Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they need meat in their diet to survive. They don’t necessarily need raw meat, but cooked meats are a good addition to a well-balanced diet.
Beef, pork, chicken, lamb and fish all make good sources of protein and essential nutrients for your cat. But keep in mind that raw meat-based diets aren’t right for every cat.
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Beef
Feeding your cat meat comes down to one simple rule: It needs to be nutritious, complete and balanced.
Cats are obligate carnivores and rely on the nutrients they cannot get from plants. As such, they need a wide range of animal proteins to stay healthy.
Raw beef is an excellent source of protein for cats. However, it should be cooked thoroughly to kill pathogens like salmonella and toxoplasmosis.
When you’re first getting started with raw beef, start by feeding a small amount to your cat and see how they react. If they don’t react negatively to it, you can then gradually increase the amount of beef in their diet.
Pork
Pork is a delicious meaty treat for cats, but it’s also important to be aware of some risks. While it’s safe for your cat to eat occasionally, it’s not the best option, and there are safer alternatives to pork on the market.
Ideally, pork should be cooked before serving to your pet, as it can contain harmful parasites that are potentially deadly. Raw pork can also be a choking hazard for your cat, so make sure to remove any bones before serving.
Chicken
Chicken is a great meat for cats to eat, especially when it’s cooked properly. It’s high in protein, low in calories and a good source of taurine.
It also contains vitamins B6 and phosphorus which promotes good health.
However, raw chicken is on the ASPCA’s list of toxic foods and can cause Salmonella and other harmful bacteria in cats.
To avoid these risks, purchase commercially prepared products that have been flash frozen and kill off any potentially lethal bacteria. These products are often sold in stores and may be cheaper than fresh chicken.
Lamb
Cats are obligate carnivores and require lots of animal protein to thrive. Fortunately, it’s easy to provide your pet with the right amount of meat in their diet with kibble or canned food.
The protein in lamb is a good source of nutrients including vitamins and minerals. Zinc, iron, and phosphorous are all important for building healthy bones and muscles while helping keep your cat’s immune system strong.
However, you should be aware that lamb is a fatty meat and can cause obesity in cats. It also has the potential to trigger pancreatitis, a severe condition that can be fatal.
Fish
Fish is an excellent source of protein for cats. It is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps support healthy eyesight and joints.
However, it is important to choose fresh fish that has not been frozen or breaded as it may contain traces of salt and preservatives. Canned fish is also a bad choice as it can be high in sodium and oil.
Organ meats are another good source of protein for cats. They’re especially useful for older or sick cats, as they can help boost their health and give them the energy they need to fight off disease.
Organs
When cats eat their prey in the wild, they often go for the organs first. This is not surprising considering that organs are the best sources of protein, vitamins and minerals for felines.
Adding organ meats to your cat’s raw diet is an easy way to give them the nutrition they need, without giving up their favorite muscle meats. They’re also lower in calories than muscle meat, making them a great option for older or sick cats who aren’t getting enough protein.
Heart Meat
In the wild, cats eat their prey’s organs first because these meat parts are often more flavorful and nutrient-dense than muscle cuts.
Hearts, liver and kidneys are great options for the carnivore on a raw diet because they’re dense with vitamins and minerals that benefit cardiovascular health. They also contain a good dose of taurine, an amino acid that helps regulate the heart’s rhythm.
But if your cat is picky, you may need to introduce them to these meats gradually. Start by mixing them with a little canned tuna, then gradually decrease the amount until they’re ready for it alone.
