Ready to Feed Your Feline Friend Raw?

Emily Wren

Why Raw Feeding?

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on a diet of meat, organs, and bones. Raw feeding aims to replicate this natural diet, offering benefits like:

  • Improved digestion (fewer digestive issues and less shedding).
  • Healthier coats and skin.
  • Increased energy levels.
  • Reduced reliance on processed kibble or wet food.

However, raw feeding requires careful planning to ensure your cat receives all essential nutrients. Always consult with a veterinarian or feline nutritionist before starting any new diet.

Key Resources for Raw Feeding Support

The feline community has come together to provide trusted resources to help you navigate the world of raw feeding:

  1. The Little Carnivore

  2. Paws of Prey

  3. Raw Fed and Nerdy

    • Website: https://rawfedandnerdy.com/
    • Offers a paid recipe course, a spreadsheet for meal planning, and a free course (highly recommended).

  4. Feline Nutrition

  5. Perfectly Rawsome

  6. Raw Feeding University

    • A Facebook group where raw feeders share experiences, recipes, and troubleshooting tips.

Methods of Feeding a Raw Diet

There are several ways to approach raw feeding, depending on your comfort level and resources:

  1. Commercial Raw Food

    • Choose a complete and balanced raw food (e.g., from brands like Darwin’s or Primal).
    • These are pre-portioned and easy to store in the freezer.
    • Ideal for beginners or those with limited time.

  2. Using Completeers

    • Add a completeer (like Alnutrin, TCfeline, or EZcomplete) to raw meat to ensure balanced nutrition.
    • You’ll still need to source raw meat and follow the completeer’s instructions.

  3. Following Recipes

    • Use trusted online recipes (e.g., from https://scaredycats.com.au/) or paid courses (e.g., Raw Fed and Nerdy).
    • Recipes often include muscle meats, bones, organs, and supplements like fish oil.

  4. DIY Raw Feeding

    • Prepare meals from scratch using a spreadsheet to track nutrients.
    • Recommended for experienced feeders, as it requires careful planning to avoid deficiencies.

Transitioning to Raw Feeding Your Cat

  • Start slowly: Mix raw food with your cat’s current diet over 7–14 days to ease the transition.
  • Monitor for changes: Watch for signs of digestive upset, changes in stool, or refusal to eat.
  • Use a freezer: Raw food needs to be stored in the freezer and thawed in the fridge before serving.

Practical Tips and Considerations

  • Freezer space: Raw feeding requires significant freezer storage, especially for DIY meals.
  • Cost: Commercial raw food can be expensive, but brands like Darwin’s offer cost-effective options.
  • Grinders: If you plan to grind bones, invest in a quality grinder (note: some users found this too costly).
  • Community support: Join Facebook groups or Instagram pages (e.g., Rawpetsrule, Twomanylegs) for advice and encouragement.

Final Thoughts

Raw feeding can be a rewarding way to support your cat’s health, but it’s essential to approach it with care and research. Start with trusted resources, choose a method that suits your lifestyle, and prioritize your cat’s nutritional needs. Remember, every cat is unique—what works for one may not work for another. Take your time, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to consult with a professional if you have questions.

Ready to feed your feline friend raw? Explore the resources listed above, and remember: the journey to a healthier cat starts with a single step.

Related Articles