Everything You Need to Know About The BARF Diet for Cats

The BARF diet for cats stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food. It focuses on feeding cats raw meat, bones, and organs, mimicking their natural diet. This approach aims to provide nutrients that are easier for cats to digest compared to processed foods, closely resembling what their wild ancestors would eat.

Keyword Takeaways

• BARF Diet for Cats – A key term throughout the article, refers to Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food.
• Raw Meat – Essential component of the BARF diet, including chicken, turkey, beef, rabbit, and game meats.
• Bones – Critical for calcium and dental health, including chicken wings, necks, and other raw, soft bones.
• Organs – Important for nutrients, including liver, kidneys, and heart.
• Nutritional Balance – Concern for maintaining proper nutrient levels in the BARF diet.
• Digestive Health – Related to how the raw diet may affect a cat’s digestion.
• Coat Health – Improvement in fur quality is often reported with a BARF diet.
• Dental Health – Benefits from chewing raw bones for cleaner teeth.
• Weight Maintenance – Potential for healthier weight due to high protein and low fillers.
• Allergies and Sensitivities – Reduction of allergic reactions from commercial food ingredients.
• Preparation and Hygiene – Important for ensuring safety, including freezing meat and cleaning preparation surfaces.
• Transition to BARF Diet – Steps for gradually introducing raw food to a cat’s diet.
• Veterinary Opinions – Concerns about nutritional balance, bacterial contamination, digestive health, and parasites.
• Health Benefits – Potential improvements in coat, energy, digestion, and overall health.

What Is the BARF Diet for Cats?

The BARF diet for cats stands out in the realm of feline nutrition as a unique and increasingly popular choice among pet owners.

But what does it actually mean?

The acronym BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food.

This diet is built on the premise that domestic cats, much like their wild ancestors, thrive on a diet that closely mirrors what they would naturally consume in the wild.

So, what would that be?

A diet rich in raw meat, bones, organs, and sometimes even small amounts of plant matter.

To a cat’s digestive system, this is the closest thing to perfection.

The reasoning behind the BARF diet is simple: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to get most, if not all, of their nutrients from animal-based sources.

Their digestive tracts are short, and their bodies are adapted to break down raw animal protein efficiently.

This leads many to believe that processed, commercial cat food doesn’t provide the same level of nutrition that a raw diet would.

Is a BARF Diet for Cats Safe?

The BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet for cats has gained popularity among pet owners who want to provide a more natural, species-appropriate diet for their feline companions. 

Many believe that feeding cats a raw diet offers numerous health benefits that processed commercial food can’t always provide. Here’s a deeper look into the potential benefits of a BARF diet for cats:

1. Mimics a Cat’s Ancestral Diet

A BARF diet closely resembles what cats would naturally eat in the wild. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on a diet of raw meat, bones, and organs. 

By feeding them raw food, you’re providing them with what their bodies are biologically designed to digest. This natural approach to feeding supports their overall health, as their ancestors evolved on similar diets for thousands of years.

2. Improved Coat Health and Shedding Reduction

One of the most noticeable benefits cat owners report after switching to a BARF diet is an improvement in their cat’s coat. Raw diets often result in shinier, healthier fur, which is likely due to the higher levels of essential fatty acids and natural oils found in raw meat. 

Cats on a BARF diet may experience less shedding and fewer hairballs, which can be a huge relief for both the cat and the owner.

3. Better Dental Health

A BARF diet can promote better dental health in cats. Chewing on raw bones and meat helps to clean their teeth naturally by scraping away plaque and tartar. 

This mechanical action keeps their teeth stronger and reduces the likelihood of developing dental issues, such as gingivitis or tooth decay. While dental problems are common among cats fed processed food, a raw diet can help reduce the need for frequent dental cleanings.

4. Healthy Weight Maintenance

Cats on a raw diet are often better able to maintain a healthy weight. Commercial cat foods are sometimes packed with unnecessary carbohydrates and fillers that can lead to weight gain and obesity. 

