Best Raw Cat Food

Are you ready to switch to the best raw cat food for your beloved cat?

Then you have come to the right place!

In this guide, we are recommending the best raw cat food along with all the tips you need to help your pet get started on the raw diet for cats.

Just in case you are in a hurry, click on our short summary below to view our Top 5 reviewed products for the best raw cat food:

1. Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels for Cats
2. Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Raw Infused Dry Raw Cat Food
3. Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food with Probiotics
4. Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried Raw Cat Food Nibbles
5. Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dry Cat Food

Best Raw Cat Food: 2022 Top Picks

1. Our Editor’s Pick: Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels for Cats

Stella & Chewy raw food for cats consists of freeze-dried real chicken that is minimally processed.

Its pure ingredients and raw protein exactly mimic the diets of wild cats –so it is sure to make your pet thrive.

There are no hormones, antibiotics, fillers, or grains in this raw pet food food, making it suitable for cats with gluten sensitivity as well.

Stella & Chewy also supports feline digestive health thanks to its taurine content.

This raw cat food diet is balanced for all life stages.

What we love about it

• Grain and gluten-free, freeze-dried raw food, made entirely in the USA using highest-quality ingredients
• Rich in taurine, antioxidants, and pre and probiotics
• Supports healthy digestion, immune system, and skin and coat
• Great flavor that most cats love

What we don’t like about it

• The food’s scent is not appealing to humans

2. Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Raw Infused Dry Raw Cat Food

Merrick Backcountry grain-free raw food for cats contains freeze-dried raw ingredients.

The number one ingredient in this high-quality raw cat food is deboned salmon which most cats love. 

It is an excellent source of protein in fact, there is nearly 41% protein in each bag.

The grain-free raw cat food diet is also suitable for sensitive cats that cannot digest gluten.

Being poultry-free, it is ideal for cats having sensitivity to poultry.

Merrick Backcountry grain-free raw food for cats is cooked in the USA.

What we like about it

• 1^st ingredient is high-quality, deboned fish
• Grain-free, poultry-free, gluten-free
• Contains omega 3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
• Fresh ingredients
• Great flavor – loved by most cats

What we don’t like about it

• Some cats wouldn’t touch this raw cat food recipe at all

3. Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food with Probiotics

Nulo Freestyle raw cat food utilizes highest-quality ingredients along with the freeze-drying technology that locks in fresh flavour and taste.

The raw cat food supplement can be used as treat or as complete balanced meal for your kitty.

With Nulo Freestyle Freeze Dried raw diet for cats, your cat will get quality nutrition with complete and balance in proteins and fats.

This best raw cat food is fortified with prebiotics like Ganeden BC30 along with cranberries and dried kelp that aid in digestion and also increase immunity.

It is one of the most trusted cat food brands in the market today!

What we love about it

• Ultra-rich raw protein with nearly 98% animal proteins and 2% raw ingredients like berries, kelp, etc.
• Can be used as treats or complete balanced meal
• Probiotics Ganeden BC30 enhance digestion

What we don’t like about it

• Packaging needs improvement as the food gets crushed into powder

4. Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried Raw Cat Food Nibbles

For sure, you know that your cat is an obligate carnivore. Looking for a truly carnivore diet for your pet?

Then the raw cat food diet from Northwest Naturals is your go-to solution.

This cat food does not contain any fruits and vegetables. It is pure organ meat.

It is made using the highest quality muscle and organ meats and the number one ingredient is raw chicken or turkey.

Northwest Naturals takes care not to grind the meat, they chop it before freezing to preserve the nutrition, taste, and flavor which cats love. 

The simple recipes all use the highest quality ingredients which are certified under USDA and FDA safety testing standards.

What we love about it

• High-quality ingredients
• Great taste and flavor loved by most cats
• Senior cats fed this diet had softer coat and the energy levels of younger cats

What we don’t like about it

• Packing needs improvement as the pellets/nuggets crumble into powder

5. Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dry Cat Food

Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Natural Dry Cat Food is the food to start if you are wary of completely placing your pet on raw cat food diet.

This food is a combination of kibble and raw food which makes it great for beginners to the raw diet.

The high-protein, grain-free kibble uses cage-free chicken as the number #1 ingredient.

This natural cat food is also devoid of starch, potatoes, corn, soy, wheat, by-products, and fillers or preservatives.

The delicious taste and high-quality ingredients that are freeze-dried to preserve the flavor make it a winning combination for picky eaters.

