A lot of people have been asking us if it’s okay to feed their cats raw meat. We did some research and here’s what we found.
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Introduction
Raw meat is often touted as being healthier for both humans and animals, but there are some risks associated with feeding your cat raw meat. While cats are obligate carnivores, their stomachs are not as acidic as dogs’, so they can be more susceptible to bacterial contamination. In addition, some cats may have dietary sensitivities or allergies that make raw meat an unsuitable food. If you’re considering feeding your cat a raw meat diet, speak to your veterinarian first to determine if it’s the best option for your pet.
What is Raw Meat?
Raw meat is uncooked, unprocessed meat. It can come from poultry, beef, pork, lamb, or other animals. Raw meat can be sold as steaks, chops, roasts, or ground meat. It can also be sold with bone in it or boneless.
The Pros and Cons of Cats Eating Raw Meat
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. In the wild, cats eat mostly raw meat, organs, and bones. So, can cats eat raw meat? And, if so, is it good for them? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of cats eating raw meat.
The Pros
There are a few pros to feeding your cat raw meat. First, it is a more natural diet for them. Cats are carnivores, so their bodies are designed to digest and process raw meat more efficiently than kibble or other plant-based foods.
Raw meat is also packed with nutrients and moisture that helps keep your cat healthy and hydrated. It can be particularly helpful for cats who are picky eaters or have gastrointestinal issues.
Finally, some people believe that feeding raw meat can help reduce tartar build-up on your cat’s teeth and promote healthy gums.
The Cons
opponents of raw meat for cats argue that it:
-may contain harmful bacteria that can make your cat sick
-is more expensive than dry or canned cat food
-is not as nutritionally complete as dry or canned cat food
Is Raw Meat Safe for Cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. In the wild, cats eat mostly raw meat, so it stands to reason that a raw diet would be the best option for domestic cats as well. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about whether or not raw meat is safe for cats.
There are two main concerns when it comes to feeding cats raw meat: bacteria and nutrients. Let’s start with bacteria. It is true that raw meat can harbor harmful bacteria that can make your cat sick. However, this is not unique to raw meat; cooked meat can also be contaminated with bacteria. The key is to source your meat from reputable farmers or butchers who take proper food safety precautions.
As for nutrients, there is no evidence that raw meat is more nutritious for cats than cooked meat. In fact, some nutrients are more bioavailable in cooked meat than raw meat (e.g., iron). The bottom line is that as long as you’re sourcing your raw meat from a reputable source and your cat is eating a complete and balanced diet, there is no reason to believe that raw meat is unsafe for them to consume.
How to Feed Raw Meat to Cats
If you are considering feeding your cat a raw meat diet, there are a few things you should know. First, although it is possible for cats to eat raw meat, it is not necessarily the best idea. There are potential health risks involved in feeding raw meat to cats, and it is important to be aware of these risks before making a decision.
Secondly, even if you do decide to feed raw meat to your cat, it is important to do so safely. There are some specific guidelines you should follow to make sure that your cat does not get sick from the raw meat.
Finally, keep in mind that not all cats will enjoy or benefit from a raw meat diet. Some cats may be picky eaters and will not touch raw meat, while others may have health conditions that make it unsafe for them to eat raw meat. If you are unsure whether or not a raw meat diet is right for your cat, talk to your veterinarian for guidance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are benefits to feeding cats raw meat, there are also risks. These risks can be minimized by taking precautions such as buying meat from a reputable source, storing it properly, and feeding it to your cat in moderation.
