Pet Bucket Blog

Exercise is as good for our pets as it is for us - and for the very same reasons. Daily exercise will help maintain a healthy weight, tone and strengthen muscles, lower stress, improve circulation, keep joints mobile, keep the mind active as well as reduce boredom and therefore the chance of destructive behaviour. A sedentary life can lead to obesity which has serious health complications such as higher risk of ligament and tendon injuries, joint problems, arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, respiratory disease, heart disease and diabetes. The amount of daily exercise your pet should have will depend their breed, size, age, health and weight. Younger animals tend to be more energetic and will need little encouragement to play and be active. If your pet has a health condition, is aged or obese, talk to your vet about exercise frequency and intensity.  Cats  Many people believe that cats get enough exercise just being themselves but this is not necessarily the case, especially for indoor cats. Cats should spend 30-45 minutes each day being active. They can do this themselves by using toys, scratching posts, cat trees, perches, climbing trees and exploring outside or by you playing with them for 10-15 minute sessions throughout the day. Dogs Most dogs need between 30-60 minutes of daily exercise but the type of activity will vary depending on your dog. Working, sporting and terrier breeds generally need more exercise, ideally at least 30 minutes of intensive aerobic exercise. However, sustained jogging or running is not recommended for dogs under 18 months as their bones are still growing and developing and can be easily injured or damaged.  Large breeds who are prone to joint issues, and older active dogs, will benefit from a 60 minute walk. Smaller breeds should get 20 minutes exercise two or three times per day but certain breeds should not undertake lengthy intensive exercise. Brachycephalic breeds with short or flat noses such as English and French bulldogs, Pugs and Boston terriers can have trouble breathing when exercising especially during hot and humid weather. Dogs will often slow down when they have had enough and are ready for rest. Never push a dog to continue exercising especially if it is aged or obese.    Image credit Pets like variety so mix up their play and exercise a bit.  Exercise for cats Cat trees, perches and platforms for climbing and jumping Scratching posts for stretching Wand toys, plastic rings, strings, ribbons, feathers, balls and bell toys that encourages their pouncing, swatting and hunting skills Leashed walks if your cat is trained Food dispensing puzzle toys Laser and torch games Specialised cat exercise wheel Exercise for dogs Leashed walk or jog. If jogging, it is best done on a softer surface such as grass or sand Play catch or fetch with balls and frisbees Race and play chase with your dog Many dogs like to climb and jump as well so look for a park with logs, benches, large boulders and raised areas Dog parks and dog day care are also great for socialisation Beaches, lakes, rivers and pools Specialised dog treadmill Food dispensing puzzle toys Laser and torch games Image credit   Feature image credit

Dogs are the most loving, fun, loyal and best to cuddle of all pets. By applying mathematical theory, it follows that the bigger the dog the more loving, fun, loyal and amazing the cuddles. Am I right? Before we get too excited about the cuddles, there’s a lot to think about before choosing a large dog breed as your pet.  Choosing a breed Generally, a large breed dog is one that weighs 55lbs/25kg or over as an adult. Breeds include Dalmatians, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. A giant or extra large breed will be 100lbs/45kg or over and breeds include St Bernards, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Black Russian Terriers and Newfoundlands. The right dog for you will depend on the breed's temperament, activity and exercise needs, grooming requirements and your lifestyle. Although many large dog breeds are social, calm and placid making them great for families, they may not be suited to families with very young children. Because of their size, a large dog will easily knock down or unintentionally hurt a small child when playing.  Size does matter Large dogs have obvious and less obvious practical implications as pets. You need to have the room and space for an adult dog in your home, yard and car. Clearly everything for your dog will need to be large or bigger from food and water bowls through to kennels, beds, leashes or harnesses, toys and coats. These will be more expensive than the equivalent items for smaller dogs. Some apartments or houses won't rent to people with large dogs and some boarding kennels, hotels, camping and caravan parks will not allow large dogs.  Large dogs will be able to easily access food, valuables, breakables or things dangerous to them such as cleaning products and medicines if left in the home on tables, shelves and benches around the home. Due to their weight and size, they are more likely to bump into, and potentially damage, furniture and household items.  Ask yourself the following before considering large dog breeds: If you have a yard, are your fences high enough and strong enough? Will you be able to groom and bath your dog inside or will it need to be done in the yard? Will you need to pay to have your dog bathed and groomed? Are you able to properly care for a large dog and their needs? Do you have the strength to lift, assist and manoeuvre a dog of that size. Will you have the strength required for their life expectancy? Image credit Health Large dogs have higher health care costs as often anaesthetics and drugs are charged by the volume administered and that depends on the dog’s weight. Large dogs will also require the biggest dose or multiple doses of flea, worm and tick preventative treatments. There are some health problems common to large and giant dogs. Breeds with deep chests are more prone to bloat and gastric torsion. Hip and elbow dysplasia caused by stress placed on joints is common, as is arthritis. Large breed puppies are at greater risk of developmental bone and joint disease during their early growth stages.  