The Benefits of a Raw Diet for Cats
Unlike dogs, who do very well on a balanced diet of meat proteins, vegetables and minimal to, yes, even moderate amounts of grains, cats as obligate carnivores have lost the ability to synthesize certain nutrients on their own. A cat’s diet must have readily available sources of select amino acids, vitamins and minerals only found in diets rich in meat-sourced proteins, organs and fats.
To produce the canned and dry foods so convenient to us, these foods are often highly processed then combined with additives and preservatives, damaging and reducing the nutritional benefits. Dry foods, in particular, are usually cooked at high temperatures, decreasing the biological value of the protein and destroying other nutrients in the process. Nutrients which are then added back in, to re-balance the overly-processed foods.
Many of us accustomed to depending on the “complete and balanced” labeling of commercial foods are unaware of how naturally complete and balanced nutrients can be in fresh foods. Fresh and fresh frozen foods offer superior nutrition and contain scads more nutrients, as well as more bioavailable vitamins and minerals.
A great example is liver—a meat many omnivores (species that eat both plants and animals) avoid, but it provides superior nutrition for carnivores. Liver organ meat is an exceptionally nutrient-dense food as it is an excellent source of vitamin B12—particularly important to cats, vitamin A, copper, folate, riboflavin (B2), and selenium; a very good source of zinc, vitamin C, protein, niacin (B3), and phosphorus; and a good source of vitamin B5, vitamin B6 and iron. More importantly, these nutrients are in forms cats can readily use and when raw, the most digestible and at the highest concentrations. In a well-balanced raw diet blend (such as Bravo!® Original Blends and Bravo! Balance® Raw Diet.), fresh liver and other organ meats are proportioned for optimal nutrition.
For more information click here to download a full copy of Bravo! Beginnings for Cats.
Feline Nutrition - Myth or Fact
Myth #1: Your cat’s digestion has changed and adapted to eat the commercial dry foods
recommended today.
Fact: Of the domesticated animals, the cat has changed the least from his ancestor, the African wildcat, and is still an obligate carnivore requiring high meat proteins and fats for its unique metabolism.
Myth #2: Feeding your cat meat will make him aggressive.
Fact: On the contrary, many owners report once they remove grain-laden foods, their cats become mellower and aggressive behaviors diminish.
Myth #3: Dry foods are better for dental care and a diet rich in soft foods will contribute to dental disease. Fact: Most dry foods are swallowed whole with minimal chewing, not to mention the starchy film that can attach from carbohydrate heavy foods. Quality canned foods and raw foods reduce the carbohydrate rich environment thereby minimizing dental damaging bacteria.
Myth #4: Cats are fat and lazy by nature, especially after they are spayed or neutered.
Fact: While a cat’s energy requirements lower with altering, a cat can keep a lean, agile body. A proper carnivorous diet with regular exercise will help your cat avoid weight gain and the many diseases associated with obesity.
Myth #5: Raw foods are dangerous because of the risk of bacteria contamination.
Fact: A cat’s digestive tract is hostile to bacteria. Unlike a human, a cat’s (and dogs) digestive tract is short and acidic. Over thousands of years, it evolved to process and eliminate food quickly, not allowing much time for bacteria to multiply. While caution should to be taken with cats with weakened immune systems, the safety precautions as practiced by Bravo! and the other leading brands of raw diet pet food should keep your pet safe. For more information, see Safe Handling Tips.
Myth #6: Raw food diets are not complete and balanced.
Fact: On the contrary, whole fresh foods can offer more balanced nutrients in forms your cat can utilize. Plus, the Association of Animal Feed Control Officers (AAFCO) requires products to meet a government standard as complete and balanced. Become a label reader and watch for “Meets the AAFCO Standards for Complete and Balanced.” You can also meet or exceed these standards yourself by adding supplements. See Recommended Supplements for more details.
Myth #7: Food must be left out for cats to graze on all day.
Fact: The grazing concept came from a cat’s natural hunting patterns—a cat will hunt and eat up to 10 mice a day in the wild. The household cat does not expend this energy. Plus the only way you will convince a cat to give up processed dry foods for raw is to take it away. You will need to use hunger to your cat’s benefit! Think about it—if you have access to a buffet all day, will you be hungry for your evening meal?
Myth #8: A cat that eats a raw food diet does not drink water.
Fact: While a raw food diet offers appropriate hydration, if water is available, a cat will drink. So, make sure fresh spring or filtered water is always available. And since cats prefer to drink away from where they eat, place water bowls in several locations in your home.
What Bravo! products are best for my cat?
Bravo! fresh frozen raw food diets offer a wide variety of formulas, single meat proteins and fresh dry roasted or freeze-dried treats to meet your cat’s needs. From USDA safety certification to convenient packaging, Bravo! exceeds your standard of excellence.
The following are Bravo!s top five recommended feeding choices for your cat:
- Bravo! Balance® Raw Diet - Complete and Balanced - Chicken, Turkey and Beef formula
- Bravo®! Boneless – Venison and Salmon
- Bravo®! Basics – Finely Ground Chicken Necks and Organ Meat
- Bravo®! Basics – Rabbit and Duck
