Introduction
A raw diet is more than just a meal—it’s a lifestyle that reconnects your cat to their natural instincts and nutritional needs. Cats are obligate carnivores, designed by nature to thrive on high-quality protein and essential nutrients found in raw food. Unlike processed kibble, which is filled with unnecessary fillers and carbohydrates, raw food provides a biologically appropriate diet that supports optimal health and vitality.
Prey Model Raw Diet for Cats
We are often asked, “Is it safe to feed cats raw meat?” At Pure Gene, we follow the Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet, which is designed to closely mimic a cat’s natural diet in the wild. Since cats are obligate carnivores, their dietary needs are best met by looking at what their wild counterparts, such as wildcats, eat. Cats share a similar digestive system with their wild ancestors, making a PMR diet the most natural and beneficial choice.
What is the Prey Model Raw Diet for Cats?
The PMR diet focuses on feeding cats the proportions and ratios they would naturally consume when eating prey in the wild. Unlike processed kibble or canned food, which are filled with unnatural fillers and carbohydrates, the PMR diet provides cats with the high-protein nutrition their bodies are designed to digest.
Benefits of Feeding Cats Raw Meat
Balanced Weight
A high-protein raw diet helps your cat maintain a healthy weight. By eliminating high-carb kibble, cats are less likely to gain excess weight. Raw feeding supports clean eating, keeping your cat satisfied and in optimal shape.
Essential Nutrients
Raw food provides essential nutrients in a more natural form This helps ensure that they receive all the vitamins, minerals, and proteins they need for optimal health, without the fillers or artificial additives often found in processed foods.
Shinier Coats
Raw meat provides essential proteins and healthy fats that nourish your cat’s skin and fur. Many cat owners report noticeably shinier, softer coats after switching to raw feeding.
Safer Option
Feeding raw meat is not only healthy but also safer than many think. According to leading veterinarians like Dr. Karen Becker, recalls are far more common with dry kibble than with commercial raw diets. A properly prepared raw diet is a safer and healthier choice for your cat.
Stronger Muscles
Cats thrive on a high-protein diet. Just like humans, a low-protein diet can lead to muscle loss and joint problems. Kibble is often high in carbohydrates and low in protein, which is not suitable for cats. Feeding raw meat supports strong muscles, better mobility, and overall vitality.
Cleaner Teeth
Chewing on raw meaty bones naturally cleans your cat’s teeth. The act of gnawing helps remove plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of dental disease. In contrast, kibble acts like sugar, sticking to the teeth and promoting dental issues.
Improved Digestion
One of the most noticeable benefits of a raw diet is improved digestion. You’ll likely see:
Less waste: Higher nutritional content means your cat’s body absorbs more of the food, resulting in smaller stools.
Reduced flatulence and better-smelling litter box: Raw diets reduce digestive issues caused by fillers in kibble.
Fewer urinary issues: Kibble contains added salts that make cats drink more and urinate more frequently. Raw diets help maintain proper hydration naturally.
Gradually Transition To Raw
Gradually Transition To Raw
Start by mixing 15% raw food with 85% current wet food for 3 days. then increase the proportion of raw food by 15% every 3 days while decreasing the proportion of wet food by 15%
Continuing this gradual transition until you reach 100% raw food
Take it slow. new foods may cause upset stomach if not introduced slowly
Keep away any food for at least 8 hours before serving the meal
TIP
If your cat hesitates, add a teaspoon of creamy treat or yogurt to encourage them.
And for picky eaters, get our toppings and sprinkle it on the top of the food
Serving
Transfer one meal from the freezer to the fridge 12-16 hours before serving to allow
Storage
Raw food stays fresh for up to three months in the freezer or three days in the refrigerator
Transition Diagram
Day 1
Mix 15% Raw with 85% Wet food
Day 4
Mix 30% Raw with 70% Wet food
Day 7
Mix 45% Raw with 55% Wet food
Day 10
Mix 60% Raw with 40% Wet food
Day 13
Mix 75% Raw with 25% Wet food
Day 16
Mix 90% Raw with 10% Wet food
Day 19
Complete