Cats are, by nature, carnivorous predators. Left to their own devices, even the most domesticated cats have a tendency to hunt for small creatures; rodents, birds and frogs.

For that reason, an increasing number of pet owners are switching their cats to a biologically appropriate raw food diet – to better emulate the diet they would thrive on in the wild. But is this diet everything it’s cracked up to be? Here we explore the health benefits you can expect to experience, if you choose to feed your cat a raw diet.

Healthier teeth

Whereas commercial dried foods are packed full of carbohydrates, a raw food diet is high in natural protein and generally contains a lot less sugar and starch. This helps keep plaque build-up to a minimum, which in turn helps protect your cats from tooth loss and gum disease.

Changes in stool

Commercial pet foods may contain cereals, vegetables and other filler elements which are not a natural part of a cat’s diet – after all, a cat is considered to be an obligate carnivore. Generally, cereals and vegetables don’t do much other than pass straight through the cat, ending up in their litter box. A raw food diet will, therefore, mean your cat is likely to produce fewer stools – due to the higher nutritional value of the raw food they are consuming. As an added bonus, you may even notice that your cat’s stool smells less pungent. The raw food diet tends to make stool drier, reducing the associated smell.

Healthier coat

Studies have shown that a raw food diet can lead to cats developing softer, silkier coats. The natural oils present in a raw food diet can improve the quality of their fur, meaning they are also likely to shed less. Some evidence also suggests that the incidence of hairballs is reduced.

Digestion and energy

Cats’ natural enzymes are not designed to digest artificial food. Serving raw meat can help speed up their digestion, allowing them to quickly break down their natural food sources into energy. Whether you choose to prepare your own raw food at home or use one of the wide selection of frozen fresh food brands available – you may well see an improvement in your cat’s energy levels, playfulness and general well-being. It is also a great approach for weight management if your cat needs to lose a little weight.

Of course, each cat is different – some will take to a raw food diet far more readily than others, but given the potential benefits that it can offer, a raw food diet may be worth considering for your pet cat.