Raw Diet and Kittens

[ArlosMom]

Hello..I have in fact decided to feed raw to my new baby Arlo, who will be 12 weeks old when he comes home in a few weeks. The question I have is for those that feed either Alnutrin or BITR. I emailed the makers of Alnutrin to ask a few questions and they said that they wouldn't recommend feeding the raw diet to a kitten of Arlo's age, until he was at least 6 months old. They said this is due to them needing more calcium as a kitten. I wondered why I couldn't just add more calcium to get him to where he needs to be? I am also considering BITR as it's a bit less expensive, but seems to have the same quality ingredients and I like that I can just add meat that has already been ground (ground chicken, turkey, etc..) and freeze into small portions. Does anyone know of any reason why I can't give Arlo this at a young age and also how much Lysine I need to add to the BITR mix if I go w/ that one or if giving him individual treats w/ lysine is a better option.

Thank you!!

 

[MollysMom]

I have fed both BiTR and Alnutrin now... I gave mine BiTR as kittens and they were fine. I have one on each powder now... long story, but I will eventually switch them both to Alnutrin eventually. It has no animal ingredients in it, unlike the BiTR that has beef liver powder. The inclusion of animal ingredients makes it hard to narrow down sensitivities if they are having problems with it. The Alnutrin is more concentrated, so you use less per batch than the BiTR. I have found the cost to be pretty close with the shipping to Canada.

With the Alnutrin, you can use ground meat as well to add to it, raw or cooked. The amount you add changes depending on the type of protein you are using. I emailed them and they were good about getting back to me soon. They also have a calulator thing on their web site for what type of protein you are using.

Bottom line, you just need to worry about picking one and trying it. The protein source that you choose will be an important component of the food's success with your kitten. And be fully prepared that there may be some trial and error getting your kitten onto it and going smoothly.

 

[Xandria]

I started Max on a raw food diet with BitR one month after he came home with me. He was 4 months old when I started. All went swimmingly until he became sick a few times and then I had to narrow down what the issue was (calcium, variety, protein allergies etc.).

I'll be honest and say that as of right now, I don't know why Max got sick a few times. I hired a pet nutritionist to help me suss it out, and she was left not knowing either. What I have learned is not to panic. I gave away a few hundred dollars of home made cat food thinking it was a protein issue or calcium issue etc. I realize now that sometimes... these things happen.

I investigated E. coli possibilities etc. Nothing.

As @MollysMom said... pick one (I suggest Allnutrin as it's cheaper for you in the USA) and give it a try. There may be some trials and tribulations, but don't panic. This is a great community to glean information.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[assibassi]

I feed BitR and I did not start until my boy was 8 months old. I heard before that you should not feed the kittens that young Raw.
I did a lot of research before I started the raw. We are doing this now almost 2 years and I am very happy with it.
I tried the "instinct raw kibble" rabbit and they did not even touch it.

 

[momdeeze]

I feed my adults a locally made commercial raw (Darwin's Pet from the Seattle area). I wean my kittens on it as well (or I should say mom cat weans them, I just provide the raw food.) With any raw and especially with babies, freshness and good sanitation practices are very important.

 

[MelissaAlice]

My vet was talking to me about this today, I was actually going to come on and ask this same question!

 

[Emily0404]

Percy is on raw kitten weaning paste