Why Aren’t More Cats Eating Raw — and Why They Should Be

Raw feeding has become a popular trend in the pet food industry, praised for its benefits in health, digestion, and overall well-being. Yet, while many dog owners have embraced raw diets, cat owners remain hesitant. This reluctance isn’t because raw isn’t suitable for cats — on the contrary, cats as obligate carnivores are arguably the perfect candidates for raw diets. Instead, the barriers are rooted in perception, practicality, and misinformation.

Why Raw?

Raw feeding is more than just a trend — it’s a way to honor your cat’s natural diet as an obligate carnivore. By overcoming the perceived barriers of cost, convenience, and misinformation, cat owners can discover the incredible benefits of raw food, from shinier coats to healthier digestion and more energy.

If you’re curious about raw feeding, start small, explore your options, and see the difference it can make for your cat. Whether you choose frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, or a mix of both, your cat’s health and happiness will thank you.

Let’s explore the reasons behind the hesitation and how we can overcome it.

The Convenience Factor

For many cat owners, convenience is a top priority. Kibble and wet food are simple to serve, require minimal cleanup, and don’t need freezer space. They are familiar, easy, and require no adjustments to routine — no risk, no extra effort. In contrast, raw feeding can feel more demanding, involving tasks like thawing frozen portions, handling raw meat, and ensuring proper surface sanitation. For busy cat owners, these additional steps can seem overwhelming.

Solution: Pre-portioned raw meals, like frozen nuggets or patties, take the guesswork out of preparation. Frozen morsels can even be served straight from the freezer, thawing in minutes. For those seeking ultimate convenience, freeze-dried raw food offers an excellent alternative — it’s scoop-and-serve, with no need for refrigeration or thawing. This makes it perfect for owners who want to dip their toes into raw feeding without the extra hassle.

Concerns About Cost

Feeding raw often appears expensive at first glance. Price tags like $14.99 or $29.99 for a bag of raw food may seem steep compared to canned food priced at $1.99, $2.99, or $3.99. This upfront cost can deter cat owners. However, when broken down, frozen raw food is often significantly more economical than wet food.

Solution: Focus on the true cost — measured per meal or per month — rather than the price per bag or per shopping trip.

Example:

	•	A premium can of cat food costs an average of $2.79 for a 5.5 oz can. A 10–12 lb cat typically requires two cans per day. This comes to $5.58 per day or about $167.40 per month.

	•	In comparison, a bag of ultra-premium frozen raw nuggets costs $29.99 for a 3 lb bag containing approximately 48 nuggets. A cat of the same size typically consumes 6–8 nuggets per day, meaning one bag lasts about 6–8 days. This puts the daily cost at approximately $3.75–$5 and the monthly cost at $112.50–$150.

While raw feeding can seem more expensive upfront, calculating the cost over time shows it can actually be more affordable than premium wet food.

Cats’ Pickiness

Cats are creatures of habit and tend to imprint on their food preferences early in life. Introducing a new texture, temperature, or smell — like raw meat — can be a challenge, especially for cats that have been on kibble for years.

Solution: Transition slowly. Start by mixing small amounts of raw food with their current diet or offering freeze-dried raw as a treat. Let the cat explore and adjust at its own pace. Some cats may prefer their raw food slightly warmed to mimic fresh prey, while others may prefer freeze-dried raw due to its intense flavor.

Additional Tips

• Ask for samples to test what your cat likes without committing to a full purchase.
• Check return policies for raw food. Many retailers understand the challenges of transitioning and may offer returns or exchanges if the product doesn’t work.
• Try more than once. Don’t rush to return food your cat didn’t like immediately — some cats require gentle persuasion or multiple introductions. The effort is worth it for improved nutrition and potentially lower long-term feeding costs.

Health and Safety Concerns

We understand that handling raw meat might raise concerns about bacteria like salmonella or E. coli, and you may worry about providing the right balance of nutrients to keep your cat healthy. These are valid concerns, but here’s the good news: feeding raw doesn’t have to be risky or complicated.

Solution: Choose commercially prepared raw diets. These products are held to strict safety standards and often go through processes like High-Pressure Processing (HPP) to reduce harmful pathogens. This means you can feel confident that the food is safe for your cat.

Even better, pre-packaged raw meals are nutritionally balanced by professionals, so there’s no guesswork involved. You’re not required to figure out the right mix of nutrients—they’ve already done that for you. It’s as simple as scoop and serve!

By starting with trusted brands, you can embrace raw feeding without the stress. You’re giving your cat a diet that aligns with their natural needs while ensuring their safety and health.

Veterinary Advice and Lack of Awareness

If you’ve been hesitant about raw feeding because your vet recommended kibble or wet food, you’re not alone. Many vets remain skeptical of raw diets, often because they’ve encountered pets that were fed poorly balanced or non-premium raw food. Additionally, raw feeding can seem like a niche choice, leaving some cat owners unaware of its benefits or its availability in safe, high-quality forms.

Solution: There’s both science and experience supporting the benefits of raw diets for cats. From a scientific perspective, cats are biologically designed as “meat-eating machines.” Their anatomy and physiology offer clear evidence:

• Their sharp teeth are built for ripping meat, not grinding grains.
• They lack certain enzymes needed to process carbohydrates.
• Their digestive systems are short and acidic, designed to handle raw proteins efficiently.

From an experiential perspective, raw-fed cats often show remarkable improvements in their overall health. You might notice:

• Shinier, softer coats.
• Improved appetite and enthusiasm for meals.
• Smaller portions because raw is nutrient-dense.
• Smaller, firmer stools due to fewer fillers and carbs.
• Better energy and vitality, along with benefits to internal health that aren’t always visible but are just as important.

If your vet seems hesitant, seek advice from an open-minded professional who understands raw feeding and is familiar with the safe, high-quality options available today. Educate yourself and share your findings — it’s a great way to bridge the gap between traditional advice and modern approaches to feline nutrition.

How to Make Raw Feeding Work

If you’re considering raw feeding for your cat, here are some tips to make the transition smooth and successful:

1. Start Small: Introduce raw food as a topper or treat to let your cat get accustomed to the taste and texture.
2. Have a Backup Plan: Keep a bag of freeze-dried raw food at home for convenience or as a backup option when you forget to thaw frozen meals.
3. Transition Gradually: Mix raw food with your cat’s current diet, slowly increasing the ratio of raw to avoid digestive upset.
4. Experiment: Try both frozen raw and freeze-dried raw to see which your cat prefers and what fits your lifestyle.
5. Do What You Can: Even small amounts of raw food can benefit your cat. For instance, adding a frozen raw nugget to their daily diet is like giving them a “superfood” boost.