As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry companions, and this includes their diet. Among the various options available, raw cat food has emerged as a popular choice. This isn't just a trend—there are compelling reasons behind the movement towards feeding cats a raw diet.

Understanding a Cat's Natural Diet

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on a diet of primarily meat. In the wild, a cat's diet consists of prey animals such as mice, birds, and insects. These provide them with the essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, in their most natural form. A raw food diet aims to mimic this natural intake, ensuring that cats receive what their bodies are biologically adapted to.

Nutritional Benefits

1. High Protein Content: Raw diets are rich in proteins, which are crucial for maintaining lean muscle mass, energy levels, and overall health. Unlike many commercial dry foods that contain fillers and carbohydrates, raw cat food focuses on high-quality animal protein.

2. Improved Digestion: Raw foods are more easily digestible compared to heavily processed foods. This can lead to fewer digestive issues, better stool quality, and less frequent hairballs.

3. Hydration: Cats have a low thirst drive and typically get most of their water intake from their food. Raw food has a high moisture content, which helps keep your cat hydrated and supports kidney and urinary tract health.

4. Enhanced Skin and Coat Health: The natural oils and essential fatty acids in raw meat contribute to a shinier coat and healthier skin. You'll notice a reduction in shedding and a softer, more luxurious coat.

5. Dental Health: Chewing on raw meat and bones can help clean your cat’s teeth, reduce plaque buildup, and promote healthy gums. This can significantly decrease the risk of dental diseases.

Safety and Handling

Concerns about bacteria and parasites in raw food are valid. However, with proper handling, sourcing from reputable suppliers, and ensuring the food is fresh, these risks can be minimized. Freezing the meat before feeding can also help eliminate some pathogens.

Transitioning to a Raw Diet

Switching your cat to a raw diet should be done gradually. Start by mixing small amounts of raw food with their current diet and slowly increase the raw portion over time. Observe your cat for any adverse reactions and consult with a veterinarian to ensure a balanced transition.

Conclusion

Feeding your cat a raw diet can offer numerous health benefits that align with their natural dietary needs. From better digestion and hydration to improved skin and dental health, raw cat food provides a holistic approach to your feline's well-being. Always remember to source high-quality ingredients and handle them properly to keep your pet safe and healthy.

Investing in a raw food diet is an investment in your cat's long-term health and happiness. While it may require more effort and attention than traditional dry or canned food, the benefits can be well worth it. After all, our furry friends deserve the best!

 

We understand that feeding Raw can be an intimidating endeavor to owning a Bengal cat but cats are Obligate Carnivores and as such a well balanced complete Raw diet is the healthiest and most cost effective way to be sure your new Bengal will be healthy and happy for years to come.

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Feeding kibble is not the healthiest option for cats since they get most of the moisture from their food. If you do choose this option, make sure that you are providing a high quality, grain free canned which has the moisture they need. In nature, cats get the moisture they need from their prey, not kibble.

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Feeding kibble can cause health issues later in life, such as Kidney issues and urine crystals. Just like humans, eating an unhealthy diet can cause health issues later in life.

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Below we have included some links that will be helpful in the process of learning to feed a healthy diet to your Bengal.