Will Cats Be Healthier Eating Raw Meat? Uncovering the “Wild Feast” of Feline Friends
Posted on August 30, 2025 | Source: needcats.com
The Temptation of Raw Meat: A Natural Choice, But Not for Blind Following
First, we must acknowledge that in the wild, cats are indeed skilled hunters, and raw meat is their primary food source. Raw meat is rich in undamaged proteins, fats, and essential nutrients like taurine, which are crucial for cats’ healthy growth.
However, this doesn’t mean we can simply throw raw meat bought from the supermarket to our feline friends. There’s a world of difference between wild raw meat and raw meat in a domestic environment — the latter may carry health risks such as bacteria and parasites.
The Charm of Cooked Food: Safety First, Balanced Nutrition
In contrast, properly cooked food, such as boiled chicken and fish, not only effectively kills potential harmful microorganisms but also achieves balanced and comprehensive nutrition by combining different ingredients.
The core of a cat’s diet lies in diversity and balance, not just pursuing “raw” or “cooked”. Cooked cat food and canned food are often scientifically formulated according to cats’ nutritional needs, making them an ideal choice for most household cats.
Raw Meat or Cooked Food? Balance Is the Key
In fact, the debate between raw meat and cooked food boils down to finding a balance. If you decide to try raw meat feeding, be sure to choose high-quality raw meat sources, such as organic meat, and conduct regular parasite testing and deworming.
At the same time, supplement with an appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals to ensure your cat gets comprehensive nutrition. For most cat owners, using raw meat as an occasional “treat” combined with daily cooked cat food may be a more reliable choice.
Pay Attention to Individual Differences: Tailor to Your Cat
Don’t forget that every cat is unique. A cat’s diet plan should be personalized based on factors such as age, health status, and activity level.
Some cats may be allergic to raw meat or have difficulty digesting it, in which case cooked food is undoubtedly a safer choice.