Food Feeding a large dog is going to be more expensive because they will eat much more. However, its also advisable to provide them with specialty diets to assist with metabolism, weight management and joint health.   Exercise Exercise requirements will depend on the breed. As adults, some large breeds need less exercise than a small breed like a terrier. All dogs will need some daily exercise but the breed will determine whether a walk will suffice. A working breed like a German Shepherd will require more activity. Since large breeds are susceptible to joint problems, regular exercise is vital to keep them at a healthy weight and for muscle and joint strengthening and mobility.  Training All dogs need to be trained and socialised but an excitable or disobedient large dog will be more difficult to manage. Their size and louder barks can be intimidating to other dogs and people. You want your dog to remain calm and under control so it’s important to start training early. Image credit

Dog owners in the 21st century have become very passionate about the food they feed their dog. For decades now dogs have been subjected to dry foods found on the shelves of grocery, convenience, and pet stores across the country. As the human diet has changed in recent years, with a greater focus on healthy ingredients, so too has the diet of man's best friend.   Raw food-based diets are increasingly popular among dog owners who believe that dry food is entirely deficient in its nutritional value. However, the raw food movement is creating an intense debate among dog owners. The lack of reliable information on raw food diets, as well as questions surrounding health and safety, has further complicated the issue. Below you'll find the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to a raw food diet.   The Good Supporters of raw food diets often point to the health benefits when making the switch from dry dog food. A raw food diet provides dogs with greater nutritional value because they are eating foods that have not been altered or pumped full of preservatives. Many dry dog foods are made with animal by-products, rice, and other grains with little to no nutritional value.   A raw diet is free of preservatives and contains more nutrients that a dog needs to grow and develop properly. Dogs with food allergies or nutritional deficiencies in their current diet can benefit from the greater control offered in a raw diet. Raw feeding allows you as the owner to craft meal plans for your dog that meet its specific nutritional needs (should deficiencies exist) and avoid ingredients that cause allergic reactions in your dog.   There is also anecdotal evidence to suggest that raw diets provide other benefits to your dog's overall mental and physical well-being. Bones are a part of certain raw diet meal plans. Some owners have noticed that bones in the diet help alleviate natural chewing tendencies and improve overall behavior as a result.   The Bad While many supporters of raw feeding point to centuries of canine existence on raw diets, proponents are quick point out that there were fewer distinct breeds in the past compared to today. With so many different breeds today, it is hard to identify one raw diet that works for all dogs. Different breeds have different needs, and some will have natural deficiencies that make raw diets difficult.   The convenience and cost factors associated with raw diets are often used as arguments against the movement. Commercial raw food is available, but it needs to be stored in the freezer and allowed time to thaw before being served. Preparing raw food on your own for your dog is also time consuming as you are now cooking meals for yourself and preparing your dog's food each day.   It can also be difficult to ensure that the raw diet you prepare for your dog meets all of its nutritional needs. A raw diet needs to be balanced to ensure it remains beneficial to your dog's health.   The Ugly The greatest concern that many have with a raw diet is the health risk it could pose to a dog. While the production process for dry dog food destroys many nutrients and vitamins in the ingredients, it also destroys many of the potential risk factors found in those ingredients. Raw diets have been found to contain dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E-coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.   Your dog may shed many of these bacteria in its stool, but traces can be transferred by your dog to carpets and furniture in the home. Young children and the elderly living in your home are at risk of contracting these bacteria and becoming seriously ill.   Additionally, there are other pathogens found in raw meats that can make your dog severely ill and threaten its life. Examples include Neospora caninum, Nanophyetus salmincola, and Trichinella spiralis.   Last but not least, there is the health risk that bones pose to your dog. Chewing raw bones can cause intestinal blockages, perforations of the stomach and intestines, and chipped or broken teeth.   In the end, the decision to switch your dog to a raw food diet should be done only after researching the nutritional needs of your breed. When deciding upon a raw diet, it would also be beneficial to discuss the plan with your dog's veterinarian. Feature image credit

