A New "Raw"some Beginning... (yup - another one LOL)

No news is good news !!!!!!!!!!!!! My rincess: Perla is really pigging out lately. The only change is the addition of Epigen at bedtime. She loves it SO much that she has been coming to each mealtime and chowing down. Almost like she can't wait for the bedtime meal and her Epigen. they all LOVE it, even the dogs. Perla has been eating raw quite well since the addition of Epigen KNOCK WOOD!!!! Don't know why, but something has sparked her appetite. I took her to the specialist vet this week for her eye. MEGA bucks for some anti-viral drops. At least I know for sure now - that she does in fact have a Herpetic eye. my poor princess. I love her SOOOOOOOO :heart3: :rub: Will have to update her thread sometime :anon:

Anyway - all is well over here. Kitties are eating Rad Cat, Hare Today, Nature's Variety (Organice chicken and rabbit), Nature's Menu chicken and turkey, Fresh raw organic chicken breast and thigh. I would NOT say that everyday is perfect, far from it. But overall, things are improving... either that or I am just getting used to topper's and rejections :nothappy:

I just finally ordered my Rad Cat from ONly Natural Pet. I will get auto shipments every two months. It is just so darn expensive the RC... but it really works well, especially for Pipsqueak. He loves the Chicken and Turkey. He won't touch the Lamb, though. :lol3: I am thinking of trying Darwin's introductory offer.... but .... that is only if you sign up for auto delivery. So I will have to call and talk directly to someone on the phone. If they don't like it, then I won't want to have any more shipped. We will see what they say about that. IF you can cancel after the introductory offer without being charged for the free 10 pounds they sent you.

OH :doh3: I have to weigh ins!!!!!!!!!!! I am behind schedule with that, I really want to check everyone's weight.

mrsgreenjeens said:

This is exactly why I am afraid to move to Frankenprey (if the time ever comes when they are ready ).  I'm so afraid they will not want to eat some of what is necessary.  Either organs or that other 5%...secreting organs, I think it is?  So does this stuff actually take the place of everything but the 80-85% meat?  I looked it up on their website, but couldn't quite tell.  Nice that it has probiotics and enzymes built right in.

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Yep - it replaces everything else but the meat - it has all you need to balance the meal completely, all you need is the muscle meat. You can also mix it to their line Aus Jus, which is not supplemented - 100% meat only :nod:

Lauren, I have been away for a while, and wow! Wow a progress!
So happy for you and your babies!
Yep, HT grounds are great, and so easy to make! I love the selection they have too..... The rabbit was definitely a hit here - highly recommend it :nod:

BTW - I will be transitioning Lucky to Wysong 90 as well, for her off times, when she goes on kibbles..... and I just got it on their site. Shipping is VERY expensive BUT I found this coupon for free shipping: FREESHIPJX so with it, it becomes the cheapest place to buy! Take advantage of it - it works!! Just copy and paste on the coupon code area :bigthumb:
I priced in other places and in their site the bag is the cheapest I could find :nod:

Feralvr said:

I know I am still in total shock over HT. I am having just as much luck with HT as I did with the RC AND at a much cheaper cost!!!!!! I will still buy some more RC but not go through it as fast next go around now that I can order the HT. OK - will try the hearts..... maybe..... :anon: It gives me the creeps :lol3: but what about the Do you have problems with the turkey or duck heart? Also, remember when I was "kinda" whining about not wanting to use HT BECAUSE I would have to mix in a supplement and I was worried I would screw something up ????? :lol3: WELL, you were right.... it is SOOOOO simple and easy and actually really fun preparing the meat. I feel like I am making a meatloaf I usually have an audience too while mixing up the HT. The cats really love the smell of HT :high5:

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That's exactly what it feels like - making meatloaf! :lol3: I think I'm going to try some 1 pound packages of other HT meats - see if I can get Spook eating anything beyond the pork. :lol3:

That is just FABULOUS news about Perla! SO glad you've got a healthy kibble that's a hit! :bigthumb:

Okay, what did I miss?  What are you feeding from HT that is as good as Radcat?  Is it really that much cheaper since you've still got to pay for shipping?  You're still feeding everything ground, right?  But you're considering ordering duck hearts?  Those are whole, aren't they?  Now, I know you were thrilled with the HT goat, but what else is really good?  I'm sorry, but I was thinking that HT was not so good anymore after seeing those pictures of all that fat in their pork trimmings, I think it was, that both Carolina and Laurie rec'd.  God, I have GOT to get a freezer, because when I order, i need to order enough t make it worth my while, but then need a place to store it!  Catch 22.  'Course, also need to make sure my furbabies will like it.  Sure wish they sold in stores, but I don't think HT does, do they?

