BARF for Cats: Natural, Healthy, and Species-Appropriate!

More and more cat owners are questioning industrially prepared food and looking for a more species-appropriate, natural alternative. Let's be honest: dry food is about as exciting to a cat as a lettuce leaf is to a lion. BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is the closest thing to a natural diet and offers many benefits – but how do you get started? How do you ensure your cat is not only full but also optimally nourished? Here you'll learn everything you need to know – including tips for skeptical house cats.

Why is BARF the best choice for cats?

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they eat only meat. Their natural prey – mice, birds, or insects – contain not only muscle meat, but also bones, organ meat, fat, and important nutrients. Industrial foods, on the other hand, often contain grains, fillers, and artificial additives that can harm cats in the long run.

The benefits of BARF:

• Natural nutrition: Fresh ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives.
• Better digestion: Optimal nutrient absorption supports a stable intestinal flora.
• Healthy skin & shiny coat: High-quality proteins and omega-3 fatty acids promote healthy skin.
• Natural dental care: Chewing on pieces of meat and bones can reduce tartar.
• More energy & vitality: A balanced diet promotes well-being and strengthens the immune system.

What should be included in a balanced BARF meal?

To ensure your cat receives optimal nutrition with BARF, the diet should be tailored to their natural needs. The basis of a species-appropriate raw food diet consists of the following components:

1. Muscle meat (approx. 80%)
The main component of every meal and important for muscle building. Suitable meats include poultry (chicken or turkey), beef, horse, lamb, or game.
Tip: Heart (e.g., chicken or beef heart) is particularly valuable because it is rich in taurine – an essential amino acid that is vital for cats' survival.

2. Taurine – indispensable for cats
Cats cannot produce sufficient taurine on their own. A deficiency can lead to blindness, heart problems, and immune deficiency. The best natural source of taurine is heart meat – therefore, it should be included regularly in the diet. If heart is not eaten, taurine can be supplemented as a powder.
✔ Supports heart health
✔ Protects eyesight
✔ Strengthens the immune system

3. Offal (approx. 10%)
Offal plays a crucial role in the BARF diet because it provides valuable vitamins and trace elements. The liver is especially essential because it is rich in vitamin A – if it is not eaten, it must be supplemented. Kidneys, spleen, and lungs also contribute to the supply of important minerals. If your cat is fed a pure muscle meat diet, our chicken and beef offal mix can be an easy way to ensure nutritional balance.

4. Bones or an alternative calcium source (approx. 5-7%)
Soft bones such as chicken necks or wings are ideal sources of calcium. NO cooked bones! They splinter easily and are dangerous. Eggshell meal or meat bone meal are suitable alternatives.

5. Omega-3 fatty acids

• Salmon oil or cod liver oil provide cats with valuable omega-3 fatty acids.
• Vegetable oils are unsuitable because cats cannot digest them.

6. Fiber (1-5% depending on needs)

• Some cats need fiber for stable digestion.
• Suitable options include psyllium husks, cooked carrots, or zucchini.

🐱 Tip: A varied diet ensures optimal nutrient supply and prevents deficiencies.

Let our BARF calculator for cats easily calculate the ideal daily amount – quickly and reliably.

Help, how do I create the perfect BARF meal for my little darling?

Don't panic, we have the solution – without complicated calculations or wild mouse hunts! With our Balance Line, you get a well-thought-out, everyday solution that provides your cat with everything it needs – without any unnecessary frills.

• CH Poultry Balance for Cats – The Taurine King!
  Our CH Poultry Balance for Cats in simple 125g sausages naturally provides a top taurine content, providing your furry friend with the best nutrition!
• Our Balance Line – The perfect all-rounder base!
  Do you want variety and an easy way to provide your cat with a balanced BARF diet? Then our 200g Balance products (chicken, beef, lamb, horse) are just what you need! They're perfectly portioned for cats and contain the most important nutrients for a healthy, natural diet.

Is a little taurine missing? No problem! Simply supplement with our beef heart, and your food will not only be delicious, but also nutritious.

Why make it complicated when it can be easy?
With our Balance Line, you can feed BARF in a relaxed way without having to constantly do the math or experiment.

The first step: introducing BARF slowly and stress-free

Many cats are small creatures of habit and react skeptically to new types of food - this is due to their neophobia, a natural protective mechanism against unfamiliar foods. It is therefore important to approach the changeover with patience and sensitivity.

1. slow introduction - the gentle start

• Start with small pieces of meat as a snack or treat.
• Initially replace 10-20% of the usual food with raw meat.
• Gradually increase the proportion until your cat fully accepts the BARF meals.

2. tricks for skeptical house cats
Not every cat is immediately enthusiastic - but there are clever methods to make the transition easier:

• Warm it up slightly: Many cats prefer the meat to be lukewarm (don't cook it!).
• Mix with usual food: Initially mix with wet food and slowly increase the meat content.
• Test variations: Some cats prefer small pieces, others like it in one piece or minced.
• Offer different types of meat: Try poultry, beef or lamb to find out your cat's preferences - however, one protein source should always be deliberately not fed. This leaves an alternative option in the event of a later allergy or intolerance.

3. cleverly increase acceptance

• Fixed feeding times help to increase appetite.
• No treats or alternatives in between - this increases the chance that the cat will accept the new food.
• Patience is the key! Some cats need days, others weeks to make the switch completely.

🐱 Tip: Cats are often little hunters - place the meat in such a way that they have to “catch” it, e.g. on a raised surface. This can stimulate the hunting instinct and increase acceptance!

Advantages of BARF at a glance
✔ Healthy skin & shiny coat
✔ More energy & better muscles
✔ Strong bones & healthy teeth
✔ Less tartar & bad breath
✔ More stable digestion & less diarrhea
✔ No unnecessary sugar or fillers

Conclusion: Why you should treat your cat to BARF
BARF is the most natural and healthiest form of nutrition for cats. Even if the changeover requires patience, it pays off with a long, healthy life for your cat. The benefits speak for themselves: more vitality, fewer illnesses and a natural diet based on prey.

Don't be put off by myths - give your cat the food it really needs! Do you have any questions about barfing or are you looking for suitable products? Contact us and we will advise you.