Small Pets

can cats eat raw deer meat


Can Cats Eat Raw Deer Meat?

Cats are obligate carnivores, so there’s no doubt that they need to eat a predominately meat-based diet. But can cats eat raw deer meat? The answer is both yes and no.

Benefits of Raw Deer Meat

Raw deer meat contains beneficial nutrients that cats may not get from their commercial cat food. These include:

  • High-quality protein for muscle development and maintenance
  • Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • B vitamins for energy metabolism and overall health
  • Iron for tissue formation and oxygen transport

Possible Health Risks

While it may sound like raw deer meat is a great addition to your cat’s diet, there are some potential hazards. Raw venison and other game meat may contain harmful parasites, bacteria, and viruses, such as liver flukes, Trichinella spiralis, toxoplasmosis, tularemia, and Mycobacterium bovis. These are far less likely in commercially raised deer, but the potential risks are still present.

How To Serve Raw Deer Meat Safely

If you choose to feed your cat raw deer meat, it’s essential to serve it safely. Follow these simple steps to ensure your cat is getting a nutritious and safe meal:

  • Use fresh deer meat from a known source.
  • Freeze the meat before serving it to your cat.
  • Defrost the meat safely in the refrigerator and serve it at room temperature.
  • Keep the leftover deer meat in the refrigerator for no more than two days.

Conclusion

Raw deer meat can provide cats with necessary vitamins, minerals, and proteins that they may not get from commercial cat food. However, it’s important to note that there is a risk of contamination from parasites, bacteria, and viruses, so proper handling and storage procedures are essential. If you do decide to feed your cat raw deer meat, it’s safest to get it from a trustworthy source, freeze it, and serve it properly.

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