Optimal Nutrition for Your Bengal
Discover how raw feeding can unlock your Bengal's full potential for health, energy, and magnificent coat quality.
Did You Know?
Bengals have a shorter digestive tract than humans, making them ideal candidates for raw, species-appropriate diets.
Raw Feeding Fundamentals
Understanding the principles of balanced raw nutrition
The 80-10-10 Rule
A balanced raw diet typically consists of:
- 80% Muscle Meat
- 10% Raw Edible Bone
- 10% Organ Meats
Plus essential supplements for complete nutrition
Safety First
Essential safety practices for raw feeding:
- Source high-quality, human-grade meats
- Practice proper food handling
- Freeze meats to kill parasites
- Clean surfaces thoroughly
- Wash hands after preparation
Transitioning Tips
How to safely switch to raw:
- Start with small amounts
- Mix with current food initially
- Go slowly over 2-3 weeks
- Monitor stool and energy levels
- Be patient with picky eaters
Essential Supplements
Key nutrients for complete and balanced raw meals
Taurine
Why: Essential amino acid critical for heart and eye health
Sources: Heart meat, or supplement powder
Dosage: 50-100mg per pound of food
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Why: Reduces inflammation, supports brain and coat health
Sources: Fish oil, krill oil, or whole sardines
Dosage: 100mg EPA/DHA per 10lbs body weight
Vitamin E
Why: Antioxidant that protects Omega-3s from oxidation
Sources: Vitamin E oil or capsules
Dosage: 2-4 IU per pound of food
Vitamin B Complex
Why: Energy production and nervous system health
Sources: Nutritional yeast or B-complex supplement
Dosage: Follow product instructions
Vet-Approved Raw Recipes
Balanced, complete meals for your Bengal
Complete Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Meat & Bones (85%)
- 2.5 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in)
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 0.5 lbs chicken hearts
Organs (10%)
- 0.4 lbs chicken liver
- 0.1 lbs chicken kidney
Supplements
- 5000mg taurine powder
- 4000mg salmon oil
- 200 IU vitamin E
- 1 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp iodized salt
Instructions
- Grind chicken thighs with bones using a meat grinder with a medium plate
- Grind chicken breast and hearts separately
- Combine all ground meats in a large mixing bowl
- Add finely chopped liver and kidney
- Sprinkle all supplements evenly over the mixture
- Mix thoroughly for 5-7 minutes until well combined
- Portion into daily serving sizes
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months
Nutritional Analysis (per 100g):
Premium Rabbit Recipe
Ingredients
Meat & Bones (85%)
- 2 lbs whole rabbit (with bones)
- 1 lb rabbit meat (boneless)
- 0.3 lbs chicken hearts
Organs (10%)
- 0.3 lbs rabbit liver
- 0.1 lbs rabbit kidney
Supplements
- 4000mg taurine powder
- 3000mg sardine oil
- 150 IU vitamin E
- 2 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1/4 tsp iodized salt
Instructions
- Grind whole rabbit using a heavy-duty grinder
- Add boneless rabbit meat and chicken hearts
- Combine with chopped organs in large bowl
- Evenly distribute all supplements
- Mix for 8-10 minutes until homogeneous
- Portion and freeze immediately
- Thaw in refrigerator before serving
Nutritional Analysis (per 100g):
Feeding Guidelines & Schedule
How much and how often to feed your Bengal
Daily Portion Guide
Kittens (3-6 months)
Feed 3-4 times daily. Kittens need frequent meals for growth.
Juniors (6-12 months)
Feed 2-3 times daily. Monitor growth and adjust as needed.
Adults (1-7 years)
Feed 2 times daily. Adjust based on activity level.
Seniors (7+ years)
Feed 2 times daily. May need softer texture.
Feeding Schedule Tips
Serve at Room Temperature
Thaw frozen portions in refrigerator overnight. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Consistent Schedule
Feed at the same times daily. Bengals thrive on routine and predictability.
Clean Bowls
Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Wash thoroughly after each meal.
Fresh Water
Always provide fresh water. Consider a water fountain to encourage drinking.
Raw Feeding Safety
Essential precautions for healthy raw feeding
Bacterial Safety
- Source human-grade meats only
- Freeze for 2+ weeks to kill parasites
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils
- Disinfect surfaces after preparation
- Wash hands thoroughly
Nutritional Balance
- Follow recipes precisely
- Don't skip essential supplements
- Rotate protein sources regularly
- Monitor your cat's health
- Consult with your veterinarian
Health Monitoring
- Regular veterinary check-ups
- Monitor weight monthly
- Watch for changes in energy
- Check stool quality
- Observe coat condition
Important Veterinary Note
Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new diet, especially if your Bengal has pre-existing health conditions. Regular blood work and health monitoring are recommended when feeding raw diets.
Raw Feeding FAQs
Yes, when done properly with attention to food safety and nutritional balance. Bengals, like all cats, are obligate carnivores with digestive systems designed for raw meat. The key risks are bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances, both of which can be managed through proper handling and following balanced recipes.
Costs vary based on protein sources and location, but typically range from $1.50 to $3.00 per day for an adult Bengal. While more expensive than commercial kibble, many owners find the health benefits (reduced vet bills, better coat quality, fewer health issues) make it cost-effective long-term. Buying in bulk and sourcing directly from farmers can reduce costs.
It's generally not recommended to feed raw and kibble in the same meal because they digest at different rates. However, you can feed them at separate meals if needed. Some cats do fine with this arrangement, while others may develop digestive issues. If mixing, monitor your Bengal closely for any signs of gastrointestinal upset.
Properly prepared raw food can be stored frozen for 3-4 months. Once thawed in the refrigerator, use within 2-3 days. Never refreeze thawed raw food. Portion meals before freezing for easy serving. Always label packages with preparation date and contents.
Most Bengals transition well to raw food due to their strong carnivorous instincts. Start with small amounts mixed with their current food and gradually increase the ratio. Warming the food slightly can enhance aroma and appeal. Be patient - some cats may take several weeks to fully transition. Offering different protein sources can help find their preference.
Additional Resources
Recommended Equipment
- Heavy-duty meat grinder
- Digital kitchen scale
- Freezer containers
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting boards (separate)
Trusted Suppliers
- Local butcher shops
- Farmers markets
- Online raw pet food
- Asian markets
- Local farms
Further Reading
- Feline Nutrition Foundation
- Raw Feeding Veterinary Society
- Cat Nutrition Organization
- Feline Natural Health
Important Disclaimer
These recipes and guidelines are provided for educational purposes. Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat's diet, especially if they have health conditions. Monitor your Bengal closely during dietary transitions and adjust as needed based on their individual response.