For thousands of years, cats have roamed diverse terrains and climates, from the savannahs of Africa and the plains of India to the forests of Eurasia and the Americas. Cats’ evolution as obligate carnivores shaped their dietary needs and behaviors, according to the article “Natural Feeding for Cats” from the New Plymouth District Vet Group website.
Unlike dogs, which have adapted to a more omnivorous diet, cats have always required a diet primarily composed of fresh, whole prey animals. This includes rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects for smaller cats, and larger prey such as buffalo and deer for big cats.
Whole Prey Diet
Cats traditionally consumed their prey in its entirety, which includes the muscle meat, organs, bones, and even the gut contents. This method of eating provided them with a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Consuming the whole animal ensured that cats ingested all necessary proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This whole-prey diet naturally met the high protein requirement of cats, which is essential for their health due to their inability to synthesize certain amino acids, like taurine, during times of protein restriction.
The Problem with Modern Commercial Diets
Today, the abundance of processed cat food—both canned and dry—presents a stark contrast to their natural diet. Many commercial cat food rely on rendered proteins of poor quality, often from non-meat sources. This affects the digestibility and nutritional value of the food, leading to various health issues. For instance, the protein levels in most commercial diets are insufficient, especially for aging cats, resulting in muscle mass loss. Moreover, these diets often contain high carbohydrate levels, which cats have not evolved to digest effectively. This can lead to overeating and related health problems according to the New Plymouth District Vet Group.
Hydration and Health Concerns
Cats have also evolved to obtain most of their water from the fresh prey they consume. The New Plymouth District Vet Group said that the lower moisture content in dry kibble diets can place additional stress on their kidneys and digestive system, potentially leading to chronic dehydration and related health issues.
Raw Food Diet: A Return to Natural Feeding
Mimicking a wild-type diet within the home is possible through careful preparation of raw food. The New Plymouth District Vet Group said this approach requires knowledge and consultation with a veterinarian familiar with raw feeding to ensure the diet is balanced and suited to the individual cat. The goal is to replicate the nutritional benefits of a whole prey diet by providing a variety of raw meats and avoiding preservatives and poor-quality ingredients.
Basic Rules for Raw Feeding
A successful raw food diet for cats involves offering a variety of raw meats to provide a full spectrum of amino acids and nutrients. Initially, ground meats with bone content can ease the transition to raw feeding. Over time, whole meaty bones can be introduced to help maintain dental health and engage cats’ natural chewing behaviors. It is crucial to avoid meats with preservatives, which can trigger allergic reactions, and to incorporate small amounts of pureed vegetables to replicate the gut contents of prey animals, according to the New Plymouth District Vet Group.
The Role of Bones and Organ Meats
Feeding raw meaty bones, such as chicken wings and necks, is vital for a balanced raw diet. These bones provide essential minerals and help maintain dental health. The New Plymouth District Vet Group said that it is important to ensure that bones are raw and appropriately sized to prevent choking or dental fractures. Organ meats, such as liver, heart, and kidney, should also be included regularly, as they are rich in essential vitamins and taurine.
Nutritional Balance and Supplementation
A well-balanced raw diet typically does not require additional vitamin or mineral supplements. However, some situations may necessitate supplementation under veterinary supervision to prevent imbalances. Transitioning to a raw diet can take time, and older cats or those with specific health issues may need special considerations, such as lightly cooking the food or starting with poached meats.
Addressing Potential Health Concerns
Feeding a balanced raw diet reduces the risk of health issues associated with processed foods. The New Plymouth District Vet Group said that cats on a raw diet have more acidic stomach acid, which, combined with antibacterial enzymes in their saliva and a short digestive tract, makes them less susceptible to pathogens. Ensuring high-quality meat sources and proper food handling can mitigate risks for both cats and their owners.
Understanding the natural diet of cats provides valuable insights into their nutritional needs and the shortcomings of many commercial diets. By mimicking the whole prey diet through raw feeding, cat owners can offer a more nutritionally appropriate diet that promotes overall health and well-being. As obligate carnivores, cats thrive on a diet rich in animal proteins and essential nutrients found in fresh, whole prey, emphasizing the importance of returning to their natural dietary roots.
About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist, writer, and tutor. She has been a solo parent for 17 years now because she is the wife of Jonas Burgos, a Filipino desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.
