How Much Raw Food Should You Feed Your Cat?

As responsible cat owners, we know that feeding our cats the right amount of food is essential to their health and well-being. However, with so many different types of food and feeding guidelines available, it can be difficult to know exactly how much to feed. When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, portion control is key. In this post, we’ll discuss the right portion sizes for your cat, how raw food helps prevent obesity, and why feeding your cat a diet with the right balance of nutrients is crucial.

How Much Should You Feed Your Cat?

As a general guideline, an adult cat should be fed approximately 3% of their body weight per day. For example, if your cat weighs 5kg (about 11lbs), they should be fed approximately 150g of raw food per day or 1.05kg per week.

In contrast kittens should get 5% of their body weight in food but these portions can increase during growth spurts to up to 10% of their weight. Monitor your cat or kittens condition regularly and adjust their food intake as needed. Generally most pets see their requirements taper off around 8-10 months of age.

Raw Food: High-Quality Protein for Active Cats

One of the most significant benefits of feeding your cat a raw food diet is the high-quality protein it provides. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on animal protein. This protein gives your cat the energy they need to stay active and healthy. We all know that keeping cats active is one of the best ways to prevent obesity, as physical activity helps burn calories and maintain lean muscle mass.

Raw food typically contains a higher percentage of protein compared to other commercial cat foods, ensuring that your cat’s protein requirements are met without the need for excessive amounts of food. This results in less fat storage, as the body uses protein as its primary energy source. With more muscle and less fat, your cat will maintain a healthy weight naturally.

The Danger of Carbohydrates and Overeating

A common problem with many commercial cat foods, especially dry kibble, is their high carbohydrate content. While cats do need some carbohydrates for energy, they are not well-equipped to process large amounts of them. This is because cats, being obligate carnivores, use protein—not carbohydrates—as their primary energy source.

When fed a carbohydrate-heavy diet, cats will often overeat in an attempt to meet their protein needs. A study published in the Journal of Animal Science (2019) found that cats fed high-carbohydrate diets (such as dry food) tend to consume more calories than necessary because their bodies are not receiving the adequate protein they require. As a result, they may store more fat, leading to obesity.

This is particularly concerning for indoor cats who have less opportunity to exercise and burn off excess calories. A diet high in carbs, like biscuits or kibble, can lead to unnecessary weight gain, as cats compensate for the protein deficiency by eating more food, which ultimately leads to overeating and fat storage.

Raw Diet: The Perfect Balance of Macronutrients

One of the reasons raw food is such an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy weight in cats is its well-balanced macronutrient profile. Raw food typically contains:

• High Protein: Raw food is packed with animal-based protein, which is crucial for supporting lean muscle mass and providing long-lasting energy. This helps keep your cat active, which in turn burns calories and helps prevent weight gain.
• Moderate Fats: Healthy fats in raw food provide essential fatty acids that support skin, coat, and joint health. They also help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fats in a raw diet are used for energy without contributing to unnecessary fat storage.
• Low Carbohydrates: Unlike dry kibble and many canned foods, raw food contains minimal carbohydrates. This ensures that your cat is not overeating in an attempt to meet their protein needs. With lower carbohydrate intake, cats are less likely to store fat, keeping their weight under control.

Portion Control: How to Manage Your Cat’s Food Intake

While feeding your cat a raw diet naturally leads to better weight management, it’s still important to practice portion control. Here are a few tips to ensure your cat’s weight stays on track:

1. Measure Portions: Use a kitchen scale to weigh the appropriate amount of raw food for your cat. As mentioned, a general guideline is 3% of your cat's body weight, but you may need to adjust based on your cat's activity level or health.
2. Split Meals: It’s best to feed your cat two meals per day to maintain a healthy metabolism. Cats are natural hunters, and spreading their food throughout the day helps mimic their natural feeding behavior.
3. Monitor Your Cat’s Weight: Regularly check your cat’s weight and body condition. If they begin to gain excess weight, consider reducing portion sizes or increasing their activity levels.
4. Consider Activity Levels: If your cat is more sedentary (for example, an indoor cat), they may need fewer calories. On the other hand, if your cat is particularly active or a kitten, they may require slightly more food.
5. Treats: If you offer treats, make sure they don’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily food intake. Many commercial cat treats are high in calories and low in nutritional value, which can contribute to weight gain.

Conclusion: The Benefits of Raw Feeding for Weight Management

Feeding your cat the right amount of food, with the proper balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. A raw food diet, with its high-quality protein and low carbohydrate content, helps ensure that your cat gets the nutrients they need without the excess fat storage that can lead to obesity.

By feeding your cat the appropriate portion sizes, monitoring their weight, and keeping them active, you can help prevent obesity and improve their overall health. Raw food offers the perfect combination of nutrients to satisfy your cat’s natural appetite and energy requirements while preventing overeating and unhealthy weight gain.

If you’re unsure how much to feed your cat or need help transitioning to a raw diet, don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to create a personalized feeding plan that best supports your cat’s health.

References:

1. Journal of Animal Science (2019). The Impact of High-Carbohydrate Diets on Cats' Eating Habits.
2. BMC Veterinary Research (2018). The Effects of High-Protein Diets on Feline Health and Weight.