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This is going to be one for the books! Transitioning Lucky, Bugsy and Hope to Raw.... Challenges... - Page 9

post #241 of 1229
1/9/12 at 12:10pm
Thread Starter 
No errands..... I work out of my home...... Lunch break right now........ Driving me nuts..... But what is driving me crazier, and breaking my heart, is knowing that she IS hungry.... because she didn't eat, you know?
The others do beg foor treats when I go to the kitchen and I don't feel bad..... But I know My poor Lucky is suffering some serious hunger pangs frown.gif
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post #242 of 1229
1/9/12 at 12:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carolina View Post

Thanks :hug:
I am so sorry about Little Perla hugs.gif Good thing is I understand they already like the good stuff?
Yes, I defrost in the fridge - but it takes a LONG time to defrost - for instance - in the package it says that the patty would defrost in about 8 hours overnight? nono.gif Solid rock! So what I do, Is I put it in a ziplock bag and in a container filled of cold water - and defrost enough only for that serving (Use the spoon to remove the surface, but the center will still be frozen) the rest I goes back to the fridge in to a sealed glass container (still in the ziplock bag)...
With Rad Cat, since it is a little Tub, it takes even longer - that thing can be there for a couple of days I think and would still be frozen - I put in a ziplock bag and inside of a cold water container.... It doesn't take a very long time.....
Cold water is safer than warm water, as with warm water you run the risk of bacteria reproducing agree.gif
Then the rest goes back in the fridge.
I like feeding within a day or at the most 48 hours.
I was told that it can be kept for 3-4 days....
NV recommends 24 hours from the time it is defrosted - but in my experience, the meat is always somewhat frozen anyways..... so....
Ah, and I also read that you can defrost in cold water, take what you need and immediately refreeze the rest - I believe I read this from Feline's Pride - but don't quote me on that.... As long as you do it immediately, there is no problem, and no loss of nutrients - if you feel more comfortable that way... it is something you can definitely do.....
Never ever just defrost on the counter though - always on the refrigerator, or for a few minutes on cold water wink.gif

Thank you... I feel then I have been doing this properly laughing02.gif It DOES take almost 24 hours to totally defrost in my fridge. BUT I take what is defrosted off of the chunk and put it back in the fridge. The Bravo I purchased for Wilbur comes in a large chub. So what I have done - is put that chub in the fridge for about 12 hours so the edges are just a tiny bit thawed. THEN I take the chub out (I keep it in it's original wrapper) and use a very, very sharp serrated knife and cut it into sections - the size that I would go through in a day. I then wrap each cut section, which is still quite frozen except the edges, in aluminum foil and place those wrapped sections in a large freezer bag and put back in the freezer. I take out a frozen section once daily and then it is ready to feed the next day. Here is what concern's me..... when I go to unwrap the thawed section of meat from the tin foil - the outside is brownish in color dontknow.gif. The inside is nicely red. That is what got me thinking that I probably shouldn't "slightly" defrost the large chub to cut it into feeding portions. Maybe that slight thawing and then refreezing causes the brown color to the meat. dontknow.gif HMMMMMMMMMMMM Auntie ??? What do you think about how I do this - good or not good.... smile.gif

I think I will not buy chubs because I cannot go through a whole chub in the matter of 48 hours which I feel is the longest I want to leave the raw food in the fridge. I am headed out soon to the Natural pet food store and will be asking them to order in the Primal and Rad Cat for me to try. It is much easier the way NV does it with the patties and the raw meat already pre-cut in their packages.
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post #243 of 1229
1/9/12 at 12:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carolina View Post

I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif I can't give in 7.gif
I know Lucky is SO hungry as she didn't eat anything..... she is begging for food and dinner is still 4 hours away bawling.gif
This is SO hard bawling.gif It breaks my heart bawling.gif

OMgosh - I don't how I could deal with that..... YIKES - you poor meowmy..... A teeny Halo treat dontknow.gif.... I admire your strength laughing02.gif
Reply
post #244 of 1229
1/9/12 at 12:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carolina View Post