Since raw food consists mostly of protein, fat, and moisture, cats on a BARF diet may maintain a leaner, healthier physique. The high protein content also helps them build and maintain muscle mass, which is important for overall strength and mobility, especially as they age.

5. Less Allergies and Sensitivities

Some cats develop allergies or sensitivities to the artificial ingredients and additives found in commercial cat food. Switching to a BARF diet eliminates exposure to these potential allergens and may reduce or eliminate symptoms like itching, skin irritations, and digestive issues. 

Because raw food is more natural and closer to what cats would eat in the wild, their bodies are often better equipped to handle it without triggering allergic reactions.

Related: How To Feed Raw Food For Your Cat

What Does a BARF Diet Consist Of?

Now, you might be wondering: What exactly does the BARF diet entail?

At its core, the BARF diet is composed of raw, natural ingredients that mimic a cat’s prey in the wild.

Here’s a basic breakdown of what a typical BARF diet for cats includes:

1. Muscle meat: This forms the bulk of the diet. Common choices are chicken, turkey, rabbit, beef, and even game meats like quail. Muscle meat is rich in protein, which is essential for your cat’s growth and development.
2. Bones: Yes, bones are a critical component of the BARF diet. Raw, soft bones (like chicken wings or necks) provide calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals that cats need to keep their bones and teeth strong. Chewing on bones also helps maintain good dental hygiene.
3. Organs: Organs, especially liver, kidney, and heart, are nutrient powerhouses. They provide essential vitamins like A and B, as well as minerals such as iron and zinc. 
4. Supplements: Some BARF diet advocates also recommend adding supplements to ensure your cat is getting all the nutrients it needs. Common supplements include taurine (essential for heart and eye health), omega-3 fatty acids (for a shiny coat and healthy skin), and probiotics (to aid digestion).

Doesn’t that sound like a feast fit for a feline king?

To many cats, the BARF diet offers variety, taste, and texture that far surpasses the same old kibble they’ve been eating for years.

Why Some Cats Thrive on the BARF Diet

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are designed to break down and utilize nutrients found in animal tissues.

In the wild, a cat’s diet would primarily consist of small prey like birds, rodents, and insects.

These animals provide not just muscle meat, but also bones, organs, and other tissues that contribute to a balanced diet.

When you feed your cat raw meat, bones, and organs through the BARF diet, you’re mimicking this natural prey model.

This leads to several potential benefits:

1. Improved digestion: Many cats experience fewer digestive problems on a raw diet. Since their bodies are adapted to break down raw meat, the food is easier to digest, and issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea may become less frequent.
2. Shinier coat: One of the first changes many cat owners notice is an improvement in their cat’s coat. The high-quality protein and healthy fats in the BARF diet contribute to a glossy, soft, and healthy-looking coat.
3. Increased energy levels: Cats on the BARF diet often show increased vitality. With proper nutrition fueling their bodies, they have more energy to play, explore, and engage with their environment.
4. Better dental health: Chewing on raw bones helps to clean your cat’s teeth and massage their gums, which can reduce the risk of plaque buildup and dental disease.
5. Enhanced hydration: Since raw meat contains a high amount of moisture, cats on the BARF diet tend to be better hydrated than those fed dry kibble.

Is the BARF Diet for Every Cat?

It’s important to note that while the BARF diet has many supporters, it’s not the right choice for every cat.

Every cat is unique, and just like humans, they can have different dietary needs and preferences.

For instance, cats with certain medical conditions might not tolerate a raw diet as well as others.

Additionally, transitioning to a raw diet requires care and patience.

Some cats may initially be resistant to the new food, especially if they’ve been fed commercial diets their entire lives.

The key is to introduce the BARF diet slowly and monitor your cat’s health throughout the transition.

What To Include In a Balanced BARF Diet for Cats

A well-balanced BARF diet is crucial to ensure your cat gets all the necessary nutrients.

