Are you thinking of switching your feline to frozen raw cat food?
Maybe you want your cat to eat a diet that’s closer to what they’d get in the wild.
In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of frozen raw cat food.
There will be tips on preparing raw food as well as recommendations for some of the best frozen raw cat food brands available.
But first, we’ll look at the unique dietary needs of cats and how it impacts their health if these requirements aren’t met.
Unique Dietary Needs in Frozen Raw Cat Food
Protein and Amino Acids
Proteins are essential in any diet.
They’re the building blocks for cells, organs, hormones, blood, skin, bones, enzymes and tissues.
Since cats are obligate carnivores, they get protein from animal sources.
In fact, cats require more protein than many other animals since they also use it for energy.
Amino Acids
Dietary protein contains amino acids. A cat’s metabolism breaks amino acids down at a high rate.
While other animals are able to regulate their rate of protein breakdown, cats cannot.
Deficiencies of certain essential amino acids can lead to serious health problems for cats.
For example, taurine is found only in animal-based products.
Cats who don’t get enough of this essential amino acid are susceptible to retinal degeneration.
Dilated cardiomyopathy and developmental defects in kittens are also associated with a lack of taurine.
Arginine is another essential amino acid that most other animals are able to make in their body.
However, cats don’t have the enzyme needed to produce it.
It aids in the elimination of protein waste products through urination.
According to this study, a cat’s diet excluding this from even one meal could result in death.
Fats and Fatty Acids
Like protein, fat and fatty acids are essential to keep a cat healthy.
Fat provides energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
They provide insulation and protect the internal organs.
Essential fatty acids must be provided in cats’ diet because they are unable to make them.
Fatty acids are essential for:
- skin and coat maintenance
- proper kidney function
- reproductive health
- vision
- cell structure
- hormone production.
This study found that cats who ate a diet deficient in essential fatty acids showed signs of:
- liver degeneration
- excessive fat in the kidneys
- mineralization of the adrenal glands
- degeneration of the testes
- thickening of the skin.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are other essential nutrients in your cat’s diet.
Without them, your cat won’t be able to function properly.
However, it’s also important that they get them in the proper amounts.
For example, vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it gets stored in the body.
The immune system, skin, coat, muscles, nerves and vision all need vitamin A to be healthy.
Cats are unable to convert beta-carotene from plants into vitamin A. Therefore, they must get it from an animal source.
However, too much Vitamin A stored in the liver can lead to toxicity.
Cats also need lots of water-soluble B vitamins such as niacin and thiamine.
They help to maintain a strong immune system.
A deficiency in B vitamins can leave them susceptible to illness.
Ensuring your pet gets the proper nutrients in the correct amounts is vital for a complete, balanced diet.
This is why choosing a frozen raw cat food diet should always be done with your veterinarian advice.
Water
Although cats get most water requirements from a raw meat diet, they should still have access to fresh water.
Pros of a Frozen Raw Cat Food Diet
A raw diet is sometimes referred to as the biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diet.
In the wild, cats eat prey with high amounts of protein, moderate levels of fat and very little carbohydrates.
Supporters of raw food believe that since this is a more natural way for cats to eat, it’s also healthier for them.
You see this reasoning when browsing frozen raw cat food reviews.
One benefit is that it allows you to know exactly what your cat is eating.
Downside of Commercial Cat Foods
Many commercial foods contain preservatives and fillers.
They’re often filled with carbohydrates, which cats can only tolerate in small amounts.
Since cats have a limited capacity to metabolize sugars, this leads to obesity and diabetes.
This is why advocates for a raw diet for cats claim that there are numerous health benefits, including:
- boosting the immune system
- improving digestion
- better dental health
- increased energy levels
- improving urinary health
- silkier coat and better skin condition.
Cons of a Frozen Raw Cat Food Diet
Frozen Raw Cat Food–Nutritional Deficiency
One of the biggest errors people make when feeding a raw diet to their pet is simply feeding them fresh meat and bones.