The best raw cat food from Instinct is made in the USA with minimal processing and quality ingredients.

What we like about it

• A winning combination of high-protein, grain-free kibble and freeze-dried raw ingredients
• Cage-free chicken is the No.1 ingredient
• Free from potatoes, corn, starch, soy, wheat, by-products, artificial flavors etc
• Rich in probiotics, Omegas, and antioxidants
• Fresh ingredients, great flavor which most cats love
• Made in the USA

What we don’t like about it

• A small percentage of cats got sick with this food
• Some cats refused to eat it

Benefits Of Feeding Raw Cat Food

Cat owners have seen many positive changes in their pets after starting them on raw cat food diet and raw cat food supplement.

A) Improved digestion

Raw cat food is easier to digest than traditional commercial cat food that contains corn, soy, wheat, and by-products.

When you select organic raw cat food you are doing your cat a world of good as it is free from chemicals, antibiotics, and growth hormones found in inorganic traditional store-bought cat foods.

 Raw cat food is gentler on a cat’s system and you will see the effects in the form of less stinky and firmer stools.

Your cat will also need less frequent feeding since it is getting all the nourishment it needs from the easy-to-digest raw food.

B) Better for picky cats

Cats are carnivores by nature.

In the wild, they survive on raw bones and meat.

Many fussy indoor cats balk at traditionally prepared wet or canned cat foods but are known to love the taste of raw food.

Being known too as a picky eater, raw feeding to cats can be a trial and error but note that the food you will give should not be made of artificial colors nor artificial preservatives.

C) Healthier coat

As your cat receives all the nourishment from the beneficial enzymes, vitamins, and minerals present in raw meat, fruits, and vegetables, you will see a dramatic improvement in its coat.

It will be shinier, softer, and healthier.

D) Reduced plaque and fresher breath

Many cats suffer from plaque and tartar because of the carbohydrates present in traditional commercial cat food.

When you choose the best raw cat food which is grain-free, you will notice the fresher breath, reduced plaque, and fewer dental issues.

This is one great way to protect your cat’s teeth from breaking and aching.

E) Greater energy and more stamina

Anecdotal evidence suggests that older cats that are fed raw cat food diet benefit tremendously.

Many are reported to have “started playing like younger kittens” owing to greater energy and stamina due to the dietary changes.

F) Fewer health issues and improved longevity

Even healthy cats can benefit from the best raw cat food because it can prevent many potential illnesses.

Traditional commercial cat food is highly processed and known to contain by-products from diseased, dying, or disabled animals.

Many chemicals and potential carcinogenic compounds have been found in commercial cat food.

By switching to a raw diet, cats that have been long-since suffering from debilitating health issues have shown a dramatic turnaround in their health.

Healthy cats have avoided debilitating and oft-fatal diseases plaguing the cats that are on a traditional commercial food diet.

With this point in mind, it really does not matter when you will start your cat on the raw diet for cats because he will certainly become healthier and have a longer life.

Important Factors To Consider When Selecting The Best Raw Cat Food

The switch from a cooked diet to a raw cat food diet must be done after careful consideration. Here are some factors to think of before making the switch:

1) Discuss with your vet

Only start your pet on raw cat food diet after speaking to your vet.

The topic of raw cat food diets is not without controversy.

Some vets believe that raw food can cause intestinal problems as well as nutritional imbalance in pets.

There is also a risk of food-borne illnesses.

However, these issues usually crop up in home-cooked raw food.

Commercially prepared raw cat food from top brands ensures hygienic preparation.

Most utilize the freeze-drying technique that seals in nutrition, flavor, and also prevents bacterial contamination.

Selecting a high-quality brand is the key to ensuring that all hygiene and safety standards are met.

2) Consider your budget

Raw cat food, especially organic raw cat food, can end up being very expensive, so only consider making the switch if you have the budget for it.

If you have multiple cats, the cost of feeding them high-quality commercial raw cat food can run very high.

Switching your cat’s diet to raw food diet entails more money that can break the bank too!

3) Check the ingredients in the raw food

As always, the first ingredient in raw cat food should be high-quality protein from cage-free poultry or wild-caught seafood.

Make sure that the cat food is also fortified with omega 3, antioxidants, and probiotics as these ingredients are needed for a healthy immune system and better digestion.

4) Consider your cat’s preferences

Cats are very sensitive animals.

Many are allergic to certain animal proteins including poultry like chicken, turkey, etc and some are allergic to seafood.

So you may want to choose the best raw cat food containing a gentle protein source that your cat can easily digest.

