What Do You Feed Your Cats

I'm interested in learning how to feed cats a raw diet. I feed some of my dogs raw but not sure how it works for cats or if it's the same.

What are the menu's you give? Also, how would I prevent him from resource guarding food?

The principal is the same whether you're feeding a dog or cat raw. You need to do some research, figuring out what amounts of protein/secreting, non-secreting organs, bones your animal(s) needs. Amounts of course differ. And what type of raw a dog might like may not be the type your cat likes (e.g., commercial raw that can mimic wet/canned food or whole prey).
I would suggest you read any one of the stickies at the top of the Raw and Home-Cooked Cat Food for some general information.
Here is one link.
And here is an article one written by one of our knowledgeable members.
Here is a link to the Health section; if you scroll to the bottom, left hand side, you'll see a number of other raw-related articles.
Feel free to write back with specific questions. Some cats have specific needs/issues; we've seen most of them on this site and can advise you accordingly.

Cheddar said:

 
I'm interested in learning how to feed cats a raw diet. I feed some of my dogs raw but not sure how it works for cats or if it's the same.

What are the menu's you give? Also, how would I prevent him from resource guarding food?

Click to expand...

Hi Cheddar,

I admit I don't know much about dog's nutritional needs, but do know that cats are obligate carnivores and cannot break down any plant based ingredient for their own nutritional needs. So, it's safe to say felines will require higher amounts of proteins and fats than your canines. I wouldn't interchange their diet (feed the dogs cat food, and vice versa) unless you've done a thorough research and are quite knowledgeable about each of their food. Dogs that eat too much cat food can develop pancreatitis, and cats that eat dog food often enough can gain weight from the extra carbs in a dog's diet or develop inadequate taurine levels. I'd also point out the felines are not able to synthesize taurine, so it becomes essential that they are able to get it from external sources (in their food). Foods rich in taurine are all muscle meats. The more active the muscle, the more higher the taurine levels are. Therefore, a lot of raw feeders will include hearts as part of their pet's balanced diet. Deficiency in this essential amino acid may result in blindness or heart failure. You also needn't worry about over dosing on taurine if you decide to add it as a supplemental powder since it is water soluble and can be excreted through the kidneys as waste.

Here's a short clip that summarizes it all: 
For menus, it would all depend on what type of raw you'll be feeding your cat. There's ground up raw, prey model raw, and whole prey. 

When you say "resource guarding food", unlike dogs, if cats growl when eating, I take it as a positive thing. Although my cats have growled when chewing raw meats or bones, it is never to the severity of dogs who will bite or attack others when feeding. It's more of sign as they love their food so much, they don't want others to get close. In fact, my cats often would pick up their raw meat and scurry off in a safe area to eat in peace. They have never bit or clawed me or each other. 

Hope this has helped you some!