Carolina said:

Lauren, I have been away for a while, and wow! Wow a progress!
So happy for you and your babies!
Yep, HT grounds are great, and so easy to make! I love the selection they have too..... The rabbit was definitely a hit here - highly recommend it :nod:
BTW - I will be transitioning Lucky to Wysong 90 as well, for her off times, when she goes on kibbles..... and I just got it on their site. Shipping is VERY expensive BUT I found this coupon for free shipping: FREESHIPJX so with it, it becomes the cheapest place to buy! Take advantage of it - it works!! Just copy and paste on the coupon code area :bigthumb:
I priced in other places and in their site the bag is the cheapest I could find :nod:

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THANK YOU!!!!! I know.... it is so pricey to get and I cannot find anyone in my area who stocks the 90 or is willing to get it for me. But I am trying. What a PIA. But thanks for the coupon code!!! Epigen is a huge, huge hit here :nod:

mrsgreenjeens said:

Okay, what did I miss?  What are you feeding from HT that is as good as Radcat?  Is it really that much cheaper since you've still got to pay for shipping?  You're still feeding everything ground, right?  But you're considering ordering duck hearts?  Those are whole, aren't they?  Now, I know you were thrilled with the HT goat, but what else is really good?  I'm sorry, but I was thinking that HT was not so good anymore after seeing those pictures of all that fat in their pork trimmings, I think it was, that both Carolina and Laurie rec'd.  God, I have GOT to get a freezer, because when I order, i need to order enough t make it worth my while, but then need a place to store it!  Catch 22.  'Course, also need to make sure my furbabies will like it.  Sure wish they sold in stores, but I don't think HT does, do they?

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First off, not sure on the Duck hearts ..... And I have not place an order with HT yet. But will be very, very soon. My cat's all LOVE the Quail and Pheasant. The goat is very well liked by the two W's and Presley. But everyone, even Pipsqueak, loves the quail and pheasant. I will also be trying the rabbit. Maybe the pork too. Haven't decided yet. OH SO MANY DECISIONS!!!! Yes, you MUST get that freezer :lol3:
And, no, they do not sell HT in stores only off of their website.

And, that was the beauty of all of the meat's that Carolina sent me..... I was able to try the HT quail, pheasant and goat. It was like a free trial. I was very lucky :nod: I honestly did not think the cat's would go for it, but they surprised me. I will still keep some Rad Cat coming, but will make my order's much smaller now since I know the cat's will eat the HT ground. :nod: I guess I would just order a one pound bag/chub of each and see what your three will like. :cross: I know, that is the part of raw feeding that is a real bummer - the possibility of wasting money of meat they won't eat. :slant:

mrsgreenjeens said:

Okay, what did I miss?  What are you feeding from HT that is as good as Radcat?  Is it really that much cheaper since you've still got to pay for shipping?  You're still feeding everything ground, right?  But you're considering ordering duck hearts?  Those are whole, aren't they?  Now, I know you were thrilled with the HT goat, but what else is really good?  I'm sorry, but I was thinking that HT was not so good anymore after seeing those pictures of all that fat in their pork trimmings, I think it was, that both Carolina and Laurie rec'd.  God, I have GOT to get a freezer, because when I order, i need to order enough t make it worth my while, but then need a place to store it!  Catch 22.  'Course, also need to make sure my furbabies will like it.  Sure wish they sold in stores, but I don't think HT does, do they?

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The ground meats from HT are awesome, no doubt! Very fresh, and well liked by the kitties And they are quite inexpensive - I highly recommend it! I also still buy the hearts from them and my kitties LOVE it! Gotta have the Turkey and Duck hearts from HT! I buy their venison as well and it is a beauty! I just don't buy the rest as I am buying locally - it is easy as I run out of it, and walmart is around the corner..... The only meat I ever had problem with was the pork. Iplace orders regularly, and love HT!

