What should be my next step?

[lucylue]

I have been feeding Lucy ground Lean turkey breast mushed up with the better in raw. She has really loved it up until a week ago and now she hardly will touch it. I want to start her on something a little more meaty and with a little bone. What should I change to? I just am new to this raw stuff. But after seeing her eat Chicken hearts and seeing how much she loves them, (as treats) I think I need to start something more she can chew and has bone, I just do not know where to start. HELP

 

[Rwalkerg]

Clementine has started doing this too. I'm thinking of staying the course, but switching the meat - trying out some ground chicken and possibly pork too. I also chalk it up to her going through growth spurts - i.e. growing = eating more. Right now she seems to be in a 'resting phase', but she's still a kitten so I'm sure she will be back to chowing down here soon.

 

[lucylue]

Clementine has started doing this too. I'm thinking of staying the course, but switching the meat - trying out some ground chicken and possibly pork too. I also chalk it up to her going through growth spurts - i.e. growing = eating more. Right now she seems to be in a 'resting phase', but she's still a kitten so I'm sure she will be back to chowing down here soon.

I want to keep her on the better in raw but want to change the the protein, like to a meat or chicken with bone.

 

[susi794]

If you are using Better in the Raw made for just the meat, you need to stick with only meat. And you shouldn't be using all lean....if you switch to something with bones, you need to use the formula meant for meat and bones. You need to make sure the ratio of organ meat to muscle meat to bone to phosphorous is correct. Please don't change things unless you research it first because an unbalanced raw diet is worse than almost anything out there.
And I am not certain I would use pork as a protein choice.....pork can have fluke worms ( I think that's what they're called) that can put your cat's health at risk. Chicken thighs are a good choice--to use--not all breasts, because there isn't enough fat in them. You should only feed fish at the most, once a week. That's why a commercial mix/supplement or preprepared diet is recommended. You have to research the right formulas to use.

 

[assibassi]

ok so i use Better in the Raw too and this is what i do.

I take 1 lbs of chicken ground and 1lbs of beefground / next time i take 1 lbs of turkey ground and 1lbs of beef ground .

i mix beef and chicken together. Its a variety then for them. I noticed that one of my cats did not eat the chicken or turkey by itself no more that is why i mix it with beef now, since he loves beef.
So they love that mixture .
Once a week i give them chicken necks as a treat in the evening. How much ?? About a good piece but i cut it in small squares.

 

[assibassi]

and suzi is right .....
my vet said as a treat you give em something once a week with bones, so they strenghten their jaw and its a treat ...

 

[lucylue]

If you are using Better in the Raw made for just the meat, you need to stick with only meat. And you shouldn't be using all lean....if you switch to something with bones, you need to use the formula meant for meat and bones. You need to make sure the ratio of organ meat to muscle meat to bone to phosphorous is correct. Please don't change things unless you research it first because an unbalanced raw diet is worse than almost anything out there.
And I am not certain I would use pork as a protein choice.....pork can have fluke worms ( I think that's what they're called) that can put your cat's health at risk. Chicken thighs are a good choice--to use--not all breasts, because there isn't enough fat in them. You should only feed fish at the most, once a week. That's why a commercial mix/supplement or preprepared diet is recommended. You have to research the right formulas to use.

Susi I am using better in raw powder. So I should not be using ground LEAN turkey meat? Should I just go to go to ground beef? Not lean?

 

[Cathie]

No, I would not only use LEAN anything. They need some fat in their diets too. You could also use chicken or beef or whatever and cut it into pieces instead of using ground. That way they get the cheweyness of the meat as well.

 

[assibassi]

ya , we dont use Pork, mine hated pork .

 

[lucylue]

No, I would not only use LEAN anything. They need some fat in their diets too. You could also use chicken or beef or whatever and cut it into pieces instead of using ground. That way they get the cheweyness of the meat as well.

Like chicken thighs cute up into pieces? Or beef steak or roast, sorry for all the questions.

 

[Cathie]

Yep, exactly. Its a bit f a pain, but mine like it better than ground all the time.
Think baby food -vs- whole foods. That's how I see it anyways.

 

[lucylue]

Yep, exactly. Its a bit f a pain, but mine like it better than ground all the time.
Think baby food -vs- whole foods. That's how I see it anyways.

Thank you!

 

[curlysue]

I started the three kiddo's on raw a few weeks ago and bought a meat grinder and all... Hairry and Curly love it and Violet well she could care less. I felt so bad today I gave in and gave her some dry food and she purred and eat it (it broke my heart). I did weeks of research and still have question and love any advise anyone can give. My big question is how much dose anyone feed there sphinx at a time?? I was giving 1/4 cup twice a day.

 

[susi794]

Susi I am using better in raw powder. So I should not be using ground LEAN turkey meat? Should I just go to go to ground beef? Not lean?

There are two kinds of better in the raw powder....one for meat only which includes the calcium, and then one for meat with bones. You have to serve the right kind with the protein source you are using. When I first started out with raw, I fed ground turkey, just not the super lean kind....I got the highest fat content roll they sold. I would avoid the beef, as many cats can't tolerate it. Chicken thighs, lamb, rabbit, Cornish game hens, are all good choices. Ground or chunked....but the chunks help with teeth cleaning. I would start using very small chunks added to the ground until Lucy gets her jaw muscles built up.....then you can use some bigger ones. Make sure you are using the right powder and if Lucy seems hungry, you can feed more often. Kittens need more food than adults.
Much love,
Susi