The Benefits and Risks of Raw Food Diets for Cats
1. Introduction
We are seeing an increase in popularity and discussions of raw food diets specifically designed for cats. Raw food diets for cats are in line with the belief that natural foods are not only preferable but have health benefits. Indeed, many raw feeders are convinced of the advantages a cat can derive from consuming raw food. One of the touchstones of raw feeding has to do with the idea that the more closely an animal’s diet resembles one eaten by its ancestors, the healthier its probable nutrient intake will be. There is an ongoing debate about the safety, nutrition, and ethics of feeding cats this way. It is important to know that there are many different viewpoints on raw feeding.
A feline diet is uniquely suited to the nutritional needs of cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, and they need large amounts of animal protein to fulfill their requirements for certain nutrients. Cats have a high protein requirement and cannot vary the protein they derive from meat or fat the way other animals do. They have a limited steatocrit range for a cat’s fat-derived calories; diets high in fat may lead to obesity and other health issues. Cats do require linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, and sources of linoleic acid include poultry fat and certain vegetable oils. We know about certain health problems that result from poor nutrition. We know, however, that many cat owners will feed their cats according to philosophical or social beliefs, and there is nothing we as veterinary professionals are going to be able to do to change their feelings about this.
2. Nutritional Needs of Cats
Cats have a few unique nutritional needs. First, and most obvious, cats are obligate carnivores. Cats have evolved to require nutrients present in animal tissues. In the wild, 30-40% of a cat’s diet is composed of carbohydrates, mostly those found in the stomach and intestines of their prey. Carbohydrates provide amino acids and essential nutrients found within gut stuffing. Cats use these nutrients as they do those in muscle meat, blood, and organs. Cats also require specific nutrients that are not present in significant quantities in plant-based foods, like vitamin D3, the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, the amino acid taurine, and vision-supporting chemical lutein. Without these essential nutrients in the proper forms, amounts, and ratios, cats would suffer deficiencies affecting the health of their skin, coat, eyes, skeletal muscle, and supporting tissues and systems, as well as essential development in juveniles.
These requirements guide the development and manufacturing of commercial cat diets based on cat life stages. Kittens, adults, seniors, and pregnant/nursing cats have different dietary energy and nutrient needs, which guide intake. Kittens, for example, require more protein than adults. Cats will compensate for modest caloric and protein deficiencies over time, but fat-soluble and some water-soluble vitamin deficiencies on raw food diets have been documented in populations of cats. Cats were particularly vulnerable to thiamine and vitamin A deficiencies when fed whole prey because of overfeeding, bioavailability, and carbohydrate type. High doses of vitamin E and methionine, in some cases also taurine and arginine, may also have protective effects against oxidative reactions. Some of these substances can be given as dietary supplements in order to reach a beneficial level of intake, but this may also lead to increased oxidative stress. Owners of cats considering a raw food diet should be familiar with the nutrition of cats to be able to model a diet that appropriately satisfies their pets' needs.
2.1. Essential Nutrients in a Cat's Diet
Just like any animal, cats require a balanced diet that provides them with all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need to thrive. These nutrients have a variety of roles, such as providing energy, being necessary for healthy skin and coat, supporting vision and joint health, and contributing to growth and development. Cat owners should aim to feed their pets a diet that provides these nutrients in abundance. Some of the most well-known essential nutrients for cats include taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamins from the B group. Cats require various other vitamins and minerals, all of which have specific roles in their diets. Compared to processed diets, natural products like raw food offer cats a rich source of these essential nutrients and also provide many benefits, such as nutrients having been shown to be more bioavailable in natural sources compared to commercial diets.
It is essential that cat owners understand which nutrients are necessary for a cat's health and well-being and the kinds of health issues that can develop if cats are without these key nutrients over a long period. Cat owners should be aware that feeding cats raw meat only might not supply all the nutrients cats require; supplementation regulated by a veterinarian is sometimes necessary, given that the preparation method of food can also affect their nutrient availability. Cats have very little capacity for producing a number of key B vitamin groups, including B3, and must be supplied with these from their diet. The aim of this section is to either inform the reader of these nutrients if they are not already aware or to refresh the memory of those reading. Nevertheless, it is important for readers to remember that when considering if a raw diet would be suitable for their pet, they should consult their veterinarian.
3. Pros and Cons of Raw Food Diets
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A raw food diet, however, is not the right choice for all cats and can pose health risks for some. Raw food diets are often chosen by pet owners who are looking to feed the most natural, species-appropriate diet to their cats. Proponents of raw food diets claim benefits such as improved coat condition and reduced shedding, as well as better energy levels for the cat. Raw diets are touted as being a great solution for cats who are allergic to commercial foods. Well-prepared raw diets are much lower in carbohydrates and do not contain ingredients from the grains that are believed to be common allergens.
