Raw diets provide biologically appropriate food that mimics what cats would eat in the wild, including muscle meat, organs, raw bone, plus natural vitamins & minerals from fruits & veggies like fruits & berries.
Most pets can adapt easily to switching over to a raw diet, although you must introduce it slowly over a 7-10 day period so their digestive system has time to adapt.
1. Easier to Digest
Cats experiencing digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea and constipation can often benefit from switching to a raw diet. The fats found in raw diets help break down stomach acid which is the source of many digestive issues; additionally, raw foods contain natural enzymes which assist digestion more than traditional kibble diets do.
Cats are natural obligate carnivores, meaning their digestive systems have evolved specifically to consume and process raw meat, leading to better absorption, less waste production, and firmer stool formation. One of the first changes many pet parents notice upon switching their cat or kitten over to raw diet is improved health and better absorption of essential nutrients.
Cats that are overweight, allergic or suffering from chronic illnesses usually do well on a raw diet. Its fresh meaty meals can quickly digested by their bodies while helping balance out immune systems so healing can begin in earnest.
Raw food diets are low in carbohydrates, which feed unhealthy mouth bacteria and promote gum disease. Eating fresh, natural foods – like raw bones – to keep teeth healthy has long been touted as one of the benefits of raw diets; chewing raw bones acts like nature’s toothbrush! Gnawing raw meaty bones stimulates digestive tract functioning properly while providing much-needed digestive relief; plus raw foods have higher moisture levels than commercial kibbles for bladder disorders relief.
2. More Energy
Raw foods provide your cat with more energy due to being low in carbohydrates – their bodies naturally derive this energy source for energy production. A raw diet also gives your pet more lean proteins which will keep muscles strong and energetic. Many commercial raw diets contain all the calories, fats, proteins and minerals a cat needs for an optimal life.
Many pet parents who switch their pets’ diet to raw have reported seeing increased energy and healthier coats as a result of switching. Furthermore, digestive issues like hairballs, vomiting and diarrhea have improved as have allergy issues like itching and dry flaky skin.
Wild cats tend to consume bones after they kill prey for nutrition, which is why most raw food recipes include ground bone in their muscle and organ blend. Doing this adds crucial calcium and other minerals into their diet while simultaneously providing them with natural teeth-cleansing benefits from chewing meaty bones.
Be wary that some raw diets may not meet nutritional guidelines, since many raw food items are made up of just “all meat and bones”. Because these items haven’t been prepared in such a way that is safe for your pet, feeding should be handled carefully; ensure the brand you choose has gone through feeding trials or has been designed by a veterinarian nutritionist.
3. Better Skin and Coat
Raw diets often result in shiny, healthy coats with reduced itching. Furthermore, many contain high levels of unsaturated fat which may help combat allergies.
Cats are natural carnivores and their digestive tract is specifically tailored for eating meat-based diets, making raw food diets with premium-quality muscle meat, bones and organs representative of what would be found in their native habitat.
Your cat may benefit from eating raw food by having smaller and lower volume stools which make cleanup much simpler! In addition, raw foods contain natural dietary fiber which aids with elimination.
Wild cats that hunt small prey often consume every part, including bones and organs, which provide important minerals like calcium for their own bodies to absorb as well as being nature’s multivitamin supplement.
When selecting a raw diet to feed your pet, it’s essential that it meets the definition of “complete and balanced”. This means it contains various ingredients processed using low temperature methods (cold pressing or high pressure processing) so as to provide all essential vitamins and minerals. If unsure if a raw diet is right for your animal, consult with a vet first before slowly introducing new food over 7-10 days.
4. Lower Risk of Illness
Some cats suffering from food sensitivities or digestive issues benefit from switching to a raw diet, due to its higher protein, functional fats and probiotic levels which help rebalance immune function while soothing digestive distress in order to facilitate healing of both their immune system and gut lining. Itching and flaky skin symptoms typically associated with these conditions also ease significantly with this approach.
Raw diet cats tend to be less prone to urinary tract infections and healthier gums, may shed less fur which reduces hairballs and become healthier gums as a result. Plus, thanks to the essential fatty acids contained in raw food diet, their coat will look soft and shiny!
Switching a cat gradually over to a raw diet is important in order to prevent upset stomach. Begin with small portions and gradually increase it over several weeks – this will prevent sudden spikes in consumption that could trigger digestive upset.
As humans do not consume raw meat directly, using human grade raw meat from reputable sources is recommended for maximum nutritional intake for your cat. You can reduce illness risks by following safe food handling practices – washing hands, dishes and surfaces in contact with food – before serving it to them. Many commercial raw foods come nutritionally balanced and ready-to-serve; saving yourself the trouble and fuss of creating one from scratch yourself – Stella & Chewy recipes include added probiotics!
