At ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, we have spent years helping Australian households make the switch to fresh, natural feeding for their pets. One question comes up more than almost any other: does raw feeding actually make sense for both dogs and cats, or is it really just a dog thing? The short answer is that both species can benefit from fresh, minimally processed nutrition, though their needs are not identical and it helps to understand the differences before you start.
Dogs and Cats Are Not the Same Carnivore
Dogs are classified as carnivores that have adapted over thousands of years to tolerate a broader diet, including some plant matter. Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores. Their bodies are built to run almost entirely on animal protein and fat, and they cannot efficiently produce certain nutrients, such as taurine, that must come directly from meat. This is one reason a raw diet formulated for cats needs to look different to one built for dogs, even though both benefit from moving away from heavily processed kibble.
Feeding a cat a diet designed for dogs, even a good one, can leave gaps in their nutrition over time. This is exactly why a proper raw diet for cats needs to be formulated specifically for feline needs, rather than assuming a smaller portion of a dog recipe will do the job.
Why Fresh Feeding Appeals to Owners
The raw feeding movement in Australia has grown steadily as more owners look closely at ingredient lists and question long-standing industry norms. Fresh, minimally processed meals allow you to see exactly what is going into your pet's bowl, from the protein source to any added vegetables or supplements. Many owners report their dogs and cats seem more settled after moving to fresh food, with steadier energy and improved coat condition, though individual results always vary and any ongoing health concern should be discussed with your vet.
Dogs in particular have a digestive system built around a more acidic gut and a jaw structure suited to tearing and chewing raw meat and bone. Cats share some of these traits but with an even narrower dietary tolerance, which is part of why fresh feeding resonates with so many multi-pet households.
Getting Started Safely with Both Species
If you are transitioning a dog and a cat at the same time, patience matters. Introduce raw food gradually over one to two weeks, watching how each pet settles rather than switching everything overnight. Keep bowls, prep surfaces and storage separate between pets where practical, and always follow safe handling practices such as refrigeration and prompt clean up, the same commonsense steps you would use with any raw meat in your own kitchen.
For dogs specifically, we go into much more depth on protein choices and feeding structure in our dedicated guide to why feed raw dog food, which is worth reading alongside this article if your household includes a dog as well as a cat.
Building a Balanced Bowl
A balanced raw diet is about more than just muscle meat. Dogs and cats both need appropriate amounts of organ meat, bone content for calcium and phosphorus, and in a dog's case, some vegetables can add fibre and micronutrients. Getting the ratios right consistently is the hardest part of DIY raw feeding, which is why complete mixes exist to take the guesswork out of the equation while still giving you the transparency of fresh ingredients.
At ardam we offer beef, chicken and duck ranges for dogs, each formulated to deliver complete nutrition without you having to calculate ratios yourself. If you are new to raw feeding, our sample pack is the easiest way to see how your dog responds before committing to a full subscription, and our meal planner quiz helps calculate the right portion size for your dog's weight and activity level.
Common Concerns Owners Raise
Two questions come up again and again when owners first consider raw feeding for a multi-pet household. The first is cost. Feeding two species fresh food can sound expensive, but many owners find that portion sizes are smaller than expected once the food is nutrient-dense rather than bulked out with fillers, which helps balance the budget over time.
The second concern is convenience. Juggling fresh food for a dog and a cat sounds like a lot of extra fridge management, but a subscription model with regular deliveries removes most of that friction. Meals arrive on a schedule you set, portioned and ready to serve, which takes the mental load off busy households.
Some owners also worry about the mess or smell associated with raw meat. In practice, fresh raw food stored and served correctly is no messier than handling raw meat for your own dinner, and any smell is minimal compared to the strong odour some processed pet foods develop once opened.
Working with Your Vet
Every pet is different, and dogs or cats with existing health conditions, food sensitivities or specific life stage needs such as growth or senior years should have any diet change discussed with a vet first. This is especially true for cats, given how sensitive their nutritional requirements are. A good vet will work with you to make sure whatever diet you choose, raw or otherwise, is appropriate for your individual pet rather than applying a blanket rule.
Trust and Transparency Matter
Choosing any pet food supplier, raw or otherwise, comes down to trust. Look for clear ingredient sourcing, straightforward information about where the meat comes from, and a company that is happy to answer questions about its process. The Australian Veterinary Association encourages owners to discuss any major diet change with their veterinarian, particularly for pets with existing health conditions, and that guidance applies whether you are feeding a dog, a cat, or both.
We are proud to be a Sydney-based business serving households across Australia, and multi-pet families are a big part of our community. Whether you have one dog, one cat, or a houseful of both, fresh feeding can be tailored to fit your household.
A Note on Multi-Pet Households
Households with both a dog and a cat often find that once they commit to fresh feeding, the routine becomes second nature within a few weeks. Setting fixed feeding times, keeping proteins organised in the fridge or freezer, and building a simple rotation between beef, chicken and duck for the dog while keeping the cat's diet separate makes the whole process far less daunting than it first seems. Consistency is more important than perfection, and most pets adjust well once a steady rhythm is established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats eat the same raw food as dogs?
No. Cats are obligate carnivores with different nutritional requirements than dogs, so they need a raw diet formulated specifically for feline needs rather than a dog recipe.
Is raw feeding safe for both dogs and cats?
Yes, when the food is sourced, handled and stored correctly. Choosing a supplier with strong food safety practices matters for both species.
What is the main difference between feeding a dog and a cat raw food?
Cats require higher levels of taurine and specific amino acids that dogs can synthesise themselves, so cat diets need targeted formulation rather than simply smaller dog portions.
How do I transition my dog or cat to raw food?
Start gradually by mixing small amounts of raw food with their current diet over one to two weeks, watching for how they settle before increasing the proportion.
Why do people choose raw over commercial pet food?
Many owners choose raw feeding for greater ingredient transparency and to avoid the fillers and heavy processing common in some commercial pet foods.
Does ardam supply food for cats too?
ardam currently specialises in fresh raw dog food, so cat owners should choose a supplier with a cat-specific formulation to meet feline nutritional needs.
Where can I try raw food before committing to a full subscription?
The ardam sample pack lets you trial a range of proteins for your dog before deciding on a regular subscription.
Reviewed by the ardam team.
