Raw diet for cats

[nassim]

I would like to start my cat on a raw beef diet but was told that supplement needs to be added into the meat to make it nutrientially balanced. Anybody got experience in this area? Specifically what kind of supplement, how much to put in, and where to get them. I have asked a few pet shops about but they seemed a little clueless.

[PDLM]

I would like to start my cat on a raw beef diet

On the grounds that cows are the natural prey of cats?

[bookblogger]

Or cows' milk for that matter.

[bookblogger]

It's better to feed your cat with tuna, as fish is a natural part of their diet. Once you've taught them to open the can, they can help themselves.

[Mrs Koala]

This is the second time my post disappeared!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just said before that we feed our cats on raw beef, chicken, and tin food for fish,--never give them raw fish--I don't know why???--- and some dry foods. They thrive on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And healthy and happy.

[nassim]

On the grounds that cows are the natural prey of cats?

On the grounds that cows are the natural prey of cats?

It is recommended to me by a couple of breeders. I have researched the web and it seems that raw beef (along with other raw meat like chicken) is very suitable to cat's digestive system and provides a good source of protein and taurine. If done right, it's a far more superior diet than commercial cat food. I served raw beef to my cat as treats on several occasions and he absolutely loved it. The thing that stops me from doing it more often is the question of supplement and how to make the meal more nutritionally balanced.

Bookblogger, you said right. My cat does LOVE canned tuna and he has it twice a day. The reason why I want to integrate raw meal into his diet is because I realise his palette is getting narrower by the day. He only eats Applaws' tuna/fish and would not touch others with a barge pole. Some people may think I am spoiling my cat, but I only want to explore more healthy options.

[bookblogger]

Hmm... hunger is the best condiment

[bookblogger]

On the grounds that cows are the natural prey of cats?

You obviously haven't watched your nature documentaries. A pack of tabby cats can bring down a full-grown cow sometimes in less than 90 minutes.

[nassim]

we feed our cats on raw beef, chicken, and tin food for fish,--never give them raw fish--I don't know why???-

Thanks! It's great to hear someone is doing it.

May I ask if you give grinded carcasses of a whole chilcken? Or do you buy organic, freshly slaughtered, or chilled import from China? How about organs like liver, do you throw them in? And what do you do for supplements? I am hesitant to give raw chicken because of the possibility of bird flu, and buying organic imports is really expensive.

Wrt raw fish, an enzyme called thiaminase can severely harm the cat. This enzyme is destroyed during the process of cooking. Other than that, parasites, metal poisoning (esp fish from local waters) and fish bones are enough reasons to keep our cat away from raw fish.

[nassim]

Hmm... hunger is the best condiment

Well, if it's a battle of wills, then I lose hands down.