Feeding Your Bengal Cat: Nutrition for Optimal Health

At Lauralei Bengals, we believe that a well-balanced diet is the cornerstone of a healthy and happy Bengal cat. Our feeding regimen is designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of this active and athletic breed, ensuring that our cats and kittens thrive from the inside out.

Premium Raw Diet

Our cats and kittens are primarily fed a premium raw diet consisting of a balanced mix of chicken and beef. This diet follows the 80/10/10 ratio, which includes 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ meats. This composition mirrors the natural diet of wild cats, providing a high-quality source of protein that supports muscle development, energy levels, and overall health. The raw diet we provide is free from additives and fillers, making it ideal for cats with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

Health Benefits of a Raw Diet

Feeding your Bengal a raw diet offers numerous health benefits. Cats on a raw diet tend to have higher and more stable energy levels, which is particularly important for the high-energy Bengal breed. Additionally, a raw diet can contribute to long-term health by reducing inflammation-related issues such as hot spots, ear infections, and digestive sensitivities. An added bonus is that raw-fed cats often produce smaller, less frequent, and less odorous stools, making litter box maintenance easier.

Supplemental Feeding

In addition to their raw diet, we also provide our cats and kittens with IAMS dry kitten chow and raw chicken legs with bones. The dry kibble helps with dental health by providing a crunchy texture that can reduce plaque buildup, while the chicken legs offer a natural source of calcium from the bones and additional nutrients from the meat. These supplemental foods are given in moderation to ensure a balanced diet.

Hydration and Diet

Cats, especially Bengals, often have a low thirst drive because their natural diet is composed almost entirely of meat, which provides the necessary hydration. For this reason, a raw or high-quality canned diet is crucial for their health, as it ensures they receive adequate moisture through their food. Avoiding diets high in carbohydrates and fillers will help prevent urinary tract issues and obesity, both of which can be common in cats fed primarily dry kibble.

Transitioning Your Bengal’s Diet

When you bring your Bengal kitten home, we strongly recommend continuing the diet we’ve established at Lauralei Bengals. Consistency is key to preventing digestive upset during the transition to a new home. However, if you choose to change your kitten’s diet, it’s important to do so gradually. A slow transition allows your kitten’s digestive system to adjust without causing discomfort or health issues. We’re always here to provide guidance on how to properly transition your Bengal’s diet, ensuring they remain healthy and happy as they settle into their new environment.

Why Our Diet Works

We firmly believe that the diet we provide is what keeps our breeder cats in peak condition and gives our kittens the best possible start in life. By feeding a diet that is as close to their natural prey as possible, we support their physical development, immune system, and overall well-being. This specialized diet is not difficult to maintain and offers peace of mind that your Bengal is getting the nutrition they need to thrive.

Feeding Tips and Advice

For those new to feeding a raw diet or considering it for the first time, we offer detailed advice and support. From sourcing high-quality ingredients to understanding the proper balance of nutrients, we can help you navigate the process of feeding your Bengal cat in the best way possible. Our goal is to ensure that all of our Bengal kittens leave our cattery not only healthy but also set up for a lifetime of optimal nutrition.