An Introduction to Raw Feeding –A Carnivore’s Natural Diet
Cats are obligate carnivores, and raw is a species-appropriate diet. Kibble has only been around since WW2, and although its purpose was convenience and longevity, that comes with a sacrifice. Kibbles are pressure cooked at high heat, which removes most natural nutrition. Cheap oils are then used to coat them and add back synthetic vitamins to hit a base level requirement.
Although the cheapest wet foods are better than kibble due to moisture, they are also processed and cooked out. Preservatives, fillers, by-products--or even worse--grain and veggies, which cats are not biologically meant to digest, are all part of that commercial standard. This standard is the bare minimum to allow our cats to survive, but we don’t want our family to survive; we want them to thrive.
Cat’s by nature, are meant to consume 90% of their moisture from their diet. Even if they drink much water, this usually shows how dehydrated they really are. A common early realization of raw feeders is how their cats seldom touch their water, yet their litter box is filled with urine--more so than when they fed a mix of kibble and wet, but less concentrated and so a less pungent smell. A raw fed cat’s stool smells less, and they produce smaller and fewer stools because raw is a low residue diet.
Introducing Raw to a Young Kitten
Introducing raw to a kitten is usually very easy. For the breeder, they transition quickly, with less stress on the system and fewer loose stools. It doesn't take long for the kitten’s jaws to develop muscles and adapt to larger chunks. Kittens do eat much more than adults, as they grow very quickly. It's ideal to introduce a variety at a young age, so they see different proteins and textures as foods. This makes it much easier for the pet home. Kittens on the right diet from a young age have stronger immune systems and recover from vaccinations and neutering quickly.
For the pet home, if the breeder's already fed raw, it's easy nowadays to source premade locally or shipped right to your door. It's also easy to follow a basic recipe (a simple recipe is included at the end of this article). If the breeder's never introduced raw before, the pet home can switch the kitten "cold turkey" as raw is natural and not hard on their systems like different commercial foods. However, if the kitten doesn't seem interested, stick to the breeder's food for a couple of weeks to not stress the kitten, and slowly transition to only wet and then to raw.
Transitioning an Adult Cat to Raw
Transitioning to an adult can take more patience and time as kibbles can be quite addictive, and the cat may not see it as food. The benefits are worth the effort. Like with kittens, if they don’t go for it right away, first, transition to wet food, and then mix a small amount of raw in, slowly increasing amounts until completely switching over. If the cat is stubborn and determined to have their kibble, it's often because they can still smell it and know it's available. Take all kibble from the home and remove it dramatically in a way the cat can see. Either keep it in the garage, your trunk or donate it to the humane society. Deep clean the cupboard where it was stored with a vinegar-soap-water solution to remove the scent properly. Cats can skip 1-2 meals to get hungry enough to switch over, but many have found more success slowly transitioning. Play with textures (blend it), try different proteins to find something that appeals to your cat. I always suggest homes offer a little cut of raw chicken from their own meal prep as a treat to see how their cat will take to it. Most times, cats know what the good stuff is. Less shedding, shinier coats and eyes, more quality energy, balanced moods, and less smelling litter boxes are the first signs owners notice and appreciate when they transition their cats onto raw.
Common Objections/Concerns about Raw Feeding
My vet gave me a huge lecture when I mentioned raw.
Nowadays, many vets are pro raw. The education most vets get on nutrition during their schooling is funded by major food brands like Royal Canin or Hills Science Diet. Many vets fear the quality of meats being fed (meat should be a human grade or carefully sourced) or are concerned if the owners are feeding a nutritionally balanced recipe. Cats need 80% muscle meat, 10% secreting organ (minimum 5% liver), and 10% bone.
I'm scared my cat will get sick...or my family.
Salmonella is an early-mentioned concern by pet homes. Cats have acidic bodies, and their saliva and stomach acid are meant to consume raw meats. They have shorter digestive tracks as a carnivore and, therefore, won't get sick. Humans need to maintain normal hygiene with raw meats. 1000’s of raw feeders get licked and have children without any adverse issues from feeding their cats a raw diet. Many kibbles are recalled, and even humans produce bacteria, much more than feeding a quality diet.
Won’t my cat choke from the bones?
Cooked bones should never be fed as they are sharp and brittle. Raw bones, on the other hand, are quite soft and won't pierce their stomachs. Feed either bite-sized pieces (ground or cut up small) or pieces large enough to force them to chew. A cat will mush up a large piece of meat, spit it up, and chew it again until it's safe to swallow. Cats get much stimulation from chunks, which also works their stomachs and digestive enzymes the way they naturally should be used. They work their jaws and clean their teeth.
I heard raw's expensive.
Some premade can be pricey, but many are the same or less expensive than feeding a quality kibble and wet mixed diet. You can purchase in bulk for further savings, but if you choose to make it yourself, it can be a fraction of the price, and you can purchase meats when they go on sale to save more. Most new raw feeders are surprised about how little their cats eat once their bodies adapt and settle nutritionally. Raw also saves a lot of money long-term, as with proper nutrition from the inside out, and you're preventing issues down the line. As a raw feeder, I've never experienced issues like UTI’s, diabetes, etc. Treating a sick cat can be very pricey.
Whole Prey
Whole prey's perfect for the lazy raw feeder! All jokes aside, whole prey is optimal, as the feathers and fur are great fiber, and the complete prey has everything a cat needs naturally. Brain and thyroid are a couple of the organs cats don’t usually consume with an 80:10:10 diet. Many people feed their cats in the bathtub or mat/crate train their cats for homes concerned with the mess. Cats will sit in their crate eagerly waiting for their meal. Feeding whole prey slightly frozen can also avoid the mess, and cats will usually consume every last morsel. To view options for whole prey, click here to view. Warning: Some may find the image sensitive due to its graphic nature.
About Soul Raw
Soul Raw was established as a business in 2019 after making raw pet food for our own dogs and cats for five years. Our goal's to provide a balanced, palatable, and affordable option without fillers specialized for felines specifically. Our batches are made small and frequently to ensure quality and freshness. We offer whole prey and a variety of options (quail, rabbit, mice, etc.) for any cat. We also offer natural and durable rod toys to trigger their primitive instincts. We love to hear updates from our happy customers and to see their kitties thrive the way nature intended.
—Soul Raw – The Feline Choice
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