Natural Food for Cats: Benefits and How to Implement. Cats are carnivorous animals that need a high protein diet to stay healthy and active. While dry food is a popular cat food option, many cat owners are opting for natural food for their felines. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of natural cat food and how to implement it.
What is Natural Cat Food?
Natural feeding for cats involves feeding them a diet that includes raw and minimally processed foods. This approach is based on the belief that raw, minimally processed foods are healthier for cats than processed foods such as dry cat food.
The benefits of natural food for cats
A natural cat food can have several health benefits for your feline. Here are some of the main benefits:
- More Nutritious
Natural food for cats can provide more complete and balanced nutrition than a diet based on dry food. This is because natural food usually contains more nutrients than processed food.
- More Tasty
Many cats prefer natural food over processed food. This is because natural food is tastier and more appetizing for them.
- Digestion Improvement
Natural cat food can also improve your feline's digestion. Natural foods are more easily digested by cats and can reduce gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.
- Prevention of diseases
Natural food for cats can also help prevent disease. A diet based on natural foods can strengthen your cat's immune system, making it more resistant to disease and infection.
How to Implement Natural Food for Cats
Now that we know the benefits of natural cat food, let's explore how to implement it in your diet.
- Consult a Veterinarian
Before starting natural food for cats, it is important to consult a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you determine the proper diet for your feline based on its age, weight, health conditions and other nutritional needs.
- Choose Quality Food
When choosing natural food for your cat, it is important to choose quality food. Make sure you choose foods that are fresh, organic, and free of preservatives and artificial colors.
- start slow
If you're switching your cat's diet from dry kibble to natural food, it's important to do so gradually. Start by introducing small portions of natural foods into your diet and gradually increase the amount over time.
- Vary the Diet
Just like humans, cats also need variety in their diet. Be sure to offer different foods, including animal proteins, vegetables and fruits.
Store Properly
Natural cat foods must be stored correctly to avoid contamination by bacteria and other pathogens. Store raw foods in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer, and clean bowls and utensils after use.
Avoid toxic foods
While natural cat food can offer many health benefits to your feline, it's important to avoid toxic foods that could harm your cat's health. Some foods to avoid include:
Chocolate – chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that can be toxic to cats and cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and even death.
Onion and garlic - these foods can cause damage to the cat's red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.
Grapes and Raisins – These foods can cause kidney failure in cats, which can be fatal.
Avocados – although healthy for humans, avocados contain a substance called persin that can be toxic to cats and cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Coffee – Caffeine can be toxic to cats and cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures.
Be sure to avoid these foods and others that could be toxic to your cat. If you are not sure if a food is safe for your cat, consult your veterinarian before offering it.
Consider Supplements
Some owners add supplements to their cat's diet to ensure they receive all the nutrients they need. Speak with your veterinarian about which supplements are right for your cat.
Watch Your Cat's Health
Watch your cat's health when changing its diet. Watch for any signs of GI issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting, and let your veterinarian know if you notice any problems.
Be patient
Changing your cat's diet to a natural food can take time and patience. Your cat may need time to adjust to new foods and tastes. Be patient and persistent to ensure your feline receives a balanced and nutritious diet.
Natural foods that cats can eat
There are many natural foods that cats can eat. However, it is important to remember that cats are obligate carnivores and therefore the bulk of their diet should consist of meat and other animal products. Here are some examples of natural foods that cats can eat:
Raw meat: cats can eat raw meat such as chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and raw fish. Make sure the meat is fresh and suitable for human consumption. It is important to remember that raw meat must be handled with care to avoid bacterial contamination.
Eggs: the eggss are an excellent source of protein for cats. Raw eggs should be avoided due to the risk of salmonella, but hard-boiled eggs are a great option.
Vegetables: cats can eat certain types of vegetables such as squash, zucchini, carrots and broccoli. However, cats are carnivores and do not need large amounts of vegetables in their diet.
Fruits: some fruits, such as bananas and watermelon, can be offered to cats as an occasional treat. However, fruits are high in sugar and should be given in moderation.
Herbs: fresh herbs such as catnip, parsley and mint can be fed to cats as a treat or to stimulate their appetite.
Viscera: viscera, such as the liver and heart, are an excellent source of nutrients for cats. However, they should be offered in moderation, as they can cause diarrhea if consumed in excess.
It is important to remember that most of the cat's diet should consist of animal foods. Cats are carnivores and need a diet rich in animal proteins and fats to maintain their health and well-being. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your cat's diet, and watch your feline's health when transitioning to a natural diet.
Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
Russian