Raw VS Cooked Food For Cats: Which Is Better?

While your cat might be a domesticated indoor pet, it still holds onto its wild roots. And looking at the diet of its wild cousins, you might wonder, Is raw food better for my cat? But others claim cooked food is digested better. Keep on reading to find out which option is better for your cat.

Raw VS Cooked Food For Cats: Which Is Better?
Calico cat eating raw meat

Feeding your cat seems simple until you start wondering what’s really best for them. Should you stick with cooked food, or is raw food the way to go? Some say raw diets bring cats closer to their wild instincts, keeping them strong and energized. Others believe cooking food makes it safer and easier to digest. So, which one is truly better? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. 

Raw Food for Cats

Pros:

  • Closer to nature: Raw food is what wild cats eat. It’s packed with fresh protein, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Easy to digest: Cats’ bodies are built for raw meat, so they can process it quickly.
  • Fewer fillers: Raw diets usually skip the unnecessary carbs found in some commercial foods.
  • Shiny coats and happy tummies: Some cat owners notice better fur, more energy, and less smelly poop!

Cons:

  • Danger of bacteria: Raw meat can have harmful bacteria like Salmonella, which can make both you and your cat sick.
  • Lack of specific nutrients: A homemade raw diet can miss key nutrients like taurine and vitamin E unless carefully balanced.
  • Choking and injuries: Bones in raw food can be dangerous if they’re not ground properly.
  • Kitchen cleanup: Handling raw meat means extra cleaning to keep your home safe.

Cooked Food for Cats

Pros:

  • Safer to eat: Cooking kills bacteria, making it a safer option for your cat and your household.
  • Easier on sensitive stomachs: Lightly cooked meat is still nutritious and easier to digest for some cats.
  • More control over what they eat: If you cook your cat’s food at home, you know exactly what’s in it.

Cons:

  • Loss of nutrients: Cooking can destroy some vitamins and minerals. You may need supplements to replace them.
  • Takes more time: Preparing balanced home-cooked meals can be a lot of work.

So, Which One Is Better?

No one answer would apply to all cats. It depends on your cat and your lifestyle. 

Raw diets can be great if they’re properly balanced and handled safely. And cooked diets offer safety while still giving high-quality nutrition. 

If you’re unsure, commercial wet or dry food is a convenient and balanced choice.

Final Thoughts

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to meet your cat’s nutritional needs. If you want to try raw or home-cooked food, talk to a vet or a pet nutritionist to make sure your cat gets everything they need. After all, a happy cat means a happy home!