Can I Feed My Cat Raw Meat, Chicken, or Fish

Introduction

Caring for our beloved feline companions involves making crucial decisions about their diets. One growing trend in cat nutrition is feeding them raw meat, chicken, or fish. While this approach has its proponents, it also raises questions and concerns. In this comprehensive article, we will take an in-depth look at the world of raw diets for cats. We'll examine the history of this trend, potential benefits, risks, expert opinions, and considerations for safe handling and preparation. With this information, you can make an informed decision about whether a raw food diet is right for your cat.

A Brief History of Raw Cat Food Diets

The concept of feeding cats raw food is far from new. In fact, before commercial pet foods became widely available in the early 20th century, raw meat, bones, and organs were a standard part of feline diets. Early commercial pet foods sought to provide the nutritional benefits of raw foods in a more convenient format.

In the 1970s, Australian veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst began advocating for cats to be returned to a more "natural" diet of raw meat, bones, and organs. He developed a feeding system called the "BARF" (bones and raw food or biologically appropriate raw food) diet. This approach gained popularity with cat owners looking for alternatives to commercial kibble and canned foods.

By the 1990s and 2000s, the raw food diet trend began to take off globally. Books like Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats further boosted interest in feeding raw. Today, there is a thriving market of specialty raw food companies catering to pet owners seeking this type of diet for their furry companions.

Claimed Benefits of a Raw Meat Diet for Cats

Over the years, numerous benefits have been claimed for feline raw food diets. But do these claims really stack up? Let's examine some of the most frequently touted advantages:

Better Digestion - Some proponents say raw food is easier for cats to digest than highly processed kibble and canned foods. The idea is that raw foods are more similar to what cats are evolutionarily adapted to eating.
Healthier Skin and Coat - Anecdotes suggest raw diets improve coat glossiness and reduce skin issues like dandruff. Raw foods provide fatty acids like omega-3s that may support coat health.
Cleaner Teeth - Chewing on raw meaty bones may help clean tartar off teeth and exercise jaws. However, bones can also crack teeth, so care is required.
Higher Energy Levels - Some raw feeders report their cats seem more energetic and playful on raw diets. More research is needed to confirm this benefit.
Lower Risk of Obesity/Diabetes - Raw food advocates believe the high protein, low carb makeup of these diets can promote ideal body condition and reduce diabetes risk.
Better Urinary Tract Health - The moisture in raw foods may encourage more water consumption, potentially reducing urinary crystals and infections.
Overall Disease Prevention - Some proponents claim raw diets bolster immunity and reduce illness in cats. More research is required to substantiate this far-reaching benefit.

Potential Risks of Raw Meat Diets

Despite the promoted advantages, raw meat diets also come with considerable risks that merit serious thought:

Foodborne Illnesses - Raw meats may harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli that can sicken both cats and humans. Safe handling is crucial.
Nutritional Imbalances - Carefully formulating raw diets that meet all of a cat's nutritional needs for proteins, vitamins, minerals, etc. poses challenges.
Bone Fractures - Raw bones that are too hard can fracture cats' teeth. Bones can also splinter and puncture internal organs if swallowed.
Gastrointestinal Upset - Dietary changes to raw foods can sometimes cause digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea until cats adjust.
Parasites - Raw meats may contain parasites like Toxoplasma that while rare, could be transmitted in improperly handled diets.
Increased Vitamin A Toxicity Risk - Excessive intake of vitamin A found in organ meats can cause toxicity problems.

These risks highlight the need for great care in sourcing, preparing, and balancing raw food diets. Work closely with your vet to mitigate these concerns should you choose to feed raw.

Expert Opinions on Raw Cat Food Diets

Given the complex array of claimed benefits and potential risks, what do veterinary and feline health experts say about raw meat diets for cats?

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

The CDC advises against feeding raw diets to pets. They warn of the risks of bacterial contamination to animals as well as human transmission. However, they provide guidance on safe raw food handling practices if owners choose to feed raw.