Numerous conversations can make the average individual uncomfortable. When it comes to matters of health, many people shy away from the conversation about stool and what it says about their health. The same conversation can and should be had regarding your dog's health. As odd as it may seem, taking a few moments to pay attention to your dog's stool can reveal a lot about its health.   When you bring your dog to its annual visit with the veterinarian, the vet will examine the dog's stool as part of the process of analyzing its overall health. You can keep tabs on your dog's health in between visits by keeping an eye on the color, shape, consistency, size, and content of its stool.   Color Your dog's stool should consistently be a chocolate-brown color. Unless you feed your dog dry food with special coloring in it, there is no good reason for its stool to be different colors. Streaks of bright red coloring or red fluid are a sign of blood present in the stool. Stools that are black or tar-like in appearance could signal internal bleeding in your dog's gastrointestinal tract. A lighter color, such as tan, could be a sign of liver disease.   Shape The shape of dog stool should be that of a log. If your pet is dropping stools in the shape of small balls or pebbles during elimination, it could be a sign of kidney disease. Dogs suffering from kidney disease often fail to get proper hydration on a daily basis, resulting in stool that has this unusual shape. Diarrhea is not a definitive sign of a chronic illness, but when it occurs you should keep a close eye on your dog's eliminations for a few days to ensure its stool returns to normal.   Consistency When you are cleaning your dog's stool from the yard, it should be easy to pick up and have the consistency of dough. As mentioned above, diarrhea is a clear sign of distress. If your dog's stool is too firm it can be a sign of dehydration, constipation, or both.   Size Different dog breeds will have different stool sizes, so owners need to be aware of the common stool size for their breed. Stool size should be consistent on a weekly basis and correlate to the amount of food the dog is consuming each day. If your dog is eliminating in higher volumes it could be a sign that it is struggling to properly digest its food. Conversely, smaller volumes of stool are a sign that your dog may not be eating enough food.   Content Finally, as you clean your dog's stool from the yard it is worth looking at the content of its eliminations. If the stool appears to be covered with a filmy mucous it could be a sign that your dog has colitis. Undigested food particles are a sign that your dog may be struggling to digest all of the ingredients in its food. The presence of hair in stool can result from excessive grooming that occurs, in some pets, when stress levels are high or allergies are bothersome.   The most important thing to remember is that your dog should have consistent stool over long periods of time. Humans and animals alike are prone to daily variations, but consistent variations over long periods of time are cause for concern.

Cats have a reputation for being very low-maintenance pets-and in some ways, that reputation is well deserved. Still, just because you may not need to monitor your furry friend every second of the day doesn't mean that your cat isn't going to find ways to get into trouble in your house. In fact, a number of common household items have the potential to be very harmful to cats. Here is a look at some of the most dangerous offenders.   Household cleaners Chemicals like ammonia, bleach, chloride, and formaldehyde-many of which are staples in household cleaners-can be extremely toxic if they are ingested by your cat. Many modern cleaning products are scented so they don't have as much of a chemical smell, but this fragrance might actually fool your kitty into lapping up a cleaner unintentionally. Cats can even be exposed to chemicals by drinking water out of a recently cleaned toilet bowl or chewing on cloth that has remnants of laundry detergent left on it.   Medications If a medicine bottle accidentally spills, you need to be careful to collect every single pill so that your curious feline won't get ahold of human medication. Both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines can be poisonous if ingested by your cat. Another common mistake many cat owners make is to expose your kitty to topical flea medication meant for treating dogs or humans. The active ingredient permethrin is found in many medications that fight fleas, but it should never be used on cats in particular.   Chocolate You've probably heard in the past that dogs should never eat chocolate, but you may not know that the same is true of cats. Chocolate contains a number of chemicals that are harmful to your kitty. Theobromine is a chemical found in chocolate that animals are unable to digest, and it can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. Chocolate is also high in caffeine, which can negatively impact your cat's nervous system and may cause coma or death.   Houseplants When summer approaches, your home and garden come to life with greenery. Unfortunately, many houseplants are poisonous to cats when eaten. Keep rhododendrons, lilies, azaleas, and jimson weed out of the house in order to keep your kitty healthy. You should also check the comprehensive list of poisonous plants on the ASPCA website before adding any new greenery to your home.   Rodenticides and insecticides It shouldn't be too surprising that products meant to be poisonous to bugs, rats, and mice can also be harmful to cats. Still, thousands of kitties get sick each year from ingesting rodenticides and insecticides. These chemicals can also be harmful if your cat eats a rodent that has been poisoned, so you need to work closely with an exterminator to figure out safer pest control options.   Unfortunately, the common idiom, "curiosity killed the cat" can actually turn out to be quite true unless you are careful with the harmful products that are often found around your home. Make sure to eliminate or hide any items that might pose a threat to your kitty in order to ensure a long and happy life together.

