BACK TO NATURE
Everything About BARF for Cats
Introduction: Raw Feeding for Cats
In recent years, more and more cat owners are exploring natural raw feeding - the BARF system (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food).While BARF has become a familiar topic for dogs, there are still many myths, fears, and misconceptions about it for cats and now we’ll address them
Кошки - облигатные хищники: в природе их рацион почти полностью состоит из мелкой добычи (грызуны, птицы), а значит - из мяса, костей и органов. Их пищеварительная система эволюционно настроена на животный белок и жир и значительно хуже справляется с углеводами и растительными продуктами.
Система BARF для кошек пытается максимально приблизить рацион домашнего кота к тому, что он получал бы в дикой среде, при этом учитывая современные знания о питательных потребностях, рисках и особенностях здоровья городских животных.
Система BARF для кошек пытается максимально приблизить рацион домашнего кота к тому, что он получал бы в дикой среде, при этом учитывая современные знания о питательных потребностях, рисках и особенностях здоровья городских животных.
What Is BARF for Cats?
BARF for cats is a diet based on raw natural animal-derived ingredients, with a carefully balanced mix of muscle meat, bones, organs, fats, and essential nutrients such as taurine, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike dogs, cats don’t require plant components - and if included, these should be minimal and based on individual tolerance.
BARF for cats is a diet based on raw natural animal-derived ingredients, with a carefully balanced mix of muscle meat, bones, organs, fats, and essential nutrients such as taurine, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike dogs, cats don’t require plant components - and if included, these should be minimal and based on individual tolerance.
The Purpose of the BARF System
The goals of BARF nutrition for cats are to:
Before switching a cat to BARF, cat owners should understand these important physiological traits:
The goals of BARF nutrition for cats are to:
- provide a cat with complete animal protein and fats,
- meet strict requirements for nutrients such as taurine, vitamins A and D, calcium, phosphorus, and essential fatty acids,
- reduce unnecessary carbohydrates,
- support the health of teeth, skin, coat, joints, and the urinary system,
- improve the quality of life and extend the active phase of life.
Before switching a cat to BARF, cat owners should understand these important physiological traits:
- high protein and taurine requirements: Cats need significantly more protein per calorie than dogs and a continuous supply of the amino acid taurine — deficiency can lead to serious health issues including heart and eye problems;
- dependence on nutrients of animal origin: Cats cannot synthesise enough taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A from plant sources — these must come from animal fats and organs; sensitivity to calcium-phosphorus imbalance: Meat alone contains a lot of phosphorus and little calcium — feeding muscle meat without bones or supplements can cause deficiencies and health problems;
- strong food conservatism: Many cats resist sudden diet changes, so transitioning to BARF often takes more time than for dogs.
Bonus Fact
Domestic cats retain ~95% of the DNA of wild predators and are essentially compact hunting machines — genetically closer to pumas or leopards than dogs are to wolves.
Domestic cats retain ~95% of the DNA of wild predators and are essentially compact hunting machines — genetically closer to pumas or leopards than dogs are to wolves.
Из чего состоит рацион BARF для кошек
Основа:
Основа:
- Мышечное мясо
- Курица, индейка, утка, кролик, говядина, ягнёнок, перепёлка, иногда — конина или другая дичь.
- Это главный источник белка и энергии, а также аминокислот, в том числе части таурина (особенно много в сердце и тёмном мясе).
- Съедобные кости с мясом
- Мелкие косточки, которые кошка может разгрызть и переварить: шеи, крылья, спинки птицы, цельные туши перепёлки, мелкие части кролика и т.п., либо измельчённые кости в составе фарша.
- Они обеспечивают кальций, фосфор и ряд микроэлементов. Обычно на долю костей приходится примерно 6–10% рациона по сырой массе, если используются «мясо-костные» части, или 10–15% при использовании «чистых» костей в составе фарша.
- Органы
- Обязателен комплекс органов, а не только печень.
- Примерная структура:
- около половины от органной части — печень (источник витамина A, меди, витаминов группы B),
- остальное — другие органы: сердце, почки, селезёнка и др.
- В среднем органы составляют 10–15% рациона, при этом печень обычно около 5%.
- Животные и рыбные жиры
- Они дают энергию, омега-3 и омега-6, поддерживают кожу, шерсть, нервную систему. Важно не перегружать рацион жирами и подбирать их под состояние печени и поджелудочной железы.