No errands..... I work out of my home...... Lunch break right now........ Driving me nuts..... But what is driving me crazier, and breaking my heart, is knowing that she IS hungry.... because she didn't eat, you know?
The others do beg foor treats when I go to the kitchen and I don't feel bad..... But I know My poor Lucky is suffering some serious hunger pangs frown.gif

sigh.gif What a difficult part of this transition for sweet Lucky.... I hope she will eat well for the next meal then. Can you go out somewhere for a few hours - work from your car bluelaugh.gif.... COME ON - hurry up - four hours 3a.gif
Reply
post #245 of 1229
1/9/12 at 12:38pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Feralvr View Post

Thank you... I feel then I have been doing this properly laughing02.gif It DOES take almost 24 hours to totally defrost in my fridge. BUT I take what is defrosted off of the chunk and put it back in the fridge. The Bravo I purchased for Wilbur comes in a large chub. So what I have done - is put that chub in the fridge for about 12 hours so the edges are just a tiny bit thawed. THEN I take the chub out (I keep it in it's original wrapper) and use a very, very sharp serrated knife and cut it into sections - the size that I would go through in a day. I then wrap each cut section, which is still quite frozen except the edges, in aluminum foil and place those wrapped sections in a large freezer bag and put back in the freezer. I take out a frozen section once daily and then it is ready to feed the next day. Here is what concern's me..... when I go to unwrap the thawed section of meat from the tin foil - the outside is brownish in color dontknow.gif. The inside is nicely red. That is what got me thinking that I probably shouldn't "slightly" defrost the large chub to cut it into feeding portions. Maybe that slight thawing and then refreezing causes the brown color to the meat. dontknow.gif HMMMMMMMMMMMM Auntie ??? What do you think about how I do this - good or not good.... smile.gif
I think I will not buy chubs because I cannot go through a whole chub in the matter of 48 hours which I feel is the longest I want to leave the raw food in the fridge. I am headed out soon to the Natural pet food store and will be asking them to order in the Primal and Rad Cat for me to try. It is much easier the way NV does it with the patties and the raw meat already pre-cut in their packages.

I read that the brownish color is a tiny amount of freezer burn and actually doesn't really affect the nutritional amount, nor indicate bacterial deterioration, etc- it is not that the meat has gone bad, or anything like that .... It won't really happen to poultry though - or so I read agree.gif
If you feel uncomfortable, just cut that part off and feed it, but it is not problem agree.gif
Per my readings, you are doing precisely what you are supposed to do.... agree.gif
The smaller packages are just less of a drag laughing02.gif
Reply
post #246 of 1229
1/9/12 at 12:41pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Feralvr View Post

sigh.gif What a difficult part of this transition for sweet Lucky.... I hope she will eat well for the next meal then. Can you go out somewhere for a few hours - work from your car bluelaugh.gif.... COME ON - hurry up - four hours 3a.gif

No kidding - awful frown.gif
The only reason why I don't want to give into the treats today is because the lady is smaaaart...... I don't want her to think she can fool me into not eat her scheduled meals for Halo treats agree.gif
I want her to have a good meal tonight agree.gif

I am singing this mantra in my head: "Pretend she is just fasting to go to the dentist"
Reply
post #247 of 1229
1/9/12 at 12:53pm

 

Originally Posted by Carolina

No errands..... I work out of my home...... Lunch break right now........ Driving me nuts..... But what is driving me crazier, and breaking my heart, is knowing that she IS hungry.... because she didn't eat, you know?
The others do beg foor treats when I go to the kitchen and I don't feel bad..... But I know My poor Lucky is suffering some serious hunger pangs frown.gif


You can totally offer her a bite or two of the halo-coated raw when she's begging, Carolina... she might think she's getting a special treat, or she might be hungry enough to just take it.... but even if she leaves it, it'll help in your efforts to convince her raw is food. (Getting her to eat it is worth the slight deviation from her scheduled feedings.)

 

Originally Posted by Feralvr

...
Here is what concern's me..... when I go to unwrap the thawed section of meat from the tin foil - the outside is brownish in color dontknow.gif. The inside is nicely red. That is what got me thinking that I probably shouldn't "slightly" defrost the large chub to cut it into feeding portions. Maybe that slight thawing and then refreezing causes the brown color to the meat. dontknow.gif HMMMMMMMMMMMM Auntie ??? What do you think about how I do this - good or not good.... smile.gif
...