Simply feeding raw meat isn’t enough.

Here’s a guideline to help you ensure that your cat’s BARF diet is complete and nutritious:

1. Meat Variety: Include a variety of meats like chicken, turkey, beef, and rabbit. Different proteins provide different nutrients, so rotating meats is a good practice.
2. Bones: Raw bones are essential for calcium and phosphorus. Chicken wings, necks, and feet are popular choices. Be sure to avoid cooked bones, as they can splinter and cause harm.
3. Organs: These are nature’s multivitamins. Incorporate liver, kidneys, and heart into your cat’s diet for a well-rounded nutrient profile.
4. Fat: Some cuts of meat can be quite lean, so adding a bit of extra fat—like chicken skin—can help provide essential fatty acids.
5. Supplements: While raw food provides most of the nutrients your cat needs, some owners choose to add supplements like taurine, which is critical for heart and eye health in cats.

BARF Diet for Cats vs. Commercial Food

Let’s take a moment to compare the BARF diet with commercial cat food.

Imagine you’re in the pet store, scanning the aisles of kibble and canned food.

You might be wondering, Why go through the trouble of feeding raw food when there are so many convenient options available?

Here’s the thing: Commercial cat food, especially dry kibble, is highly processed.

While it may be nutritionally balanced, the high levels of processing can degrade the quality of the ingredients.

Many commercial foods also contain fillers like corn and wheat, which don’t provide much nutritional value for cats.

The BARF diet, on the other hand, offers whole, unprocessed foods that are more in line with what your cat would eat in the wild.

This raw approach often leads to better health outcomes for cats, especially when it comes to their coat, energy levels, and digestion.

However, convenience is a factor.

Commercial food is easy to store, doesn’t require as much preparation, and has a long shelf life.

In contrast, the BARF diet requires sourcing fresh ingredients, preparing meals, and properly storing raw food to avoid spoilage.

How To Prepare A BARF Diet?

Preparing a BARF diet involves several key steps to ensure it is safe and nutritionally balanced for your cat:

1. Source High-Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality meat from reputable suppliers. Opt for human-grade meat and avoid anything that has been left unrefrigerated.

2. Freeze the Meat: Freeze the raw meat for at least two to three days.
This helps kill parasites and makes the meat safer for your cat.

3. Balance the Diet: Include a variety of meats, bones, and organs to provide complete nutrition. Ensure the diet includes muscle meat, organ meat (like liver and kidneys), and bones. Consult with a pet nutritionist to create a balanced meal plan.

4. Prepare the Food: Thaw the meat in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Cut the meat and bones into appropriate sizes for your cat.
Mix in any supplements or additional nutrients as recommended by your vet or nutritionist.

5. Practice Good Hygiene:
Clean all utensils, surfaces, and hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
Store prepared meals in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage.

What Raw Foods Are Safe For Cats?

When feeding your cat a raw diet, it’s crucial to choose safe and nutritious raw foods. Here’s a detailed look at what you can include:

Muscle Meat: Raw muscle meats like chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb are excellent choices for your cat.
These meats should be fresh and handled properly.
Avoid any meat with bones that can splinter, as these can cause choking or digestive issues.

Eggs: Raw eggs can be a good source of protein and essential fatty acids.
They should be fresh and clean to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
Use raw eggs occasionally and not as a primary food source.

Organs: Including organs like the liver, kidney, and heart in your cat’s diet is important.
These organs are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and B vitamins.
Liver should be fed in moderation due to its high vitamin A content, which can cause toxicity in large amounts.

Bones: Raw bones, such as chicken wings, turkey necks, and duck wings, are good for your cat.
They provide calcium and help with dental health.
Ensure the bones are raw and not cooked, as cooked bones can splinter and cause serious health issues.

Fish: Raw fish like salmon or sardines can be a healthy addition to your cat’s diet.
Fish provides omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients.
Be cautious to ensure the fish is free from parasites and handle it properly to prevent contamination.

