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Feeding Raw - BARF?

I hope you've landed on this page because you're interested in learning more about feeding raw to your cat (but don't forget about your pup!) If that's the case- you're starting in a great place!

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This type of feeding is called the BARF method.. Lovely- right? But it actually stands for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding”!

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I hope you find this page a helpful starting point to your learning. 

Why We Feed Raw

​We switched to raw after months of research and various minor health instances in our cats that we felt could be improved by getting away from a processed diet. Afterall, it's not great for humans to eat processed foods- so we wanted to hold our cats to a higher standard. Cats are obligate carnivores which means they thrive on meat-based diets and the raw is a high moisture diet which is critical in cats to keep urinary tract healthy!

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For years now, in my cattery I wean all of my kittens onto an all raw meat diet starting at 3-4 weeks old. I recommend a raw diet for any cat unless there is a very clear medical reason not to (which honestly- most medical issues can actually be eliminated by this type of diet.)

 

We make ours homemade which is by far the most cost effective AND we know what's in it. But if you're not able to do this, there are also great premade or freeze dried raw diets available!

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Below, I've put together some of my top places to get people started in either jumping into making, or just to further start learning about feeding raw. 

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Hope this is helpful to you and your kitty!

Key Benefits

Here's what stands out in our cattery and from recent research, but don't just take our word for it:

  • Shinier Coat & Healthier Skin
    Fresh meats, natural fats, and omega-3s from varied proteins often lead to plush, glossy coats with less shedding or dandruff. Our British Shorthairs get that extra "teddy-bear" softness and shine- many pet parents report the same, and some studies link raw diets to improved skin/coat quality.

  • Superior Digestion & Stool Quality
    Raw is highly digestible (no grains/carbs to ferment), so stools are smaller, firmer, less frequent, and much less smelly. We see 1-2 tiny, easy-to-scoop poops per day instead of large, odorous ones- backed by evidence showing better digestibility and altered gut microbiome (higher bacterial diversity, potential anti-inflammatory effects).

  • Better Hydration & Urinary Support
    Raw food has 70-80% moisture (vs. kibble's ~10%), helping cats stay hydrated naturally. This can reduce risks of crystals, UTIs, or dehydration issues- especially helpful for Brits who aren't big drinkers.

  • Natural Dental Benefits
    Edible bones (like ground chicken) provide chewing abrasion for cleaner teeth and gums over time. Less tartar buildup is a common report, though it's not a replacement for vet dental care.

  • Easier Weight Management & Lean Muscle
    High protein, low carbs help maintain ideal weight without constant hunger. Our Brits stay fit and muscular on raw and we feed however much they want! Evidence supports healthy body condition on balanced raw diets.

  • More Energy, Vitality & Overall Glow
    Owners (including us) often notice brighter personalities, better play drive, calmer behavior, and a general "glow" from nutrient-dense food. Limited studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory/antioxidant effects and upregulated metabolism.

  • Potential Gut & Immune Support
    Raw can shift the microbiome positively (more diversity, better protein/fat metabolism), and some reports link it to fewer allergies/sensitivities by avoiding fillers. 

 

Results vary, and raw isn't for every cat or pet parent, but we have seen wonderful results from feeding a more natural, biologically appropriate diet.
Always consult research or nutritionists, monitor closely, and use balanced recipes or premade options.

Health & Safety

  • Raw isn't risk-free- bacteria like Salmonella/E. coli can be present. While cats handle it fine thanks to their short GI tracts and highly acidic stomach, this is a risk to the humans handling the meat if they don't use proper sanitation.

  • Handle raw safely: clean surfaces/utensils, wash hands, no cross-contamination.

  • Source human-grade meats from reputable suppliers (no grocery scraps). Frozen meat is ideal when possible to reduce risk of parasites.

  • Balance is crucial! Imbalanced homemade can lead to deficiencies (e.g., calcium/phosphorus issues). Most pet parents will need to supplement their raw diet to some extent.

  • Especially for kittens, seniors, or cats with IBD/kidney issues, monitor weight, stool, energy closely when switching to a new food (any food, not just Raw!).

  • Not all vets support raw (some cite pathogen risks or lack of long-term studies), but many do for healthy cats. This isn't an obstacle, but rather a possible annoyance. 