 

This happens a lot with ground meats, Lauren. Although thawing and re-freezing does degrade the nutrient content, you're only talking about a small part of the amount fed, and the degraded portion - although we don't have any studies identifying it's extent - is still considerably healthier than processed foods. Try to thaw as minimally as possible, mix the brown portion in with the bright red meat and don't worry about it.  smile.gif

 

Regards.

 

AC

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post #248 of 1229
1/9/12 at 1:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Auntie Crazy View Post




You can totally offer her a bite or two of the halo-coated raw when she's begging, Carolina... she might think she's getting a special treat, or she might be hungry enough to just take it.... but even if she leaves it, it'll help in your efforts to convince her raw is food. (Getting her to eat it is worth the slight deviation from her scheduled feedings.) Okay - the poor thing is waiting for me in the kitchen.... will make some for her agree.gif


This happens a lot with ground meats, Lauren. Although thawing and re-freezing does degrade the nutrient content, you're only talking about a small part of the amount fed, and the degraded portion - although we don't have any studies identifying it's extent - is still considerably healthier than processed foods. Try to thaw as minimally as possible, mix the brown portion in with the bright red meat and don't worry about it.  smile.gif

Regards.

AC
yeah.gif
Quote:
The freezing process itself does not destroy nutrients. In meat and poultry products, there are little changes in nutrient value during freezer storage. But enzyme activity can lead to the deterioration of food quality. Enzymes present in animals, vegetables and fruit promote chemical reactions, such as ripening. Freezing only slows the enzyme activity — it does not halt these reactions which continue after harvesting. Enzyme activity does not harm frozen meats or fish.⁴

Proper packaging helps maintain quality and prevents freezer burn. It is safe to freeze meat or poultry directly in its supermarket wrapping, but this type of wrap is permeable to air. Unless you will be using the food in a month or two, overwrap these packages as you would any food for long-term storage. Use airtight heavy-duty foil, freezer plastic wrap or freezer paper, or place the entire package inside a freezer plastic bag. It is not necessary to rinse meat and poultry before freezing. Freeze unopened vacuum packages "as is." If you notice that a package has accidentally been torn or opened while food is in the freezer, the food is still safe to use — just overwrap or re-wrap it.

Freezer burn does not make food unsafe, merely dry in spots. It appears as grayish-brown leathery spots and is caused by air reaching the surface of the food. You can cut freezer-burned portions away. Some may discard heavily freezer-burned foods for quality reasons.

Color changes can occur in frozen foods. The bright red color of meat as purchased usually turns dark or pale brown depending on its variety. This may be caused by lack of oxygen, freezer burn or abnormally long storage. Freezing doesn't usually cause color changes in poultry.http://feline-nutrition.org/health/whats-in-your-freezer-safe-handling-practices
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post #249 of 1229
1/9/12 at 3:04pm

Just checking in.  Darn, I am so disappointed that I shouldn't try my store bought ground turkey (for tonights tacos) onmy babies to get their reaction.  But never fear, we eat LOTS of chicken, so next time we do, I'll cut off a little bit and bit it in my Miracle Bullet to grind it up and see what they think.  Can't wait.  However, just as an FYI, so far Sven is the only one who likes the Halo freeze dried chicken bits.  But, since I bought them mainly for him, thats okclap.gif.  I just hope that isn't a sign of what's to come when I start this process myself.  Have to wait until we're back from vacation though, then have to get them on a scheduled feeding, etc, etc, etc. 