They may not consider protein, fat and nutrient content.
Before you give your cat raw meat, it’s important to have her checked out. Discuss recipe options with your veterinarian.
An incomplete diet that lacks essential nutrients can lead to serious health problems for your cat.
Your vet will likely recommend supplements to ensure this doesn’t happen.
This study compared two raw diets with a commercial cooked one and found that both supported feline growth.
However, it also stated that there could be nutrient deficiencies in the long term with a raw diet.
Frozen Raw Cat Food–Bacterial Contamination
Possibly an even greater threat is the risk of cross contamination.
Preparing raw meat can expose you and your family to dangerous pathogens, including salmonella and e coli.
This can lead to life-threatening illness.
In this study, two cats in the same home died from salmonella infection associated with a raw diet.
In 2014, the USDA found the following rates of salmonella in raw meat:
- Chicken 3.8 percent
- Ground beef 1.6 percent
- Turkey 1.7 percent
Since pathogens can remain on preparation surfaces and utensils, it’s important to be diligent when preparing raw meat.
Safe Food Handling When Preparing Frozen Raw Cat Food
Whenever you’re handling raw meat, it’s crucial to wash your hands frequently or wear gloves.
Always prepare raw meals in a designated area to control contamination.
Feed your cat in this same space.
Afterward this area should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized using bleach.
That includes bowls, other utensils and any objects that comes in contact with raw food.
Preparing Frozen Raw Cat Food
Since preparing a raw food diet requires a considerable amount of time, make enough to last for a few weeks and keep it frozen.
Ingredients typically include raw meat from muscles and organs, ground bones, eggs, water and supplements.
Have a large cutting board, meat grinder, knives, bowls, disposable gloves, kitchen scale, storage containers and freezer space.
Meat Preparation for Cats
Always use fresh, high-quality meat. Meat from the grocery store is intended to be cooked.
Purchase organ meat from a butcher or local farmer as this is meant to be eaten raw.
Muscle meat can be cut or processed through the meat grinder, but pieces should be in chunks.
Grind organ meats separately, and put both types of meat in the refrigerator.
Bones also should be ground separately. Combine the supplements in a bowl.
This typically includes wild salmon oil, taurine, vitamin B complex, vitamin E and psyllium, but always check with your vet.
In a larger bowl, combine the meats and supplement mixture and stir well.
Freeze individual portions using glass or plastic containers, freezer bags or even muffin tins.
Some pet stores offer pre-made mixes of ground raw meat in the freezer section. Just thaw and add supplements.
Commercially Prepared Frozen Raw Cat Food
Alternatively, consider some of the frozen raw cat food brands that are available.
These meals are pre-mixed, packaged, frozen and sent to you.
They are the next best thing to fresh. Commercially prepared meals are much less time consuming.
All you have to do is thaw them.
However, remember that all of the safe food handling rules still apply.
Commercial raw food can also be contaminated.
One study that evaluated 25 commercial raw food diets for dogs and cats found salmonella in 20 percent.
Better in the raw is a supplement premix for preparing a raw meat diet for cats of all ages.
It contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It’s also made with 100 percent human grade ingredients.
All you have to do is add raw meat and water.
Stella & Chewy’s
Stella & Chewy’s offers frozen raw dinners for cats.
These raw frozen meals are made from 98 percent meat, organs and bone.
They’re fortified with added vitamins and minerals, taurine, probiotics and antioxidants.
These meals contain no grains or gluten.
This brand is available in patties and morsels and thaws in minutes.
Steve’s Real Food for Pets
Steve’s Real Food For Pets offers frozen raw foods made with grass fed, hormone, and antibiotic-free meats and poultry.
Chicken, turducken and pork meals are suitable for either cats or dogs.
For example, the chicken meal contains ground chicken, raw ground chicken bone, chicken livers and chicken gizzards.
It also has fruit and veggies, salmon oil and taurine.