 Also, cats are texture-sensitive. Some dislike chunky foods, others may balk at powdered or pasty food.

So choose a brand with the right texture that your cat prefers.

Tips For Switching To Raw Cat Food Diet

If you plan to make the switch to raw cat food diet plan, use the following tips:

A) Start slow

If your cat has always been raised on commercial cat food or even traditional, homemade cat food, switching to a completely raw diet should be done slowly.

Some cats tend to turn up their noses at new food; especially an adult cat who is used to his regular diet.

This is not necessarily due to its taste, rather it may be due to the new texture or smell. Try feeding smaller portions of the raw food.

You can also go in for a mix of kibble and raw food. As the weeks go by, you can switch completely to raw cat food diet.

B) Ensure right temperature

Do ensure that the food is at the right temperature since many cats do not like very cold or frozen like those freeze dried cat food.

C) Ensure proper size of the chunks/nuggets

Some cats hate crushed or powdery foods. Others prefer ground-up, softer texture.

So try feeding a variety of textures to determine what your cat likes.

D) Discuss supplementation with your vet

Some raw foods do not provide your cat with taurine and calcium, both of which are vital for feline health. So discuss supplementing these with your vet.

FAQs on Best raw cat food

1) What ingredients should you avoid in a raw cat food?

Avoid foods with ingredients like corn, soy, wheat-gluten, BHA, BHT, food dyes, and ethoxyquin. 

Select a protein-source that your cat can easily digest.

2) Should you give home-made raw food to your cats?

Home-made raw cat food is a good choice as long as you ensure that the meat is free from salmonella and e.coli bacteria.

Source your raw meat from verified sources only.

3) How much raw food should I feed my cat?

The exact quantity of raw food to feed daily depends on your cat’s age, weight, activity levels, and existing health issues.

Discuss the exact amounts with your vet or use the product label guidelines on the raw food brand you choose.

4) What raw foods can cats eat?

Choosing a Raw Food Diet (RFD) for your cat includes raw organ or muscle meat, and ground bones.

It could be from chicken, turkey, rabbit,fish, eggs, or other animal meats.

For better digestibility,most cat parents prefer chicken, fish and eggs due to high protein content and nutritional benefits.

Commercial canned food is a good source of raw meat diet that are meticulously prepared to meet your cat’s nutritional needs.

5) Is it OK to feed cats raw meat?

Yes.

Cats are obligate carnivores so part of their survival is to eat animal meats.

The high-protein and moisture diet gives them nutrients such as essential vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, and taurine.

Due to acidic digestive tracts, digesting raw foods are easier for cats.

You must only be careful when feeding them raw food because pathogens are present in this kind of diet.

These pathogens, once contacted, may cause immune-mediated diseases to cats.

6) How much raw should I feed my cat?

In terms of the amount to give, the variation will depend on the metabolism rate, weight and activity levels of your cat.

For example, if you have a 10lb cat, the ideal amount is 1.5-2.5oz per meal.

That’s about 2-3% of your cat’s weight. Below is a simple formula to help you:

Your pet’s weight (lb) X .025 (for normal weight) x 16= ___oz of rw food

If you have inactive or overweight cat, just multiply by .02 and .03 for pets that are underweight or very active.

7) Do cats live longer on raw diet?

Yes.

A cat fed with the right raw diet lives longer and more healthy.

With a healthy body, your cat will have have a strong immune system that can battle any illness or infection and makes his internal organs function normally.

Cats age in a faster rate, and their life span can be approximatey 14 years.

But cats with a well-maintained and nutritionally balanced diet can extend them up to 25 years!

Conclusion

The best raw cat food can keep your cat healthy and also enhance its longevity by reducing potential health diseases.

When it comes to best raw cat food trends, the benefits it could give from the ingredients present in each formulation are vital. In the same way, balanced meals should consist of the right amount of essential nutrients when you give raw food diet to your pet.

Nowadays, even the best raw cat food trends cannot provide 100% safety when given without caution. Salmonella poisoning is one common fear when raw meat diet is given without quality checks. That’s why we only recommended a vet-certified and fur parent-approved raw food diet!

We recommend Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels for Cats because it is rich in taurine, Omega-3, and antioxidants for enhanced immunity and digestion and also made using high-quality ingredients in certified USA kitchens.

Do check out our other recommendations as well.

If you have an overweight indoor cat at home it is best to check our reviews on Best Cat Food For Overweight Indoor Cats.