 

 

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post #250 of 1229
1/9/12 at 3:12pm
Thread Starter 
touched.gif Coincidence or not..... This simply did not happen before feeding raw.... I can't explain why the changes.... But Bugsy is no longer a loner touched.gif He now has company - he plays, gives and receives love touched.gif I am SO happy for my little boy clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif
I just walked into my room, and this is what I saw:

450

I expected many health changes.... But I was not expecting this wonderful bonus heartpump.gif
Reply
post #251 of 1229
1/9/12 at 3:31pm

 

Originally Posted by Carolina

touched.gif Coincidence or not..... This simply did not happen before feeding raw.... I can't explain why the changes.... But Bugsy is no longer a loner touched.gif He now has company - he plays, gives and receives love touched.gif I am SO happy for my little boy clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif
I just walked into my room, and this is what I saw:

450

I expected many health changes.... But I was not expecting this wonderful bonus heartpump.gif


What a lovely, heartwarming sight. Bugsy's more sociable now that he's feeling better.... how absolutely wonderful, Carolina. heartpump.gif hearthrob.gif

 

AC

Reply
post #252 of 1229
1/9/12 at 3:34pm

what a sweet picture!  OMG I guess he was a loner because he was always feeling so sick, the poor baby! I"m just tooo happy for you and your kitties Carolina!  Yay!clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif

 

Lucas has been very sad too  lately, I wish he accepts raw soon so I can see some changes:) 

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post #253 of 1229
1/9/12 at 4:45pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah..... I guess seeing them so well makes you really look back and realize that he was not feeling good at all bawling.gif
I am so glad he is over the that hurdle now clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif

I had a little poop-o-meter scare today with him shocker.gif
He was sitting licking his butt after the going potty and I wen inspect - BIG poop stuck in there..... OH NO, I thought - It is back thud.gif
Ran and got the paper towel to clean him up........ It was just regular poop that had gotten stuck for some odd reason highfive.gif Whew! I went to the litter box and the rest was there....... all formed and perfect hyper.gif
I do think Rad Cat is better for him - his poop is tiny, formed and solid, but not as dry, hard and crumbly like when he is on NV - I think it is more natural for him - easier to pass, perhaps dontknow.gif It surely looks more natural to me dontknow.gif
But...... doesn't look as light as NV's poop - sorry for the gross factor everyone.....
Auntie - is there something wrong here, or is this the bone meal vs bone difference that we are seeing?

It is perfect though 26.gif And he is holding his own with only one probiotic - he is off all other supplements woohoo.gif

Anyways - enough of poop!

We had a great meal tonight - Thank Goodness!
I did give in and make some raw treats for everyone in the afternoon - Lucky is getting finicky on them - I think she ate around two of them though. Good news is, she will chew them.... bad news is, if they are big, she will spit them off frown.gif As long as I feed them small, she will eat them.

Tonight I will try making them with the Turkey (Rad Cat) - I will take some of the juice out with a paper towel, so I can roll them - the meat is too juicy.... Let's see if she likes that agree.gif

Lucky was STARVING at dinner - she ate 1/4 cup of her dry food on one sitting clap.gifclap.gif:clap:She only ate one of the treats, but chewed on the other two, and spit them off - at least she did that agree.gif
She also didn't care a bit that the spit off raw was right in the middle of her plate - I did not take it away either, on purpose..... She just ate around it,and kept eating.... ate ate and ate so much I was afraid of her throwing up. She was burping afterwards laughing02.gif But she kept all in - no problem there biggthumpup.gif

Hope and Bugsy got 50/50 rabbit NV and Turkey Rad Cat - Again, it is taking very little fortiflora...... Same same...... only for Hope to start and for Bugsy to finish - and they are licking their plates spotless clean now..... Hope just can't get enough - I think if I put 10oz of raw meat in front of her, she will explode, but she will eat it agree.gif

let's hope we have a great meal later tonight with Lucky - tomorrow I start her on 50/50 Evo - yey!! clap.gif
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post #254 of 1229
1/9/12 at 5:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carolina View Post

No kidding - awful frown.gif
The only reason why I don't want to give into the treats today is because the lady is smaaaart...... I don't want her to think she can fool me into not eat her scheduled meals for Halo treats agree.gif
I want her to have a good meal tonight agree.gif
I am singing this mantra in my head: "Pretend she is just fasting to go to the dentist"

laughing02.gif Like I said - you are a STRONG-willed momma and you are right - you must outwit Lucky too. rofl.gif Love the mantra....... clap.gif
Reply
post #255 of 1229
1/9/12 at 5:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carolina View Post

touched.gif Coincidence or not..... This simply did not happen before feeding raw.... I can't explain why the changes.... But Bugsy is no longer a loner touched.gif He now has company - he plays, gives and receives love touched.gif I am SO happy for my little boy clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif
I just walked into my room, and this is what I saw:
450
I expected many health changes.... But I was not expecting this wonderful bonus heartpump.gif