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

The AVMA does not recommend raw meat diets. They cite risks of foodborne illness and nutritional imbalances. However, they acknowledge owners may choose raw diets anyway and encourage working with vets on mitigating risks.

British Veterinary Association (BVA)

Similar to the AVMA, the BVA advises against feeding raw meat but provides guidance for owners who still wish to pursue raw diets under veterinary supervision.

Dr. Barbara Royal, veterinary nutritionist

"Every cat is an individual. While raw food diets can be appropriate for some healthy cats, they may not be ideal for others with certain health conditions. I recommend owners work with their vet and an expert in cat nutrition to determine if raw diets are the right choice for their individual cat."

Dr. Ernie Ward, veterinarian

"I don't universally recommend raw diets for cats. The risks of pathogens and nutritional imbalances are real. However, with careful preparation and veterinary guidance, some healthy cats can thrive on these diets. Owners should consult with their vet and not make feeding decisions based on hearsay or marketing claims."

The consensus among experts seems to be that while raw diets may work for some cats, they should not be undertaken without veterinary supervision given the potential hazards. Consulting with your vet is crucial.

Balancing Raw and Cooked Ingredients

Instead of an exclusively raw meat diet, some cat owners find balance by combining raw and cooked ingredients. Potential options include:

Raw meaty bones + complete cooked food
Raw meat + cooked grains/veggies
Raw organ meats + cooked muscle meats
Raw food topping on cooked food

This allows cats to potentially enjoy some proposed benefits of raw meats while minimizing risks. Variety between raw and cooked ingredients can help cover more nutritional bases. Work with your vet to develop the right recipe combinations for your cat.

Essential Nutrients in Feline Diets

Whether feeding raw, cooked, or a mix, it's vital to ensure your cat's diet provides optimal levels of essential nutrients. Key ones to prioritize include:

Protein - Cats are obligate carnivores requiring ample high-quality protein from animal sources.
Fatty Acids - Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin, coat, immune and brain health.
Vitamin A - Found in organ meats. Needed in moderation to avoid toxicity.
Taurine - An amino acid cats cannot synthesize enough of on their own.
Vitamin B - Important for metabolism. Raw meats can lose B vitamins over time after harvesting.
Calcium - Needed for strong bones and teeth. Raw bones can provide calcium in balanced diets.

Consult with your vet to ensure all these crucial nutritional bases are covered, whether through raw ingredients, supplementation, or both.

Homemade vs. Commercial Raw Cat Foods

Cat owners wanting to feed raw diets must decide whether to make food themselves or purchase commercial raw products. Here's an overview of the pros and cons:

Homemade Raw

Pros:

Control over ingredients
Can customize to your cat's needs
Usually more economical

Cons:

Time-consuming preparation
Careful weighing and nutritional calculations required
Risk of nutritional imbalances without veterinary guidance

Commercial Raw

Pros:

Convenient pre-made formulas
Veterinary-developed recipes to balance nutrition
Covers variety of proteins and organs

Cons:

Higher cost than homemade
Limited control over ingredient sources
Still carries same food safety risks as homemade

Weigh these factors carefully when deciding between homemade and commercial raw cat food options.

Safe Handling of Raw Meats

If feeding your cat raw meat, strict food safety practices are crucial. Pathogen risks are no joke. Here are some tips:

Wash hands and disinfect surfaces before and after handling raw meat.
Keep raw meats separate from other foods in storage and preparation.
Discard any raw food not consumed within 4 hours.
Rinse food bowls thoroughly after raw feeding.
Defrost frozen raw meats safely - either overnight in the fridge or in cold water.
Seriously consider wearing gloves when handling raw.
Wash all fruits/veggies that will be fed raw to remove bacteria.
Cats with raw diets should be kept up-to-date on deworming to reduce parasite spread.

