If you’re a cat owner, you know that finding the best food for your feline friend can be a challenge. There are so many different types of cat food on the market, and it can be hard to decide which one is right for your pet. If you’re looking for a natural, healthy option for your cat, you may want to consider feeding raw food to them. Raw food is packed with nutrients and is easy for cats to digest, which is good for cats with sensitive stomachs. But with all the different options out there, how do you choose the best commercial raw food for your cat? When looking for the best raw cat food on the market, here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.
What is a raw food diet for cats?
A raw food diet for cats is a diet that consists of raw, unprocessed foods. This type of diet is similar to the diet that cats would eat in the wild. Raw food diets for cats have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more pet owners are looking for ways to improve their cat’s health. There are many benefits of feeding a raw food diet to your cat, including improved digestion, more vitamins and minerals, and a boosted immune system.
The benefits of raw food for cats
A raw food diet can be beneficial for cats in many ways. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require animal-based proteins to thrive. A raw diet can provide both cats and kittens with the nutrients they need in a more bioavailable form than cooked or processed foods. Raw diets can also help improve digestive health, reduce allergies and provide other health benefits.
Look for a diet that contains muscle meat, organ meat, and bones as the primary ingredients. These ingredients will provide your cat with the animal-based proteins they need to thrive. Avoid diets that contain grains or plant-based proteins as the primary ingredients. Cats are unable to properly digest these nutrients and they can cause health problems over time.
Things to consider when choosing raw food for your cat
A raw food diet for your cat can be a great way to improve their health and extend their life. There are, however, a few things you should consider before making the switch.
The first is whether or not your cat will actually eat raw food. Some cats are finicky and may need some time to adjust to the new diet. You may need to try a few different types of raw food before you find one that they like.
The second thing to consider is cost. Raw food can be more expensive than traditional kibble or canned food. However, it is important to remember that you are feeding your cat less often because they are getting more nutrition from the raw food. In the long run, a raw food diet can actually save you money.
Finally, you need to make sure that you are handling and preparing the raw food correctly.
What to look for when selecting a commercial raw food for your cat
A raw food diet can be beneficial for your cat’s health, but it’s important to select a quality product. Look for a raw food that is made with fresh, whole ingredients and does not contain any fillers or artificial preservatives. The best raw foods will also be free of hormones and antibiotics. When selecting a raw food for your cat, be sure to choose one that contains a variety of meat sources, as well as organs and bone meal to ensure that your cat is getting all the nutrients they need.
When it comes to selecting the best raw cat food you should look for the following:
Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio
A raw food diet can be beneficial for your cat, but it’s important to make sure you’re selecting a raw food with the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio. Calcium is found in bone and phosphorous is found in muscle meat and organs. Various types of meat will have various levels of phosphorous.
Cats, as opposed to dogs, have quite a narrow range of the calcium to phosphorus content of their diet. Too much phosphorus and not enough calcium can lead to health problems for your cat. The ideal ratio is 1.2:1 calcium to phosphorus.
Vegetables
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive. However, this doesn’t mean that cats can’t eat vegetables. In fact, a small amount of veggies in your cat’s diet can be beneficial.
Vegetables provide cats with important nutrients like vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. While too many vegetables can cause digestive problems for cats, a small amount is usually fine. Around 5% is ideal, any more than 10% should be avoided. Raw pet food manufacturers can add excessive amounts of veggies in order to cut their costs.
There are many different types of vegetables that can be added to a cat’s diet, but garlic and onions are two that should be avoided. Both of these vegetables can be toxic to cats and can cause serious health problems. Tomatoes can increase the effects of arthritis and potatoes add too much starch. Also avoid feeding your cat any vegetables that are high in oxalates, like spinach or kale.
Many vegetables, including some that are often recommended as part of a healthy diet, can actually increase urinary pH. Which is one reason kibble is the cause of a majority of urinary tract problems in cats. This can make UTIs more difficult to treat and may even lead to more frequent infections.
Avoid raw food that uses herbs. Herbs are potent agents and should never be used long-term. Many herbs which are perfectly safe for a dog could kill a cat.
While there are some vegetables that are safe for cats with UTIs, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet. If you are considering adding any type of vegetable to your cat’s diet, it is important to do your research and make sure it is safe for them to eat.
Organ Meats
When selecting a raw food for your cat, it is important to choose one that contains organ meats.
A feline’s diet should consist of around 10% organ meats, according to most veterinarians. This is because organ meat is an excellent source of nutrients and moisture for cats. It also helps them maintain a healthy weight and keeps their fur shiny and soft.
Taurine
Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats that helps support normal heart function, vision, and reproduction.
Cats are unable to synthesize Taurine, therefore it needs to be provided in the food.
In the wild cats naturally consume meats and prey high in Taurine. Mice are naturally very high in Taurine. A cat eating plenty of mice would be assured of their Taurine requirement. But what cat eats fresh mice regularly? While all meats contain Taurine to some degree, handling and freezing the meat diminishes the amount. Some meats, like rabbit have a dangerously low amount of Taurine while chicken hearts have a high amount.
