Feeding your cat a raw diet can feel intimidating at first—but with the right guidance, it can be a safe and nutritionally rich option. This beginner-friendly guide explains everything you need to know to start raw feeding with confidence.

 

What Is a Raw Diet for Cats?

A raw diet (often called BARF—Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) aims to mimic what cats would naturally eat in the wild:

• Raw muscle meat
• Raw bones (ground only for safety)
• Organ meats
• Added supplements for balance

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on high-protein, low-carb diets rich in animal-based nutrients.

 

 

Benefits of Feeding Raw

Many owners report noticeable improvements within weeks:

1. Healthier skin + glossy coat

High-quality fats and natural omega-3s support coat health.

2.  Better digestion

Raw diets have fewer additives and often reduce diarrhoea or bloating.

3. Cleaner teeth

Natural chewing (non-weight-bearing bones only) helps reduce plaque.

4. More energy

Cats may seem brighter and more playful on a protein-rich diet.

5. Smaller, less smelly stools

Without fillers, waste is lower and odour reduces significantly.

 

 

 

Risks to Be Aware Of

Raw feeding requires care and hygiene. Beginners should be aware of:

1. Bacterial contamination

Avoid cross-contamination, and only use human-grade meat.

2.  Unbalanced nutrition

This is the most common mistake. Cats need precise levels of calcium, taurine, B vitamins, and trace minerals.

3. Unsafe bones

Never feed cooked bones. For beginners, finely ground bones or bone meal is safest.

4. Not ideal for all cats

Cats with immune issues, chronic disease, or digestive disorders may need a modified or cooked diet.

If you’re unsure, talk to a vet who understands raw feeding.

 

 

Raw Feeding Basics: What a Balanced Meal Looks Like

A typical raw diet ratio:

• 70–80% muscle meat
• 10% edible bone (finely ground)
• 5% liver
• 5% other organs (kidney, spleen)
• + Supplements (taurine, omega-3, vitamin E)

Supplements are not optional—cats have strict nutritional needs.

 

 

Safe Handling & Hygiene Rules

Raw feeding is safe when hygiene is consistent:

• Freeze all meat for 48 hours before use
• Thaw in the fridge only
• Wash bowls after every meal
• Store portions in airtight containers
• Clean preparation surfaces thoroughly
• Use disposable gloves when handling organs

These small steps massively reduce risk.

 

 

How Much Raw Food Should You Feed?

A simple rule:

Adult cats:

2–4% of their ideal body weight daily

Kittens:

Up to 5–10% of their body weight (they grow fast!)

Example:
A 4kg (8.8 lb) adult cat → 80–160g per day
Split into 2 or 3 meals.

 

 

Transitioning Your Cat to a Raw Diet

Switching too quickly can upset the stomach.  Always follow a gradual plan, here is an example:

Days 1–3:

75% current food + 25% raw

Days 4–6:

50% current food + 50% raw

Days 7–10:

25% current food + 75% raw

Day 11+:

100% raw

Go slower if your cat has a sensitive stomach.

 

 

Common Beginner Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

1. Feeding only muscle meat

→ Fix: Add organ meat + calcium immediately.

2. Using whole bones for beginners

→ Fix: Switch to ground bone or bone meal.

3. Forgetting taurine

→ Fix: Add taurine supplement daily—cats can’t store it.

4. Not portioning meals

→ Fix: Freeze food in daily containers for convenience.

 

 

Beginner-Friendly Raw Diet Recipes For Cats

Remember to use the rule of 80-160g per day for a 4kg cat

Recipe 1

Chicken & Liver Raw Blend

This is a simple, well-rounded recipe for adult cats.

Ingredients

500g raw chicken thigh (boneless)

50g raw chicken liver

50g raw heart (natural taurine source)

1 tsp finely ground eggshell powder (calcium)

1 tbsp salmon oil

1 taurine capsule (500–1000 mg)

Instructions

1. Freeze meat for 48 hours prior.
2. Thaw in fridge, then cut or grind to preferred texture.

3. Add liver, heart, eggshell powder, oil, and taurine. Mix thoroughly.

To serve:

Portion into small freezer containers. Thaw only what you need for 24 hours.

Serving Size

Approx. 2–4% of body weight daily, depending on activity level.

Recipe 2

Turkey & Sardine Omega Booster

A great option for skin and coat health.

 

Ingredients

400g raw turkey thigh

1 raw sardine (fresh or frozen)

30g beef kidney

1 tsp bone meal

1 tsp chia seeds (pre-soaked)

500–1000 mg taurine supplement

 

Instructions

1. Grind or finely chop turkey and sardine.

2. Add kidney, bone meal, soaked chia, and taurine.

3. Mix into a smooth blend.

4. Portion and freeze in airtight tubs.

 

To serve:

Feed chilled or slightly warmed (never cooked bones).

 

Serving Size

Approx. 2–4% of body weight daily, depending on activity level.

 

When to Avoid Raw Diets

Do not feed raw if your cat has:

1. Immune disorders

2. Underlying chronic illness

3. Pancreatitis

4. Advanced kidney disease

5. Is very young without supervision

In these cases, lightly cooked or veterinary-formulated diets may be safer.

 

 

Is Raw Feeding Right for Your Cat?

Raw feeding works beautifully when done carefully—and cats often thrive on fresh, species-appropriate nutrition.
If you enjoy preparing fresh food and can follow hygiene guidelines, the raw diet can be a rewarding choice.

And remember: every cat is different. Observe your cat’s energy, stool quality, coat condition, and appetite throughout the transition.

 

 

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