Following these procedures meticulously minimizes the risks associated with raw feeding.

Making the Raw Decision: Key Questions

If you're seriously considering putting your cat on a raw food diet, here are some key questions to review with your veterinarian beforehand:

Is my individual cat a good candidate for a raw diet, considering their health profile?
What specific nutritional risks should I monitor for my cat if feeding raw?
What raw meat sources and ratios of muscle, organ, and bone would you recommend?
Should I pursue a homemade or commercial raw diet? What are the best options?
What safety practices should I implement when handling and storing raw meat at home?
How often should I bring my cat in for exams and lab work on this diet?
How strictly should I limit non-raw treats, catnip, etc. that could disrupt nutritional balance?
What signs of trouble should prompt me to revisit this diet?

Having clear answers to questions like these helps ensure you implement a raw feeding plan tailored to your individual cat in the safest manner possible.

Transitioning to a Raw Diet

Making an abrupt switch from your cat's current diet can upset their digestive tract. Follow these tips for a gradual transition:

Take 7-10 days to fully shift to prevent GI issues.
Start with a 25% ratio of new raw food mixed into old food.
Gradually increase raw ratio each day while decreasing old food.
Monitor stool - some softness or extra volume is OK at first but call your vet if extreme diarrhea or constipation arise.
Fast for 12 hours before beginning transition if your cat has a very sensitive stomach.
Consider a probiotic to support your cat's gut flora balance during transition.

With patience and the right pacing, you can help your cat acclimate to new nutrition. Be alert to any issues requiring a more gradual transition.

Signs Your Cat May Not Tolerate Raw Well

Monitor your cat closely when transitioning to raw. Look for these possible signs a raw diet may not suit them:

Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
Dehydration
Sudden weight loss
Lethargy, weakness, or loss of appetite
Straining or difficulty urinating
Inability to digest bone fragments
Tooth fractures from bones

If any of these issues arise, consult your vet immediately. Your cat may need medical intervention and dietary adjustment. Better to identify intolerances quickly.

Alternatives to Raw Feeding

While the idea of feeding more "natural" raw diets is appealing, this route is not for every cat owner. What are some alternatives? Options include:

High-quality canned food - Offers moisture benefits without raw risks. Look for grain-free, low carb options.
Air-dried raw - Retains some raw nutrition but kills pathogens through dehydrating process.
Gently cooked food - Cooks raw ingredients lightly to reduce bacteria while preserving some nutrients.
Partially raw - Incorporates some raw elements like bones, treats into mostly cooked diet.
Freeze-dried raw coatings - Can safely provide enzymes and probiotics on top of cooked foods.

Consult your vet to identify the best solution matching your own needs and comfort level around raw feeding.

Questions to Ask About Commercial Cat Food

If opting for commercial cooked cat foods, ask these key questions when selecting products:

- Is this food formulated by veterinary nutrition experts?
- Have feeding trials demonstrated the food's nutritional adequacy?
- Does it offer optimal protein content and quality for cats?
- What is the source and mix of fatty acids like omega-3s?
- Are fruits/veggies minimally processed to retain nutrients?
- Is the carbohydrate content from species-appropriate sources?
- Is the caloric density appropriate for my cat?
- Does the company rigorously test for contaminants and toxins?

Carefully vetting commercial cat food helps identify optimal products to support your cat's needs.

Conclusion

The question of whether to feed your cat raw meat, chicken, or fish elicits passionate debate. While some cat owners report fantastic results with raw diets, risks and challenges absolutely exist.

Cats have thrived on both raw and cooked diets over the millennia they have lived with humans. There may not be one universally correct answer. The right diet depends on your individual cat's needs, your circumstances, and risk tolerance.

If you pursue raw feeding, educating yourself fully and working closely with your vet is imperative. But cooked or part-raw diets can also provide balanced feline nutrition. Focus on quality ingredients from reputable sources.</ </div>