Things to Keep in Mind

Raw feeding is rewarding but requires some planning—here are key practical tips from my years doing this with British Shorthairs:

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Freezer Space is Essential

You'll need dedicated freezer room for bulk storage. Homemade batches or premade frozen raw come in portions (e.g., 1-2 lb bags or tubs). For 1-2 adult Brits (~10-15 lbs each, eating 3-5 oz/day), a month's supply might take 1-2 freezer drawers or half a small chest freezer. Bulk buying meat/organs saves money but fills space fast- plan for a dedicated freezer if you have multiple cats or make large batches. Thaw portions in the fridge (never microwave or counter-thaw to avoid bacteria growth), and use within 3-4 days once thawed.

Treat it like meat you'd eat yourself!

 

Bulk Buying & Sourcing

Buy human-grade meats/organs in bulk from butchers, farms, or co-ops for cost savings (chicken thighs, turkey necks, beef liver are affordable staples). Rotate proteins for variety and nutrients. Freeze fresh meat when possible 2 weeks at 0°F/-18°C to kill parasites if sourcing raw. Premade frozen raw brands take less planning but check labels for balance.

For best cost savings, if freezer space allows, buy bulk beef like 'quarter cow' or larger. 

 

Storage & Portioning

Portion meals before freezing (daily or weekly amounts in zip-top bags, silicone molds, or dishwasher safe meal-prep containers) to make thawing easy and reduce waste. Label with dates if you're making a large batch- raw lasts 6-12+ months frozen but use within 3-6 months for best quality. Keep raw separate from human food to prevent cross-contamination from anything that might not get fully cooked.

 

Daily Routine & Mess

It can be messier than kibble (juicy, bone bits), so feed in easy-clean bowls or on dishwasher safe silicone mats. Some cats prefer room-temp food (thaw then sit briefly). Expect firmer, smaller stools and less odor over time.

 

Cost & Time

Upfront: Bulk meat + time to prep/portioned. Long-term: Often cheaper than premium kibble, especially with sales. If time is tight, premade frozen or freeze-dried raw is a great shortcut.

 

Monitoring & Adjustments

Watch weight, energy, coat shine, and stool daily at first. Brits can be prone to weight gain-stick to 2-3% body weight guideline. If issues arise (e.g., loose stool long-term), tweak bone % or consult a raw-savvy vet or nutritionist.
 

Raw isn't "set it and forget it" like kibble, but once routine, it's straightforward and the benefits shine through in our cats' health and vitality. Start small, learn as you go, and reach out if you have questions- happy to share what works in our cattery!

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Feeding Links

Alternatives to Homemade Raw

If grinding your own batches feels overwhelming (time, sourcing, balancing), premade raw is a fantastic shortcut-many are complete & balanced, AAFCO-compliant where applicable, and formulated specifically for cats. From my experience, these make the switch easier for busy pet parents while still delivering raw benefits like high moisture, no fillers, and natural nutrition.
 

  • Frozen Raw Patties/Nuggets/Grinds - Pre-portioned, thaw-and-serve. Great for full meals; brands rotate proteins (chicken, turkey, beef, rabbit, etc.) for variety.

  • Fresh Subscription Services - Delivered frozen, customized portions—ideal if you want minimal prep.

  • Lightly Processed / Gently Cooked Alternatives - Very minimal processing—gently cooked fresh/human-grade meals; high protein/moisture like raw but lower pathogen risk; frozen or fresh delivery (These are great if full raw feels intimidating-preserves nutrients without heavy extrusion/processing, often vet-approved as well.) 

  • Freeze-Dried Raw - Pantry-stable (no constant freezer space needed); rehydrate with water or serve crunchy as a topper/meal. Super convenient for travel or picky eaters. Definitely better than kibble, but not nearly as good as a frozen raw.

  • Freeze-Dried or Frozen Toppers/Mixers - Add to existing food for some raw benefits​​​​

Where to Buy Premade Raw 

These are popular, well-regarded options in raw cat feeding communities (e.g., balanced, high-quality ingredients, good acceptance). Always check current availability, labels for "complete and balanced,". These are in no particular order and I'm sure there are many more! 

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Frozen Raw:

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Delivery/Subscription Services:

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Lightly Processed / Gently Cooked:

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Freeze-Dried Raw:

Many of these are also on Chewy.com, Amazon, or Petco.com for fast shipping. Blue Ridge Beef and Lotus frozen raw is available through specialty raw retailers.

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