Key Takeaways
- Raw chicken can be a source of protein and essential nutrients for cats but must be handled with strict food safety practices to minimize risks of bacterial contamination and parasites.
- Simply feeding raw chicken would not make a complete diet for cats. That’s why a balanced meal plan – one that incorporates multiple proteins, organ meats as well as vitamins and minerals – is needed.
- The potential benefits of raw feeding include things like better digestion and quality of the coat. These claims are not well backed by scientific evidence and come with health hazards.
- That’s why veterinarians are sounding the alarm on raw diets. They raise valid issues around food borne illness and nutritional deficiencies, so it is important to involve them before any major diet changes.
- Choosing, receiving, and cooking raw chicken safely is extremely important. Additionally, it minimizes health risks for both felines and humans living in the home.
- Instead, try raw chicken or other alternatives such as cooked chicken or commercially-prepared cat foods. They can offer safer and nutritionally balanced alternatives, particularly for kittens or felines with delicate digestive systems.
Feeding raw chicken to cats is safe only when risks and benefits are carefully weighed. Raw chicken does have protein and other beneficial nutrients; however, it can introduce harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter.
While safe handling practices and providing fresh meat can reduce some hazards, they do not eliminate all risks. Many veterinarians advise against raw diets for these reasons.
The meat section discusses specifics on raw chicken. It answers common safety concerns and discusses potential alternatives to enable cat owners to make informed decisions.
Understanding Raw Cat Diets
Raw feeding has become increasingly popular with cat owners looking to replicate what wild cats consume. Many cat parents see this as an opportunity to provide their pets with a raw food diet that aligns with nature. The idea is simple: offer quality cat food that matches a cat’s instincts, like raw chicken, organs, and some bones.
The Back-to-Nature Idea
Advocates of raw diets frequently note that this method is more in-tune with a cat’s natural preying behavior. When wild cats hunt birds or small mammals, they consume the entire animal, meat, organs, and even bones. Many owners report seeing improved digestion and firmer stool from their cats on raw meals.
Some people report a shinier coat and more energy. Maintaining Thiamine, vitamin A, and niacin are retained in raw meat, all of which are important for proper health. It is naturally very low in sugars, making it a tooth-friendly diet.
Raw meat is still incomplete on its own. Making a complete meal requires the right organs (roughly 10% of the diet) and bones (approximately 10%). Without these added nutrients, cats are at risk of deficiencies in key minerals and vitamins. They can actually overdose on vitamin A if overfed!
Typical Raw Diet Meats
Chicken, beef, and fish are common meats used in raw cat diets. Other owners have success with rabbit, turkey, lamb, duck, or venison. Here are more protein options:
- Quail
- Pork
- Goat
- Kangaroo
- Ostrich
Always choose the freshest, highest-quality meat. Freezing raw meat for three days, the USDA states, will kill parasites and significantly slow bacteria. Kittens require specialized attention, since their delicate bodies respond quickly to pathogens.
For adult cats, the safest raw meal plan is 2–4% of ideal body weight per day, split into two meals.
Chicken’s Role in Cat Nutrition
As far as feeding your feline friend goes, chicken is the clear winner! It’s truly the all-inclusive package, packing in high-quality protein along with a variety of nutrients to perfectly complement a cat’s diet. Most cats, even the ones that are notoriously picky and will reject everything else, usually cannot resist chicken.
Chicken’s virtues, while real, are best realized as part of a blend—not the entire buffet.
What Chicken Offers Cats
Chicken has a biological value of 98%, allowing cats to utilize nearly all of the protein it provides. This protein is excellent for building and maintaining lean muscles, making it a staple food in a raw food diet for cats. In addition to being low in calories, chicken serves as a great source of energy, fueling cats for daily play and exploration, especially when included in a raw chicken diet.
Beyond its protein content, chicken offers important amino acids such as arginine, histidine, and lysine, which are essential for cardiovascular health and a robust immune system. However, chicken alone does not meet all the nutritional needs of obligate carnivores like cats. A balanced raw meat diet that includes different meats and nutrients is crucial for their health.
Cats require a variety of foods to obtain necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Relying too heavily on chicken or feeding it exclusively can lead to nutrient deficiencies. For optimal balance, it’s recommended to keep chicken below 10% of a cat’s daily calories, ensuring their diet remains varied and nutritious.