Another thud.gif HOW ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They look like angora pillows too biggrin.gif. I am SOOOOOO happy for all of you - NOW that is ONE Happy Cat Family heartpump.gifheart.gifhearthrob.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gif

P.S. PHEW on the poop-o-meter scare....... YAY for good BUGSY poop!!!!! happy2.gifbiggrin.gifclap.gifclap.gif
Edited by Feralvr - 1/9/12 at 5:36pm
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post #256 of 1229
1/9/12 at 5:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carolina View Post

I read that the brownish color is a tiny amount of freezer burn and actually doesn't really affect the nutritional amount, nor indicate bacterial deterioration, etc- it is not that the meat has gone bad, or anything like that .... It won't really happen to poultry though - or so I read agree.gif
If you feel uncomfortable, just cut that part off and feed it, but it is not problem agree.gif
Per my readings, you are doing precisely what you are supposed to do.... agree.gif
The smaller packages are just less of a drag laughing02.gif

Thank you!! I spent a lot of time at the natural food store today laughing02.gif. Stacey explained to me about the discoloration and that is very typical and not to thaw all the way and then refreeze - takes away from the nutrient's. I decided on trying the Nature's Logic rabbit raw (cats/dogs). They are going to order in some Rad Cat for me too. They don't carry it only because they are very short on space in the store. They sell mostly NV, Bravo, Nature's Logic, Primal (which I picked up some Duck smile.gif), and VitalEssential's. I really like the Nature's Logic, it was about $20.00 for three pounds of the rabbit patties.

Can I share my exciting news too - don't want to take away from your babies though anon.gif BUT>>>>>> the Fortiflora came and (yes, another) thud.gif PERLA ate a wonderful 1/2 Nature's Logic raw rabbit pattie and her wet EVO. I mixed it together and sprinkled on the Fortiflora.... woohoo.gif It worked. This is the best meal she has eaten like that in week's. AND.................drum roll......................PIPSQUEAK ate some Nature's Logic raw rabbit too, mixed in with his wet and Fortiflora on top. clap.gif Everyone had a bit of raw red meat with their meals tonight for the first time ever. Usually I would just offer some to the cat's that circle around when I am feeding Wilbur. Again, thank you for this thread - it is giving me and I am sure many other's that are reading it the necessary information we need to get started or at least try hugs.gifhugs.gif

p.s. I do wear disposable gloves too when handling the raw meat - and am trying to be very careful with keeping area's/bowls/dishes clean and disinfected.
Reply
post #257 of 1229
1/9/12 at 5:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Auntie Crazy View Post




You can totally offer her a bite or two of the halo-coated raw when she's begging, Carolina... she might think she's getting a special treat, or she might be hungry enough to just take it.... but even if she leaves it, it'll help in your efforts to convince her raw is food. (Getting her to eat it is worth the slight deviation from her scheduled feedings.)


This happens a lot with ground meats, Lauren. Although thawing and re-freezing does degrade the nutrient content, you're only talking about a small part of the amount fed, and the degraded portion - although we don't have any studies identifying it's extent - is still considerably healthier than processed foods. Try to thaw as minimally as possible, mix the brown portion in with the bright red meat and don't worry about it.  smile.gif

Regards.