- Рыба
- Источник омега-3 и йода. Давать её рекомендуют ограниченно (1–2 раза в неделю, в контролируемом количестве), чтобы не допускать избытка йода и нарушения баланса минералов.
- Яйца
- Источник белка, жира, холина, витаминов. Обычно не чаще 1 раза в неделю и в умеренном количестве, чтобы не искажать баланс.
- Таурин (добавка)
- Несмотря на наличие таурина в мясе и сердце, современные исследования показывают, что даже готовые корма не всегда обеспечивают кошку достаточным количеством таурина. Для сырого рациона часто рекомендуется дополнительное введение таурина в виде порошка (дозировку подбирают с ветеринарным диетологом).
- Растительные компоненты (по желанию и переносимости)
- В отличие от собак, кошкам овощи и фрукты не являются обязательной частью рациона. Небольшое количество зелени (например, микродозы тыквы, кабачка, проростков) иногда используют как источник клетчатки и для мягкой поддержки ЖКТ. Но многие кошки прекрасно живут на рационе без растительных добавок.
How Much BARF a Cat Needs
Feeding amounts depend on weight, age, activity, and metabolism. As a starting guideline:
Feeding amounts depend on weight, age, activity, and metabolism. As a starting guideline:
- Active adult cats: ~2–3% of body weight per day (e.g., a 4 kg cat ~80–120 g daily, divided into 2–3 meals);
- Inactive, neutered cats prone to weight gain: ~2% or slightly lower, monitoring body condition;
- Kittens: Much higher energy and protein needs — often 5–10% of body weight in daily intake, divided into multiple meals;
- Pregnant & lactating cats: Caloric needs increase further, often 4–6% or more depending on litter size and lactation stage;
- Senior cats: Lower activity but continued high protein needs — typically 1.5–2% of body weight, with attention to kidney health and phosphorus control.
Special Considerations for Different Cats
Kittens and young cats need precise Ca:P ratios, ample protein, fats, vitamins, and taurine — errors can lead to irreversible developmental issues.
Pregnant and nursing queens require higher nutrition density from quality protein, fats, and organs — changes should be made gently and ideally with veterinary guidance.
Senior cats should focus on retaining muscle mass without overloading kidneys — raw feeding, where balanced correctly, can support quality of life.
Cats with chronic health conditions should only be transitioned under veterinary supervision or with a veterinary nutritionist.
When BARF Is a Good Idea
A well-designed BARF diet for cats:
Kittens and young cats need precise Ca:P ratios, ample protein, fats, vitamins, and taurine — errors can lead to irreversible developmental issues.
Pregnant and nursing queens require higher nutrition density from quality protein, fats, and organs — changes should be made gently and ideally with veterinary guidance.
Senior cats should focus on retaining muscle mass without overloading kidneys — raw feeding, where balanced correctly, can support quality of life.
Cats with chronic health conditions should only be transitioned under veterinary supervision or with a veterinary nutritionist.
When BARF Is a Good Idea
A well-designed BARF diet for cats:
- respects feline carnivore biology,
- delivers high-quality protein and fats,
- supports healthy weight, dental health, coat and overall condition,
- can improve appetite in picky eaters.
When BARF Is a Good Idea!
A well-designed BARF diet for cats:
A well-designed BARF diet for cats:
- respects feline carnivore biology,
- delivers high-quality protein and fats,
- supports healthy weight, dental health, coat and overall condition,
- can improve appetite in picky eaters.
And here’s one more interesting fact for those who made it to the end!
A domestic cat that receives balanced, natural nutrition with a complete set of essential nutrients maintains its muscle mass well into old age and shows statistically higher longevity and activity levels.
According to various studies and veterinary observations, a properly formulated diet can increase a cat’s active lifespan by 10–20%, reducing the risk of kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, and urinary tract issues.
Secret discount code — MAY
High-quality nutrition isn’t “just food.”
It’s a real investment in a long, healthy, and energetic life for your pet
A domestic cat that receives balanced, natural nutrition with a complete set of essential nutrients maintains its muscle mass well into old age and shows statistically higher longevity and activity levels.
According to various studies and veterinary observations, a properly formulated diet can increase a cat’s active lifespan by 10–20%, reducing the risk of kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, and urinary tract issues.
Secret discount code — MAY
High-quality nutrition isn’t “just food.”
It’s a real investment in a long, healthy, and energetic life for your pet