Dogs and cats are prone to several types of intestinal worms. The most common of these intestinal parasites are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms. Although dogs and cats of any age can become infested with worms, puppies and kittens are often the victims. An infected mother can pass the parasites to her litter through the placenta or milk during feeding. Kittens or puppies often exhibit a potbellied appearance when they are suffering from a worm infestation. Adult pets can also get worms from fecal contaminated soil. Roundworms Roundworms are common parasites that live in the intestines. Roundworms have a spaghetti-like appearance and can sometimes be seen in the stool. Signs and symptoms of roundworm infection other than their appearance in the stool, include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, dull coat, thinning coat, as well as weight loss or failure to gain weight. Tapeworms Tapeworms also reside in the intestines of the infected animal. They consist of a head and several segments that comprise the body. These segments resemble grains of rice. They may be seen in the stool or around the anus of an infected pet. Cats and dogs may become infected with tapeworms when they eat a flea that has eaten tapeworm eggs. Symptoms of tapeworm infection include increase or decrease in appetite, dull coat, hair loss, stomach upset, weight loss and red areas on the skin, typically around the rump and feet. A flea infestation puts pets at an increased risk of developing tapeworm. It is imperative to rid your pet and the environment of fleas. Hookworms Hookworms are a type of intestinal parasite that attaches to the lining of the intestinal wall and feeds off of the animal's blood. The eggs pass through the feces of an infected animal. Pets may ingest the eggs through contaminated soil. Hookworms can pose a serious problem for pets, especially the very young and elderly, because they cause internal blood loss in the animal. If untreated, chronic blood loss can lead to death. The main symptoms of hookworm infestation are diarrhea and weight loss. Whipworms Whipworms live in the part of the large intestine where the large and small intestines meet. Transmission typically occurs when an animal ingests an egg through contaminated soil. If a few whipworms are present, they do not generally pose a severe problem. However, if the infestation is large, they can cause severe bloody diarrhea which can lead to blood loss and dehydration. Whipworm infection is usually more severe in dogs than cats. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet may have worms for a proper course of treatment. Follow your vet's schedule for de-worming puppies and kittens. Annual checkups and examination of stool samples can help provide early detection of the presence of internal parasites. It is important to use a de-worming medication regularly to prevent re-infestation. It is also important to keep your pet's environment and bedding clean. All soiled areas should be cleaned immediately and thoroughly. Always practice good hygiene when handling pets and cleaning their area, by using disposable gloves and washing hands thoroughly. Want to protect your four-legged friends from intestinal worms? Our online store stocks heavily discounted (up to 75% off) intestinal worm treatments from leading brands.  

