Balancing Raw Meat Diets and Pet Nutrition: A Comprehen
Animals, too, share this characteristic, and in fact, they possess even more robust digestive systems and a pressing need for a natural diet.
The surge in popularity of raw food diets in Europe and America is not only due to the myriad drawbacks of dry kibble being uncovered, but also because every pet parent desires their furry companions to lead healthier, happier lives.
Hence, the formulations of raw food diets aim to mimic the proportions of meat, bones, and organs found in the prey that pets would naturally catch—such as rodents and birds. The rest is left to the pet's own digestive system to extract nutrients from fresh ingredients.
But why "raw," you might ask?
In reality, all foods are more nutritious in their raw state. The current trend of drinking raw vegetable juices—provided the vegetables are organically grown—highlights this principle. The same applies to meat, although our digestive systems have adapted to cooked foods over thousands of years.
However, for carnivorous animals, this is not the case. Raw meat contains amino acids that are not damaged by heat and is rich in enzymes that aid digestion.
Cats' digestive systems are designed to consume prey, and processed foods, carbohydrates, and lowmoisture diets place a significant burden on their digestive and urinary systems. Moreover, the chemical substances produced by heat treatment can lead to a variety of diseases, which is also true for humans.
While you may choose not to feed your pet raw food, it is crucial to understand the reasons behind it. If dry kibble remains the primary diet, at least ensure your cat has ample access to water.
