Cat BARF

For your cat's natural diet: Everything you need to know about raw feeding

Independent, graceful, and endowed with an ancient hunting instinct: cats are fascinating creatures. But while the ancestors of our domestic cats were skilled mousers, the lifestyle of today's house cats has changed significantly.

Instead of hunting for their own prey, they are, in most cases, fed their food. This poses the risk that their biological needs are not adequately met. More and more cat owners are therefore opting for a natural and thus species-appropriate option with raw food: the so-called BARF diet.

BARF – short for "biologically appropriate raw food" – is based on the understanding that animals live healthy lives when their cat food is raw – that is, when it corresponds to their original prey profile: raw meat, offal, and plant-based supplements. At ANIfit, this means: tried-and-tested recipes; gently freeze-dried to preserve vitamins and flavor. But how exactly does BARF work? This article answers all your questions:

Natural nutrition: What does BARF mean for cats?

Anyone who's already familiar with the subject knows that BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) was developed for dogs. But this type of feeding actually makes just as much sense for cats. After all, in the wild, they hunt prey such as mice, birds, or small rodents. This means they consume meat, offal, muscle meat, and – through their stomach contents – also plant matter. BARF preserves precisely this composition. Supplemented with valuable additives like salmon oil or chicken broth, your feline friend gets everything they need for a balanced diet.

Why should a cat be fed a raw diet?

Switching to premium BARF food offers many advantages for a pet. Above all, the species-appropriate diet ensures…

…health improvements: Many cat owners report that their feline friend's coat is shiny again, their energy levels are higher, and their digestion is better.

…individual control: With raw feeding, the owner determines the quality of the ingredients and can take into account intolerances or allergies.

…prevention of lifestyle diseases: Obesity, tartar buildup, or kidney problems are less common in cats fed a raw diet.

How much BARF does a cat need daily?

The amount of BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) for cats depends on their weight and activity level. While the internet offers numerous so-called BARF calculators for cats, anyone who values ​​an individual – and therefore very specific – assessment for their pet should seek a direct consultation with an ANIfit specialist.

What should the composition of a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet for cats be?

The mix is ​​crucial! BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is based on the so-called prey animal principle. Therefore, BARF recipes for cats should consist of, among other things, the following components:

• Muscle meat provides high-quality protein and energy.
• Offal, such as liver, kidneys, and chicken hearts, contains important vitamins and trace elements.
• Bone or eggshell powder covers calcium requirements.
• Plant components, such as (finely chopped!) carrots or pumpkin pieces, are ideal sources of fiber.

Additives: Taurine (an essential amino acid) and oils such as salmon oil are essential. They cover the nutritional needs.

Which types of meat are suitable for raw feeding of cats?

Not all meats are suitable for a BARF diet. Especially during the transition, easily digestible chicken or rabbit should be included. Later, veal or beef can be added – these are excellent protein sources. Game (e.g., venison) or fish (e.g., redfish) is particularly suitable for sensitive cats. Raw pork must be completely avoided. The risk of transmitting the fatal Aujeszky's disease is high. All these tips apply to both indoor and outdoor cats!

How can I successfully switch to BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)?

Switching to BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is a very individual process, especially for cats that have previously eaten commercial cat food. This is because cats are creatures of habit; they are usually skeptical of new smells or textures. However, following these tips will make the transition easier for both you and your feline friend – so these are not disadvantages of feeding cats a BARF diet:

• At first, only small amounts of raw meat should be mixed into their usual food or given as snacks.
• If your feline friend is still skeptical, lightly frying the meat can help.
• Cats also have gourmet preferences. Ideally, you should try different types of meat.

However, the ANIfit specialist provides individualized information on all these points – after all, every animal is unique.

Is BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) really species-appropriate for cats?

As mentioned in the introduction, BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is a species-appropriate way to feed cats. It meets the natural needs of the feline body. Furthermore, it allows the owner to make decisions about their pet's health. An additional advantage is that each portion can be individually measured – thanks to freeze-drying, only water needs to be added, and the desired portion size is ready to serve.

BARF for cats and dogs: The differences

Comparing raw feeding (BARF) for dogs and cats quickly reveals fundamental differences. Cats have a higher protein requirement! This means that anyone wanting to buy BARF for cats must consider the following: They need specific nutrients, such as taurine. Dogs don't require the same amount of taurine. Furthermore, the plant-based portion of cat BARF is lower – cats are hardly able to digest plant matter. It's also important to note: While dogs often enjoy chewing larger bones when fed a raw diet, bones for cats should only be small and soft (e.g., chicken wings or necks).

BARF feeding for cats made easy: Practical tips for beginners

Cat owners new to BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) need to carefully consider the planning and implementation. Creating a complete meal plan that precisely meets the cat's nutritional needs is crucial. To make the transition smooth and easy, mixing BARF with high-quality wet cat food is a good option. The ANIfit expert can provide detailed advice on this.