There has been an increasing emphasis on the importance of feeding cats a well-balanced species appropriate diet. As a result, many kitty guardians have discovered the majority of the popular well-known brands of commercially prepared cat food are falling short of meeting their cats’ essential nutritional needs. In part these nutritional discrepancies are caused by the heat processing required to meet Governmental standards.
What also remains a great source of concern to cat guardians are the number of cat-food recalls caused by bacterial contamination, a presence of foreign substances or excess minerals and an insufficient level of vitamins.
I often hear from people whose cats have become sick after being fed their regular brand of cat food. But upon checking the pet food label they discovered that the product carries a different bar code. They are wondering if this may be the reason their pet became ill and they immediately check the list of pet foods that have recently been recalled.
As a result of these concerns many people have now started considering switching their cats to a more “natural” food; a food that more closely resembles what they would eat in their natural habitat. They are considering feeding a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food; more commonly known as B.A.R.F. It simply makes sense that feeding better nutrition to our cats will result in their better health.
With the growing body of knowledge about feline nutrition cat guardians are becoming aware that many common medical conditions such as allergies, obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, dental disease and poor coat condition is often the result of an inadequate diet. And while some commercial cat foods are being touted as the “best” possible nutrition, they often contain grain and other carbohydrate-laden ingredients that can trigger these conditions.
But there is a fly in the ointment. In spite of the growing number of pet nutritionists who consider raw food diets as an excellent alternative to promote better feline health; according to Veterinarian Karen Becker, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)’s current policy on feeding raw or undercooked animal-source protein which has not been processed to eliminate any pathogens is greatly discouraged since it puts pets (and humans) at risk of becoming ill.
In June 2014, Colorado State University veterinarians warned of the dangers of feeding pets raw diets, stating the risks of contamination and the possibility of the diet being nutritionally imbalanced. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) followed suit and issued its own warnings of the potential of food poisoning in raw food diets.
This said, there seems to be a real “head scratcher in the pet food industry” according to Dr. Becker. Why is it that although feeding raw food diets to our pets is a huge “no-no” according to main stream veterinarians, The AVMA and Government officials, the raw food community appears to be growing by leaps and bounds? That’s a question upon which to we might wish to chew.
According to Dr. Becker, PetfoodIndustry.com concedes that when it comes to commercial raw pet food, “Whatever the controversy, there’s no doubting these categories are on the rise in the industry.”
Based on the growing number of cat guardians who are feeding their pets a safe, nutritionally complete, species appropriate raw diet, this writer is greatly heartened by Dr. Becker’s prediction that the demand by consumers will eventually have to influence the “traditional” commercial pet food manufacturers to meet that demand. And if they do, our cats are sure to reap the benefits
What is your opinion? Have you considered feeding your cats a B.A.R. F. diet? Share your thoughts in a comment.
jmuhj,after I read Dr. Karen Becker’s interview with Dr. Lisa Pierson- both experts in feline nutrition, it only made me stronger in by beliefs that cats need meat! I just can’t get my head wrapped around feeding rodent meat to them.
Unfortunately many premier brands of cat food proclaim that they are “grainless”- and these products may not contain grain per se, but they contain an inordinate amount of carbohydrates- from potatoes, peas, carrots, and fruit.
I have yet to see or hear of a feral cat picking through a patch of blueberries, or chomping on carrots in the neighbor’s garden- but in the wild, they do get a small amount of grain products from the food that the rodent, small mammals, and birds consumed, upon which they prey.
The by-products in the cheaper brands of cat wet cat food can actually be fairly nutritious, since brains and other protein rich substances are good for kitties, so they may even be preferable to those canned foods that have no by-products in them but are laden with carbohydrates. Dr. Pierson no longer has a huge problem with Friskies- for example, as long as it the canned variety. She strongly advise that feeding canned food is greatly preferable to any dry food.
It certainly is quite costly to feed raw- but this said, saving on vet bills is worth it- and feeding cats what they enjoy.
Sadly Dr. Hush Puppy refuses to eat raw turkey- so we feed chicken- which he loves. I must say that I have noticed that they seem to be doing extremely well- a huge reduction in vomiting which is great for them. Although they have some serious health issues now that they are geriatric kitties and I feel I may have contributed to that without feeding them the diet I am feeding them now- they are doing a LOT better. I also attribute this to the supplements that I am giving them now, such as Omega 3 and cardio/ kidney supplements, and probiotics which they seem to love as well. They think these supplements are “treats” and I don’t tell them any different:)
forgot to add that the doctor’s prognosis for him was NOT good. she did not think he would live very long after his surgery, nor did she feel that his skin and coat would ever recover.
a month later i took him back for his check-up and she couldn’t believe it was the same cat. his fur and skin was about 98% healed and his mouth had completely healed from the teeth extractions.