Barfing Cats Beginners: Introduction and Tips for Getting Started

Are you ready to switch your cat to a healthier and more natural diet?
Many cat owners hesitate because they are not sure how to begin the transition to BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food).

A gradual approach, starting with a mix of 80% conventional food and 20% BARF, can help your cat get used to the new diet.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the first steps of the change, explain the selection and preparation of raw meat, important additives and offer simple BARF recipes to optimally feed your cat.

Step-by-step instructions for converting your cat to BARF

Transitioning your cat to a BARF diet can be challenging at first, especially if your cat is used to eating their usual food. The key to success is to make the transition gradual. Start by introducing small amounts of raw meat into your cat's daily diet. For example, this could make up 20% of their total daily ration, while the remaining 80% is their regular food.

Watch your cat closely to see how it reacts to the new food. It is normal for some cats to be hesitant to eat the raw meat at first. You can experiment with different types of meat to find out which one your cat prefers. It is important to remain patient and slowly increase the amount of raw meat if necessary.

In addition to gradual introduction, it is crucial that raw meat is prepared safely to minimize health risks. Make sure to get meat from trusted sources and store and process it correctly. With the right approach, your cat will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of a fresh and species-appropriate diet.

Raw meat for cats: selection and preparation

When choosing the right raw meat for your cat, you should consider different types of meat. Muscle meat and offal such as heart and liver are particularly suitable, as they are rich in important nutrients. Avoid pork, as it carries risks for diseases such as the Aujeszky virus. It is best to buy the meat fresh and untreated from a trustworthy butcher.

Preparing raw meat safely is crucial to minimise the risk of bacterial infections. Wash the meat thoroughly before processing and cut it into small pieces that are easy for your cat to eat. You can also freeze the meat slightly to kill any parasites before serving it to your cat.

Important additives for a balanced BARF diet for cats

A balanced BARF diet for cats requires not only meat, but also important supplements. Taurine is an essential nutrient that cats cannot produce themselves and must be supplied in sufficient quantities. Vitamins such as vitamin A and D and minerals such as calcium are also important to meet your cat's nutritional needs.

There are special BARF supplements that contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals and can simply be mixed into the food. Make sure to dose these supplements according to the recommendations to avoid over- or under-supply. If you are unsure or if your cat has special needs, it may be a good idea to consult a veterinarian or nutritionist.

Simple and Nutritious BARF Recipes for Your Cat

A simple BARF recipe for your cat could look like this: Mix 85g of muscle meat, such as beef or chicken, with 45g of mixed offal, such as liver and heart. Add 15g of pureed vegetables, which are rich in fiber and well accepted by your cat. You can add a little egg shell powder as a source of calcium.

Another nutrient-rich recipe includes 100g of salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, mixed with 50g of chicken hearts and 30g of finely grated carrots. Complement this dish with a teaspoon of salmon oil and a small spoonful of a vitamin-mineral mix to ensure your cat gets all the nutrients it needs. Such recipes provide a balanced mix of proteins, fats and vitamins.

Health Benefits of BARF for Cats

The health benefits of raw feeding for cats are many and can make a significant difference in your cat's well-being. One of the main benefits is the high digestibility of raw meat. Compared to traditional dry or wet food, which often loses important proteins through the processing process, a raw diet allows the natural nutrients to be preserved. This leads to a more efficient use of nutrients by your cat's body, which has a positive effect on their digestion and health.

Furthermore, a BARF diet can strengthen your cat's immune system and reduce the risk of allergies and food intolerances. Studies suggest that cats that eat raw meat produce fewer pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can reduce chronic inflammation. In addition, the natural diet contributes to a healthy coat , as the natural fats and oils contained in raw meat contribute to a shiny and healthy coat. All of these factors together not only promote your cat's general health, but also its daily well-being.

Correct amount of food and feeding frequency when BARFing

The right amount of food and feeding frequency are crucial to ensure your cat gets all the necessary nutrients and stays healthy. Generally, it is recommended that cats receive around 2-4% of their body weight in food each day, divided into two meals. However, this amount can vary depending on your cat's age, weight and activity level. It is important that you check your cat's body condition regularly and adjust the amount of food accordingly to avoid overweight or underweight.

The frequency of feeding should be tailored to your cat. While young kittens may need up to five small meals a day, two meals are usually enough for adult cats. Remember that cats prefer fresh food and often disdain leftovers from previous meals. Also make sure that fresh water is always available, ideally not directly next to the food bowl, as cats prefer a clear separation between eating and drinking areas.

BARF for kittens: What you should consider

If you are thinking about switching your kitten to a BARF diet, there are some important points to consider. Kittens have special nutritional needs that are different from adult cats. They require more protein, fat, and certain vitamins and minerals to support their growth and development. Therefore, it is important that the BARF diet for kittens is well balanced and contains all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Some important components that should be included in your kitten's diet are:

• High-quality muscle meat (such as chicken or beef) that is rich in protein.
• Offal (such as liver and heart), which are a good source of vitamins such as vitamin A and B.
• Bones or bone meal , which provide calcium, which is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth.

In addition, it is crucial that kittens are fed regularly to meet their energy needs. Unlike adult cats, who often get by on two meals a day, kittens need several small meals throughout the day. This helps support their metabolism and promotes healthy growth. The quality of the meat also plays a big role. Make sure the meat is fresh and from a trusted source to minimize the risk of bacterial infections. Remember to always provide fresh water and make sure that the water is not placed directly next to the food, as cats prefer a clear separation between eating and drinking areas.

Forbidden foods in your cat's BARF diet

When feeding your cat a BARF diet, it is crucial to avoid certain foods that can be harmful to health. Raw pork is an absolute no-no as it can contain pathogens such as the Aujeszky virus, which is fatal to cats. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and cream should also be avoided as many cats cannot digest lactose well, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems. Here are some foods you should definitely avoid:

• Raw pork due to the risk of deadly viruses
• dairy products, because cats are often lactose intolerant
• onions and garlic, as they can cause anemia

It is also important to avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates , as cats cannot use them efficiently and they can lead to weight gain and diabetes. These include foods such as bread or certain vegetables. Raw fish should also only be fed in moderation, as it contains enzymes that can disrupt your cat's vitamin B balance. Make sure that your cat's diet consists mainly of high-quality, safely prepared meat and supplement it with special BARF additives to ensure a balanced diet. Avoid these carbohydrate-rich foods:

• bread and other baked goods
• Certain vegetables such as potatoes
• Too much raw fish, which can break down vitamin B

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I BARF my cat properly?

To properly raw feed your cat, start with a mix of 80% conventional food and 20% raw meat. Increase the amount of raw meat gradually while observing how your cat responds. The raw meat should be prepared safely to minimize health risks. It is also important to choose the right types of meat and add important nutritional supplements such as taurine and vitamins.

Which meat can cats eat raw?

Cats can eat various types of raw meat, including muscle meat and organ meats such as heart and liver, which are rich in important nutrients. However, it is important to avoid pork as it carries the risk of transmitting diseases such as Aujeszky's virus.

Is BARF healthy for cats?

Yes, raw feeding can be very healthy for cats. It is highly digestible and can strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of allergies and food intolerances. In addition, a raw diet contributes to a healthy coat and promotes your cat's general well-being.

How much BARF does a cat need per day?

In general, it is recommended that cats receive around 2-4% of their body weight in BARF daily, divided into two meals. However, the exact amount may vary depending on the cat's age, weight and activity level. It is important to check your cat's body condition regularly and adjust the amount of food accordingly.