Is it Better to Cook or Feed Raw Meat to My Cats

There have been a lot of controversies recently about food, particularly meat.

This article will compare the nutritional values of cooked meat versus raw meat and discuss the benefits and risks associated with each method.

What is referred to as a raw cat diet?

The raw diet, also called the muscle meat diet or standard kitten diet, is based on muscle meat and bone, usually chicken or turkey.

Meat is usually fed raw but can be occasionally cooked (like steaming).

Unlike a commercial diet that may contain more than 50% carbohydrates (corn, wheat), there is no vegetable or grain in a diet based on raw meat.

The only supplementation, if any at all, would be nutrient-dense organ meats.

Is a raw cat diet recommended for Cats?

The raw diet is not recommended for the average owned cat or kitten.

Although it has been used with success by veterinarians and in veterinary school, recent scientific studies indicate that the long-term health implications are not ideal.

Research indicates that long-term raw meat eating causes serious health and nutritional issues, such as obesity, diabetes, dental disease, and other serious health problems associated with the raw diet.

While there are no long-term studies on raw meat diet cats at this time, this information has been well researched regarding owners of extended raw diets with their own pets.

What are the benefits of a raw cat diet?

• While this has not been scientifically studied, there are anecdotal reports that cats on raw diets have shinier coats and better health.
• The metabolism of a cat fed raw meat is different from those fed kibbles because their bodies are burning calories to digest the meat instead of burning carbohydrates (a much higher energy source).
• If fed properly, there should be no need to supplement with vitamins and minerals.

Is it better to cook meat or feed raw meat to cats?

• Cooked meat is more palatable. This is especially important if you have a picky cat who would nibble on a raw chicken carcass but not eat it whole.
• Cooked meat provides a consistent, steady food supply to your cat when feeding dry or canned foods.
• Heat kills parasites and their eggs in the food, thereby reducing the risk of parasitism in humans.
• Cooking may also inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria must grow to a certain density before they can reproduce and cause disease. Therefore, higher temperatures (over 100F) promote better killing of bacteria by heat.

What are the risks of feeding a raw cat diet?

Most of the risks of feeding raw meat to your cat can be reduced through proper preparation and by feeding only raw meat from a trusted source.

However, some risks associated with feeding raw meat cannot be completely avoided.

• Ingestion of parasites or parasites’ eggs. Raw meats can be contaminated with parasites and their eggs. Many kinds of parasites, including worms (round and flat), flukes, tapeworms, and others, may be found on raw meat.
• Ingestion of bacteria that produce toxins. Meat may contain Clostridium perfringens and other bacteria that produce toxins. These bacteria are killed by cooking to temperatures over 160F, which is why cooked meat is recommended.
• Meat can be contaminated with several bacteria, such as E Coli. Cooking meat to temperatures above 160F will kill many of these potentially dangerous organisms.

Conclusion:

Since this is a controversial decision, it is very important to research the arguments for and against feeding raw meat if you are considering changing your pet’s diet.

It is also important to monitor your cats after switching to raw meat because problems can arise even with the best of diets.

For example, cats can have food sensitivities that may cause diarrhea.

If you know of someone who has experience feeding raw food over cooked food, it is wise to take this person’s advice on board before making the switch.