Raw food for cats: which recipe to choose, how much to feed and how to get started
Why a recipe made for cats?
Cats are strict carnivores: their nutritional needs are different from a dog’s. Among other things, they need taurine, a nutrient found in meat. A dog recipe is not formulated for them: over time, it could cause problems. Give your cat a cat recipe, and your dog a dog recipe.
Which recipe to choose?
| Recipe | Type of meal | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Complete Cat | Complete meal: nothing to add | Cats and kittens |
| Chicken Meat, Mixed Meats, Mixed Meats With Fish, Mixed Meats and Offal | Meat and ground bones, not complete without vegetables, supplements and minerals: you complete it yourself | Owners who prepare their cat’s supplements themselves |
The simplest choice is Premium Complete Cat. Not sure? Call us at 514-967-6794.
How much should I feed my cat?
An adult cat eats 2 to 3% of its body weight per day; a kitten, 4 to 6%. Adjust the amount to its age and activity level so it keeps a healthy weight.
| Adult cat’s weight | Per day (2 to 3%) |
|---|---|
| 6 lb (2.7 kg) | 55 to 80 g |
| 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 75 to 110 g |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 90 to 135 g |
| 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 110 to 165 g |
| 14 lb (6.4 kg) | 125 to 190 g |
A pregnant or nursing cat has higher needs. For a calculation based on your cat’s exact weight, use our feeding calculator.
Switching a cat to raw
- An adult cat fasts for 12 to 24 hours, with unlimited water.
- It then eats fully thawed raw meals for at least one week.
- After that, keep serving its meals fully thawed: a cat never eats its meals frozen or semi-frozen.
Cats should not go long without eating: if your cat still refuses to eat after the fast, contact your veterinarian. Don’t mix kibble and raw food in the same meal or on the same day. All the steps are in our raw feeding transition guide.
Storage
Unwrap the patty while it is still frozen, then thaw only what your cat needs, in the refrigerator. Once thawed, the food keeps 24 to 48 hours below 4 °C. Never refreeze a thawed meal and don’t thaw it in the microwave: ground bones can cook and become dangerous. Wash the bowl after every meal and wash your hands before and after serving.
Lab results
The Premium Complete Cat recipe was compared to AAFCO requirements for feline growth and reproduction: see the AAFCO analysis on its product page. A veterinarian also tested the blood of a cat fed our recipes: the results are in our FAQ.
Where to buy
At our plant in Terrebonne, 2297 Antonio-Héroux Street, from our retailers across Quebec, or with home delivery in parts of Terrebonne, Mascouche, Repentigny, Laval and Montréal (see the FAQ). New customer? Drop by the plant for a free sample.