Ticks are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that attach to your pet. Ticks feed on the blood of their hosts and can transmit several infectious organisms to your pet. Pets that live in wooded areas are at an increased risk of a tick infestation. Dogs are more commonly infected than cats, however outdoor felines in rural areas are susceptible to ticks as well. Although ticks can be found anywhere, they thrive in wooded areas, with thick brush and high grasses. There are several types of ticks including the American dog tick, the brown dog tick, the Lone Star tick, the Gulf Coast tick, the black-legged tick, the Western black-legged tick, the Spinose ear tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. Ticks can cause several infectious diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and feline infectious anemia. Black-legged ticks are the carriers of Lyme disease. When a tick bites your pet, it can transmit bacteria to the animal while it is sucking its blood. However, the tick must remain attached to the animal for a time period of 24 to 48 hours for the bacteria to enter into the pet's bloodstream. If a tick is found on your pet, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. Ticks can be removed with a pair of tweezers or a device designed for tick removal. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible where it is attached and pull back with gentle pressure. Don't try to burn the tick since it can release organisms into the body. If your pet has contracted a tick transmitted disease, there are several symptoms that could be present, depending on the type of tick and bacteria. Signs may include malaise, decreased appetite, fever, swollen lymph nodes, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal discharge and joint pain. If you notice any of these symptoms or spot a tick on your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately. If a tick is present, remove it, place it in a small plastic bag or container and take it with you. Anemia is another danger that ticks can pose to pets. An adult female tick can ingest large amounts of blood. If an animal has a severe tick infestation, severe blood loss could result. Ticks also inject chemicals into the body that can cause allergic reactions resulting in severe itching and skin irritation. Ticks can also secrete a toxin that affects the nervous system and causes a type of paralysis. Symptoms usually begin with weakness in the limbs, followed by difficulty breathing and swallowing. Death may result if the condition progresses. If you live in an area where tick infestation poses a threat to your pet and family, it is important to take preventative measures to control ticks. Ticks are most active during the summer months through early fall. However, they may continue to be active throughout mild winters as well. There are several yard products that can kill and repel both fleas and tick. Consult your veterinarian for information in determining which products would be best for your pet and environment. You can also reduce the risk of tick infestation by keeping your yard clean, keeping the grass cut and pulling weeds. If necessary, limit your pet's roaming range, to keep the animal away from tick prevalent areas. Want to protect your furry friend from ticks? Our online store stocks heavily discounted (up to 75% off) tick treatments from leading brands. Feature image credit  

Intestinal worm infestations are among the most common health problems in dogs, and one that every dog owner needs to be on the lookout for. If you have just purchased or adopted a new puppy, the breeder or shelter should have wormed the animal. Even so, some parasites can linger in the intestinal tract, and new pet parents need to be vigilant to protect the health of their new family members.   One of the best ways to protect your dog from intestinal worms is to have regular checkups with your veterinarian. Your vet can detect the presence of intestinal worms and provide effective treatment if they are discovered. Your vet may ask for a stool sample when you go for your regular exam; that sample is used to find and identify intestinal parasites and recommend effective treatments.   In between regular veterinary checkups, you can protect your dog by watching out for early signs and symptoms of intestinal worms and other parasites. Some of the signs of an intestinal worm infestation are quite obvious, while others are subtle and easy to miss. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, your next call should be to your veterinarian.   Coughing - Many dog owners do not realize that coughing can be a sign of intestinal worms. They may put the cough down to a simple cold or upper respiratory tract infection, but any cough is cause for concern. Coughing can be a sign of intestinal worms, but it is also a classic symptom of heartworm, which can be life threatening. Lethargy - Intestinal worms will sap the energy from your dog and interfere with its nutrition. As a result, the dog will often be lethargic and apathetic. If you notice lethargy or lack of energy in your dog, you should contact your vet right away. Vomiting - Stomach upset is a classic symptom of intestinal worms, and it should be taken seriously. In some cases the dog owner may be able to detect small roundworms in the vomit. In other cases there will be no worms present, but it is still important to have the dog checked out by a vet. Diarrhea - Diarrhea and soft stools are often present in dogs with an intestinal worm infestation. If your dog is infested with hookworms, you may also notice blood in the stool. Loss of Weight - When your dog has intestinal worms, those parasites are stealing the food and the energy it provides. As a result, your dog may lose weight even though it is eating more than ever. Bloated Appearance - A pot belly or bloated appearance is one of the main symptoms of intestinal worms. This is most apparent in puppies, but it can appear in adult dogs as well. Scooting - Intestinal worms are uncomfortable for your dog, and it may show that discomfort by rubbing its bottom or scooting across the rug. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your vet. Dull Fur - If you notice that your dog's once lustrous fur is now dull and shaggy, intestinal worms could be to blame.

