Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken?

In the wild, a cat’s ancestors ate fresh, raw meat packed with protein, high in moisture, and full of essential nutrients. Our housecats today remain obligate carnivores, meaning they require a meat-based diet to survive. While they no longer have to hunt their prey for a meal, cats still have a shorter, more acidic digestive tract that allows them to safely consume and digest raw meat.

Chicken is a great protein to include in your cat’s rotation. It has a mid-range fat and protein profile, making it a great energy source for active cats. Chicken also contains all nine amino acids cats need to acquire from food.

A commercial raw diet like Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe is the best way to feed your cat raw chicken. This formula offers complete and balanced nutrition in a way that’s difficult to achieve when crafting a homemade raw chicken diet. As a prey model diet, it offers 95% free-range chicken, organs, and ground bone plus 5% superfoods (no synthetics, ever!) to round out the nutrient profile. Each product also undergoes strict manufacturing procedures to ensure the safety of the raw food. 

While cats are designed to eat raw meat and can do so safely if properly prepared and handled, feeding a diet of only raw chicken is not sufficient. If you’re thinking of feeding your cat raw chicken from scratch, it’s important to consult with a holistic veterinarian or nutritionist to avoid the risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional deficiencies.

Can Cats Eat Canned Chicken?

Cats can eat canned chicken as an occasional treat, but it shouldn’t replace their regular food. Most canned chicken is made for humans and often contains added salt, seasonings, or preservatives that are not safe for cats. If you want to offer your cat canned chicken, look for a plain, unseasoned version with low sodium.

Canned chicken can be handy in small amounts, especially for picky eaters or cats recovering from illness. Still, it doesn’t provide the balanced nutrition your cat needs for long-term health. Think of it as a treat rather than a complete meal.

Can Cats Eat Chicken Bones?

Cooked bones are never safe for cats to eat. Cooking causes bones to splinter easily, which can lead to choking or serious internal injuries if swallowed.

Can Cats Have Chicken Broth?

Yes, cats can have chicken broth, but it must be prepared safely. Broth can be a great way to encourage hydration, especially since many cats don’t drink enough water on their own. It can also make meals more appealing for finicky eaters.

The key is to make sure the broth is free from ingredients that are harmful to cats. Many store-bought broths for humans contain salt, onions, garlic, or other seasonings that can be toxic. If you want to give your cat chicken broth, choose a low-sodium, plain version or make your own at home using only chicken and water. Homemade broth lets you control exactly what goes into it, ensuring it’s safe and gentle on your cat’s stomach.

When used in moderation, chicken broth can add moisture and mild nutrients like amino acids and trace minerals. It’s not a substitute for a complete meal, but it can complement your cat’s diet and make mealtime more enjoyable.

Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Treats

Freeze-dried chicken cat treats are an easy, convenient way to boost your cat’s raw nutrition while keeping mealtime exciting. By removing moisture from raw meat, these treats retain their natural nutrients, flavor, and protein, creating a crunchy, shelf-stable snack that cats love.

At Steve’s Real Food, our freeze-dried Protein Bites are enhanced with a fermented superfood blend that supports healthy digestion and immunity. Made from humanely sourced meat and minimally processed, these treats contain natural gut-soothing nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.

Raw Chicken for Cats

Feeding a raw diet can offer tremendous benefits, from stronger muscles to better digestion and a shinier coat. If you want to feed your cat a raw chicken diet without the hassle or risks of making your own, Quest Cat Food makes it simple. It’s formulated with all the nutrients your cat needs to thrive, tested for safety, and ready to serve — giving you peace of mind while your cat enjoys the nutrition nature intended. Get 25% off your first order with code PURR25.