Before we switched our cats to a raw food diet, one of the first things we wanted to know was: is it safe to feed cats raw meat? We weren’t only concerned about whether raw food was safe for our cats’ health, but also about handling it safely ourselves. After years of feeding raw, here’s what we learned about the potential risks, and safety precautions you need to take.
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Why vets say raw cat food may not be safe
When we first started looking into raw feeding, we asked our vet: is raw food safe for cats? The answer was no, and we soon realised that many veterinarians caution against feeding raw cat food. Some worry about safety risks, such as bacteria and parasites. Others raise concerns about cats becoming malnourished if their diet isn’t nutritionally balanced.
The problem isn’t always with raw food itself. More often, it comes down to whether cat owners are well-informed about feline nutrition to ensure their cat’s diet is nutritionally complete. Without a proper balance of vitamins and minerals, any diet – raw or commercial, can cause health issues.
At the same time, there isn’t as much research on raw food diets for cats as there is on commercial pet foods. Because commercial foods are backed by more studies, vets are more likely to trust and recommend them, which can make it confusing to know what’s really best for your cat.
No scientific studies have shown benefits of raw diets. Their appeal is based on word of mouth, testimonials and perceived benefits.
Dr. Lisa M. Freeman, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University.
Finally, many vets acknowledge that their veterinary training included limited nutrition education. Unless they’ve pursued extra study, they may not be aware of the benefits of properly balanced raw diets.
Why we chose a raw diet for our cats
Our cat Charlie developed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as a kitten. Despite following every veterinary recommendation, he remained sick and miserable. Raw food was never suggested, and most vets we spoke with actually warned us against it.
After our own research, we tried a carefully prepared homemade raw diet using high-quality ingredients. It was our last hope. Thankfully, it worked. Charlie has now thrived on raw food for more than 12 years, with only one flare-up triggered by a stressful hospital visit, not by food.
For us, the answer to: is raw cat food safe? was yes – because when done properly, it transformed our cat’s health.
Just because your vet isn’t on board with raw feeding doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea. What matters is understanding the possible risks – like bacteria, parasites, bones, and nutritional balance – so you can take the right precautions and prepare your cat’s raw meals safely.
Remember, you don’t have to make raw food from scratch. There are plenty of high-quality pre-packaged raw cat foods, as well as meal completers like EZComplete (United States) and Raw Meow Mix (Australia), that are already balanced with the vitamins and minerals your cat needs.
Raw cat food safety concerns
Risk of bacteria
Many owners worry about bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. The truth is, cats are naturally adapted to handle raw meat. Their highly acidic digestive systems process protein meals in about 12 hours, too quickly for harmful bacteria to take hold.
The bigger risk is to humans handling raw meat. The solution? Follow the same food safety rules you would when preparing raw chicken for your family.
Parasites in raw meat
Parasites such as toxoplasmosis (found in venison, pork, and lamb) and trichinosis (in pork and game) are sometimes cited as risks when raw feeding cats. That’s true, but freezing meat beforehand usually kills them. Internal parasites like roundworm and tapeworm are not typically an issue either, unless you’re feeding the guts of prey animals to your cat
Are raw bones safe for cats?
Yes, if they’re raw. In the wild, cats eat small prey bones without trouble. Raw bones contain calcium and other nutrients, and most cats chew and digest them easily. Just make sure the bones are small enough to reduce the risk of your cat choking.
Cooked bones, however, are dangerous and should never be fed to your cat. They become brittle during cooking, which mean they’re likely to splinter once swallowed and may cause internal injuries.
Nutritional deficiencies in raw food diets
One of the biggest concerns isn’t raw meat itself, but ensuring it is nutritionally balanced. Feeding only plain meat might seem fine at first, but over time it can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies. Cats need more than just protein, they also require essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and taurine to stay healthy.
That’s why commercial raw foods can be a safe starting point. They’re already formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet, giving you peace of mind that your cat is getting everything they need right from the start.
If you’d prefer to prepare meals at home, take the time to do your research. Use a trusted recipe from a holistic vet or feline nutrition expert, and focus on getting the balance right. It may feel a little overwhelming in the beginning, but once you’ve done it a few times, preparing raw food becomes second nature.
How to safely feed raw meat to cats
So, back to our main question: is it safe to feed cats raw meat? Yes,if you follow proper safety practices.
- Buy meat from trusted sources: supermarkets, butchers (retail and wholesale), online meat retailers, and local farmer’s markets.
- Grind raw meat yourself: fresh grinding reduces the bacteria risk compared to pre-ground meat. We use a heavy duty grinder like this one, which is also strong enough to grind small, soft bones like chicken frames.
- Handle raw meat safely: wear disposable food safe gloves and wash your hands thoroughly to minimise cross contamination risk.
- Disinfect surfaces: clean bowls, knives, and counters with hot soapy water plus disinfectant (or run used items through the dishwasher).
- Store and thaw raw meat safely: keep meat well wrapped and frozen until needed, then thaw slowly in the fridge.Never thaw raw meat on the counter, in the sink, or in the microwave.
- Storing cat food leftovers: wrap and put in the fridge or dispose of uneaten food immediately.
- Choose safe bowls: use stainless steel or glass, not plastic, which can harbor bacteria and cause feline chin acne.
Final thoughts
We’ve been feeding our cats a raw diet for more than a decade. If we didn’t believe raw food is safe for cats, we wouldn’t still be doing it. Our experience shows that raw feeding can be both safe and beneficial, as long as you approach it with care and have the right knowledge.
If you’d prefer not to prepare food at home, remember there are many high-quality commercial raw cat foods available, as well as nutritional supplements like EZComplete that ensure meals are balanced.
So, is it safe to feed cats raw meat? Yes, when prepared correctly and nutritionally balanced, a raw diet can support feline health. The key is safe handling, trusted recipes, and careful attention to ingredients to ensure it’s nutrionally balanced.
FAQs
Why are vets against raw diets for cats?
Most vets worry about bacteria, parasites, and nutrient imbalances. Raw diets have less research behind them than commercial foods, so vets often recommend the safer, proven option. Holistic vets may support raw feeding when meals are balanced and prepared correctly.
Can I feed my cat raw meat from the grocery store?
Yes, but with care. Grocery store meat may carry bacteria or parasites, so freeze it first and handle it safely. Always balance plain meat with supplements or a recipe to meet your cat’s nutritional needs.
Which raw meats are safe for cats?
Cats commonly eat chicken, turkey, rabbit, and beef on raw diets. Pork and wild game should always be frozen first, and all meat should come from trusted, high-quality sources.
Is raw meat safe for kittens?
Kittens can eat raw meat, but their diets must be carefully balanced to support their growth. Commercial raw diets or vet-approved recipes are often seen as the safest options for kittens starting a raw diet.
