Cats are indeed carnivores - they were not meant to eat grains and dry food contributed to our previously overweight cat being, overweight. They are on a raw food diet and thriving. I have been using the same Northern Tools meat grinder for over two years now with no problems. After much research, this is the recipe I chose to follow and the supplement used: http://www.knowwhatyoufeed.com/alnutrin_for_meat.html. I also add some fish oil to the mix. Our vet was not thrilled when we first told her of the switch to raw food, but about one year later she said, "I have to admit, they really seem to be doing well."