Getting Started with the BARF Diet for My Cat

If you've made it this far, it's because you know your cat deserves better than ultra-processed food. You've heard about natural feeding and are ready to take the plunge, but you're probably wondering: Where do I start? What if he doesn't like it? How do I do it right?

Don't worry. In this guide, we explain step by step how to transition your cat to the BARF diet in a simple, safe, and respectful way for their feline nature. Also, remember that we're here for you throughout the entire process: you can count on us to answer any questions or adapt the plan to your furry friend's needs.

Before you begin, there are a few things you should keep in mind that will help you, starting with the fact that your cat is a strict carnivore , so a raw diet is the best option for them.

The transition to raw food is easier if your cat already eats wet food, as they're at least accustomed to a more humid food. Therefore , depending on what they're currently eating, the transition will have different phases , which we'll discuss below.
Cats prefer food at room temperature. Leave it out of the refrigerator for a while before serving to warm it up , so it'll be more like the food they'd find in the wild.
Don't leave food available all the time. Give him 20-30 minutes to eat, then remove it and store it in the refrigerator. He'll understand that he must eat or he'll go without.
Give him variety from day one so he doesn't get used to just one type of meat.
You may have heard about fasting in dogs, but cats should never fast !

Transition to BARF according to the type of previous feed

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Cats that eat wet or cooked food

You can start directly with our BARF menus.
Offer a variety of proteins from the start, as cats tend to become attached to one and then reject the others if you don't introduce them from the beginning.
Make sure to always serve food at room temperature .
Remove any residue after 30 minutes. Don't leave raw food exposed all day.
Calculate your approximate serving, but remember that at this stage the most important thing is that your child tries and accepts natural food.

Weaning kittens or cats that have already tried homemade food

You can start directly with varied CRU menus.
In the case of kittens, observe their tolerance to each protein.
If your cat has already tried cooked meat or is curious about your food, the switch is usually easier.

* If you are intolerant to a certain protein, start with a milder protein such as rabbit or quail.

And then what? What to do when the transition phase ends?

Once your cat has accepted several menus and you've verified that they're comfortable, you can begin rotating them freely. You don't need to follow a rigid order. The important thing is to provide variety throughout the month , not necessarily every day.

What you can observe during the transition: detoxification process

Unless your furry friend is a kitten you're weaning directly from CRU or you've been preparing natural food at home, it's normal for their body to need to detoxify. Your cat's body is accustomed to processed foods. Switching suddenly to real food can trigger a natural detoxification process . Not all cats experience this, but if they do, it's normal.

Common changes:

He no longer drinks water: This is the first change that's very surprising. He may drink very little or barely touch it for the first few days. This is completely normal; he's now absorbing water through food, just like strict carnivores do. He no longer needs the water he drank to try to break down the food in his stomach.
Digestive changes: As you may already know, kibble is an ultra-processed food full of ingredients harmful to our furry friends. These additives and residues cause addiction in some cats and are stored throughout the digestive tract because the body can't absorb them. Therefore, it's very important to restore the entire bacterial flora of your cat's stomach and intestinal tract. During this process, you may notice diarrhea, mucus-filled stools, or occasional constipation.
Temporary bad breath.
Changes in the coat: Dandruff, itching, dull fur, or even small pimples, as if it were an allergy.

Take it easy and observe. These symptoms usually only last a few days.

The most important thing: patience and support

We all know that cats can be finicky eaters. Like us, they're creatures of habit; the older they get and the longer they're in the same routine, the more difficult it will be to change. But it's not impossible; you just have to be patient, and soon your furry friend will be eating the diet nature designed for them. Sometimes they need more time to accept changes, but when they do, the benefits are quickly noticeable: improved digestion, energy, shinier coat, fresher breath, and fewer visits to the vet!

Questions? We're here to help! Consult with our nutritionist if you need help at any stage. Every cat is unique, and we're here to work with you to find the best path for you. Welcome to the world of CRU for cats!

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