The hot days of summer mean fun in the sun, but parasites like fleas can ruin the party. Romping with your dog and letting your cat hunt in the back yard may be fun, but there could be danger lurking in the grass.   Fleas are a big problem for cats and dogs, and responsible pet parents need to take proactive steps to keep them at bay. If you have a pet, you need to be aware of fleas and do your homework on how to prevent them.   Buy a flea comb If you have not already done so, buying a flea comb is a smart move. The tiny teeth in the flea comb will trap adult fleas and their eggs, removing them before they can do further damage.   A flea comb is also a valuable tool in determining whether or not you have a flea problem. Fleas are so tiny they are almost invisible to the naked eye. Using a flea comb on your pet is often the only way to know if your cat or dog is infested.   If you do have a flea infestation, you may need to treat your home with flea bombs and other chemicals. This will kill any adult fleas and flea eggs hiding in the carpets and other spaces in your home. Once the initial infestation has been dealt with, you will be able to start on a monthly preventative plan.   Monthly preventative treatments There are a number of excellent preventative treatments on the market, and it is important for pet parents to talk to their veterinarians and get their recommendations. The vet can provide detailed instructions on how, and how often, to use these topical flea and tick treatments.   No matter which preventative treatment you choose, you need to use it consistently. Most treatments are applied on a monthly basis, and missing a dose could give fleas and ticks a foothold. Treating the pet promptly will prevent that problem and keep your pet protected all season long.   Be aware of the signs The preventative treatments you use should be enough to keep fleas at bay, but it is still important to watch your pet for signs of a flea problem. If you notice an increase in scratching or irritation, it is time to get out your flea comb and take a look.   If you have light-colored carpets, you can also watch for telltale dark spots that could indicate fleas or flea eggs. If you do find signs of a flea infestation, you may need to treat your home to eradicate the pests once and for all.   Keeping your pets flea-free is not always easy, and it is important to be vigilant all season long. Fleas can start cropping up outside as soon as the weather gets warm, and they can hang out in your home even through the winter. The best way to keep your pet protected is to watch out for the signs and be ready to take action when you find these troublesome parasites in your home or on your pet. Want to protect your fur-babies from fleas? Our online store offers heavily discounted (up to 75% off) flea treatments from leading brands. Feature image credit

The Raw Truth   What other felines, besides domesticated cats, consume their prey cooked? Most likely, you're drawing a blank because the answer is none! Cats by nature are carnivores - more specifically they are obligate carnivores, meaning in order for cats to thrive they require nutrition from the meat, organs, and bones of animals. In other words, cats are meant to consume and digest the entire carcass of their prey.   As you can imagine, most domesticated cats are not being served an entire rabbit for dinner. Instead, they are eating over-processed kibble and canned food that contain an unnecessary amount of carbohydrates and additives. This, along with the frequent pet food recalls, has inspired many cat owners to feed their pet an all natural diet, aka, a raw one.   Tips   There are two ways to go about feeding your cat a raw diet. You can either purchase pre-made raw food or you can make it yourself. There are multiple brands including Bravo or Feline's Pride that have already done the dirty work for you. However, if you prefer to make it yourself, here are some tips:   1. Start off slow and be patient. It's easy to get overwhelmed quickly by the amount of work that goes into prepping your cat's raw food. The best way to start is to buy some chicken thighs and cut them up into small pieces. A younger cat may go for it right away, whereas an older cat used to the taste of canned food may take some time to transition. Eventually they will get used to the taste of raw meat, and their carnivorous instincts will kick in.   2. Buy a grinder and supplements. After a week or two of testing the waters, a grinder is the next step in getting serious about a raw diet. Supplements such as Vitamins A, D, E, B-Complex, and Fish Oil are added to make up for the fact that the cat isn't actually eating the entire carcus, so they aren't able to get all the same nutrients as they would from prey in the wild. To make it easier, there are companies that sell these vitamins already mixed for this purpose.   3. There are multiple recipes for success. There are several recommended raw recipes to choose from but they all have the same essential ingredients of meat (both muscle and organ), bones, and supplements. Here's one in particular that is well illustrated.   4. Food should be fresh and warm. Most cats cannot tolerate cold food so make sure to defrost their meal in time. It's recommended that you defrost or warm the meaty bones by placing them in a ziploc bag, and then in warm water for 10 minutes. The water should never be hot enough that it will cook the meat, nor should you ever use your microwave as a method of defrosting.   Benefits   There are several benefits to raw feeding your cat, and many of them will become apparent soon after you make the switch. Cats on raw diets have a healthy skin and coat, clean teeth, and increased energy. The volume and odor of their feces changes (for the better), and allergies tend to clear up. It's also a great way to control your cat's weight, which should be monitored closely when making the switch to a raw diet.   Risks   If you're considering raw feeding your cat, it's important to know that not all veterinarians recommend it. Their main concern is the chance of animal to human disease transmission, contagions, and other food safety issues during the meal prep.   The ultimate goal of raw feeding is to give your cat the food nature intended him to eat. Deciding to raw feed your cat is both a big decision and responsibility. Do as much research as possible to make sure it's right for you and your cat. As long as you can be responsible and follow food safety guidelines, raw feeding could help your cat be the best cat he can be.