It's funny, I brought this up with my family today. Our cat food is chicken, rice and corn. For some reason I don't think they need the last two...but hey, it's cheaper, right?
I'm really big on feeding raw to my pets now. I started it when I got our dog November 6th who was a rescue. I learned the day we got her that she was pregnant, and she gave birth to 10 pups on Nov. 14th. Today they are 4 weeks old.
Anyway, the dog was in really bad shape. Her blood work showed bad anemia, she was malnourished and had other problems. I decided we'd get her on the fast track to health and I came across the raw feeding information online.
She now eats liver, hearts, turkey necks, raw eggs (shell and all), fish and other meat items. Whatever we can obtain. She loved the moose meat we got from a friend. I make her homemade treats and special weight gaining meat balls. She was 60 pounds pregnant, and then after giving birth, only 46 pounds. She needs to gain more. Look at the big changes in her appearance since feeding her raw. The nose color especially. Doesn't look like the same dog, but it is.
The cheap, bottom-barrel food available in stores is all grain based. One argument the raw supporters have is, "Have you ever seen a dog or cat graze on corn in the field?"
Cats definitely don't need carbs or fruits/veggies. Although my dog loves certain veggies, but they are not a bulk item in her diet.
Cats need more water, as many don't drink enough especially when they only eat dry crunchy cat food. Canned grain free food helps them get a bit more water.
Apple Cider Vinegar in the diet also helps for cats, dogs and people. With cats, might have to hide it in food, but most dogs will take it in their water, 1 tbsp AC vinegar to a big bowl of fresh water. I don't know if madthumbs did a post on Apple Cider Vinegar yet. Seems up his alley. lol
