Due to the natural digestive enzymes, animals on a raw food diet typically produce as much as two-thirds less waste as those animals on a kibble-based diet. Their poop is also small, generally odorless, well formed, and less frequent, typically once or twice a week.
Raw diets tend to be contaminated with pathogens (bacteria, parasites) that may cause your cat to become ill. These pathogens (i.e. Salmonella, E. coli. Listeria, Campylobacter) may also pose a health risk to humans.
Constipation instead of diarrhea may also occur in raw fed pets. Overfeeding calcium-based foods such as raw meaty bones will result in hard, crumbly and chalky stools. Many pets are capable of eliminating hard stools. However, constipation is possible when too much bone has been fed.
Wet and raw diets have higher digestibility ratios, which means fewer bowel movements than a kibble-fed feline. And any diet low in fiber could back your kitty up and result in less frequent bowel movements.
Most cats on a raw food diet, will go once every 24 – 36 hours, which is perfectly normal. It would be more frequent than this on a processed wet or dry food, as less is digested and absorbed by the body. Once you begin to see straining, there are certain characteristics you should look for in their poo.
Over time, your cat may have lost elasticity in the bowel, which can lead to constipation quickly on a raw food diet. We recommend offering the Fare Game or the red meat Pure Formulas which have a lower % of calcium (beef, pork, lamb, kangaroo).
Unfortunately there is no definitive answer to whether cats live longer on a raw food diet. However, although genetics and environment play a part, the biggest factor in whether a cat lives longer is their overall health. A high quality, balanced diet will go a long way to ensuring your cat is in tip-top health.
The Causes of Cat Constipation
Not enough fiber. Anxiety or stress. Pain or other issues in the spine. Dry food diets (can predispose cats to constipation and dehydration)
If your cat is pooping less frequently and having some difficulty, she may be constipated. While there is some normal variation, if it's been more than 48-72 hours without a bowel movement, you should contact your vet. The main signs of constipation in cats are: Dry, hard stools (inside or outside the litter box)
Most cats will poop approximately every 24 to 36 hours. If your cat is pooping less frequently, strains when she attempts to poop or doesn't leave any deposits in the litter box, constipation is likely the issue. It's a common problem in cats that's usually mild enough to be remedied with at-home treatments.
“The raw food diet has negative health consequences such as food poisoning and a possibility of deficiency of certain fats, minerals, and vitamins that are required by the body. Additionally, some foods like kidney beans, meat, sprouts, and eggs can prove to be toxic if consumed in their raw form,” adds Aayushi.
A raw food diet follower may also miss out on essential nutrients such as zinc, iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Thus raw food adherents are advised to supplement their diet with extra vitamins. Another disadvantage is the exposure to bacteria and viruses in contaminated food.
Bones and raw meat are not recommended as they can break teeth and cause constipation and internal blockages, raw bones also carry bacteria that can make both animals and humans ill [3].
You don't need to add additional supplements. It is still a good idea to include variety in your cat's diet, so varying the type of meat fed is recommended. There are many brands available. Most specialty pet supply stores will have freezers with raw food for cats available.
Cats often digest raw foods better than humans because they have shorter, more acidic digestive tracts. Many pathogens will pass through a cat without causing any issues. Most cats will tolerate raw food, but those with health concerns (such as immune-mediated disease) may need cooked food.
Every cat is different, but cats usually pass stools at least every forty-eight hours. If your cat hasn't pooped for three days or more, or if they are straining or unwell, you should get them checked over by one of our veterinarians.
Causes of cat constipation
Although dehydration is the most common cause of cat constipation, there are many other potential reasons for this condition: Dehydration, which may be a result of kidney disease, especially in older cats. Not enough or too much fibre in their diet. Sedentary lifestyle.
If you notice your cat pooping less frequently or having difficulty, it may be a sign of constipation. There is always some normal variation in the time frame for bowel movements. But if you know your cat hasn't pooped in over 72 hours, you should contact your vet.
Most cats will poop at least once a day. If they're healthy, their poop should: Be deep brown in color. Feel not too hard or too soft or mushy.
Possibly the most common causes for this problem in cats are urinary tract infections and urinary obstructions. However, infrequent urination can also sometimes be caused by more serious conditions like kidney disease, idiopathic cystitis, and even cancer in some extreme cases.
Yes, cats can eat raw beef, but we recommend only giving it in moderation and being aware that raw meat carries the risk of food poisoning. Ensure it's fresh and doesn't contain any seasoning which may be hazardous to their health.
Due to the risks to the animal and any humans cohabitating with them, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise against feeding raw diets to pets.
Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for your cat. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma.