Raw cat food has become more and more popular among pet owners. There are several reasons for this, but there are also some risks to consider. Here are a few of them.
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Preparation
If you are interested in preparing raw cat food for your pet, you have many options. You can choose from homemade, frozen, and commercially prepared. Choosing a healthy, safe recipe is an important consideration.
Preparing raw cat food is easy. You can easily freeze the meal into convenient portions for a quick and healthy meal. However, it is not without its risks. Several pathogens can make your pet sick.
Whether you make your own or purchase a ready-made formula, the key to preparing raw cat food is keeping your preparation area clean. In addition, use clean hands and gloves. Also, ensure that you store your raw food properly.
Having a variety of ingredients is important to even out the nutrients in the diet. For example, adding water-packed sardines can help provide extra omega fatty acids to your cat.
Nutritional value
There are many benefits to feeding your cat raw food. Besides being healthier, it also may be more digestible. You’ll need to choose the right company, and make sure the food you feed your cat has the correct amounts of macro- and micronutrients.
The best raw cat foods contain at least 5% muscle meat, 6% bone, 5% other organs, and 5% liver. These ingredients mimic the composition of the prey animals your cat eats.
In addition, the raw diet has higher levels of healthy unoxidized fatty acids, and key amino acids for hair production. Cats’ digestive enzymes are specifically designed to break down raw meat.
Raw food for cats is also rich in phosphorus and calcium. Too much of either can lead to kidney problems. It’s also beneficial to your cat’s dental health to eat raw meaty bones. This helps prevent tartar.
Safety concerns
One of the major concerns with feeding raw cat food is the risk of harmful bacteria. The FDA states that raw pet foods are more likely to contain disease-causing bacteria than “regular” pet food. In addition, the CDC has said that feeding raw meat to pets increases the risk of acquiring disease.
There are a number of potential hazards associated with raw diets, but they may be minimized with good habits and a little education. For example, cooking or freezing food is one of the best ways to eliminate harmful bacteria.
Another major concern with feeding raw meat to cats is the risk of intestinal parasites. However, this is only an issue if a cat is being fed the prey guts of an animal. If a cat is eating a high-quality, balanced diet that includes raw food, this problem is unlikely.
Flavors available
Feeding your cat a raw diet can give your furry friend all the flavors he or she loves. However, you have to be careful to choose the right food. You should also speak to a veterinarian to make sure it’s the best choice for you and your pet.
The first thing to keep in mind when selecting a raw cat food is what it’s made from. Some raw food manufacturers claim that their products are closer to nature. They’re often made with a variety of ingredients, including bones and organs. This can be beneficial for cats with dental issues.
Another concern when it comes to raw food is that it can carry bacteria. Fortunately, most cats don’t get sick from eating meat that has been exposed to bacteria. Nevertheless, it’s important to consult a board certified nutritionist before making any changes to your pet’s diet.
Shelf-stability
A raw diet is a popular choice for many pet owners. It may be easier for cats to digest, and it may even help with disease resolution. The downside is the risk of foodborne pathogens.
Raw cat food is inherently prone to bacterial contamination. However, there are ways to reduce this. If you want to feed your cat raw, be sure to follow the guidelines outlined by the manufacturer.
One way to decrease the likelihood of bacterial contamination is to choose freeze-dried foods. These are made with raw ingredients, but are processed through a vacuum to create a low-moisture product that is shelf stable.
Another advantage of freeze-dried foods is that they are lighter than canned foods, reducing storage space and weight. However, some foods may retain more vitamins than dehydrated foods, meaning you may need to supplement your pet’s diet with additional vitamins.
