Raw Food Is Best For Cats
10 Reasons Why Switching To Raw Cat Food Is A Must
For many cat owners, ensuring their beloved pet is receiving optimal nutrition is a top priority. A growing area of interest for many cat owners is the concept of providing their pet with raw food. Raw food for cats is often touted as one of the best ways to ensure cats are getting the nutrition they need. It is thought that a raw food diet is closer to what cats would eat in the wild and is therefore more nutrient-dense and better for their overall health and wellness. The benefits of raw food for cats include improved digestion, increased energy, better coat and skin health, and a decreased risk of developing certain diseases. With the right preparation, raw food can provide all the key nutrients a cat needs to stay healthy and happy.
What is raw food?
Raw food is food that has not been cooked or processed in any way. Raw food diets have become increasingly popular among pet owners in recent years and are now the norm among many cats. Most pet food manufacturers now offer raw food options, making it easier than ever to feed your cat a raw diet. Raw food diets come in three main forms: whole raw food diets, ground raw food diets, and homemade raw food diets. Whole raw food diets are very similar to conventional dry kibble, except that the kibble is in various meat-based shapes rather than the familiar crumbly biscuits. Ground raw food diets are a combination of whole meat and bone and finely chopped vegetables. Ground raw food diets have the added benefit of being easy to digest and have the consistency of thick ground meat. Homemade raw food diets are often the most beneficial to maintaining optimal health. Choosing to provide a homemade raw food diet gives you the opportunity to use the highest quality ingredients and control their quality and freshness.
What are the benefits of raw food for cats?
Raw food diets are thought to have many added benefits over conventional cat food. Improved digestion — A raw food diet is thought to improve digestive health in cats and reduce the risk of experiencing digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, or issues with digestion. This is because raw meat is easily digested by cats and does not contain indigestible plant fibres. It is also thought that a reduction in cooked protein in the diet may improve the efficiency of the pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes. Increased energy — Many cats on a raw food diet report feeling an increase in energy levels and being more playful. This is likely due to the increased protein and fatty acids in the diet. Better coat and skin health — A raw food diet contains key nutrients that help to promote optimal skin and coat health, including fatty acids and vitamins E, A, and B. These nutrients help to keep the skin and coat hydrated and reduce shedding. Decreased risk of developing certain diseases — A raw food diet is thought to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and intestinal issues such as bloating and flatulence.
What are the risks of a raw food diet?
While there are many benefits to feeding a raw diet, it is important to remember that it is not suitable for all cats. There are certain cats who are best served by receiving a completely cooked diet and there are certain cats who are best served by receiving a completely raw diet. Cats who are ill or who have certain health conditions may be better suited to a fully cooked diet. Cats suffering from chronic kidney disease, for example, should avoid the high levels of phosphorus found in many raw diets as it may worsen the disease. As a general rule, cats who are ill or who have specific health conditions may benefit from a fully cooked diet, as the additional hydration found in raw diets may complicate health issues. Cats who are best suited to a raw diet include kittens, pregnant or nursing cats, and senior cats, as they may benefit from the additional protein found in raw diets. Cats who are best suited to a completely cooked diet include senior cats, cats with dental issues, and cats with gastrointestinal issues, as they may benefit from the additional hydration found in raw diets.
What are the key nutrients cats need?
Protein — Protein is an important part of any cat’s diet and is found in all forms of animal protein, including fish, chicken, and beef. Protein is important for the development and maintenance of muscle mass and is also used to produce amino acids and hormones. Cats require approximately 30% of their diet from protein. Fat — While protein is important for the maintenance of muscle mass, fat is also important for overall health. Fat helps to maintain the skin and coat, provides energy, and is used to produce hormones and vitamins. Cats require around 20% of their diet from fat. Carbohydrates — Carbohydrates provide energy and are mainly found in plant fibre and grains. Cat’s require around 4% of their diet from carbohydrates. Vitamins and minerals — While not necessary for survival, vitamins and minerals are essential for optimal health and wellbeing. They help to support the immune system and are used to help with the production of hormones. Cats require varying amounts of vitamins and minerals in their diet, depending on their age and health.
What are the best sources of these nutrients?
Protein — Protein can be found in many forms, including fish and chicken liver. Fish is a popular protein source in raw diets and is found in many commercial raw diets. Chicken liver is a great way to supply cats with high levels of vitamins A and B12, which are important for the development and maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Choosing the highest quality protein sources is important and can sometimes be difficult when feeding a raw diet. It is important to find high-quality proteins that are free from harmful chemicals and are ethically sourced. Fat — Fat can be found in many forms in raw diets, including avocados, coconut oil, and fish oils. Avocados are a great source of healthy fats and are often found in raw diets. Coconut oil is known to be a healthy fat and is often used in commercial raw diets. Fish oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are often used in commercial raw diets. It is important to find fat sources that are ethically sourced and free from harmful chemicals. Carbohydrates — Carbohydrates can be found in both grains and vegetables. Many raw diets are based around a grain-free diet, meaning carbohydrates are mainly supplied from vegetables. It is important to find high-quality carbohydrates that are ethically sourced. Vitamins and minerals — Cats require varying amounts of vitamins and minerals in their diet depending on their age and health. It is important to look at the ingredient list of raw diets and select sources that provide these important nutrients.
How to prepare a raw food diet for cats
Choosing a raw food diet for your cat is not as simple as throwing a chicken wing into their bowl. Choosing the right ingredients and combining them in the right way is crucial to providing your cat with the right nutrients. It is important to remember that cats are carnivores and require high amounts of protein in their diet. Cats require around 50% of their diet from protein, which is significantly more than the recommended daily intake for humans. When choosing ingredients, it is important to find high-quality proteins that are free from harmful chemicals and ethically sourced. Carbs, fats, and vitamins and minerals can be found in many forms, including vegetables, grains, and vitamins and minerals. For the best health benefits, it is important to find high-quality ingredients.
What are the best ways to introduce a raw food diet to cats?
- Choose a commercial raw diet and transition gradually. Many commercial raw diets are designed for cats to transition from a commercial kibble diet to a raw diet. These diets are usually grain-free and provide a good starting point for introducing a raw diet.
- Mix commercial raw food with commercial kibble. If you are new to feeding a raw diet and are nervous about making the switch, it is often a good idea to mix commercial kibble with commercial raw food to make the transition easier.
- Mix commercial raw food with homemade raw food. If you are confident that your cat is ready to receive a completely raw diet, mixing commercial raw food with homemade raw food can help to ease the transition. Choosing a raw diet that includes a variety of ingredients, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs, can make the transition easier.
- You can also transition your cat to a homemade raw
After 8 years of searching for a solution to my 2 cats’ dandruff, trying every premium cat food and supplements out there, it was cured within 3 days of switching to a raw food diet, and hasn’t come back since (almost a year later)! They’re also livelier and their teeth are better (no more gingivitis)! However, I don’t have time to prepare homemade raw meals, so it took me years to finally find a trusted place to get prepared raw meals.
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