For millennia, cats have thrived in diverse environments worldwide, their survival dependent on a diet of fresh, small prey. As obligate carnivores, they require a diet rich in protein, deriving complete nutrition from whole prey, including organs and nervous tissue. Unlike dogs, cats cannot subsist on a vegetarian diet and have a critical need for essential amino acids like taurine, which they cannot synthesize during periods of protein restriction.
The Evolution of Cat Nutrition: From Wild Prey to Commercial Diets
Historically, cats’ nutritional needs were met by consuming entire small animals, providing a balanced intake of proteins, fats, and vital nutrients without the need for grains, fruits, or vegetables. This natural feeding pattern ensured they received all the necessary building blocks for their health.
Today, the market offers a vast array of processed cat foods, both canned and dry. While manufacturers aim for convenience, many commercial diets are made with lower-quality rendered proteins, some from non-meat sources. This can impact digestibility and the amount of nutrition a cat can absorb. Furthermore, protein levels in many cat foods are insufficient, especially for senior cats whose need for high-quality protein increases with age, potentially leading to muscle mass loss.
Carbohydrate levels in commercial diets are frequently too high for cats, who have not evolved to digest large amounts of starch. Their digestive systems lack the necessary enzymes to process complex sugars efficiently, often leading to overeating and subsequent health problems. Dry kibble diets also have a significantly reduced moisture content. Cats naturally obtain most of their water from prey, and when this is not supplemented by adequate drinking, the lower water content can stress their digestive, liver, and kidney functions.
Exploring Raw Food Diets for Cats
Mimicking a cat’s natural diet at home is possible through raw feeding, but it requires careful planning to ensure the diet is balanced and suitable for the individual cat. It is crucial to understand that many commercially available raw pet meats and minces are not complete foods, often consisting of only minced muscle meat and lacking essential vitamins and minerals, posing a risk of nutritional deficiencies. Some minces may also contain sulfur-based preservatives linked to asthma in cats and can inactivate B vitamins. Additionally, fish contains enzymes that can reduce thiamine availability.
With proper knowledge and veterinary guidance, a balanced and healthy raw diet can be achieved. Offering a species-appropriate diet engages a cat’s natural chewing anatomy, promoting good dental, digestive, and mental health.
The Basic Rules of Raw Feeding for Cats
Variety is Key: Feed a variety of raw meats, as each type has a unique amino acid profile. Aim for at least three different meat sources weekly. Minces prepared from the whole animal frame provide essential calcium and fats, beneficial for cats new to raw feeding or not yet ready for whole meaty bones. Avoid minces with preservatives, which can cause allergic reactions. Opt for meat sources cats might naturally hunt, such as chicken, rabbit, or possum, and limit fish intake to a maximum of three times per week. Ensure frozen meat is used within six months to preserve vitamin content.
Incorporate Pureed Vegetables: For every 90-95g of meat, add 5-10g of pureed raw vegetables (1-2 teaspoons). Pureeing allows cats to ingest vegetables, which they might otherwise avoid. Smearing pureed vegetables on meat or mixing them into mince is often effective. Sweeter vegetables like carrots and pumpkin are generally well-accepted, but try to include a variety of leafy greens. A batch of pureed vegetables can be frozen in ice cube trays for convenience. Pureed pumpkin squash can aid cats prone to constipation. Green tripe can serve as an alternative to pureed vegetables, offering a rich source of nutrients and digestive enzymes. Never feed onions or garlic, as they are toxic to cats.
Feed Raw Meaty Bones: Raw chicken wings and necks, or rabbit for those who can source it, are excellent choices. Bones should always be fed raw and with plenty of meat attached. Feeding cooked bones is dangerous due to splintering, and bones that are too small can be a choking hazard, while bones that are too large can fracture teeth. Ensure bones are from prey sources a cat would naturally hunt. Feed raw meaty bones every 2-3 days. For cats transitioning to raw, start with minced frames before introducing whole meaty bones.
Include Organ Meats: Feed fresh tripe, kidney, heart, lung, or liver once a week, or as 1/6th of the daily intake. Tripe is vital for its vitamin content, and a variety of organ meats should be offered. Heart is particularly important as it is rich in taurine, an essential amino acid for cats. Be cautious not to overfeed liver, limiting it to a maximum of once per week. Some commercial minces include small amounts of these organs.
Determining Feeding Quantities
A general guideline is to feed 2% of the cat’s body weight per day (e.g., a 5kg cat needs approximately 100g of food daily). Adjust amounts based on the cat’s activity level, metabolism, and age. Consult a veterinarian to assess your cat’s ideal weight. Do not feed cereals, and do not mix raw feeding with commercial processed cat food, as this can hinder proper digestion.
Homemade Supplements and Troubleshooting
A well-balanced raw diet typically does not require vitamin or mineral supplements, as over-supplementation can lead to imbalances. If a supplement is deemed necessary, it must be under veterinary supervision.
For cats unaccustomed to raw food, a gradual transition is often needed. Offering chunks of lightly poached meat can encourage acceptance by enhancing flavor and aroma. This temporary measure (4-6 weeks) can aid the transition. Older cats may benefit from lightly cooked food to improve digestibility and palatability, with white meats often being preferred.
Ideally, feed once daily, reflecting natural hunting patterns. In warmer weather, evening feeding is advisable to prevent spoilage. Young kittens (3-4 weeks) can be weaned directly onto raw food, receiving 4 small meals daily. After 8 weeks, gradually reduce minces to two-thirds of the diet, incorporating fillets, organ meats, and daily meaty bones, increasing daily intake to 6-10% of their body weight. For cats with chronic vomiting or diarrhea, veterinary consultation is essential; starting with bone broth to heal the gut and gradually introducing poached meats is recommended. Cats with few or no teeth will require minced frames instead of meaty bones.
Addressing Health Concerns with Raw Meat Diets
Cats on a balanced raw diet tend to have more acidic stomach acid, which, combined with antibacterial salivary enzymes and a shorter gut, reduces their susceptibility to pathogens. Sourcing high-quality food from the human food chain, ensuring adequate freezing, and practicing sensible feeding hygiene significantly minimizes risks. Pet owners should adhere to the same hygiene standards as when handling food for human consumption.
For further information, consult Lyn Thompson at www.rawessentials.co.nz. Wendy Dixon at New Plymouth Vet Group (06 7584006) or St Aubyn Veterinary Clinic (06 7513000) also offer guidance on raw feeding and holistic health. Recommended reading includes “The Barf Diet: For Cats and Dogs” by Ian Billinghurst and “Raw Meaty Bones: Promote Health” by Tom Lonsdale.
Content updated 26.02.19.