There is much anecdotal evidence available regarding the benefits of a raw diet for cats. The information is compelling and has caused many cat caregivers to switch from commercial to raw food diets for their feline family members. However, several risks and hazards are associated with feeding a diet that consists entirely of raw ingredients. The first is that raw meat can easily become contaminated with bacteria, making cats sick. Consumption of contaminated raw meat may infect other members of the household. E. coli and Salmonella are two of the most common contaminants found in raw meat. Additionally, raw food diets can potentially contain nutritional imbalances and lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. It is estimated that somewhere around 20% of bones present in raw diets will pose a hazard to cats if they consume them. If you choose to offer a raw food diet to your cat, you will be placing your entire family at risk if hygiene and food safety protocols aren't followed to a level appropriate for working in a hospital surgical suite.
3.1. Benefits of Raw Food Diets for Cats
Many proponents of feeding raw food to cats say it mimics natural feeding behavior. Bringing the hunt back into the bowl for the cat allows the cat to express predatory behaviors like chewing, gnawing, and pawing at food. It also allows the cat to naturally manage portion control by grazing throughout the day. Another potential benefit of consuming whole prey is that fresh animal products are abrasive, and chewing them could have a similar effect as tooth brushing. Consequently, raw food proponents claim that dental health improves through the consumption of raw food. Other anecdotal benefits that people frequently claim include improved vitality and coat luster. People report that some cats on a raw diet have no visible tears or clear discharge from their eyes, something that is often seen in cats on a dry diet as the cat's body attempts to hydrate the kibble. In addition, cat owners often report that their cat's coat is much softer and "silkier" on a raw diet than on a dry diet. In general, proponents of raw diets feel that feeding raw provides a more natural, balanced diet for their cats than feeding commercial pet food. Indeed, some pet guardians touting the benefits of raw diets explain that their cats were lethargic prior to being put on these diets. When first switching to raw from a dry diet, "my cat is more active" is a common statement made by proponents of the diet. Demonstrating the potential benefits of a raw food diet for cats has yet to be fully studied. However, some evidence does support a few anecdotal claims. For example, there is evidence that digestibility improves when cats eat fresh, species-appropriate diets compared to commercial pet food. Left to eat at their own pace, cats are instinctively grazers, meaning they eat small amounts often throughout the day. In the wild, this all-day grazing would cause them to fill up and save small amounts for later. However, it is also unrealistic to expect busy pet owners to allow unmanaged free-feeding. Thus, many pet guardians have discovered controlled raw food portions as part of the answer for their cat's diets. Through measured portions, pet owners who have switched to raw diets have noticed weight loss and healthier cats. While managing methods and timing differ for every pet, generally, cats on a raw diet require fewer calories than those on dry, free-choice feeding. These natural subjects eat to their satisfaction with the raw regime, and as a result, there is a lesser likelihood of overeating and the potential for diabetes. Also, with increased concentrations of full-fat foods and the steady provision of the right portions, the metabolic rate will prevent weight fluctuations. After a quick purging from the food-intake change, even obese cats start maintaining and/or slimming down a bit. Furthermore, due to the fact that most animals have adjusted food circuits, many pet owners have observed remarkable weight loss without calorie counting or reducing the usual running portion in half.
3.2. Potential Risks of Raw Food Diets
Despite the potential benefits of a raw food diet, there are some drawbacks to feeding cats raw food, and a significant concern for pet food safety. There is an increased risk of bacterial contamination in raw pet food, which poses a health hazard not only for cats but also for their human owners. Illnesses due to salmonella, campylobacter, or E. coli infection are still a risk, even if feeding advice includes precautions for handling and storage of the food, such as regular cleaning of feeding equipment, washing hands thoroughly after handling raw food, and avoiding having cats lick their owners' faces. Additionally, raw diets are prone to creating nutritional imbalances if not carefully planned.
It can be a major roadblock when trying to get cats to accept a new food, or, if a cat does accept a novel raw food diet, an abrupt dietary change can also result in digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. If a cat refuses, regurgitates, or has diarrhea after eating a novel raw diet, this can be discouraging for the cat owner and can deter them from offering additional raw food trials to their cat. While some cats cannot tolerate a raw food diet, it is important to consider the many variables when assessing how individual cats transition to these diets. The quality of raw meat that is suitable as pet food can also be a concern. Not all authorized pet food products are created equal, and 'human-grade' does not ensure that the raw diet is manufactured and handled in such a way to minimize pathogens.
4. How to Safely Implement a Raw Food Diet
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In the last section, we discussed the primary benefits and risks of implementing a raw food diet for cats. Now it is time to talk about how to get started with feeding your cat a raw food diet by implementing some of the best tips available. Gradual is key. Cats can sometimes experience digestive upset with an abrupt diet change. Gradually introducing new foods can help avoid issues. Balance over time. It's not necessary to balance every meal or make sure a cat's diet is balanced each day. Focus instead on balancing the diet over the course of a week. Buy safe ingredients. Many possible sources for safe, quality ingredients are available, including local producers and national suppliers. Focus on obtaining quality ingredients that you feel comfortable feeding your cat. Keep it clean. To avoid cross-contamination and the risk of foodborne pathogens, it's important to be diligent about being clean while preparing food. Owners can keep pet preparation areas safe by selecting a space that can be dedicated to preparing food for pets, using color-coded cutting boards and utensils for pet food preparation, and using only glass or stainless steel dishes and equipment, as these surfaces are easier to keep clean and don't harbor bacteria. Serve safely. It is important to monitor cats to ensure the new diet is producing a positive result. If the diet produces negative results, stop immediately and re-evaluate the approach.
