Cats can eat raw chicken, as they are obligate carnivores biologically built to process raw meat. Raw chicken provides essential nutrients like animal protein, taurine, and moisture that cats need. However, feeding raw chicken to cats comes with several risks and considerations.
Benefits
- Raw chicken is a natural part of a cat's diet, similar to what wild cats consume.
- It supplies lean protein, essential vitamins (B vitamins, A, K, E), and minerals (selenium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper).
- Raw chicken bones provide easily digestible calcium.
Risks and Concerns
- Raw chicken may contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and parasites, which can affect both cats and humans. Cats have a higher resistance but are not immune.
- Feeding only raw chicken can cause nutritional deficiencies; cats need a balanced diet with all essential nutrients.
- Raw chicken bones, though less likely to splinter than cooked bones, can still cause choking or internal injuries and should be avoided.
- Proper sourcing, handling, and hygiene are crucial to minimize contamination risks.
- It's important to avoid seasoned or marinated chicken, which may contain ingredients toxic to cats.
Recommendations
- Consult a veterinarian before introducing raw chicken to ensure a balanced diet and address health concerns.
- Use fresh, reputable sources for raw chicken.
- Feed raw chicken as part of a varied and complete diet, not as the sole food.
- Strict hygiene practices should be followed when handling raw chicken.
Thus, while cats can eat raw chicken safely under the right conditions, the risks and need for a balanced diet mean it should be offered carefully and thoughtfully.