Yes, cats can eat raw chicken. A raw diet for cats has its benefits and drawbacks. Our responsibility is to ensure that the food we choose for our cats is safe and healthy. It is easy to assume that domestic cats have intestinal tracks equipped to process raw meat, like wild cats.
Feeding your cat foods like raw chicken can have benefits and risks. This article looks at the controversial question: Can cats eat raw chicken? Read on to learn the health benefits and risks in detail.
Why Raw Chicken is Good for Your Cat
The tastes of cats vary. Some cats may not tolerate feeding on raw chicken. If your cat loves raw chicken, here are several ways it will benefit from it.
Raw chicken is rich in amino acids. They are essential for the health of the cat. The raw chicken also makes the cat have healthy coats.
The dental health of the cat improves when they eat raw chicken. The cats chew on raw bones, and it keeps their teeth clean. Ensure that you watch the cat when it chews the bones not to get choked. If the cat has difficulty passing feces after eating the bones, you can consult a vet for advice.
If you need to feed your kitten with raw choke, the pieces should be smaller and deboned. Introduce the kitten gradually to chicken since some may not tolerate raw chicken.
How Much Chicken Can Your Cat Eat?
Can cats eat raw chicken regularly? It can enjoy the treat of raw chicken once a week. If the chicken-based diet is complete and balanced, you can feed it with two percent of your cat’s ideal weight. Split the chicken into two to three meals a day.
How Do I Feed my Cat Raw Chicken?
The chicken should be specially formulated for cats. Avoid raw chicken from supermarkets since they are always meant to be cooked. The products formulated for cats are preserved for freshness and don’t have salmonella.
The diet should not contain raw chicken exclusively. It should be added to the cat’s kibble. Ensure that you wear gloves when handling the raw chicken and wash your hands and the cat’s food bowls.
Can Cats Eat Cooked Chicken?
Most cats can eat chicken unless they have sensitivities to poultry. If you plan to serve your cat with cooked chicken, it should be in small quantities. Large quantities can cause digestive upsets to your cat. Ensure that the chicken does not have any spices or seasonings.
Do you Know?
We’ve done our research for lots of foods and have vetted them if they are safe for your pets. Why not check out this article: Can Cats Eat Potatoes?
The Risks of Raw Chicken for Cats
Your cat is at risk of getting intestinal infection and parasites when it eats raw meat. It can contract parasites such as salmonella when it consumes raw chicken. When infected with salmonella, your cat experiences diarrhea, fever, dehydration, weight loss, abdominal pains, weakness, and rapid heart rates.
Diets that have raw chicken only can give your cat nutritional deficiencies. The meal should include a cat kibble. The nutrient deficiencies are common with chicken recipes made at home.
If your cat swallows a splinter, it will experience internal damage. Small bones can get lodged in the digestive system of your cat. If your cat experiences any of these risks, contact your vet immediately.
Safety Tips for Feeding Your Cat Raw Chicken
The tips outlined below are helpful when feeding your cat with raw chicken.
- Clean the area of preparation thoroughly to avoid contaminations. The food should be served at an identified place.
- Ensure that you wear your gloves when handling raw meat. Afterward, you should wash your hands thoroughly. The meat ingredients you use to feed your cat should be from trustworthy sources. The area you use to feed your cat should be easy to clean. Clean the bowls that you use to feed the cat to avoid the spread of any bacteria.
Your cat will benefit from raw chicken if you balance its diet. You can consult your vet or a veterinary nutritionist whenever you feel in doubt.
