Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet rich in animal protein to thrive. Raw food diets for cats have gained popularity in recent years as pet owners seek to provide their feline companions with a more natural and species-appropriate diet. Raw food for cats typically consists of uncooked meat, organs, and bones, and may also include fruits and vegetables.
When choosing the best raw food for your cat, it’s essential to consider the quality of the ingredients. Look for raw food that uses high-quality, human-grade meats and organs, as well as organic fruits and vegetables. Avoid raw food that contains fillers, artificial preservatives, or by-products.
Another critical factor to consider is the balance of nutrients in the raw food. Cats require a specific balance of protein, fat, and other essential nutrients to maintain optimal health. Look for raw food that is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats and has been tested to ensure that it provides a complete and balanced diet.
We spent hours researching and testing various raw food options to identify the best raw food for cats. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when choosing the best raw food for your feline friend.
Best Raw Food for Cats
We know that feeding your cat a raw food diet can provide numerous benefits, including improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, and increased energy. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various raw food options to bring you the best products for your feline friend. Below is our roundup of the best raw food for cats on Amazon.
1. Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Cat Food, 10 lb. Bag Chicken 10 Pound (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a healthy weight cat food that combines high protein, grain-free kibble with natural bites of freeze-dried raw chicken, then you should definitely consider the Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Cat Food.
Pros
- The freeze-dried raw chicken bites are a great addition to the kibble and make the food more appealing to cats.
- The food is grain-free, which is great for cats with allergies or sensitivities.
- The L-Carnitine in the food helps with fat burning and healthy metabolism.
Cons
- The food is a bit pricey compared to other cat foods on the market.
- Some cats may not like the taste or texture of the freeze-dried raw chicken bites.
- The food may not be suitable for cats with certain health conditions, so it’s always best to consult with your vet before switching your cat’s food.
We recently tried this cat food with our overweight cat and were impressed with the results. The food helped our cat lose weight and the freeze-dried raw chicken bites were a hit with him. We also appreciated that the food is made with high-quality, natural ingredients and is free from grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, byproduct meal, artificial colors, or preservatives.
Overall, we highly recommend the Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Cat Food for anyone looking for a healthy weight cat food that combines the benefits of kibble and raw food.
2. Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Cat Food
If you’re looking for a high-quality raw food for your cat, the Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals Grain Free Recipe Cat Food is a great option.
Pros
- The recipe is packed with 93% meat and organs, making it protein-rich and nutritious.
- It’s made without grain, corn, wheat, soy, legumes, artificial colors, or preservatives, making it a healthy option for your cat.
- The food is minimally processed, freeze-dried for better digestion and nutrient absorption.
Cons
- The food is quite expensive, making it difficult to feed as a primary source of nutrition.
- Some cats may not like the taste or texture of the freeze-dried food.
- The food can be messy to prepare and serve, requiring rehydration before feeding.
We’ve found that our cats love the taste of this raw food, and we appreciate the high-quality ingredients and minimal processing. However, the cost can be prohibitive for some budgets, and the preparation process can be a bit messy. Overall, we would recommend this raw food as a healthy and nutritious option for your cat.
3. Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Cat Food, 10 lb. Bag
If you want to feed your cat with high-quality raw food, Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken is the way to go.
Pros
- The first raw-boosted kibble that mixes high protein, grain-free cat food with freeze-dried raw cat food toppers in one bag.
- Made with cage-free chicken, which is the number one ingredient.
- Crafted with the pure, real nutrition of raw, which is natural, made from real meat and whole food ingredients, protein-packed, and minimally processed.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other cat food brands.
- The freeze-dried chunks are too big for some automatic pet food dispensers.
- Some cats may eat around the freeze-dried chunks.
We have been feeding our cat Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken for a few months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health and wellbeing. Her coat is shinier, her energy levels are higher, and she seems to be more satisfied after meals.
The kibble is high in protein and grain-free, which is essential for our cat’s diet. The freeze-dried raw chicken pieces add a nice texture and flavor to the food, and they are packed with probiotics to support healthy digestion and omegas for skin and coat.
We love that the food is made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives. It is also made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world.
Overall, we highly recommend Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken to anyone looking for a high-quality raw food option for their cat. It may be more expensive than other brands, but the benefits to your cat’s health and wellbeing are well worth it.
4. Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Cat Food
We highly recommend Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Cat Food for its high protein and grain-free formula that is coated with irresistible freeze-dried raw.
Pros
- Our cats love the taste and texture of this kibble.
