|
Post by Steffi Loves Her Fuzzbuckets on Mar 15, 2009 0:05:58 GMT -5
I want to start Mr. Colbert (and my furture ferrets, of course) on a raw meat diet. But the thought of feeding whole mice or any other animal for that matter doesn't seem like something I am able to do. I could feed insects and possibly (not positive) amphibians. My Mom is the one really against it. She doesn't feel good about it at all, and if she doesn't than I wouldn't be able to get any mice. I want to, but only for my ferrets sake. And when the time actually comes.. I know I probably wouldn't be able to do it, I mean.. The little mice. He has hopes and dreams to! Would everything but the whole prey be a satisfying diet for him?
|
|
|
Post by Forum Administrator on Mar 15, 2009 0:16:42 GMT -5
Yes, you certainly can feed a raw diet with no whole prey. There are several types of natural diets you can feed: 1.) Raw diet based on the whole prey model (This includes only raw food and no whole prey) 2.) Whole prey diet (This diet is when you ONLY feed whole prey. You can feed live prey, frozen prey, or a combination of both) 3.) Raw/Whole Prey diet (Where you feed both raw and whole prey) 4.) Commercial raw diet (A commercial ground, raw diet that comes in frozen or freeze-dried forms) A raw diet requires a bit more work to make it balanced, but its easily accomplished when you know what you are doing. I encourage you to join the mentor program so you can get one on one assistance in switching your furbabies to raw. Good luck!
|
|
|
Post by Steffi Loves Her Fuzzbuckets on Mar 15, 2009 9:34:09 GMT -5
Yes, you certainly can feed a raw diet with no whole prey. There are several types of natural diets you can feed: 1.) Raw diet based on the whole prey model (This includes only raw food and no whole prey) 2.) Whole prey diet (This diet is when you ONLY feed whole prey. You can feed live prey, frozen prey, or a combination of both) 3.) Raw/Whole Prey diet (Where you feed both raw and whole prey) 4.) Commercial raw diet (A commercial ground, raw diet that comes in frozen or freeze-dried forms) A raw diet requires a bit more work to make it balanced, but its easily accomplished when you know what you are doing. I encourage you to join the mentor program so you can get one on one assistance in switching your furbabies to raw. Good luck! Thankyou so much, this is Very helpful ! I am filling out the preliminary questions for my mentor right now. And later today or early tomorrow I'm posting. Would be earlier but I have to get pictures ;D
|
|
|
Post by spiritualtramp on Mar 15, 2009 20:22:28 GMT -5
Of course! I don't feed whole prey yet either... I still haven't gotten the nerve to do it, though I think about it often. It's about what we are comfortable doing as much as it is about what they require, so don't feel ashamed or put off by feeding raw and not whole prey. The whole prey model raw diet is still miles beyond better than a standard kibble diet, and that is something to be proud of.
|
|
|
Post by Steffi Loves Her Fuzzbuckets on Mar 15, 2009 21:22:45 GMT -5
Aw, thank you so much. That really makes me feel alot better and more comfortable with feeding this diet. :] Thanks for the support spiritualtramp!
|
|
|
Post by savagedestiny on Mar 15, 2009 23:17:40 GMT -5
And if you're not comfortable making your own diet completely, don't forget you can always combine pre made raw and supplement with things like chicken necks, wings, legs, etc. My babies get pre made in the morning (I rotate between Primal, Bravo, and Stella & Chewy's) and poultry parts in the evening to keep their teeth nice.
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Mar 16, 2009 0:32:12 GMT -5
Raw feeding is a matter of steps and each ferret and their person walks through those steps at an individual rate depending on their comfort levels and their beliefs. Some steps are necessary; feeding a variety of meats, offal and bones...how those are fed is entirely up to the individual. Once feeding a balanced raw diet you may never have to step into whole meats or prey if you don't want to but....each level gives it's own benefits. If you only proceed to ground raw premade diets, you will have to continue to dilegently check and clean your furbabies teeth and offer some form of ferretlax (I only use this as an example, I'm not advocating it as a product) or vegetable matter (ie pumpkin, squash...something). Move to the second level, whole meats or frankeprey then you may not have to be as dilegent about checking the teeth but you will still have to worry about shedding seasons. Once you move on to whole prey, then you just have to feed the whole furry pieces. You still have to think about variety and you still have to check but you don't have to worry as much about the teeth and the hairballs. You reap other benefits but they're not as big in the grand scheme of things You're not ripping your furbabies off by not feeding prey. I started feeding prey because my guys enjoy the stimulation of the hunt. It also provides them with even more variety, I consider it a bonus but not a necessity ciao
|
|
|
Post by novemberkris on Mar 16, 2009 6:39:43 GMT -5
I am currently feeding commercial raw because my parents would get weirded out by whole prey/raw meaty bones. Although, I keep some gizzards to start introducing poultry parts (for dental health and to introduce the possibility of a step up to Raw/WP in the future). I feed NV right now but am rotating "up" to foods with a higher meat ratio (I started with Primal Canine). Even just switching to NV Paulie has gained weight, gotten longer thicker fur, and seems happier and healthier. His litter box is more consistent and his smell has gone down. So, I'm saying and step you can make away from kibble will show in your furry friend! I look forward to moving even further away from processed food when I am able.
|
|
|
Post by jojodancer on Mar 16, 2009 12:56:27 GMT -5
I feed commercial raw as well. I have ziwipeak available in their food bowls 24/7, and then make soupies morning and night for them out of stella and chewy's, AFS and/or wysong. I like the commercial raw because you don't have to verify that your little guy is eating things in the right proportion, it's all done for you. You know he is getting a well balanced meal every time he takes a bite.
Check out my siggy for some freeze dried raw food options.
|
|