Remember to practice proper food safety, such as freezing meat to kill parasites and maintaining strict hygiene during preparation. For a balanced diet, consult with a pet nutritionist or veterinarian to ensure all nutritional needs are met and that the diet is appropriate for your cat’s specific health conditions.

How To Start a BARF Diet?

Starting a BARF diet requires a gradual transition to help your cat adjust and ensure the diet is suitable:

1. Consult Your Vet: Before beginning, consult your veterinarian to discuss the BARF diet and ensure it’s appropriate for your cat’s health condition.

2. Introduce Slowly: Begin by mixing a small amount of raw food with your cat’s current diet. Gradually increase the amount of raw food over a week or two while decreasing the amount of commercial food.

3. Monitor Your Cat: Watch for any signs of digestive upset or allergies.
Ensure your cat is adjusting well and showing positive changes like improved coat condition and energy levels.

4. Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular vet check-ups to monitor your cat’s health and ensure the BARF diet is meeting their nutritional needs.

By following these steps, you can successfully introduce your cat to the BARF diet, making the transition smooth and beneficial for their overall health.

How much BARF should I feed my cat?

To determine how much BARF diet to feed your cat, generally offer 2% to 4% of their body weight in raw food daily. For a 10-pound (4.5 kg) cat, this translates to approximately 0.2 to 0.4 pounds (90 to 180 grams) of food each day. 

Divide this amount into two or more meals. Adjust portions based on your cat’s activity level and monitor their weight and health. Ensure the diet is balanced with a mix of muscle meat, organs, and bones. 

What Do Vets Have to Say About the BARF Diet for Cats?

When it comes to the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet for cats, veterinarians have varying opinions.

Here’s a look at what experts typically highlight about this raw food approach.

Common Veterinary Opinions on the BARF Diet

1. Nutritional Balance
Many vets are concerned about the nutritional balance of the BARF diet.
Cats need a precise mix of nutrients to stay healthy.
A poorly balanced BARF diet may lead to deficiencies or excesses of certain nutrients.
Veterinarians often emphasize the importance of consulting a pet nutritionist to ensure the diet meets all of a cat’s nutritional needs.

2. Digestive Health Concerns
Some veterinarians express concerns about raw bones used in the BARF diet.
While raw bones are less likely to splinter than cooked ones, they still pose a choking hazard or risk of intestinal blockage.
Vets recommend monitoring your cat closely when they’re eating bones and using appropriately sized pieces.

3. Parasite Risks
Raw meat can carry parasites that may infect your cat.
Veterinarians advise freezing the meat before feeding to kill many parasites.
However, even with this precaution, there’s still a risk that some parasites could survive.

4. General Health and Well-being
On the positive side, some vets acknowledge that cats on a well-balanced BARF diet may show improvements in coat condition, energy levels, and overall health.
The diet is believed to be closer to what cats would eat in the wild, which can be beneficial for some.

FAQs

Conclusion

The BARF diet for cats presents a natural and nutritious alternative to commercial cat food.

By focusing on raw meat, bones, and organs, the BARF diet aims to mimic the natural diet of a wild cat.

The benefits—improved digestion, a shinier coat, more energy, and better dental health—are often enough to convince many cat owners to make the switch.

However, it’s essential to approach the BARF diet with care, ensuring that your cat’s meals are balanced and that the transition is done gradually.

Every cat is unique, and while the BARF diet may work wonders for some, it’s not the best option for every feline.

For cat owners willing to put in the effort, the rewards of the BARF diet can be significant, leading to a healthier and happier cat in the long run.

READ ALSO:

Nutrition and Diet Tips for Cats and Dogs

Can Cats Eat Brussels Sprouts? Benefits, Risks, & Safe Feeding Tips

Can Cats Eat Turmeric? Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives

How To Get A Cat To Eat Wet Food: Vet Shares 20 Best Tips