Their meals are formulated to meet the nutritional requirements for all stages of a cat’s life.
They offer a 100 percent guarantee.
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products also carries frozen raw cat food meals.
Darwin’s Natural Selections™ include a choice of turkey, chicken and lamb patties.
All are pasture-raised and cage free, with no added antibiotics, steroids or artificial hormones.
Fresh meals are immediately frozen in vacuum-sealed packages to preserve quality and nutrition.
It’s then shipped in insulated containers throughout the U.S.
Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
This is an even more convenient way to serve your cat raw food.
Freeze drying is the process of removing moisture while the food is frozen. It allows the raw food to be shelf safe.
While there is minimal processing, the nutrients, enzymes and protein structures should be well-preserved.
To prepare, you just have to re-hydrate the food with water.
However, in terms of handling, take the same precautions for bacterial and contamination risks as you would with any raw meat.
Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Recipe All Natural Cat Food Toppers by Nature’s Variety are made with responsibly sourced, farm-raised rabbit, organs and non-GMO vegetables and fruits.
Adding Instinct frozen raw cat food on top of your cat’s kibble is a good way to transition them to a raw diet.
Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Market Grain Free Recipe Nuggets for Cats by Nature’s Variety makes it easy to feed your cat raw food.
You simply crumble the nuggets and add water to serve.
Ingredients are 90 percent chicken and liver, and 10 percent vegetables, fruits and vitamins.
LIFE ESSENTIALS BY CAT-MAN-DOO All Natural Freeze Dried Wild Alaskan Salmon Treats for Cats & Dogs are made from 100 percent freeze-dried salmon.
Natural fish oils keep fur shiny and act as a natural anti-inflammatory for your pet’s joints.
They’re a healthy snack that’s low in calories.
Other Cat Foods
We’ve got plenty of guides to the other types of cat food you can get! Check them out below.
Frozen Raw Cat Food Summary
We’ve given you several options for frozen raw cat food that we hope are helpful for you and your cat.
Do you have a cat that eats a primal frozen raw cat food diet?
We’d love to hear about it in the comment section below.
References and Further Reading:
Hamper, B.A., et al., 2016, “Evaluation of Two Raw Diets vs a Commercial Cooked Diet on Feline Growth,” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Hayes, K.C., 1982, “Nutritional Problems in Cats: Taurine Deficiency and Vitamin a Excess,” The Canadian Veterinary Journal
Kane, E., et al., 1981, “Zinc Deficiency in the Cat,” The Journal of Nutrition
Kienzle, E., 1994, “Blood Sugar Levels and Renal Sugar Excretion After the Intake of High Carbohydrate Diets in Cats,” The Journal of Nutrition
Knopf, K., et al., 1978, “Taurine: An Essential Nutrient for the Cat,” The Journal of Nutrition
MacDonald, M.L., et al., 1984, “Essential Fatty Acid Requirements of Cats: Pathology of Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency,” American Journal of Veterinary Research
Morris, J.G. and Rogers, Q.R., 1979, “Arginine: An Essential Amino Acid for the Cat,” Journal of Nutrition
Morris, J.G., 2001, “Unique Nutrient Requirements of Cats Appear to Be Diet–Induced Evolutionary Adaptations,” Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California
“Progress Report on Salmonella and Campylobacter Testing of Raw Meat and Poultry Products, CY 1998-2014,” United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service
Rogers, Q.R. and Morris, J.G., 1982, “Do Cats Really Need More Protein?,” Journal of Small Animal Practice
Schlesinger, D.P. and Joffe, D.J., 2011, “Raw Food Diets in Companion Animals: A Critical Review,” The Canadian Veterinary Journal
Stiver, S.L., et al., 2003, “Septicemic Salmonellosis in Two Cats Fed a Raw-Meat Diet,” Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
“Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs,” 2006, National Research Council of the National Academies
Zoran, D.L., et al., 2002, “The Carnivore Connection to Nutrition in Cats,” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
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