- The cage-free chicken is the #1 ingredient and it is formulated to fuel your cat’s wild side.
- It is easy for felines of all life stages to digest and has no unnecessary fillers.
Cons
- It is a bit more expensive than other cat food brands.
- It is not available in all pet stores.
- The bag size may not be suitable for larger cat households.
This raw coated kibble cat food is perfect for cats with allergies and helps support healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, vibrant skin and coat, and stamina and vitality. It is fortified with added vitamins and minerals, fiber and probiotics for digestive support, and taurine for heart health. The omega fatty acids from salmon oil and fenugreek seeds provide skin and coat support.
Our cats have been thriving on this diet and we appreciate that it is crafted in the USA using responsibly sourced, premium ingredients, minimal processing, and a small-batch production process in all their recipes. We highly recommend giving Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Cat Food a try for your feline friend.
5. Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Digestive Health Recipe All Natural Cat Food Topper
If you want to add some raw food to your cat’s bowl, the Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Digestive Health cat food toppers are a great option. Made with whole food ingredients, this grain-free cat food mixer is perfect for gut health. The freeze-dried raw, whole food ingredients lock in the nutrients and flavor, making it a perfect natural cat food topper for picky eaters.
Pros
- Made with responsibly sourced cage-free chicken as the #1 ingredient
- Contains natural, functional ingredients such as pumpkin, sweet potato, chicory root, apple cider vinegar, and probiotics
- Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world
Cons
- Some cats may take some time to get used to the reddish and dry appearance of the food
- May not be suitable for cats with certain dietary restrictions or allergies
- Some customers may prefer a wet food option instead of a dry food topper
We’ve been using the Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Digestive Health cat food toppers for a while now, and we’re impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The cage-free chicken is a great source of protein, and the addition of pumpkin, sweet potato, chicory root, apple cider vinegar, and probiotics make it a great option for gut health. Our cats love the taste and texture of the freeze-dried raw food, and we love that it’s made in the USA with high-quality ingredients.
We did notice that it took some time for our cats to get used to the reddish and dry appearance of the food, but once they did, they couldn’t get enough of it. It’s important to note that this food may not be suitable for cats with certain dietary restrictions or allergies, so be sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing. Overall, we highly recommend the Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Digestive Health cat food toppers for anyone looking to add some raw food to their cat’s diet.
6. Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Skin & Coat Health Recipe All Natural Cat Food Topper
If you want to improve your cat’s skin and coat health, then you should definitely try Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Skin & Coat Health Recipe All Natural Cat Food Topper by Nature’s Variety.
Pros
- The freeze-dried raw cat food topper is made with cage-free chicken, which is packed with animal protein and essential in skin & coat maintenance.
- The cat food topper is made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- Raw, whole food ingredients are freeze-dried to gently remove moisture, locking in nutrients and intensifying flavor.
Cons
- The pieces tend to be a little large, so you may need to crumble them over the food.
- It’s not known if it will work on all cats’ skin.
- The price is a bit high compared to other cat food toppers.
We recently tried this cat food topper for our picky cat, and we were pleasantly surprised. The freeze-dried raw cat food topper is made with cage-free chicken, which is packed with animal protein and essential in skin & coat maintenance. Our cat’s coat has become so shiny, soft, and beautiful since we started using this topper.
What we love about this topper is that it’s made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives. Raw, whole food ingredients are freeze-dried to gently remove moisture, locking in nutrients and intensifying flavor. This makes it a perfect natural cat food topper for picky kittens and cats.
However, the pieces tend to be a little large, so you may need to crumble them over the food. Also, it’s not known if it will work on all cats’ skin. Lastly, the price is a bit high compared to other cat food toppers.
Overall, if you want to improve your cat’s skin and coat health, then you should definitely try Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Skin & Coat Health Recipe All Natural Cat Food Topper by Nature’s Variety.
7. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze Dried Raw Cat Food Topper
We highly recommend the Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze Dried Raw Cat Food Topper for its high-quality ingredients and taste.
Pros
- Made with responsibly sourced cage-free chicken, organs, and non-GMO vegetables and fruits
- Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and intensify flavor
- Supports healthy digestion and skin & coat
Cons
- Some cats may not like the texture
- The bag is small and may not last long
- More expensive than some other cat food toppers
This cat food topper is a game-changer. Our cats go crazy for the taste and we love that it’s made with high-quality ingredients. We appreciate that it’s freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and intensify flavor. Plus, it supports healthy digestion and skin & coat.
