Ask the Vet: Raw Food in the Summer

I’ve been feeding my cats Primal, but I work long hours, and I don’t feel good about leaving raw or even canned food down for long, especially during hot summer months.  Do you have any suggestions?

In addition to continuing to give your cats raw food when you’re home, I would recommend that you look into getting one or more “work-to-eat” toys for your cats.  These toys are simple plastic balls or other object with holes in them, which cats must manipulate in order to obtain pieces of kibble.  There are many commercially available products including Kibble Nibble, Slim Cat Food Distribution Balls, Pavlov’s Cat Scratch Feeder, Stimulo Cat Feeding Station and Tricky Treat Balls.

You can also make your own work-to-eat toys using plastic food containers.  Your cats will still be getting some kibble, but having to work for it provides several benefits, especially for indoor-only cats.  Slowing the eating rate and increasing exercise are particularly important for couch-potato kitties who struggle with their girths.   Work-to-eat toys can also help decrease boredom and give rambunctious young cats an outlet for their curtain-climbing, ankle-ambushing, older cat-tormenting energy.

And by the way, work-to-eat toys are available for dogs, too!

Got a question? Email Dr. Kassell!