RAW FOOD FOR CATS

Cats are true carnivores. Unlike dogs or humans, their bodies are biologically designed to thrive on raw animal-based nutrition. Cats evolved hunting prey animals, not eating grains or highly processed foods. Their bodies require nutrients naturally found in raw meat, organs and bones, including:

• Taurine
• Arachidonic acid
• Vitamin A (from animal sources)
• High levels of animal protein

Without enough animal-based nutrition, cats can develop serious health issues.

Cats are strict carnivores and do not metabolise carbohydrates efficiently(Reference Kienzle1–Reference Kienzle5). The typical prey diet of cats is low in carbohydrate ( < 10 % metabolisable energy (ME))(Reference Eisert6); however, most commercially available dry cat foods are moderate to high in carbohydrate content (>25–55 % ME). Link here

Cats naturally have a low thirst drive because they evolved getting most of their hydration from prey. Raw food typically contains around 65–75% moisture, helping support:

• Kidney health
• Urinary tract health
• Hydration
• Bladder function

Dry kibble is often only around 10% moisture.

Cats have short, acidic digestive tracts designed to process raw meat efficiently. Many cats fed raw diets experience:

• Smaller, less smelly stools
• Reduced digestive upset
• Better nutrient absorption
• Less filler consumption
  

Cats have:

• No biological requirement for carbohydrates
• Limited ability to process large amounts of starch
• Metabolisms designed around protein and fat.

Many processed foods contain significant carbohydrate fillers that are not part of a natural feline diet.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has become one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in aging cats, and veterinary literature consistently notes that the frequency of diagnosis has increased significantly over recent decades.

CKD is now one of the most common diseases in older cats. Research estimates:

• 20–50% of cats over 10 years old have some degree of CKD
• Up to 40% of cats over 10 may be affected
• Some studies estimate 31–80% of cats over 15 years old show CKD changes
  

Choosing the right raw meaty bone for your cat depends on their size, age, and raw feeding experience. As a rule raw bones should be supplied to mimic the natural prey of your cats ancestors.

• Safe to chew
• Appropriate for their size
• Soft enough to consume
• Nutritionally beneficial
• Mentally enriching.

WHAT TO AVOID

• Large dense bones that cannot be eaten.
• Weight-bearing bones from large animals
  

WHAT TO FEED
Great options for raw meaty bones for cats are:

• Chicken necks
• Duck Necks ( chunk meal)
• Quail
• Duck Wings
• Rabbit Pieces
• Mutton Bird Frames
  

Benefits include:

• Dental cleaning
• Taurine-rich tissue
• Mental enrichment
• Natural chewing behaviour
  

If your cat is new to raw feeding, it’s important to start simple and transition gradually. Cats are naturally designed to eat and digest small lraw meaty bones, however digestive function can vary depending on what they’ve been previously fed.

Cats raised on processed kibble diets may need time to adjust, as highly processed foods can impact stomach acidity and natural digestive function. For this reason, we always recommend introducing softer, beginner-friendly raw bones during the first few weeks of transitioning.

Start with softer options below that are easier to chew and digest while helping your cat naturally adapt to a species-appropriate raw diet.

Great beginner choices:

1. Chicken necks
2. Duck Wing
3. Duck necks
4. Duck Feet
5. Mutton Bird Frames

A good raw meaty bone for cats should:

• Be raw (never cooked).
• Be appropriately sized.
• Softer/more gristle for new chewers
• Contain meat, connective tissue and cartilage.
• Encourage chewing instead of swallowing.
• Match your cats size and chewing ability.

We stock over 11 different protein ranges that includes duck, chicken, water buffalo, mutton bird, turkey, emu, rabbit, quail, lamb, beef, fish, goat and deer.

Raw feeding is about far more than just minced meat patties. Raw meaty bones are an essential part of both BARF and prey model raw feeding, helping support dental health, mental enrichment, joint support and species-appropriate nutrition for dogs and cats.

At RogueRaw, we stock a premium variety of raw meaty bones for dogs and cats including beginner-friendly bones, edible bones, recreational bones and novel proteins suited to different sizes, breeds, ages and chewing styles.

Whether you’re feeding BARF, prey model raw, or simply adding natural enrichment to your pet’s diet, our range allows you to customise feeding naturally as your pet’s needs evolve through every life stage.

At RogueRaw, we believe quality starts at the source. That’s why we prioritise ethically sourced, wild and free-range produce wherever possible — supporting more natural, sustainable and responsible food systems for pets and the animals they come from.

Our range includes premium wild-sourced and free-range raw pet food, raw meaty bones and novel proteins selected to better reflect a dog and cat’s ancestral diet while supporting ethical Australian producers doing the right thing.

For pet owners seeking more natural, sustainable and species-appropriate feeding options, our carefully sourced range provides a healthier and more biologically appropriate alternative to heavily processed pet foods.