4.1. Choosing the Right Ingredients
Most of the basic ingredients of a raw food diet for cats are raw, unprocessed foods. This section discusses how to best match cats' nutritional requirements to these ingredients. Using this information, you can create a balanced meal by mixing the ingredients. For example, you may choose to implement a "partially raw" food diet with a standardized pre-mix to provide all necessary nutrients. Always try to match each of the following ingredients to your cat's prescribed feeding ratios.
Muscle Meat
Like dogs, modern domestic cats are true carnivores. Cats evolved eating a diet of small prey that contains protein, fat, and bone. Since we house cats today, it is our responsibility to provide these items. All muscle meats used should be fresh, human-grade, hormone- and antibiotic-free, and at least 70% lean. Any meat sold at a suitable quality for humans is considered appropriate. As previously mentioned, wild species and farm-raised prey commonly contain a moisture content of 70 to 75 percent. Ensure that the meat source for your cat contains a high moisture content and is, therefore, fresh. Hazardous bacteria on the outside of meat cannot be successfully eliminated; therefore, grind your own meat from whole cuts instead of trimming away the contamination. Additionally, the larger category of meat encompasses heart, which is very high in taurine. Due to its heightened nutrient properties, do not exceed 15 percent of dietary intake. Some muscle meats are more fatty than others; an example of a fatty meat is pork. If you choose a high-fat meat, simply trim it to the ideal ratio of 70 percent lean. In order to do this, ask your butcher to custom-grind each meat source, or trim it yourself at home. Always use cuts of meat that have skin removed.
4.2. Food Preparation and Storage Tips
When preparing any fresh food, be sure to wash your hands before and after food preparation, ensure the workspace is clean, and wash any equipment used after each use. By following this simple protocol, you can ensure that you handle meat and other perishable foods correctly and minimize the potential for disease-causing bacteria. Below are some tips for preparation, handling, and storage to ensure the meals you prepare are safe and nutritious for your cat.
Tools and Equipment To prepare meals from scratch, cat owners should have a good quality chef’s knife and a meat cleaver. The chef’s knife can be used to prepare meat and other ingredients, while the meat cleaver is useful for breaking down large cuts of meat and bones when necessary. Using the chef’s knife, practice good knife skills to ensure that home-prepared meals are as finely minced as is appropriate for your individual cat. By cutting the food into small, even pieces, the food processor will do a proper job of fully incorporating the ingredients. Use a separate cutting board for meat, poultry, and fish than you use for fresh fruit and vegetables to minimize cross-contamination.
Portion Control and Freezing Most home recipes produce a large amount of food that will feed your cat for many weeks at a time. Portion out food in small plastic-wrapped or freezer bags to accommodate your cat’s needs for several days to one week. Larger bags can be placed in the refrigerator to thaw for preparing the next batch of food, while smaller bags can be thawed in the refrigerator or placed in a bowl or dish of cool water to thaw. It is important to use only enough food in each portion to feed your cat at each meal to ensure that the food remains fresh, as most thawed homemade fresh foods do not remain palatable in the refrigerator for more than four days.
Storage Using airtight containers, freeze raw ingredients separately to maintain their freshness. Raw ingredients can be frozen for several weeks. Thaw meat and other ingredients in the refrigerator before use.
5. Conclusion and Future Research Directions
In the context of increasingly popular alternative diets or feline feeding regimens, it is essential to better understand the presence and prevalence of the benefits and risks of raw food diets. This will provide guidance to cat and pet owners when contemplating a new feeding regimen and promote further research. In particular, much research is required to further assess the effects of long-term feeding of raw food on cat health. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all for nutrition in pets, and the decision on how to feed one’s pet is up to the owner. Overall, as with the raw feeding of dogs, currently the promise of feeding raw to cats is largely hindered by the lack of solid, long-term scientific evidence about what constitutes a good diet for a cat and whether it makes any short-term or long-term difference at all.
In conclusion, at this time there is no ideal feline diet. Nor is raw feeding the ultimate evil proclaimed by some. There are benefits, but there are untold risks. Further work is needed to study the long-term health of raw-fed cats. Meanwhile, if you are considering changing your cat's diet to raw food, you should consult your veterinarian for individual advice, as there is not even a standard protocol on how to transition the diet, how to evaluate its impact, or how to supervise for consequences. Finally, the dynamic and ever-growing field of pet nutrition will no doubt be influenced by the trend towards wellness-based health care both in humans and in veterinary medicine. Ensuing literature will cover the relationship between the immune system and the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts to nutrition.
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