Bad Stories with Feeding Raw?

[amikhaylov4]

Hey everyone!

We're thinking of switching Dexter to raw (Nature's Variety) once his wet food is finished. I've heard a lot of good things about raw - for one there poop should smell less...hopefully there farts too! We have quite the stinker in the house.

But I was wondering if any of you have any negative things to say, or negative experiences to share about feeding raw? Did any of your animals get sick really bad?

I just haven't heard much about the "bad" of feeding raw, and I want to make sure I'm well informed of the risks.

Thank you!!!
MUCH APPRECIATED!!!!!!

 

[Janelle S]

Some vets feel that an immune-compromised cat could have issues with improperly prepared raw food but if your cat is healthy, it shouldn't be an issue. I feed Cleo ground turkey and chicken mixed with "Better in the Raw" (she didn't like the medallions) and when I brought the bag of BITR to my vet for her opinion, she said it looked balanced. She said she couldn't argue with Cleo's results on raw and told me to keep it up.

 

[magber]

I love raw!! Sorry, I have no negative issues with it. The only thing (if you think its negative) is having to prepare the food. But if you are organized you can buy bulk and prepare for moths at a time. But if you are like me you will prepare it daily or weekly

 

[muddpuddles01]

Raw is the way to go! Nothing but good things to say here!

 

[Rwalkerg]

I had to really look into this too; wasnt sure if it was a hype thing, but the more research I looked into the better it seemed with pretty much zero downside. The only "bad" thing I can think of was more for the human handling raw meat when making the food. And then, its just making sure to clean up afterwards really well.

I do the Nature's Variety medallions, but will try switching over to the Better In The Raw mix starting next week. Its a bit more cost effective to get the mix stuff, than the 100% pre-made raw.

Also, if you dont want to deal with the raw stuff - I found that simply using grain-free wet & dry food can be very effective. Each cat is different of course, so just find what works.

 

[Franksmom]

I use Nature's Variety, the cats are doing good on it. I just have to watch Frank, he finishes his and eats Luci's. he did get sick once, but I think it was because he ate hers and it was to much food. Other then that I love it for them, their poop doesn't smell bad at all. Nothing like it use to. Try it if your cat likes it then good if not try some other raw ones. It depends on the cat and the owner. Good luck

 

[MollysMom]

The only downside that I have seen is if we leave her for a couple of days at home, I have to get someone come over and feed her every 6-8 hrs. That is because you can't leave it out like dry kibble.

But she travels so well that most times we have started just taking her with us.

 

[susi794]

My kittens got coccidia from raw once.....so I don't feed it anymore. I would if I didn't have neonate kits though. They can get coccidium from raw meat and it causes them to get diarreah. But an adult cat's body can just get rid of it like when we occasionally get diarreah. But a tiny kitten can die from diarreah, so I couldn't have it here. But I like raw better than almost anything else. A friend of mine recommended Hounds and Gatos--a canned food that is nothing but meat as an alternative to raw. But I can't afford to feed my whole crew that stuff. If I only had one, I would definitely try it. You have to order it online.

 

[assibassi]

i feed Better in the Raw in my Raw meats and have had only good Results from it. Better Smell in the Litterbox and Better Smell in the Farting department too! They used to fart those Fishy farts and clear a room !!! Not no more.

 

[ZiggyStardust]

I use Blue Ridge Beef (which does have more than beef) and mix in supplements and haven't had a problem. I'm now trying TCFeline supplement instead of the individual additions I was using and so far the cats love it.

 

[Caloci]

Not a bad story, but it took three attempts for us to transition to raw. We finally did it, but we are having problems with poo being too firm. I am also having issues getting him on the salmon oil and probiotics.

I sort of want to give up, but we have made it this far and he is doing ok and I am keeping a close eye on him.

 

[amikhaylov4]

Thank you guys! Hope I don't have the "poop being too firm" problem. His poop now is perfect consistency just really stinky.

 

[susi794]

Love your avatar, Sasha.....Dexter looks so innocent and sweet. LOVE, love, love him!

 

[mikejg]

If you make the food yourself it may take a little experimentation to get the bone to meat ratio right, to obtain the best stool consistency. With my first batch Squid's stool was too soft, worse than on commercial food and messy. The second batch has more bone and the stool is quite dry now. They say it's fine for it to be dry as long as it's not causing discomfort for the cat.

 

[Flowergirl]

The only difficulty I've had is trying to get the recipe right. I do not have the option really of purchasing a pre made product so I have to do it myself.

Other risks are mainly concerning handling of raw meats.

 

[amikhaylov4]

Love your avatar, Sasha.....Dexter looks so innocent and sweet. LOVE, love, love him!

I think that's one of my favorite photos of him! He's sooooooo sweet....I don't know about the innocent part But we love him just the same.

And he's been eating raw for the last few weeks...no more smelly farts...and poop is significantly less stinky...we're very happy parents!!

He's doing great! Except lately he's been not too fond of wearing clothes...he starts chewing at the collar...I think he's trying to tell me something...hmmm

 

[amikhaylov4]

Thanks everyone for the response! I've been buying the Nature's Variety medallions...so no worry about making my own with just the right consistency of everything

 

[susi794]

He is such a lucky boy to have such a great set of parents. I don't blame him for not liking clothes--it feels good to be nude!