The Feline Appeal of Chicken
Most cats can’t resist the taste and smell of chicken. This renders it a great option for picky eaters or cats with an increased caloric demand. Chicken is versatile too—whether raw, cooked, or freeze-dried as treats, chicken delivers.
While plain, cooked chicken is safe for kittens, raw chicken might pose hazards such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, or parasites. Fried chicken is a no-go because of the extra salt, fat, and calories.
When used thoughtfully, chicken is a powerful tool for improving nutrition and appetite alike.
Raw Chicken: Is It Safe?
Feeding cats raw chicken—like so much of feline care—is a topic with several layers. For most pet owners, the concept just makes sense. For one, cats—particularly wild cats—hunt and consume fresh prey.
In a home that’s not the case. Raw chicken poses dangers such as germs and lack of nutrients. Kittens are at greater risk as their stomachs are more fragile. When pet owners understand the facts, they can make informed decisions.
1. Claimed Benefits for Cats
Claimed Benefit #1 Digestive Aid Most advocates of raw chicken argue that it aids a cat’s digestion. Owners report their cats have shinier coats and more energy on raw diets.
A couple promise less hairballs and improved skin condition. These stories are great to hear, but many of them are anecdotal in nature and focused on observations made at home rather than rigorous science.
2. Key Dangers to Consider
There are some key dangers to consider. Raw chicken can be contaminated with germs such as salmonella. These germs can make kittens very sick, resulting in severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Small bones found in chicken can lodge in a cat’s throat or obstruct the intestines. These dangers are magnified for kittens or cats with compromised immune systems.
3. Hidden Germs: Bacteria & Parasites
Raw chicken is often contaminated with germs like Salmonella and Campylobacter. Parasites, like the one shown in this image from CDC.gov, can lurk in raw meat.
Both are dangerous to both cats and humans. The best way to prevent illness is by washing your hands, using clean cooking tools, and keeping meat refrigerated.
4. Meeting Full Nutrient Needs
Cats require a variety of nutrients that chicken alone cannot provide. Feeding raw chicken exclusively can lead to brittle bones, dull or falling fur, or illness.
Key nutrients include:
- Taurine
- Vitamin A
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- Zinc
5. Raw Bones: Safe or Hazard?
Raw meaty bones are wonderful for dental care and provide minerals in a digestible way. Pointed shards can puncture or obstruct the intestines.
The safer option would be raw chicken necks, but even then only with supervision.
Vets on Raw Chicken Feeding
Veterinarians around the world have differing opinions on feeding cats a raw food diet, particularly raw chicken. While some vets consider raw diets dangerous, others believe they’re effective—as long as they’re prepared properly. Veterinarians almost universally concur that raw chicken—if fed—requires careful planning to reduce the risk of serious health issues. Consulting with a feline nutritionist before implementing any change is crucial, as every cat’s needs vary.
General Veterinary Stance
Nearly all veterinarians recommend against it. Raw chicken can often be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. These germs can make your cat or family sick.
Limiting a pet’s diet to only chicken can result in serious health issues, including deficiencies in essential nutrients. Most vets will tell you that cats should eat a variety of muscle meat, organs (minimum 10%), and bone (maximum 10%).
Limit organs, especially liver, to 5–10% of the diet. For kittens, veterinarians often advise against feeding raw chicken due to their weak stomachs. Freezing chicken for 72 hours may kill some parasites, but this does not eliminate all risk.
Scientific Evidence & Studies
Available studies indicate that raw pet food is more frequently contaminated with harmful bacteria compared to cooked food. In every single test, raw chicken intended for pet consumption was found to be contaminated.
Most cats do just fine, but a number of them become ill. The science is far from settled. Veterinary specialists urge additional research to better determine the long-term impacts of raw diets on cats.
Recognizing Illness Symptoms
Cat owners should be on the lookout for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy in response to a new diet. These can be symptoms of infection or malnutrition.
Even if a cat only refuses food, seems listless, or develops gastrointestinal issues, a trip to the veterinarian should be made as soon as possible. Making these diet changes gradually over 1–2 weeks will help prevent any stomach upset.
If You Choose Raw Chicken
Choosing to feed raw chicken to cats requires caution and consideration. Although it does provide protein, raw chicken poses serious dangers. These include the risk of harmful bacteria—such as Salmonella and Campylobacter.
