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.
🐾 Exploring raw diets for your cat? Don’t miss our Complete Guide to Raw Feeding Cats.
Thank you for explaining the pros and cons, I didn’t know for example that the reason cats are not susceptible to poisoning as humans are is because their digestion is so much faster.
This is a FANTASTIC article! I love how you address the most common concerns about raw feeding with factual data instead of just opinion. Wonderful!
Quite balanced article indeed, have seen others which seems are inclined to support pet food companies, I have Siamese, 3,year old and 7 kg, has been eating raw sirloin steak for two years now, he eats around 220 grams a day, also eats some biscuits and fresk milk, he is doing fine thank you
Good write up – lots of times we get dehydrated foods, it's easier and momma puts nutritional additions in! It's important to know how to handles raw food (in particular da protein) – for dogs and humans!
I am not sure if raw feeding is right for my pets (and me), but I know a lot of people think it is the only way to go. I appreciate that you address the concerns and safety issues instead of just talking about the pros.
Wonderful info for anyone thinking about switching over to raw, which can seem intimidating to most of us. Thanks for breaking it down into a simple format, makes it seem much more possible for those of us looking to give it a try.
So important to be committed and well educated before embarking into raw food territory – this is nice and thorough!
Great tips! The head peep would like to feed us raw, but she realized that raw has to be frozen immediately after grinding, and we don't have enough freezer space. She's trying to figure out that piece of the puzzle first.
Mum has suspicions we get a bit of raw outside – but it would be a serious mission for all nine of us. There is plenty of good information here to help mum weigh the pros and cons – for which we thank you!
Mom Paula is about like Summer's mom. She doesn't even prepare food for herself at home. Our vet is a little concerned about anything "raw" so Mom Paula hasn't considered it yet. Thank you for the information though!
Thanks for such an informative post! The potential safety issues are one reason I haven't tried raw feeding my dogs. The other is that one of my dogs is a Therapy Dog and the organization she's registered with doesn't allow a raw diet due to the potential of transmitting bacteria. This post is very helpful, thank you.
Great tips! People don't know a lot of those things. I was surprised to find out that Salmonella bacteria is a part of the normal healthy gut flora of cats and many other animals (but not humans). It takes a lot more Salmonella to cause harm to a cat than it does to cause harm to a human. The tip about freezing the meat to remove pathogens and parasites is great too.
This was a great post. I have been looking into raw feeding for quite some time, and haven't been able to make a decision. I have dabbled with some raw treats for the huskies. Two of them loved it, the other wouldn't even go near it! LOL
Good info about feeding raw. Thanks. The mom gives us a little raw food, but it’s mostly the already prepared kind; she doesn’t want to make it herself.
Mum is interested, but afraid of the nutriments stuff. She thinks she’s not informed enough. But she gives us the best canned food. Purrs
I am not against a raw food diet, just a bit squeamish! I also am hesitant about which recipe to try as their are so many out there, but a holistic vet would be a great place to start.
My cats prefer turkey and fish. I try to limit the amount of fish due to mercury and the toxic pollutants in water. I have prepared homemade cooked food for my cats and feel it is just as good, yet I have many tell me nothing can replace the superiority of raw. I think as long as the food is pure, not processed, has adequate nutrients, is fresh, and your cat enjoys it then raw or cooked are pretty equal choices. I do not shame someone for doing one over the other, it is a personal choice and there is already enough confusion and anger on the subject! Thank you for the in depth information as always.
I wish my human was more ambitious about feeding us! But she’s not great about feeding herself either – she just tosses a frozen dinner in the microwave and give us canned food. Granted, she gives us the best, premium, carageenan and grain-free food, but still… she’s kind of lazy!
I’ve always been afraid of a raw diet, mostly because of my fear of bacteria. Even in our home with people food I’m like a lunatic cleaning up wherever raw meats has touched! Very interesting information though!