A lot of focus in the raw feeding space is centred around dogs—but cats benefit just as much from a raw diet.
In the wild, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must consume meat to meet their nutritional needs. This differs from dogs, who are facultative carnivores—they prefer meat but can obtain nutrients from a wider variety of foods.
Cats have evolved on a meat-based diet over thousands of years. As a result, they have shorter, more acidic digestive tracts, making them highly efficient at digesting protein and fat, but far less suited to processing carbohydrates.
What Should a Raw Diet for Cats Include?
Raw Meat
Provides highly bioavailable protein, essential amino acids, and natural nutrients that support muscle health, energy, and overall vitality.
Organs
A rich source of essential nutrients, including taurine—an amino acid critical for heart and eye health.
Bone
Supplies calcium and phosphorus, key minerals for strong bones and overall health.
High Moisture Content
Cats naturally have a low thirst drive, so a raw diet helps provide the hydration they need through their food.
Key Benefits of Raw Feeding
Hydration
Raw food has naturally high moisture content, helping keep cats properly hydrated without relying on drinking water alone.
Urinary Health
Increased moisture and species-appropriate nutrition support a healthy urinary tract and help reduce the risk of crystals.
Lean Muscle
High-quality animal protein helps maintain strong, lean muscle mass and supports overall body condition.
Reduced Carbohydrates
A raw diet is naturally low in carbohydrates, aligning with a cat’s biological needs and supporting better metabolic health.
How to Transition Your Cat to Raw
The key to transitioning your cat to raw is to take things slowly.
Start by establishing consistent feeding times throughout the day. If your cat is currently eating only kibble, it can help to transition to wet food first (such as pouches or canned food).
From there, begin introducing small portions of raw food alongside their current diet, gradually increasing the amount over time.
A helpful tip is to serve raw food at room temperature, as this more closely resembles what cats would eat in the wild.
To do this, place the food in a sealed bag and gently warm it in hot water for a few minutes—never cook or microwave.
Feeding your cat a raw diet can have a meaningful impact on their overall health and quality of life. Our rabbit and salmon mixes are especially popular with cats and are a great place to start.
