The raw cat food diet fad is catching on among cat owners who desire to give their cats more “natural” nutrition. Supporters cite benefits ranging from enhanced coat shine to better digestibility, but skeptics are worried about safety and nutritional imbalance.
This argument has polarized the field of veterinary professionals, with some experts inclining hesitantly in favor and others firmly against.
The Case for Raw: What Supporters Point To
Proponents of the raw cat food diet say that cats are obligate carnivores that co-evolved to eat whole prey animals.
Potential benefits cited by raw food supporters:
- Improved digestion: Raw-fed cats may experience fewer digestive problems, such as diarrhea and constipation
- Better nutrition: Raw foods are higher in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and some flavonoids
- Less processed ingredients: The ultimate advantage of a raw food diet is fewer processed ingredients in the recipes
Some cats show improved coat quality and energy on well-balanced raw diets. However, the results vary enormously among different cats and are highly contingent on the formulation quality of the diet.
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The Veterinary Concerns: Why Many Vets Say No
Despite growing popularity, mainstream veterinary associations have concerns about raw feeding cats. The AVMA advises against feeding raw or undercooked animal protein to dogs and cats because it poses a risk to animal and human health.
Primary safety and health concerns:
- Bacterial contamination: Raw foods are more prone to harbor disease-causing bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli
- Nutritional imbalances: Raw diets tend to be nutritionally unbalanced and lacking in nutrients
- Human health risks: The hazard is of most concern to pregnant, immunocompromised, young, or elderly humans.
Raw food diets are inappropriate for kittens, elderly cats with compromised immune systems, or cats with pre-existing medical conditions like pancreatitis, liver disease, or cancer.
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The Nutritional Balance Challenge
Developing a balanced whole raw diet takes more effort than most pet owners ever dream. AAFCO nutrient profiles include 44 nutritional standards for cats with minimums and sometimes maximums, and different life stages require different ratios and quantities of nutrients.
Commercial versus homemade raw feeding considerations:
- Commercial raw foods: Some are designed to meet AAFCO, but cost significantly more than traditional diets
- Homemade raw diets: Can be nutritionally imbalanced in the absence of veterinary nutritionist assistance
- Supplementation requirements: May need extra vitamins, minerals, and taurine to avoid deficiency
Cats can do well on well-formulated raw diets. However, homemade diets often fail to provide complete nutrition without professional guidance.
What Veterinarians Currently Recommend
The veterinary consensus about raw cat food diets remains guarded. Most veterinarians advocate focusing on high-quality commercial foods that are AAFCO-compliant rather than raw feeding.
For owners determined to try raw feeding, veterinarians recommend consulting a board-certified nutritionist to form the diet correctly and continue with regular health assessments.
Making an Informed Decision About Raw Feeding
Whether or not switching to a raw cat food diet is something that needs to be done very carefully, considering your cat’s health, household situation, and adherence to proper food safety practices. Raw feeding cats is neither inherently good nor evil—it’s all in the execution, the particular requirements of certain cats, and owner dedication.
Consult your vet first, especially if your cat has health problems or is very young or elderly. Prepared to dig into the diet habits of your cat? Discuss the pros and cons of raw feeding with your vet, and consider hiring a veterinary nutritionist if you do proceed.
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