If you’ve been considering raw feeding for your pets, you may have wondered: Can I feed my cat and dog the same raw diet? It makes sense to think that way—after all, they’re both carnivores, right? But while raw food is a fantastic choice for both dogs and cats, their nutritional needs, meal composition, and eating habits are completely different. So let’s take a closer look at raw feeding for dogs vs cats.
I’ve been raw feeding my cats for over a decade, but one thing I know is that what works for one species doesn’t necessarily work for the other. So, let’s break it all down:
- Why cats need a more precise diet than dogs
- What dogs can eat that cats shouldn’t
- How their feeding styles and digestion differ
- What to include (and what to avoid) in each diet
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to feed your pets a balanced raw diet tailored to their needs.
Dogs vs Cats: The Carnivore Debate
Many people believe dogs are omnivores, but that’s not exactly true. Let’s set the record straight:
- Cats are obligate carnivores – They must eat animal protein and fat to survive. Their bodies cannot process plant matter effectively.
- Dogs are facultative* carnivores – They thrive on a meat-based diet but can digest small amounts of plant material.
Dogs and cats may both be carnivores, but their bodies process nutrients differently, making their dietary requirements unique. Let’s take a closer look at the key nutritional differences:
Key Nutritional Differences of Raw Feeding for Dogs vs Cats:
1. Protein & Fat: Cats Require More Than Dogs
Protein and fat are the foundation of a carnivore’s diet, but cats need higher levels of both compared to dogs.
- Cats have a higher protein requirement because their metabolism is designed to continuously break down protein for energy, even when dietary protein intake is low. Unlike humans and dogs, cats don’t efficiently use carbohydrates for energy.
- Dogs require protein for muscle maintenance and health, but they can tolerate lower levels than cats and can use fat or even some carbohydrates for energy when needed.
- Fat is crucial for both species, but cats depend on it more for energy, while dogs can adapt to a range of fat levels in their diet.
What happens if cats don’t get enough protein and fat?
- Muscle wasting – The body will break down its own muscle to meet protein needs.
- Weak immune system – Protein is vital for immune function and cell repair.
- Poor coat and skin health – Fat provides essential fatty acids that keep the skin and coat healthy.
Example: A cat on a low-protein, high-carb diet (like many commercial dry foods) may develop muscle loss, lethargy, and a dull coat, while a dog can often tolerate such a diet (though it’s not ideal).
2. Taurine: Essential for Cats but Not for Dogs
Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, but dogs can synthesize it from other amino acids, meaning they don’t require it in their diet.
- Cats must get taurine from their food, as their bodies don’t produce it.
- Taurine is found in animal-based proteins, especially heart, liver, and seafood.
- Dogs can synthesize taurine from methionine and cysteine, two amino acids found in meat, so they don’t need it supplemented in their diet.
What happens if cats don’t get enough taurine?
- Blindness (retinal degeneration) – Taurine is necessary for eye health.
- Heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy, DCM) – Taurine deficiency leads to an enlarged, weakened heart.
- Reproductive issues – Female cats need taurine for healthy pregnancy and fetal development.
Example: If a cat is fed a dog’s raw diet without enough taurine-rich organ meats, it could develop severe health problems over time.
3. Vitamin A: Cats Need It Preformed, Dogs Can Convert It
Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health, but dogs and cats process it differently.
- Cats require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, such as liver, fish, and eggs. Their bodies cannot convert beta-carotene (found in plants) into usable vitamin A.
- Dogs can convert beta-carotene from vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes into vitamin A, though they still benefit from animal sources.
What happens if cats don’t get enough vitamin A?
- Night blindness – Vitamin A is crucial for eye health.
- Skin and coat problems – Leads to dry, flaky skin and a dull coat.
- Weakened immune system – More prone to infections and illness.
Example: Feeding a cat a diet with only muscle meat (without liver) can result in vitamin A deficiency, while a dog could compensate by converting some plant-based sources.
4. Carbohydrates: Cats Have No Dietary Need, Dogs Can Tolerate Some
Unlike dogs, cats have zero biological need for carbohydrates.
- Cats lack digestive enzymes to break down starches efficiently, making carbs largely useless in their diet.
