Organic Raw Food for Cats

Problems in the Pet Food Industry

Pet food scares in the media have pet owners concerned over the safety of foods that they used to buy for their pets without much thought previously. Findings of melamine, salmonella and other toxins are reason for worry. These contaminants can cause numerous health issues in cats and dogs including renal failure and death.

Contamination isn’t the only problem with the pet foods on the market today. Additives and by-products create a food lacking in nutritional value. Not only do these foods not provide the nutrients your cat needs, but they can also cause health issues themselves.

Typical dry cat foods, for example, are loaded with carbohydrates in the form of corn and other grains, potatoes or tapioca. Because a cat has no need for carbohydrates, the only real purpose they serve is to form the dry bits of food and hold them together. Results of cats consuming these foods include an imbalance of the pH in their urine, causing urinary tract disorders, renal failure and other problems.

What’s a Cat to Eat?

Cats are obligate carnivores. In English, this means that they are made to only eat meat. Their digestive systems lack the necessary physiology to digest vegetation. So, why would you give your cat foods containing things like corn or other vegetables?

While it is true that cats need certain vitamins, fiber and minerals found in vegetation, in the natural world wild cats obtain these nutrients by consuming the entire animal. Included in their meal would be things like the stomach on the prey animal or even its dung.

Because the prey animal is normally an herbivore, the contents of these seemingly unappetizing tidbits include vegetation. Why is vegetation better for your cat when it comes from another animal’s stomach? Because, it is already in the process of being digested. Remember, your cat cannot do this on her own. In fact, this is the reason you see a dog or cat vomit after eating grass. It cannot be digested; its only purpose is to cause vomiting to settle an upset stomach.

Benefits of an Organic Raw Food Diet for Cats

You probably already know about the benefits of organic food for people. These same benefits apply to your cat. A diet of organic raw food for cats will not only eliminate the hormones and chemicals that are commonly found in commercially raised meat animals, it will also protect your pet from consuming animals that die because of disease. When you choose an organic raw food diet, you are feeding your cat food that is human-quality.

There are many benefits that are touted by those who feed an organic raw food diet to their pets, including:

• Clean, healthy teeth and fresh breath
• Healthy, pest free skin and coat
• Smaller stool
• Maintenance of proper weight
• Stronger immune system

It has been shown that animals that are fed a raw food diet do not have that offensive odor that many pets have. Bad breath due to improper digestion is also eliminated.

People who show their animals often feed a raw food diet because they know their pets will have a shiny, beautiful coat.

Transition to Raw Foods

If your cat is accustomed to a traditional packaged food diet, you will need to transition her gradually to a raw food diet.

Start by replacing a small portion of her regular food with raw food. Over several weeks, you will add more raw food and take away more of her old food until she is comfortably enjoying her new diet.

Organic meats that you provide your cat should ideally be frozen first to kill any parasites or bacteria. Then gradually thaw in the refrigerator or in water. Do not heat food to thaw it. This will cause a change in the composition of any bones, which can be a problem. Grinding up the raw bones will make it easier for your cat to chew and digest.

Variety is Important

Often pet owners find it to be more economical to continue feeding a half-and-half diet. This is also acceptable. You will see your cat experiencing health benefits even if only half of his diet is raw food.

Be sure that you cat has a variety of raw foods to choose from. Just as you would not be very healthy eating only apples, you cat will not experience the full benefit of his new diet if he is only fed fish.

In fact, lack of variety can cause health problems, too. A diet of only fish can cause a deficiency in thiamine. Eating only liver can result in vitamin A toxicity. A wide and varied diet is not only more enjoyable, but it is healthier as well.

Sources of Organic Raw Foods

It can be very time consuming to make your cats food from scratch. However, you can purchase safe, healthy organic raw food for cats from several sources. Listed below are a few for you to consider:

• Only Natural Pet Store has a nice selection of brands that you cat or dog will love.
• Nu Dimensions Nutrition carries its own brand of cat and dog foods. They also have some very helpful feeding guidelines for you to check out.
• Raw Advantage is another great place to shop for your cat’s dinner.

Remember, a healthy cat is a happy cat—and a happy cat owner..