Carolina said:

The ground meats from HT are awesome, no doubt! Very fresh, and well liked by the kitties And they are quite inexpensive - I highly recommend it! I also still buy the hearts from them and my kitties LOVE it! Gotta have the Turkey and Duck hearts from HT! I buy their venison as well and it is a beauty! I just don't buy the rest as I am buying locally - it is easy as I run out of it, and walmart is around the corner..... The only meat I ever had problem with was the pork. Iplace orders regularly, and love HT!

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The pork was the only one that was ever a problem, but customer service is fantastic - if there's ever a problem, they just credit you immediately. :nod:

Like Carolina, I'm buying most of the meat locally now. It's just easier - buy the stuff on sale (with the freezer easy to stock up) - and it's just cut, bag, and freeze - no more dethawing, other than the HT stuff. But I guess that's because of the frankenprey emphasis in what my cats are eating. I did just ordered one of most of the 1 pound ground options (other than turkey, chicken and duck - I know Spooky doesn't like them) to see if we can get her eating something other than the ground pork. :lol3:

The hearts really aren't that gross. They're just like cutting up really juicy muscle meat. The duck hearts are small. I don't think Carolina cuts them up at all, but I cut them at least in half (though they often come kind of chopped up - often all I have to do is spoon them into the dish).

Feralvr: If you want to try a few chicken hearts, I can hook you up!  I have a little right now, and will be ordering another case soon.  The kittens gobble them whole, although the first day I presented the hearts, only one was able to figure out how to eat them.  Our grown-up cat does not like them, but they are ground up in her food, haha!

Also, do you feed dry food to your ferals?  I have open bags of our old dry food, Authority (with corn!!) and I don't know what to do with them.  So if we're doing a heart handover, and you could use the dry food, that would be great.  Otherwise, I suppose I should post it on CL for other feral-feeders.

Carmina Piranha said:

Feralvr: If you want to try a few chicken hearts, I can hook you up!  I have a little right now, and will be ordering another case soon.  The kittens gobble them whole, although the first day I presented the hearts, only one was able to figure out how to eat them.  Our grown-up cat does not like them, but they are ground up in her food, haha!

Also, do you feed dry food to your ferals?  I have open bags of our old dry food, Authority (with corn!!) and I don't know what to do with them.  So if we're doing a heart handover, and you could use the dry food, that would be great.  Otherwise, I suppose I should post it on CL for other feral-feeders.

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I have to say, I really get the heebies on the hearts only because, well, it is a heart . I know that once I see a heart and realize it is not what I am thinking, then I might be fine. I do want to try them, but hope I can stomach it. :nausea: and better yet, hope my cat's can stomach it Commercially made raw is a piece of cake for me now. Organs, hearts, kidneys, etc. etc. I am working on it I about passed out when Carolina at one point was talking about trying "eyes" in desperation for organs that her kids could keep down. :jaw: But I do appreciate the offer! And let's see if we can meet soon. I will be going on vacation next week so will PM you when I get back. As for the Authority, if you can't donate them to a shelter, then I would take them. How long have them been open, though? Because the dry food can go bad if it has been sitting around too long. Thanks for your kindness! WIll be in touch after my trip.

LDG said:

The hearts really aren't that gross. They're just like cutting up really juicy muscle meat. The duck hearts are small. I don't think Carolina cuts them up at all, but I cut them at least in half (though they often come kind of chopped up - often all I have to do is spoon them into the dish).

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OK :heart3: I will take your word on it :rofl:

We're having duck heart for dinner tonight. I'll take pictures! :lol3:

"Dinner." ALL the meals for the cats are "dinner." :lol3: I meant the late night meal.

Remember, I am the "vegetarian*," so if I don't think chicken hearts are too gross, you can probably handle them! 