You can add taurine to your cat’s diet yourself. Not only is taurine inexpensive it takes a second to add some to the food at the time of feeding. In the early days of commercial pet food, thousands of cats died before the pet food companies discovered that they have to add taurine. Taurine deficiencies can cause blindness and heart disease which can be fatal.
How to transition your cat to a raw food diet
A raw food diet can be a great way to improve your cat’s health. It is important to transition your cat slowly to a raw diet, and to make sure that the diet is complete and balanced. Here are some tips for switching to a raw food diet:
1. Start by adding a small amount of raw food to your cat’s diet. Slowly increase the amount of raw food over time, until it makes up the majority of your cat’s diet.
2. Be sure to feed a variety of different types of raw meat, organs, and bones. This will help ensure that your cat gets all the nutrients they need.
3. Make sure that the raw food you are giving your cat is fresh and of high quality. Avoid giving them processed foods or foods that contain fillers or artificial ingredients.
4. Pay attention to how your cat is doing on a raw diet. If they seem to be having any digestive problems, make sure to talk to your veterinarian about it.
The best overall commercial raw cat foods in 2023
As more and more cat owners become interested in feeding their cats a raw diet, there has been an increase in commercial raw cat food manufacturers. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which product is best for your cat.
The four most popular types of raw cat food options are fresh, frozen, pasteurized and freeze-dried. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before making a decision.
Fresh raw cat food
The major benefit of feeding your cat a fresh diet is that it is the most similar to what they would eat in the wild. All of the nutrients in fresh raw meat are retained, making it the most nutritionally dense option. However, fresh food diets can be expensive and must be kept refrigerated and used within a few days, so it’s not always convenient.
Darwin’s Natural foods feature a complete and balanced formula, and they’re made with free-range, cage-free, or pasture-raised meats and organic vegetables. There are no grains, fillers, or preservatives in the food, and the brand’s introductory offer allows you to buy 10 pounds of food for just $14.95.
Frozen Raw Cat Food
Frozen raw diets offer many of the same benefits as fresh, but are more convenient since they can be stored in your freezer and thawed as needed. However, it is important to thaw the food properly before feeding it to your cat.
Your feline friend will love the taste of Stella & Chewy's Chick Chick Chicken Frozen Dinner Morsels. Made with 100% cage-free chicken, this cat food is a complete and balanced diet for your pet. Each morsel is carefully crafted with nutrient-rich organs and bone, and taurine added to help foster optimal health.
Pasteurized raw cat food
Pasteurized raw cat food has been heated to kill bacteria, which means the food is safer than unprocessed raw food. However, some believe that this process also destroys some of the nutrients in the food.
Tiki Cat Raw Cat Food is a meal with delicious broth for added flavor, texture, and moisture. This complete and balanced raw food diet offers you the convenience of resealable packaging. It is also rich in minerals and natural antioxidants that help to support your cat's health.
Freeze-dried raw cat food
Freeze-dried raw cat food is a great option for those who want to give their cats the benefits of a raw diet, without having to worry about preparing and storing raw meat.
Freeze-dried cat food is made by taking fresh, raw ingredients and freezing them quickly. This locks in all the nutrients and enzymes that are found in raw meat. The freeze-dried food is then packaged and sold as dry cat food.
Stella and Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Dinner Morsels is a complete and balanced cat food that provides your cat with the nutrients needed for a healthy lifestyle. Made from only the best ingredients, this all-natural recipe is crafted in small batches in Stella and Chewy’s own USA kitchen to provide the highest levels of protein-rich meat and quality nutrition for your cat.
INSPIRED BY PREY: Ensure your cat has all the protein and nutrition they need with the Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food! The limited ingredient cat food contains 98% chicken, salmon, organs and bone so your cat can embrace their inner predator.
One of the biggest benefits of feeding your cat freeze dried cat food is that it’s very convenient. There are many different brands and flavors of freeze-dried raw cat food available on the market, so you can find one that your cat will love. Freeze-dried raw food toppers are also very convenient and are a great way to introduce raw food into your cat’s diet, as they can be added to any type of food, wet or dry or be given as a cat treat.
Freeze-dried raw cat food is the most shelf-stable option and does not require refrigeration. However, it is often more expensive than fresh or frozen raw foods.
Add variety & excitement to dry cat food. Raw Boost Mixers are made with all natural ingredients to support healthy digestion and skin & coat. The perfect natural cat food topper or cat treats for picky cats and kittens.
Where to buy raw cat food?
There are a few places you can buy raw cat food. The first option is a pet store. Many pet stores will have a section for raw food, and the staff should be able to help you find the right food for your cat. The second option is a supermarket. Some supermarkets carry raw food, and it may be in the freezer section. The third option is online. There are many websites that sell raw food, and you can often find good deals on bulk orders.
When choosing where to buy raw cat food, it is important to consider the quality of the product. Pet stores and supermarkets typically sell lower-quality products than specialty websites. However, pet stores and supermarkets may be more convenient for some people. It is also important to consider cost when choosing where to buy raw cat food.