- Dogs can digest and utilize small amounts of carbs, but they still thrive best on a meat-based diet.
- High-carb diets (like many commercial pet foods) can lead to obesity, diabetes, and digestive issues in cats.
What happens if cats eat too many carbs?
- Weight gain and obesity – Excess carbs turn into fat storage.
- Blood sugar spikes and diabetes – Cats are not designed to process high-carb diets.
- Digestive upset – Many cats develop loose stools or GI issues when eating plant-based fillers.
Example: A cat fed a high-carb diet (like kibble) may develop weight issues and diabetes, while a dog might tolerate it but would do better on a diet lower in carbs and higher in animal protein.
Summary: The Big Differences Between Raw Feeding for Dogs vs Cats
| Nutrient | Cats | Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Protein & Fat | Very high requirement | High but flexible |
| Taurine | Essential | Can synthesize their own |
| Vitamin A | Must get from animal sources | Can convert beta-carotene |
| Carbohydrates | No dietary need | Can handle small amounts |
Because of these differences, a raw diet for dogs allows for more flexibility, while a raw diet for cats needs to be strictly controlled.
Raw Meal Composition: What Goes in the Bowl?
A raw diet should mimic what an animal would eat in the wild. However, how you prepare raw food for dogs is different from how you prepare it for cats.
Cats Need a Strict Formula
The standard ratio for a cat’s raw diet is:
- 80% muscle meat
- 10% raw meaty bones (like chicken necks)
- 5% liver
- 5% other secreting organs (kidney, spleen, etc.)
Cats should never have grains, dairy, or vegetables in their diet.
Dogs Can Have More Variety
Dogs can handle a wider variety of foods, so their raw meal plan often includes:
- 70-80% muscle meat
- 10-15% raw meaty bones
- 5-10% organs
- Optional: Small amounts of vegetables, eggs, dairy, or fermented foods
While dogs do best on a meat-based diet, they can digest some plant matter, whereas cats cannot.
Feeding Styles: How Dogs and Cats Eat Differently
It’s not just what they eat—it’s how they eat it.
Cats
- Prefer small, frequent meals (like their natural hunting behavior).
- Often picky and need slow transitions to new food.
- Tend to lick food rather than chew—they do best with finely ground meat or small chunks.
Dogs
- Can eat larger meals less often.
- Love chewing on bones and large meat chunks.
- More adaptable to diet changes than cats.
Since cats are not natural chewers, they won’t gnaw on bones the way dogs do. Instead, they need their bones ground up or served as small, soft pieces.
Raw Feeding Safety Tips
Raw feeding comes with responsibilities! Here’s how to keep your pets safe:
- Always use clean utensils and separate cutting boards for raw pet food.
- Freeze raw meat in portions and thaw as needed.
- Supervise dogs while they eat bones to prevent choking.
- Feed cats fresh meals daily—they’re more sensitive to spoiled meat.
Recommended Products for Raw Feeding
These products make raw feeding easier and safer:
Raw Meaty Bones for Dogs – Supports dental health and enrichment.
Ground Raw Meat for Cats – Perfect texture for feline diets.
Freeze-Dried Raw Food – A convenient backup option.
Fish Oil Supplement – Adds essential Omega-3s.
Raw Goat Milk – Supports digestion (better for dogs than cats).
Meat Grinder – Great for making DIY raw meals.
I’m not an expert on raw feeding for dogs but my friend Kimberly Gauthier is. Check out her book
Conclusion: The Right Raw Diet for Your Pet
Both dogs and cats thrive on raw diets, but their needs are very different:
Cats require a strict meat-based diet with no plant matter.
Dogs can enjoy a more varied raw diet with optional extras.
Tell me in the comments: Do you raw feed your pets? What’s been your experience?
*The word facultative means something that is optional or adaptable rather than mandatory. In biology, it refers to an organism’s ability to adjust to different conditions. For example, when we say dogs are facultative carnivores, it means that while they thrive on a meat-based diet, they can also digest and survive on plant-based foods if necessary. This is different from obligate carnivores like cats, who must eat meat to meet their nutritional needs.