* I buy and handle so much meat for these kitties, and it's human-grade meat, that I wonder if I can still call myself a vegetarian.  (when wanting to adopt a cat, as a vegetarian I'd justified having a cat by saying that cat food is made up of meat-industry leftovers, so I needn't feel guilty for feeding meat to them, only I didn't at the time know that humans are getting the disgusting meat-industry leftovers, therefore what's left for cat food is truly vile and dangerous and inedible, plus of course the grains in most commercial foods, which is the actual reason for homemade food, so here we are at raw food) 

However, when I first went to the meat-bin store and had to scoop my chicken livers and gizzards, I got serious heebie-jeebies.  And THE PORK HEARTS!!!!!  THEY ARE HUMAN HEARTS!  (OK not really, they just look it) That, seriously, is why we haven't made an all-pork meal for them yet.  And you do not want me to tell you what I found available when I tried to find a local rabbit-meat source...  

Anyway, it looks like you are planning to order duck hearts, which is fine!  As for the bags of dry food, the opened on has been in an airtight bin for at least three months.  Then there's an unopened bag that however has little holes from cat teeth!  I think that shelters do not accept opened food, which is why I hadn't contacted them before.  Do you think this food is too old?

Have a great vacation!

Carmina Piranha said:

Remember, I am the "vegetarian*," so if I don't think chicken hearts are too gross, you can probably handle them!  :nod:

* I buy and handle so much meat for these kitties, and it's human-grade meat, that I wonder if I can still call myself a vegetarian.  (when wanting to adopt a cat, as a vegetarian I'd justified having a cat by saying that cat food is made up of meat-industry leftovers, so I needn't feel guilty for feeding meat to them, only I didn't at the time know that humans are getting the disgusting meat-industry leftovers, therefore what's left for cat food is truly vile and dangerous and inedible, plus of course the grains in most commercial foods, which is the actual reason for homemade food, so here we are at raw food) 

However, when I first went to the meat-bin store and had to scoop my chicken livers and gizzards, I got serious heebie-jeebies.  And THE PORK HEARTS!!!!!  THEY ARE HUMAN HEARTS!  (OK not really, they just look it) That, seriously, is why we haven't made an all-pork meal for them yet.  And you do not want me to tell you what I found available when I tried to find a local rabbit-meat source...  

Anyway, it looks like you are planning to order duck hearts, which is fine!  As for the bags of dry food, the opened on has been in an airtight bin for at least three months.  Then there's an unopened bag that however has little holes from cat teeth!  I think that shelters do not accept opened food, which is why I hadn't contacted them before.  Do you think this food is too old?

Have a great vacation!

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:dash: on the pork hearts....... :sick: I do think I am going with the duck hearts from HT since Laurie posted those pictures. I won't scream now when they arrive. OH dear, I don't think I want to know what you found when looking for a rabbit-meat source :anon:

I do think the cat food might be a bit too old even sitting in a sealed container for three months. I usually always make sure I use all dry food that I have bought and opened within 45 days. I also keep in airtight containers but still use within 45 days if at all possible. Yeah, shelter's will not take open bags of cat food or chewed bags for that matter :lol3: You might just want to toss them. :dk:

LDG said:

We're having duck heart for dinner tonight. I'll take pictures! :lol3:

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Thank you for doing that..... really, now I am certain I can handle ordering them. :heart3:

OHHHHHHH PERLA!!!!!!!!!!!! :slant: :wife: What a brat. This morning, she proceeded to take ALL of the RC Lamb out and spit it on her placemat or the wall Bit by bit, she ate all the canned and spit out the Lamb. NOW THAT IS PURE TALENT !!!!!!!!!!!!! She certainly told me today in no uncertain terms what she thought of what I served her. YEP - back to :square: one with the rincess: What an ODD little girl - but OH SO DARN CUTE. Even despite my shock of her dramatic refusal - she is the most adorable cat on the planet.... :hmm: :scratch: actually, Perla IS on another planet - all her own I honestly wish I got a videotape of her antics. I think you all would have been on the floor laughing for sure. The funny thing about Perla's schemes is that I don't ever get upset or taken back by it. I actually get quite tickled over it now. Every day is a special, unique day in the life of rincess: Perla!!!!!!

:lol3: Lauren, I LOVE your attitude!

rincess: Perla.... one VERY talented PICKY eater! :lol3:

Yes, so happy you can now laugh about it rather than get upset.  I don't think I'd be laughing if I had to wash my walls from having raw lamb on them, however!  But I imagine it was kind of interesting seeing how she did it .  These Divas!  Can't live without 'em!