Is Raw Meat Better for Cats?

Most raw diets require supplementation to be nutritionally complete and safe for cats.

Why Pet Parents Consider Raw Meat Diets

Many first-time cat parents assume raw meat mimics a “wild” diet. Social media trends also glorify raw feeding. While cats are obligate carnivores and do require animal protein, raw feeding is not automatically safe or balanced.

Dr Divyesh, a vet featured in our Speed Vetting series, cautions: “Raw food can carry bacteria. It needs to be safe and balanced. Not always is raw meat better for cats.”

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Understanding Nutrition in Cat Food

High-quality Cat Food whether wet or dry should provide complete and balanced nutrition. It’s not just about protein, it’s also about vitamins, minerals and the right ratios.

Animal Protein Matters, But So Does Safety

• Cats need animal protein for survival—taurine, arachidonic acid and vitamin B12 are essential.
  

• Raw meat may supply protein but can lack proper fortification and expose cats to pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli.
  

• Cooking or using formulated dry cat food helps reduce bacterial risk while still supplying animal protein.
  

The Fish-Only Myth

Dr Divyesh also busts another common myth: “Cats can live on fish alone? No , fish-only diets cause nutrient deficiencies. Cats need balanced meat-based nutritional food.”

Pros and Cons of Raw Meat for Cats

Potential Pros

• High in natural protein
  
• Less processed
  

Potential Cons

• Risk of bacterial contamination
  
• Imbalanced nutrition without supplements
  
• Hard to store and portion in small Indian apartments
  
• Difficult to meet kittens’ or senior cats’ specific needs
  
  

Dry Cat Food as a Safer High-Protein Option

Well-formulated Dry Cat Food can deliver the animal protein cats need, minus the bacterial risks of raw feeding. Modern recipes are fortified with vitamin A for eyesight, vitamin D for calcium absorption and vitamin E for cell protection—nutrients often missing from raw diets.

You can check Good Cat nutrition guide to learn how to identify high-protein, fortified dry food suited for indoor cats.

How Pet Parents in India Are Navigating This

Many Indian pet parents try home diets or raw meat due to cultural habits or cost concerns. Trainer Meera Sharma, who shares her apartment with two rescue cats, found that raw feeding led to frequent tummy upsets. “Switching to a fortified high-protein dry cat food made them more energetic and cut down vet visits,” she says.

How to Choose the Right Diet for Your Cat

• Prioritise animal protein from safe, tested sources
  
• Look for complete-and-balanced on the label
  
• Pair dry cat food with plenty of fresh water
  
• Consult a vet before introducing raw food or major diet changes

If you’re considering raw feeding, weigh the risks versus benefits. For most urban households, a high-protein fortified dry cat food offers the same animal protein cats crave—without the bacterial dangers. Explore Good Cat’s fortified dry food range to see balanced options designed for Indian pet parents.