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Raw Food for Cats: A Beginner's Guide to PMR Feeding

Nutrition

Quick answer: PMR, or prey model raw, feeds cats muscle meat, organs, and ground bone in ratios close to whole prey. Adult cats usually eat 2 to 4% of their body weight a day in 2 meals, so a 4kg cat eats about 80 to 160g. Kittens need 5 to 10% across 3 to 4 meals. Raw PMR contains bone, so never cook it. Switch slowly over 1 to 2 weeks, and never let a cat go a full day without eating.

Cats are true carnivores. Their bodies are built to run on meat, organs, and a little bone. That's why many fur-parents in the Philippines are curious about raw feeding for their cats. Here's what you need to know before you start.

What is PMR?

PMR stands for prey model raw. It tries to copy the parts of a small prey animal: muscle meat, organs, and bone. Unlike dog BARF diets, PMR for cats usually skips vegetables and fruit. Cats don't need them.

What goes into a PMR bowl

Here's how our Raw PMR Mix for Cats is built:

Part Share of the recipe What it does
Muscle meat About 55% Protein, energy, and taurine
Organ meat, such as heart and gizzard About 25% Protein and taurine
Ground raw bone About 8% Natural calcium and phosphorus
Liver About 4% Vitamin A and B vitamins
Kidney or spleen About 8% Extra minerals and vitamins

Why taurine matters

Taurine is an amino acid cats can't make enough of on their own. They must get it from food. Low taurine can lead to heart and eye problems. Heart and gizzard are rich natural sources, which is why they're a big part of our PMR mix.

Is PMR complete and balanced?

No. Our PMR mix supports rotation and variety. It's not a standalone complete diet. Rotate recipes over time, and talk to your vet about a long-term plan, especially for kittens.

The never-cook rule

Raw PMR contains ground bone. Never cook it. Cooked bone turns hard and is difficult to digest. If you want cooked food for your cat, choose a bone-free gently cooked single protein instead.

How much raw food to feed a cat

Cat Daily amount Meals
Kitten 5 to 10% of body weight 3 to 4
Adult cat 2 to 4% of body weight 2

For example, a 4kg adult cat eats about 80 to 160g a day. Weigh your cat every 2 weeks and adjust.

How to switch your cat to raw

Cats are more set in their ways than dogs. Go slowly over 1 to 2 weeks, or longer if needed.

  1. Start tiny. Mix about a teaspoon of raw into your cat's usual food.
  2. Increase a little every day or two as long as your cat keeps eating.
  3. Serve at room temperature. Cats often reject cold food. Thaw in the fridge, then let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
  4. Try a topper. A spoonful of bone broth or goat's milk can help a picky cat try something new.

Important: Never let your cat go a full day without eating. Cats that stop eating can develop serious liver problems quickly. If your cat refuses raw, go back to the old food and try again more slowly, or talk to your vet.

Raw feeding safety at home

  • Thaw in the fridge, never on the counter.
  • Pick up the bowl after 30 minutes.
  • Wash hands, bowls, and surfaces after every meal.
  • Keep raw away from human food.

Raw feeding isn't recommended for cats with weak immune systems or serious health conditions. Ask your vet first.

Raw and fresh picks for cats

Raw PMR Mix for Cats (250g) — Chicken + Pork or Chicken + Beef. About 55% muscle, 25% organ meat, 8% bone, 4% liver, and 8% kidney or spleen. Rich in natural taurine from heart and gizzard. Supports rotation and variety, not a standalone complete diet. Raw only. Never cook. Shop Raw PMR Mix for Cats

Gently Cooked Single Proteins — The cooked, bone-free option for cats that won't eat raw. One protein per pack. Shop Gently Cooked Single Proteins

Goat's Milk — A tasty topper for cats. Start with 1 teaspoon and build up to 1 to 2 tablespoons. Shop Goat's Milk

Wild-caught Sardines & Mackerel — Omega-3s for skin and coat. About 3g a day for a cat. Shop Sardines & Mackerel

Delivery: Same-day delivery across Metro Manila and Greater Manila via Lalamove for orders placed before 3 PM, Monday to Saturday. Provincial orders ship via Victory Liner Drop & Go.

Frequently asked questions

Is raw food good for cats?

Many cats do well on raw food when it's handled safely and built around muscle, organs, and bone. Talk to your vet first, especially if your cat has a health condition.

What is the best raw food for cats in the Philippines?

Look for a mix built for cats, not dogs, with heart or gizzard for taurine, ground bone for calcium, and liver and other organs. Our Raw PMR Mix for Cats is made for this.

How much raw food should I feed my cat?

Adult cats usually eat 2 to 4% of their body weight a day in 2 meals. Kittens eat 5 to 10% across 3 to 4 meals.

Can I feed my cat dog BARF?

It's not ideal. Dog BARF includes vegetables and fruit and isn't built around cats' taurine needs. Use a cat-specific PMR mix instead.

Can I cook raw PMR for my cat?

No. It contains ground bone and must stay raw. For cooked food, use a bone-free gently cooked protein.

My cat won't eat raw. What should I do?

Go slower, serve it at room temperature, and add a topper like bone broth. Never let your cat go a full day without food. If your cat still refuses, talk to your vet.

This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before starting raw feeding, especially for kittens or cats with health conditions.

Sources

  • Roudebush P, Guilford WG, Jackson HA. "Adverse Reactions to Food." In: Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 5th ed., Chapter 31. Mark Morris Institute.
  • Raw PMR Mix for Cats, Wholesome Rabbit

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