The Transition From Kibble to RAWr ;)

[gollumthesphynx]

Hi everyone!

Hope you're all doing well.

I've been reading the Raw DIet threads and have come across some really important points when it comes to transitioning our babies to a raw diet. However, I'm still having some doubts and questions in regard to the full transitional process.

So far, I've read that:

1. We are not to mix raw and dry kibble during the transition since they digest at different rates.
   Does this mean that I'll have to transition Gollum to a wet/canned food before being able to transition him to raw?
   
   
2. When first transitioning, the raw recipe should be simple.
   Does this mean that I should slowly add the premix (supplements and vitamins)?
   
   
3. There is no need for vegetables in the raw diet recipe.
   Since this is due to their wild instincts, is it harmful in any way if I do decide to add 5% veggies to the batch?
   
   
4. Once transitioned to raw (which should take 7-14 days: depending on the cat's sensitivity), how often could I change up the recipe? For example: I decide that the first batch of raw I choose to transition Gollum onto would be mainly chicken and it's organs, would I need to do the 7-14 day transition if I wanted to change the primary protein to another animal? Such as turkey or beef?
   
   
5. Is it okay to mix animal protein? For example: primary meat - chicken, organs - rabbit?

I've had Gollum on a raw diet previously, however it was one that was pre-made. I'm more interested in making my own.

I apologize if these questions have been previously answered in other threads! Please feel free to add your questions as well.


Thank you <3

 

[Yoda mom]

hugs n head smooches Gollum.

@Condo commando

 

[Bailey21]

• We are not to mix raw and dry kibble during the transition since they digest at different rates.
  Does this mean that I'll have to transition Gollum to a wet/canned food before being able to transition him to raw?
• Although this isn't necessary its preferred. If you go right from kibble to raw, you would just have to wait a few hours in between meals. The problem is you don't want them mixing in the stomach as raw is digested much faster then kibble, and it would have the raw sitting undigested if mixed.
  
  
• When first transitioning, the raw recipe should be simple.
  Does this mean that I should slowly add the premix (supplements and vitamins)?
• No, they usually mean a simple single protein such as turkey or chicken. You wouldn't want to start with a blend of multiples. I've read chicken and turkey are easy on the stomach. It's important all raw being fed has the premix as it has important vitamins and makes a balanced diet.
  
  
• There is no need for vegetables in the raw diet recipe.
  Since this is due to their wild instincts, is it harmful in any way if I do decide to add 5% veggies to the batch?
• No, but I don't see the point as it's not necessary for them. I feel like it would be like us adding chocolate to every meal in a way?
  
  
• Once transitioned to raw (which should take 7-14 days: depending on the cat's sensitivity), how often could I change up the recipe? For example: I decide that the first batch of raw I choose to transition Gollum onto would be mainly chicken and it's organs, would I need to do the 7-14 day transition if I wanted to change the primary protein to another animal? Such as turkey or beef?
• When first introducing a new protein, its best to slowly add it the same way when you first transitioned to raw. So once he's used to chicken, say you wanted to introduce beef, you would add it slowly to the chicken, 25% until its completely beef. Once he's introduced to all proteins you wish you can rotate them as much as you want. I do every other day with my 3 between Kangaroo and Turkey.
• Is it okay to mix animal protein? For example: primary meat - chicken, organs - rabbit?
• I don't understand this one, can you elaborate?

Hopefully this helps! Feel free to PM me any other questions. Big Country Raw also has a lot of transitioning tips on their website that you might find useful.

 

[Sheldon13]

I’ll clarify. Yes, it is ok to mix animal proteins. You can use meat from one and organs from another. But you do want to start off with adding in one protein at a time so you’ll know if there are any food allergies.


Love and Sphynx ~ It’s all you need

 

[Bailey21]

I’ll clarify. Yes, it is ok to mix animal proteins. You can use meat from one and organs from another. But you do want to start off with adding in one protein at a time so you’ll know if there are any food allergies.


Love and Sphynx ~ It’s all you need

Oh, that makes sense to me now. I wasn't reading it properly, lol.

 

[Condo commando]

1. We are not to mix raw and dry kibble during the transition since they digest at different rates.
Does this mean that I'll have to transition Gollum to a wet/canned food before being able to transition him to raw?

Not necessarily. You can try just offering raw food and see if he goes for it. If he does, you're done. Some cats won't eat the raw food at first so with them it's easier to mix in raw food with canned food. That is when you go from kibble to canned to canned+raw to plain raw.

2. When first transitioning, the raw recipe should be simple.
Does this mean that I should slowly add the premix (supplements and vitamins)?

They recommend it to be safe, but you don't have to. I didn't and my crew was fine. With a kitten I don't think you will have a problem. But again, if you want to go by the book, start with just the raw food for a week and then add the supplement. Don't over do it because you do want the food to be balanced.

3. There is no need for vegetables in the raw diet recipe.
Since this is due to their wild instincts, is it harmful in any way if I do decide to add 5% veggies to the batch?

Not a problem, but just be aware of what you're doing. I would recommend pumpkin since it provides fiber. Don't go over 10%.

4. Once transitioned to raw (which should take 7-14 days: depending on the cat's sensitivity), how often could I change up the recipe? For example: I decide that the first batch of raw I choose to transition Gollum onto would be mainly chicken and it's organs, would I need to do the 7-14 day transition if I wanted to change the primary protein to another animal? Such as turkey or beef?

Stick to one thing for at least a month, preferably 2 months. Then introduce a second one.

The transition really depends on your cat. If he eats turkey right away, great. If not, you may have to mix it into the chicken little by little.

5. Is it okay to mix animal protein? For example: primary meat - chicken, organs - rabbit?

Not at first. You want to make sure he's fine with each thing one at a time. But let's say he was fine with both chicken and rabbit during the trial phase ......now you can mix them.

 

[Condo commando]

• No, but I don't see the point as it's not necessary for them. I feel like it would be like us adding chocolate to every meal in a way?

Sacrilege! Chocolate goes with everything!

 

[gollumthesphynx]

Ah this is all so great.

Thank you @Sheldon13 , @Bailey21, @Condo commando!

And hugs and kisses to you and your babies @Yoda mom


I'm gonna start him this weekend! Will let everyone know how it goes!

 

[gollumthesphynx]

Hi everyone!

Does anyone know if the Better in the Raw (Know Better) premix still requires me to add in organs (liver and heart)?

Know Better For Cats - Chicken Recipe - For Making Healthy Homemade Cat Food

Know Better for Cats is a premix for preparing a raw or cooked cat food. This healthy diet is ideal for all life stages and is made with 100% human grade ingredients. Many of the diseases associated with commercial cat foods can be avoided with a balanced homemade meat diet. No grains of any...

www.knowbetterpetfood.ca

 

[Sheldon13]

Under “Preparation” it states just the meat.

 

[Condo commando]

Yeah as far as I know BITR has always specified NO LIVER.

You could contact them and ask to put your mind at ease.