Salmonella and Campylobacter pose risks to felines, humans, and even other household pets. If you’re interested in giving this diet a shot, take it easy and proceed with caution at each phase.
Select and Store Safely
Choose fresh, high-quality chicken from a source you trust. Store it in the coldest section of your refrigerator, at or below 4°C. Use it within one or two days to avoid harmful bacteria from developing!
For longer storage, freeze the chicken and thaw what you need.
Safe handling tips:
- Wash hands before and after touching raw chicken
- Use a clean, sanitized knife and board for cutting
- Keep raw meat away from other foods
- Store in sealed containers
Prepare with Extreme Care
Thoroughly wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops with hot, soapy water immediately after they come in contact with raw meat.
Never give your cat chicken bones or skin, since bones can choke them and skin may cause digestive issues. It’s important to always cut chicken on a clean cutting board to prevent cross-contamination.
How Much and How Often
Portion size will vary based on your cat’s ideal weight and energy level. 40–60 grams per meal should be sufficient for the average cat.
Don’t make raw chicken the sole item in your dog’s diet—include other safe foods for a balanced diet.
Feeding frequency:
- Feed once or twice per day
- Give only what your cat will eat at once
- Do not leave raw chicken out
Gradual Diet Transition Tips
Begin by adding tiny pieces of raw chicken to your cat’s regular diet. Just keep an eye out for things like vomiting or diarrhea.
Increase the amount gradually over a week or longer. Being patient and making slow changes will prevent stomach upset and health issues.
Considerations and Other Options
Deciding what to feed a cat is much more involved than simply wondering if feeding raw chicken is okay. Finally, some cats may be unable to eat raw chicken due to underlying health or digestive issues. For these cats, alternative feeding strategies are more effective.
Cooked chicken is definitely the better option. It reduces the risk of bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter, which are naturally occurring in raw meat. When serving cooked chicken, don’t make things more complicated than they need to be. Don’t use spices, salt, or broths with added flavoring, as these can be toxic to felines. Fried chicken is unsafe for cats, as the oil and other ingredients can be harmful.
In order to be healthy, cats require much more than chicken. Cooking does not make chicken nutritionally complete. Chicken is not a complete source of nutrition by itself, even if it is cooked. Chicken shouldn’t make up more than 10% of a cat’s daily calories.
This ensures that their food is nutritionally complete and properly balanced. Kittens should have no more than 2 teaspoons of unseasoned cooked chicken per day. Adult cats can enjoy 1-2 tablespoons!
Kittens and Raw Food
Kittens require a unique and higher level of care. Their diet should contribute to healthy growth and robust immune system development. Raw food puts kittens at risk from germs and it is dangerous to feed them this way until their bodies are more developed.
As with any feeding advice, it is always best to consult your veterinarian before feeding kittens raw, or even cooked chicken.
Raw Chicken Organs & Necks
Eliminating the guesswork, organ meats like raw chicken liver and heart are full of essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, raw chicken bones, such as necks, serve as a source of calcium, and should be fed only in small amounts to maintain a proper raw food diet.
Cooked Chicken as an Alternative
Cooked chicken, like raw chicken breast, provides an important source of lean protein for your feline friends and reduces the likelihood of infection. Please do not flavor it with anything, no spices or flavors added.
Ancestral Diet: Fact vs. Fiction
Many cat owners believe that kitties should eat a raw food diet, similar to their carnivorous cousins in the wild. It’s important to understand that domesticated cats require a diet tailored not only to their ancestry but specifically to their domesticated lifestyle.
Sourcing and Ethical Thoughts
When you choose chicken from higher welfare farms for your raw cat food, you’re making a choice that benefits animals and our planet while ensuring quality cat food.
Conclusion
While raw chicken may seem like it could work in a cat’s diet, the potential risk is not worth it. Foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella or Campylobacter can make you seriously ill. These risks are frequently emphasized by vets. Cooking eliminates bacteria, and so most pet parents choose cooked chicken. It might work for some cats to eat raw chicken and they may do great, but every cat is unique. Understand the risks, consult with a vet, and look for safe handling practices if you choose to raw feed. Use fresh, high-quality chicken and ensure food preparation items are sanitary. Consider all possibilities before switching your cat’s diet.
While cats can eat raw chicken, they shouldn’t eat it exclusively. Here’s to happy cats, healthy cats, and full cats! Read more, and consult your veterinarian for the advice that’s right for your cat.