Craft It? Feed Their Wild Heart.

Making raw cat food is becoming a popular choice for pet owners who want to provide the best nutrition for their furry companions. Unlike commercial cat food, which often contains fillers and artificial ingredients, raw food mimics the diet of a wild cat, focusing on high protein and natural ingredients. By crafting your own raw meals, you can have full control over what goes into your cat’s diet, ensuring that they get the nutrients they need.

Benefits of Raw Cat Food

Feeding your cat a raw diet comes with numerous advantages. Here are some key benefits:

Improved Digestive Health: Raw food is easier for cats to digest, leading to fewer gastrointestinal issues. Many cat owners report that their pets have smaller, less odorous stools after switching to raw.

Shinier Coat and Healthier Skin: The natural fats and nutrients found in raw food can enhance your cat’s coat, making it shinier and healthier. You might even notice fewer skin irritations.

Increased Energy Levels: Cats are naturally carnivorous, and a raw diet can provide the high energy levels that cats need for their active lifestyle.

Essential Ingredients for Raw Cat Food

When making raw cat food, it’s crucial to understand which ingredients are beneficial. Here’s a breakdown of what to include:

Muscle Meat: This forms the base of the diet and should make up 70-80% of the meal. Options include chicken thighs, beef, and turkey.

Organ Meats: These should account for about 10-15% of the diet. Liver and kidney are excellent choices as they are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Bone: Raw, meaty bones provide necessary calcium. Avoid cooked bones as they can splinter and cause harm.

Supplements: Depending on your cat’s needs, you may want to include fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids, or taurine supplements since it’s essential for their heart health.

Preparing Raw Cat Food

The preparation process can be simple but requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to get you started:

Sanitation: Always ensure that your workspace, utensils, and hands are clean to prevent contamination.

Grinding and Mixing: Use a meat grinder or a food processor to chop up the muscle and organ meats. This helps provide a balanced texture.

Storage: Portion the food into meal-sized containers and freeze them. Thaw out a day’s worth before feeding.

Here’s a basic recipe for you to try:

 

 

 
Ingredient
 
Amount
 
Note
 
 
 

 

 
Chicken Thighs
 
70% of meal
 
Boneless if preferred
 
 

 
Chicken Liver
 
15% of meal
 
Rich in vitamins
 
 

 
Chicken Bones
 
15% of meal
 
Raw and meaty
 
 

 
Fish Oil
 
1 tsp
 
Optional, for omega-3
 
 

This recipe can be adjusted based on your cat’s taste and dietary needs. Always consult with your vet before transitioning to a raw diet to ensure it’s the right fit for your pet.

Safety Precautions

While making raw cat food can be rewarding, it’s essential to be aware of safety precautions, such as:

Handling Raw Meat: Always wash your hands and utensils after handling raw meat. Keep raw food separate from other food items.

Proper Storage: Store raw cat food in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze it for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator and never at room temperature.

By taking these steps and crafting your cat’s meals, you’re not only feeding their wild heart but also ensuring they get the nutrition they deserve. Your cat will appreciate the effort, and you might enjoy the process of preparing their food more than you think!