AC

Thank you SO much, Auntie.hugs.gif I appreciate you answering my question here in Carolina's thread. I am planning on not buying chubs anymore. I prefer the packages that have the patties and the meat already all portioned out. Much easier. agree.gif
Reply
post #258 of 1229
1/9/12 at 5:47pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Feralvr View Post

Thank you!! I spent a lot of time at the natural food store today laughing02.gif. Stacey explained to me about the discoloration and that is very typical and not to thaw all the way and then refreeze - takes away from the nutrient's. I decided on trying the Nature's Logic rabbit raw (cats/dogs). They are going to order in some Rad Cat for me too. They don't carry it only because they are very short on space in the store. They sell mostly NV, Bravo, Nature's Logic, Primal (which I picked up some Duck smile.gif), and VitalEssential's. I really like the Nature's Logic, it was about $20.00 for three pounds of the rabbit patties.
Can I share my exciting news too - don't want to take away from your babies though anon.gif BUT>>>>>> the Fortiflora came and (yes, another) thud.gif PERLA ate a wonderful 1/2 Nature's Logic raw rabbit pattie and her wet EVO. I mixed it together and sprinkled on the Fortiflora.... woohoo.gif It worked. This is the best meal she has eaten like that in week's. AND.................drum roll......................PIPSQUEAK ate some Nature's Logic raw rabbit too, mixed in with his wet and Fortiflora on top. clap.gif Everyone had a bit of raw red meat with their meals tonight for the first time ever. Usually I would just offer some to the cat's that circle around when I am feeding Wilbur. Again, thank you for this thread - it is giving me and I am sure many other's that are reading it the necessary information we need to get started or at least try hugs.gifhugs.gif
p.s. I do wear disposable gloves too when handling the raw meat - and am trying to be very careful with keeping area's/bowls/dishes clean and disinfected.

Oh yeah - Stacey was right - you should defrost only enough to either cut it or get what you need - when I am defrosting on cold water, for example, I only defrost the surface - enough to scrap it off with a spoon agree.gif The rest is still frozen - I don't refreeze it because they are eating whole meals already so I just use it up agree.gif - but no no for defrosting the whole thing agree.gif

woohoo.gif for all of them eating the raw!!! Yey for Perla and Pipsqueak!! woohoo.gif Yeah - Fortiflora is a great tool to have in a transition for sure, as well as when kitties go off food, like little Perla heartpump.gif
I was even afraid they were going to be SO addicted to it, I would need to call Purina and order a personal supply of Animal Digest laughing02.gif But it turns out, that once they get the taste of the real stuff and get to love it....... They start to need less and less of it - I am using very little of it now - just a tiny sprinkle per meal... One packet lasts for several meals now agree.gif
It has been a God Send for sure. Not my probiotic of choice..... But certainly my transition tool of choice! (just wish Lucky liked it ohwell.gif)
I can't wait to hear more about your babies progress!!! 26.gif
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post #259 of 1229
1/9/12 at 7:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carolina View Post

touched.gif Coincidence or not..... This simply did not happen before feeding raw.... I can't explain why the changes.... But Bugsy is no longer a loner touched.gif He now has company - he plays, gives and receives love touched.gif I am SO happy for my little boy clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif
I just walked into my room, and this is what I saw:
450
I expected many health changes.... But I was not expecting this wonderful bonus heartpump.gif

Oh Carolina! heartpump.gifheartpump.gifheartpump.gif

I'm just ... amazed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! clap.gifbiggthumpup.gifhugs.gif Just..... WOW! laughing02.gif
Reply
post #260 of 1229
1/9/12 at 7:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carolina View Post

woohoo.gif for all of them eating the raw!!! Yey for Perla and Pipsqueak!! woohoo.gif Yeah - Fortiflora is a great tool to have in a transition for sure, as well as when kitties go off food, like little Perla heartpump.gif

yeah.gifwoohoo.gif That is GREAT news, Lauren! clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carolina View Post

I was even afraid they were going to be SO addicted to it, I would need to call Purina and order a personal supply of Animal Digest laughing02.gif

flail.gifflail.gifflail.gif I'm so glad they're doing so well while you use less and less of it! laughing02.gif
Reply
post #261 of 1229
1/9/12 at 10:39pm
Thread Starter 
Closing up Day 14 with a golden key! yey!

clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif Whew!! We had great meals again at late night dinner tonight 26.gif go lucky!