We did notice that some cats may not like the texture of the freeze-dried chicken pieces. Also, the bag is small and may not last long if you have multiple cats or use it frequently. Additionally, it’s more expensive than some other cat food toppers on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend the Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze Dried Raw Cat Food Topper for its high-quality ingredients and taste. It’s a great way to add some variety and excitement to your cat’s dry food.
8. Primal Freeze Dried Cat Food Nuggets Venison
We highly recommend the Primal Freeze Dried Cat Food Nuggets Venison for cat owners who want a convenient and healthy raw food diet for their feline friends.
Pros
- Made with grass-fed venison raised without antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones and with USDA certified organic fruits and vegetables. No corn, wheat, soy, lentils, or legumes.
- Convenient and delicious raw nutrition that is shelf-stable and ready to serve. Simply crumble the freeze-dried nuggets and rehydrate with water, Bone Broth, or Raw Goat Milk.
- Freeze-dried raw, minimally processed cat food delivers the highest digestibility for maximum nutrient absorption to help support healthy weight, reduced stool volume, healthy skin and fur, oral health, and clear eyes.
Cons
- Some cats may not like the taste or texture of the freeze-dried nuggets.
- The price point may be higher than other cat food options.
- The nuggets may take longer to rehydrate than other freeze-dried cat foods.
We have been using the Primal Freeze Dried Cat Food Nuggets Venison for our cat for several months now and have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health and well-being. The ingredients are high-quality and the freeze-drying process preserves the nutrients and flavors of the raw food.
Our cat loves the taste of the venison formula and we appreciate that it is free from grains, legumes, and artificial additives. The nuggets are easy to prepare and we have found that rehydrating them with bone broth or raw goat milk adds an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
While the price point may be higher than other cat food options, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the health benefits for our cat make it a worthwhile investment. Overall, we highly recommend the Primal Freeze Dried Cat Food Nuggets Venison for cat owners looking for a convenient and healthy raw food diet for their feline friend.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best raw food for your cat, there are a few features to consider to ensure that you are providing them with a balanced and nutritious diet.
First, look for raw food that is made with high-quality ingredients. This means that the meat should be sourced from reputable suppliers, and preferably organic or grass-fed. Avoid products that contain fillers or artificial preservatives.
It’s also important to choose raw food that is complete and balanced, meaning that it contains all of the necessary nutrients that your cat needs to thrive. Look for products that meet the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for cat food.
When it comes to texture, some cats prefer ground or minced raw food, while others prefer larger chunks or pieces. Consider your cat’s preferences when selecting a product.
In addition, it’s important to handle raw food safely to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination. Always wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with the raw food, and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until it’s time to feed your cat.
Overall, choosing the best raw food for your cat requires careful consideration of the ingredients, nutritional content, texture, and safety of the product. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your cat is getting the best possible diet.
Features to Consider:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Ingredients | Look for meat sourced from reputable suppliers and avoid fillers or artificial preservatives. |
| Complete and Balanced | Choose products that meet the AAFCO standards for cat food. |
| Texture | Consider your cat’s preferences for ground, minced, or larger chunks. |
| Safety | Handle raw food safely to avoid bacterial contamination. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of feeding cats raw food?
Feeding cats a raw food diet can provide numerous benefits such as improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy, and better dental health. Raw food also contains essential nutrients that can help boost the immune system, prevent diseases, and promote overall well-being.
What are some popular brands of raw cat food?
Some popular brands of raw cat food include Stella & Chewy’s, Primal Pet Foods, and Nature’s Variety. These brands offer a variety of options such as freeze-dried, dehydrated, and raw frozen food, making it easier to find a diet that works for your cat.
Is it safe to feed cats a raw food diet?
While there are risks associated with feeding cats a raw food diet, it can be safe as long as proper precautions are taken. It’s important to handle raw food properly to avoid contamination and to ensure that your cat is getting a balanced and complete diet.
What are the nutritional requirements for cats on a raw food diet?
Cats on a raw food diet require a balance of protein, fat, and essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your cat is getting all the necessary nutrients in their diet.
Can a raw food diet improve my cat’s health?
A raw food diet has the potential to improve your cat’s health, but it’s important to note that results may vary. Some cats may see improvements in their digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being, while others may not see any significant changes.
Are there any risks associated with feeding my cat raw food?
There are risks associated with feeding cats a raw food diet, such as the potential for bacterial contamination and the risk of not providing a balanced and complete diet. It’s important to handle raw food properly and to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your cat is getting all the necessary nutrients in their diet.
Featured Image by Kasjan Farbisz from Pixabay
