Cats can eat raw beef, but it comes with both potential benefits and risks. Raw beef resembles a cat's ancestral diet, is high in moisture, and rich in protein, making it a possible part of a cat's diet. However, raw beef can contain harmful pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and campylobacter, which can cause serious illness in cats and also pose a risk to humans handling the meat. Additionally, raw beef alone does not provide a balanced diet as it lacks essential nutrients cats need, such as taurine and certain vitamins. Feeding raw beef to kittens is not recommended due to their weaker immune systems. If considering a raw beef diet, it should be done under veterinary guidance and balanced with appropriate nutrients, preferably using commercially prepared raw diets that are safer and more balanced.
Raw beef with bones is not recommended due to risks of injury, and hygiene practices are crucial to prevent cross-contamination. Overall, while cats can eat raw beef, it is safest and healthiest only as part of a controlled, balanced diet with veterinary oversight.