Hope and Bugsy did great as always with their 50/50 Rad Cat NV Rabbit clap.gif Same routine, same success - They are both flopped belly up full to the max laughing02.gif

For Lucky, I decided to make her treats with Rad Cat this time - I made 3 to put with her kibbles. They are much harder to make, as the meat is so juicy.... So what I did is I blotted the meat in a paper towel to remove the blood/moisture first, then worked the clumps into little meatballs, and rolled them on halo treat powder. Put that in her plate, add the kibbles and hope for the best laughing02.gif I always make sure to add some extra treat powder in there to give some more scent, driving her a little insane laughing02.gif
It worked!! She ate 2 1/2 out of the 3, and had a great meal too clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif She did get out of the room for a sip of water but I let her come back for more.... It was still within her 200 minutes, so it was ok. She ate almost 1/4 cup tonight, so in between dinner and late dinner she ate well over 1/4 cup clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif
MUCH better than the prior days - yey Lucky!! Making momma happy!!
Tomorrow I will put her on 50/50 Purina and EVO - hopefully she will be a-ok! cross.gif
Oh Lucky Lucky....... Make this easier on mommy, will you? Will you just be like your brother and sister and eat some good, yummy raw food already? It's good for you sweet pumpkin girl! biggrin.gif
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post #262 of 1229
1/9/12 at 11:32pm
Thread Starter 
Wondering about Qty's.....

How do you gauge how much they need to eat?
I am not quite sure if Bugsy weights 19 or 20lbs - but he is around that weight..... He doesn't fit my scale laughing02.gif He fits if he sits on it - but he likes laying down rolleyes.gif Last time he went to the vet he was approximately 19.

Hope is 12 on the dot.

Bugsy is VERY sedentary - changing for more active now, but Hope is still much more active than him.

Bugsy is eating 2.25oz per meal for a total of 6.75oz/day; and Hope 1.92oz per meal, fora total of 5.76oz/day.

If they eat NV, in Calories, that amounts to:
Hope: 374.4; Bugsy: 438.75

I do not have the caloric information for Rad Cat, but based on Feline's Pride, it is more.....
I know for Raw it is not really relevant......... but my point is:

How do I know if they NEED more food? Even though that sounds like a LOT to me 3a.gif (yep I know protein will not be transformed into fat in their bodies....... but it still scares me laughing02.gif)

They do not look like they need at this point?

They do come to the kitchen when I go there, as they know kitchen = treats...... .but they sit and wait, do not beg - unless I get the Halo container.... then the little heads go up and they flip.
They are not screaming, talking, waking me up, begging, nothing..... They are not hanging around the kitchen - just during meal times..... Bugsy always leaves a bite behind, which Hope eats it, so I know he does get full.....
So I assume they are fine with these quantities?

Also - is it worth investing on a baby scale to monitor Bugsy's weight loss progress? Does anyone know of a reliable, but affordable (I am talking cheap) one?
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post #263 of 1229
1/10/12 at 2:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carolina View Post

touched.gif Coincidence or not..... This simply did not happen before feeding raw.... I can't explain why the changes.... But Bugsy is no longer a loner touched.gif He now has company - he plays, gives and receives love touched.gif I am SO happy for my little boy clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif
I just walked into my room, and this is what I saw:
450
I expected many health changes.... But I was not expecting this wonderful bonus heartpump.gif


Oh, my goodness!!!  What a beautiful trio!  Such sweetnesses!  This is no coincidence here!  You've worked so hard for them to be so happy!

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post #264 of 1229
1/10/12 at 2:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carolina View Post

Wondering about Qty's.....
How do you gauge how much they need to eat?

How do I know if they NEED more food? Even though that sounds like a LOT to me 3a.gif


I heard often that unlike dogs - cats can not overeat.  Especially with raw feeding.  I feed mine as much as they will eat and leftovers I cook for myself or if it's a little - dogs get a treat of raw bite.

 

When the correct protein is consumed - they regulate the intake based on their body needs, not on gluttony.  Sometimes some cats will eat too fast and may vomit just because of it, not because they are sick.  But this happens very seldom.  It is possible that some cats will grow fat on some commercial foods, but it's because the quality is not correct for natural metabolism of feline body.

 

I also noticed that in different weather mine don't eat the same way (that's because I don't have schedule for them - they have food all day and night).  Some days they will eat a lot, and some days very little.  But if feeding raw - I would not worry about the amount as long as it is not too little.  But also - for inside only cats the situation might be different?

