A Complete Guide to Raw Feeding for Cats

Raw feeding for cats has become increasingly popular across the UK, with many owners choosing to offer their cats a diet that more closely resembles what they might eat in the wild. While raw diets can have benefits, they also carry risks and require careful planning to ensure they are nutritionally complete and safe.

This guide explains everything cat owners need to know about raw feeding, including the pros and cons, how to feed raw safely, what ingredients must be included, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Is a Raw Diet for Cats?

A raw diet typically consists of:

• Raw meat
• Raw bones
• Raw organs
• Sometimes added supplements

Raw diets may be:

• Commercially prepared raw meals (complete or complementary)
• Homemade raw diets
• Prey-model diets (whole prey or parts)
• BARF diets (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on nutrients found in animal tissue. A correctly formulated raw diet can meet their needs, but incorrect diets can lead to serious health problems.

Potential Benefits of Raw Feeding

Many owners choose raw feeding for perceived health improvements, including:

Improved Coat Condition

Raw-fed cats often have:

• Silkier fur
• Reduced shedding
• Fewer skin problems

This is typically due to higher-quality fats and natural moisture content.

Better Digestive Health

Some owners report:

• Smaller, less smelly stools
• Improved digestion
• Fewer issues with constipation

These changes occur because raw diets lack fillers often found in dry foods.

Increased Hydration

Raw diets contain a high level of moisture, helping cats with:

• Urinary tract health
• Kidney support
• Dehydration prevention

Potential Allergy Support

Cats with certain food intolerances sometimes do better on limited-ingredient raw diets.

Natural Eating Behaviour

Chewing raw meaty bones can help:

• Clean teeth
• Strengthen jaw muscles
• Provide mental stimulation

However, raw bones also carry risks, which are discussed later.

Risks and Challenges of Raw Feeding

Raw feeding is not without significant concerns. Owners must be aware of the potential problems.

Bacterial Contamination

Raw meat can contain pathogens such as:

• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Campylobacter
• Listeria

Cats may cope with some bacteria better than humans, but they can still get sick, and they can shed bacteria in their saliva and faeces, posing a risk to people.

Households with young children, elderly people, pregnant individuals or immunocompromised members must be especially cautious.

Nutritional Imbalance

A major risk of homemade raw diets is incorrect nutrient ratios. Cats require:

• Adequate taurine
• Balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio
• Correct levels of essential fatty acids
• Vitamins A, D, E, B-complex
• Trace minerals such as zinc, copper and manganese

Feeding raw meat alone is not nutritionally complete.

Many homemade raw diets tested in studies were found to be deficient in key nutrients.

Bone Hazards

Bones can be beneficial but also dangerous.

Risks include:

• Choking
• Tooth fractures
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Constipation from too much bone
• Perforation from sharp fragments

Cooked bones are always unsafe, and even raw bones must be chosen carefully.

Parasites

Raw meat, especially pork or lamb, may carry parasites such as toxoplasma. Freezing before feeding helps reduce (but not eliminate) this risk.

Cross-Contamination

Improper handling can spread bacteria to:

• Worktops
• Floors
• Food bowls
• Human hands

Strict hygiene is essential.

Cost and Time Commitment

Raw feeding requires:

• Meal prep
• Freezer space
• Careful portioning
• Sourcing quality meat

Owners must be willing to commit to this long term.

What Must Be Included in a Balanced Raw Diet?

A complete raw diet must contain:

Meat

The bulk of the diet should be muscle meat, such as:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Beef
• Lamb
• Rabbit
• Duck

Variety is essential to avoid nutrient gaps.

Bone

Raw meaty bones provide calcium and phosphorus.

Common options:

• Chicken wings
• Chicken necks
• Rabbit carcass
• Small, soft bones suitable for cats

Too much bone causes constipation; too little causes calcium deficiency.

Organs

Organs are critical for vitamins and minerals.

Essential organs include:

• Liver (vitamin A, copper)
• Kidney
• Heart (high in taurine)

Liver must be limited to around 5% of the diet to avoid toxicity.

Supplements

Even raw diets made with meat, bone and organs often require additional supplementation, such as:

• Taurine
• Omega-3s (from fish or fish oil)
• Vitamin E
• Manganese
• Iodine

Many commercial premixes are available to ensure the diet is complete.

Variety

Feeding only one type of protein leads to deficiencies. Rotate multiple meats weekly.

Types of Raw Diets

Commercial Complete Raw Meals

These are formulated to meet FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) nutritional standards.

Advantages:

• Balanced diets
• Convenient
• Safe portioning
• Often frozen to reduce bacteria

These are the safest option for new raw feeders.

Homemade Raw Diets

Require:

• Veterinary nutritionist guidance
• Accurate recipe formulation
• Correct ratios
• Supplements

Without expertise, homemade diets can be risky.

Prey-Model Raw (PMR)

Aims to mimic a whole-prey diet.

Typical ratio:

• 80% muscle meat
• 10% bone
• 10% organ

Must still be supplemented for balance.

BARF Diet (Bones and Raw Food)

Similar to PMR, but may include vegetables or fruits.

Note: Cats are obligate carnivores and do not need plant matter.

How to Feed Raw Safely

Choose Quality Meat

Use human-grade meat whenever possible.

Freeze to Reduce Parasites

Freeze for 3–7 days, especially pork, lamb and wild game.

Thaw Safely

Always thaw:

• In the fridge
• In sealed containers

Never thaw at room temperature.

Portion Correctly

Cats eat small meals. Divide into daily or twice-daily portions.

Keep Everything Clean

• Wash bowls after every meal
• Disinfect surfaces
• Wash hands thoroughly

Store Properly

• Keep raw food frozen
• Discard uneaten raw food after 30–60 minutes

Start Slowly

Transition gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

Who Should Avoid Raw Feeding?

Raw feeding may not be suitable if:

• There are immunocompromised people in the household
• You are unable to maintain strict hygiene
• You are uncomfortable handling raw meat
• You cannot ensure a balanced diet
• Your cat has certain medical conditions (ask your vet)

Cats with illnesses may require specially formulated diets.

When Raw Feeding May Not Be Safe for a Cat

Consult your vet before feeding raw if your cat has:

• Kidney disease
• Pancreatitis
• Immune disorders
• Severe dental disease
• A history of gastrointestinal sensitivity

Some conditions require cooked or commercial diets for safety.

Common Mistakes in Raw Feeding

• Feeding meat only, without organs or bones
• Feeding cooked bones
• Not supplementing taurine
• Using recipes from unqualified online sources
• Excessive bone leading to constipation
• Too much liver causing toxicity
• Not rotating proteins
• Poor hygiene practices

Avoiding these mistakes is critical.

Is Raw Feeding Better Than Commercial Food?

There is no single answer. Both raw and high-quality commercial diets can be healthy when done correctly. The key is balance, safety and meeting nutritional needs.

Many owners prefer commercial complete diets because:

• They are nutritionally balanced
• They carry lower bacterial risks
• They are easier to store and feed

Raw feeding requires more work but can also be a healthy choice if approached carefully.

Conclusion

Raw feeding can be a rewarding dietary choice for cats, offering natural ingredients, high moisture content and potential health benefits. However, it must be done safely, hygienically, and nutritionally correctly. Poorly formulated raw diets can lead to serious health problems, and bacterial risks should never be ignored.

If you choose to feed raw, work with a vet or feline nutritionist to ensure your cat receives all essential nutrients in the right amounts. Whether raw or commercial, the most important thing is providing a diet that supports your cat’s long-term health, wellbeing and happiness.