The common question is, “can cats eat raw meat?” and the simple answer is yes! Cats are obligate carnivores in the wild, and they eat other animals to survive. This leads to the question, what is the best raw meat for cats?
Raw meat can provide many health benefits, but it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows; there are many drawbacks and dangers to be aware of, which will be discussed in this guide. Carry on reading to find out what raw meats you can try feeding your cat in 2023.
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If in Doubt, Contact Your Veterinarian or Pet Nutritionist
Before we begin discussing the best raw meats for cats, it’s best to state that you should always contact your veterinarian or pet nutritionist if you are in any doubt. Whether with weight, concerns over a specific food, or just a general query, they are always the best people to talk to.
An expert will give you a detailed look at all the best health tips for your specific breed of cat. They can provide more accurate information than any guide available on the internet.
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Chicken
Chicken is a commonly consumed treat for cats. It has many positive health benefits, providing them with a strong source of protein for muscle building, essential amino acids to help with the immune system and healthy skin, and plenty of great nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
Even though chicken is great for cats, it carries a serious risk of bacterial contamination and parasites. Therefore, you should move with care and advice from your vet.
With all raw foods in this guide, it’s important to ensure that you implement the meat carefully into their diet, ensuring it stays balanced and covers all their nutritional needs.
Venison
Venison has a lower fat and calorie count than many other types of meat, making it a great option for feeding a weight-conscious cat.
It is a good source of high-quality protein for building muscle and strong tissue.
It is packed with healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, essential in keeping your cat’s skin and coat nice and healthy.
Venison has a lot of essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and B6, niacin, and iron, which are important for overall health.
Unlike other meats, venison is much less likely to cause an allergic reaction, making it a great choice for cats with food sensitivities or allergies that stop them from eating meat. Getting protein into their diet is still vitally important, and venison might be the perfect solution.
Salmon
Salmon is a great and very popular choice for many cats.
Salmon has plenty of nutrients to boost overall health, including vitamins B12 and B6, niacin, potassium, and selenium. It also comes loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great treat for skin and coat care and reducing inflammation and supporting heart and joint health.
Like all meats, fish is a great source of protein – however, it isn’t sufficient to feed your cat salmon alone. Salmon should be treated as a quick treat or an addition to a meal for them, not an everyday occurrence.
Lamb
Lamb is a fantastic heme iron source, a solid nutrient for your cat.
Heme iron is a type of iron found in haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body, and it is absorbed much better by the body than non-heme iron.
This makes lamb a solid pick for getting those essential nutrients into their body.
Lamb has a lot of fat compared to other meats; therefore, it should be fed in much smaller quantities than other meat unless you are trying to help the cat put on some healthy weight (at a vet’s request).
It can be beneficial to cut off the fat before feeding to avoid them eating all the excess fat whilst still getting quality meat.
Aside from that, lamb is high in vitamin B12, which supports your cat’s neurological system and brain growth and function.
Where Should You Get Raw Meat for Cats?
There are a few ways to get a hold of your choice of meat for your cat; these include:
- Pet supply stores: Many pet supply stores will offer varieties of raw meat, including whole cuts, ground meat, and pre-packed alternatives.
- Butchers: Many butchers offer raw meat for pet food, offering a range of beneficial foods like organ meat, bones, and muscle meat.
- Online retailers: Online retailers that specialise in pet food often sell a wide selection of meat options that can be delivered straight to your door.
Wherever you buy raw meat, you want to make sure you are buying from a reputable supplier that handles the meat with care and ensures the best quality products. Please do so to avoid careless bacterial contamination or poor-quality meat.
To Conclude
There are many types of meat to consider feeding your cat, and this guide showcases just a handful of them.
Always handle meat with care to avoid bacterial contamination and parasites, as well as consult with your veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure what you are giving your cat is, in fact, healthy.
What meat will you be incorporating into your pet’s diet?