 

For example: 9 month old Johnie could have a meal of raw chicken, mince meat and after that he would eat his prey he'd catch sometimes.

(I didn't put the prey on a table - he did it himself, sorry about this.)

31-10-09 035.jpg

 

Now at three years of age - he does not eat near that much for he has stopped growing.

 

If I am wrong in my thoughts - please could anyone correct me?

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post #265 of 1229
1/10/12 at 8:27am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ambermay View Post


LL

1.gifflail.giflaughing02.gif Pot luck kitty style laughing02.gifflail.gif1.gif
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post #266 of 1229
1/10/12 at 8:52am
Thread Starter 
26.gifHooray for day 15 26.gif

Kitties all agreed to make momma's life easier this morning........... Good babies! thanks.gif

Lucky was staaaaaaaaaarving!!! laughing02.gif She ate the three Raw treats I put into her kibble bowl, made with Rad Cat now, without any hesitation blobturq.gif Then she proceeded to devour 1/4 cup of her dry food, with a quick break for a sip of water agree.gif. Her mix now is 50/50 Purina and EVO clap.gif
I can totally see now how drying is dry food - she gets very thirsty during her meals - paws at the door for me to open for her so she can get some water, then she comes back to eat more..... I think I will just move her water bowl to the feeding room during her meals agree.gif

Bugsy and Hope...... Well..... Those are my carnivores that make me proud! clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif 50/50 Rabbit and Turkey again..... Hope as always, ate VERY fast..... Bugsy slower, and took a little more Fortiflora - he does better on Rad Cat definitely. But nonetheless, he left a tiny bite behind, which Hope was glad to come for polishing agree.gif

Oh...... this is a GOOD way to start the day!!!!

Can't wait for the mid-day treats for Lucky - will make them Rad Cat meatballs this time agree.gif
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post #267 of 1229
1/10/12 at 9:59am
clap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gif Hope it keeps up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And WTG Lucky!!!!!!!!!! woohoo.gif
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post #268 of 1229
1/10/12 at 10:24am

VERY nice, VERY positive update!!! Yay!!!!! clap.gif

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post #269 of 1229
1/10/12 at 12:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Feralvr View Post

 



Can I share my exciting news too - don't want to take away from your babies though anon.gif BUT>>>>>> the Fortiflora came and (yes, another) thud.gif PERLA ate a wonderful 1/2 Nature's Logic raw rabbit pattie and her wet EVO. I mixed it together and sprinkled on the Fortiflora.... woohoo.gif It worked. This is the best meal she has eaten like that in week's. AND.................drum roll......................PIPSQUEAK ate some Nature's Logic raw rabbit too, mixed in with his wet and Fortiflora on top. clap.gif Everyone had a bit of raw red meat with their meals tonight for the first time ever. Usually I would just offer some to the cat's that circle around when I am feeding Wilbur. Again, thank you for this thread - it is giving me and I am sure many other's that are reading it the necessary information we need to get started or at least try hugs.gifhugs.gif

p.s. I do wear disposable gloves too when handling the raw meat - and am trying to be very careful with keeping area's/bowls/dishes clean and disinfected.
 


Looks like you'll be needing to start a thread of your very own chronicaling (sp?) your experiences switching to raw laughing02.gif.  So many new raw threads...so little time to read anymore wink.gif

 

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post #270 of 1229
1/10/12 at 6:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LDG View Post

clap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gifclap.gif Hope it keeps up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And WTG Lucky!!!!!!!!!! woohoo.gif


yeah.gif YAY FOR LUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am floored at how patient you are, Carolina - it is frustrating trying to transition and one could easily just give up. I think you have made it over the hump now and it's clear sailing here on out cross.gif KNOCK WOOD laughing02.gif I am SO happy for you clap.gifclap.gif and Lucky !!!!!!! jumping.gifbiggrin.gif
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TheCatSite.com › Forums › Our Feline Companions › Cat Nutrition › Raw Feeding for Cats › This is going to be one for the books! Transitioning Lucky, Bugsy and Hope to Raw.... Challenges Galore!