Raw food diet for cats?

Question

I've been thinking about switching my 2 cats to a raw food diet. They are now on canned science diet (not the recalled stuff) and doing very well, but the recall has really made my husband and I think that finding a more preservative/additive free, healthier, more natural alternative would be much better for them. I'm wondering though which company to use, should I order online or look for a local supplier? I'm in Van Nuys, CA if anyone has any suggestions. How much does this kind of diet cost? I'm already paying almost 99 cents a can for their food now, so if a little bit more money means my kitties are healthier, I am all for it. My cats are 2 and 9 months. My 2 year old is 11 pounds and I'm guessing my 9 month old is about 7 pounds (it's been a few months since I've weighed them). My 2 year old has a little fat pouch which I haven't been able to get rid of for the life of me, but he's very trim and fit otherwise, do you think a raw food diet will help with his weight?

I just got this back from one of those 'ask a vet' web sites. The diet they are naturally meant to have is basically small amounts of high protein meals (mice) every few hours and this diet generally maintains cats for a good 5 years or so in the wild (this is how long feral and outdoor cats live). I would not recommend feeding a diet that is designed through natural selection where the goal is to reproduce effectively and frequently (remember, there is no selection pressure to live a long and healthy life; selection is all about survival to reproduce). Commercial diets are created to maximize a cat's health well into its teen years and it is no longer unusual for cats to live to be 20 years old. I would go with what is tried, true, and backed by science as effective.

So now I'm all confused and have no idea what to do....

Answer 1

This is a really good link about a raw diet for cats. If you look around, you will find recipes etc.
http://www.holisticat.com/rawdiet.html
If you go to www.cat-world.com.au (you do need to register) then go to the feline nutrition section, there are quite a few breeders around who raw feed and they will be happy to help you with finding the right balances in the cat food.

If you are going to use raw pet meat, ensure it doesn't contain Sulfur Dioxide (In Australia it's listed as preservatives 220 to 228) It can cause a taurine deficiency in animals and it doesn't have to be listed on pet food (not sure if it's the same there) small amounts are fine and some companies add extra taurine to compensate. As it's not regulated though, it can be an issue so check what meat you're using first. I have 4 cats and feed a mix of raw and dry and the raw costs me around AU$2 a day but I use human grade meat and don't usually add liver etc. In a pinch, I will use a package pet meat from the supermarket which is labelled and I know there is extra taurine in it. I think it's worth it, it's healthier and better for their teeth and gums than canned or dry in that respect.

Also if you can get it, there is a book called BARF (maybe Amazon or ebay) this tells you how to make your own, it's a good regime to follow.

One day I will transition to a totally raw diet.

Answer 2

That's great! I'm currently feeding canned but I have been researching raw.

I can't give you any personal recommendations, but I can point you to some Yahoo discussion groups on the topic.

I can tell you that you have a LOT of options. You can find recipes and grind your own meat, bones and organs and add supplements - or you can buy supplements such as Instincts TC. You can find a local distributor (one of the groups may be able to help you with that) or order online. Since you're on the west coast, I think you can use Whole Foods for Pets.

Before posting any questions to the groups, look them over carefully - some of the groups are strictly about the whole prey model, one is about a supplement fed with ground meat, and the other is just about raw in general.

I'm linking you to my 360 page which shows all the groups to which I subscribe.

Answer 3

Yes, most local butchers are happy to grind meat for you. You can likely find a local supplier of rabbits, even, which is a good unique protein for cats. This is important in a cat with IBD (which is often actually a food allergy), and rabbit is usually very well liked by cats. You should consider getting the book Your Cat by Elizabeth Hodgkins, DVM for more information on feeding raw in a cat with IBD.

Answer 4

Hello,
I just switched my cats over to Nature's Variety Raw Frozen Food. It has no by-products and no grain. It is only real meat, veggies and fruit. Since the switch one of my cats that used to be lazy now chases toys all over everywhere. It makes me happy to see her with such energy again. This food is a bit expensive though. If you wanted to stay with the dry or canned food I would go with the Innova Brand. Good luck.

Answer 5

Since your cats are doing well on their existing diet do not change. The adage "don't fix it if it ain't broke" applies. Why change if what you are feeding works? Switching to a raw food diet involves knowing what to feed to provide what your cats need. It is going to require more work on your part than it is worth; plus your cats will have to adjust to a food change.

Answer 6

Raw Food Program : http://RawFoodHappy.com/Info

Answer 7

Best bet is to ask your vet. They will have great advise now that the recall has come about.

Answer 8

Talk to the vet before you do anything!!!!!