to stick to a wet and dry food diet. 

Vets that recommend a raw food diet might do so to help your cat avoid substances found in dry or wet food. This is common if your cat has food allergies or unique intolerances to food.

One of the biggest issues that vets can have with a raw food diet is the many potential drawbacks, ranging from exposure to bacteria to a shortage of nutrients. If you want to get a vet’s opinion on your cat’s diet, consider discussing the matter with your vet.

Can I Switch My Cat to a Raw Food Diet?

You can switch your cat to a raw food diet, but you have to be realistic about your cat’s response. Cats tend to become pickier eaters as they age, so your best bet is to introduce a kitten to a raw food diet. 

If you make the switch, you need to monitor your cat closely. Be on the lookout for signs that your cat doesn’t feel well after eating the food. If your cat avoids raw food entirely, then you probably can’t make the switch. 

One approach you can take is to slowly introduce raw food to your cat’s diet. If your cat responds well to the raw food, you can then gradually increase the raw food servings and reduce the wet or dry food servings. Over time, your cat could end up on a diet consisting of entirely raw food.

Final Thoughts: Is Raw Food Healthy for Cats?

Raw food can be healthy for cats, but only when served correctly. Food quality, type, and freshness all impact your cat’s health. If your cat doesn’t respond well to raw food, then a raw food diet is not a good idea. However, some cats may prefer raw food, and many cats enjoy eating raw food as part of their balanced diet. 

FAQs: Is Raw Food Healthy For Cats?