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Why I feed raw: The Cats’ Food is Not “Cat Food”

From Beth: Today’s guest blog is from a series, “Why I feed raw.” If you would like to contribute to this series, please contact me on Facebook.

My cats are not free fed dry food. They receive three meals a day. This is not unusual even though most cats do have dry food in their diet. No one would raise an eye brow if I just told them just this. The difference is what the three meals consist of: raw meat. Now this does receive some surprised looks. I am never sure what shocks people most: is it that I feed my cats uncooked meat? Or is that I put more effort than opening a bag or tin into preparing food for my cats? Or the fact that I must be spending considerable more money on their food than if I were to just feed them “cat food?”

In our household the cats’ food is not “cat food.” I do rely on an organic premix that supplements the muscle meat and liver I feed. It is designed specially to meet a cat’s nutritional needs as whole prey predators. Their meals do not come in tins or bags. It is not processed-I prepare their meals. My cats enthusiastically eat all their food every meal time. Their coats are thick, soft and shiny. Their eyes are bright and (talking about the other end of things!) their poos are small and solid. And, yes, they are poos do smell but they are not rancid masses toxic waste…  

The short answer to why I have made feeding my cats expensive and time consuming is that it means they get a species appropriate diet. The long answer is tied up in morals both on a personal level and universal levels. Firstly, there is the welfare of my cats. I believe a raw diet is the most healthy diet they can receive as it mimics closely what they would instinctively eat and even though cats are domesticated, this has happened by them getting close to the human population as mousers protecting our grain stores-meaning that their nutritional needs have changed very little in the process of domestication. It offers enrichment in their lives as I feed chunks of raw meat- meaning they have to work at their dinner, using their jaw muscles as they are intended to be used. I can control what they eat. I source the meat taking into account the quality of what I am feeding them and the welfare of animals they are eating: how they were raised and slaughtered.

Written by Matty Moo

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Spay her!

Last night, in a dog group, a person asked about the signs of labor and how to keep her dog comfortable during pregnancy...obviously...someone who has never bred a dog before and has no knowledge of the process, genetics or health.I recommended for her to speak to her vet and to get her dog spayed after she weaned her pups.  Others advocated spaying.  

Her response, "I JUST WANTED MY DOG TO HAVE ONE LITTER OF PUPPIES!"  She quickly deleted her post.

This, folks, is the very definition of a backyard breeder.

Do you think your dog will be happier having a litter of puppies?  Or do you think she will be just as happy not going through the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, possibly having complications during the birthing process and having to care for a litter?

On top of that, how does one ensure that the puppies do not end up in shelters?  How does one ensure that these puppies do not have puppies?

If it offends you that someone tells you to spay your bitch or queen, you really need to question your motives for wanting her to have a litter.

I DO support responsible breeding.  That is, breeding done with the intent of bettering the breed.  Typically, these people belong to breed groups and national organizations.  They spay/neuter offspring that do not promote the betterment of the breed (”pets”), have health certificates and are very knowledgeable about the faults and strengths of the breed.

But if you want your dog or cat to have a litter just to have the experience of having a litter before spaying her, please think again.  Please go to a shelter and look at all of the cats and dogs who will likely die because someone thought the same.

Unless you are a professional responsible breeder, do the rescues and shelters and your pet a favor and spay her.  It is a simple procedure that can help make her life better and save the lives of countless others.

With much love,

Beth

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Why are we afraid?

I love my doctor, my husband’s doctor and our vet.  It took guts and determination to do so.  It wasn’t always like that.

Me: I don’t want to put the cats on kibble.  I feed a raw diet.

Vet: You cannot possibly know how much carbohydrates to feed a cat each day!  How much vitamin E does your cat need? You cannot feed a balanced diet using a raw diet!  It’s dangerous.

So, I fired him.

Me: I would like for you to run a blood panel checking for nutrition deficiencies, FT4, FT3 and antibodies.  I would also like my husband on Armour.

Doctor: I can run the tests, but you will be wasting your money.  I only go by TSH and only prescribe levothyroxine.

So, I fired her.

Me: The Vicodin and Flexeril are not helping.  I am still in a ton of pain.

Doctor: There’s nothing else I can do for you.

So, I fired her.

Me: I feed a raw diet.  I firmly believe that this is the most natural way to feed my pets.

Vet: While I don’t necessarily promote a raw diet, I do support it.  I have seen pets come back from the brink of death when their owners switched them to a raw diet.  I cannot explain it, but there’s something to it.

So, I hired her.

Doctor: ((Before I could say anything)) I am ordering a complete blood panel, including a nutrition panel and complete thyroid panel.  I am also taking you off of levothyroxine and putting you on Armour.

Me:  ((Crying)) Thank you.

So, I hired him.

Doctor: You have fibromyalgia.  I believe your pain is real.  We are going to try you out on a few medications to find the right combination.  We won’t stop trying until we find what works for you.  Please be patient with us.

Me:  ((Crying)) Thank you.

So, I hired her.

Why is it that we hold medical professionals in high regard, put them on pedestals and are afraid to fire them when they fail to help us? Why is it that we stick to the same professional regardless if they are trying to work against us?

It took me going through a multitude of vets, endocrinologist and general practice doctors before I found the right medical professional that worked.

In all lines of professionals, you have the C students and the A students.  Just because a person has a degree and letters after their names, it doesn’t mean that they are qualified to work for you.

If you fail to do your job, you are fired.

Your vets and your doctors, you hire them.  If they fail to do their job, do not be afraid to fire them.  Be your own advocate.  Be your pet’s advocate.  Be your spouse’s and children’s advocate.  Accept nothing but the best.  

Okay medical professionals are easy to come by.  Excellent medical professionals are hard to come by.  But never stop looking.  They are out there!

With much love, Beth  

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Feeding tips

I do not feed in bowls.  In fact, these are my pet dishes (besides the glass pans on the floor for water).

These came from the dollar store.  I’m pretty sure you can also buy plates and saucers from garage sales as well.

Why?  Less mess.  My pets are more apt to keep their food on their plates.

Another MAJOR reason: whisker stress.  You can read about it here.

After my pets are done eating, the plates go in the dishwasher or are washed by hand (depending on the amount of energy I have).  

Another benefit of feeding on plates: no chin acne from plastic bowls!

Raw feeding tip 2

If you have an aggressive chewer or gulper (both of which Gypsy, pictured, is), try feeding frozen meals.  Here, Gypsy is eating a drumstick with a bit of liver wrapped in a couple thin layers of pork.  This took her a couple of hours (instead of 10 seconds) and she enjoyed it!

Please remember to feed your pets as often as necessary.  The guidelines are as follows:

Adult dogs (HEALTHY): 1 to 2 times a day

Adult cats (HEALTHY): 3 to 5 times a day

Puppies and kittens: as often as they would like (4 to 6 times a day)

Cats and dogs with medical conditions: As often as necessary

With much love,

Beth

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Product Review: Z Bones

New to the Raw Pet blog is weekly product reviews.  I will be doing them weekly.  Unless specifically stated, I have bought these products. These are tested out on my helpers.

I went to a niche shop in Port Huron, Michigan: Nature Living Bounty.  There, I purchased two Z-Bones, made by Zukes.  They ran me $2 each-an awesome price.

Let me start by saying one thing: these have NO animal product in them.  They are packed with nothing but plant material.  I thought about it for a little bit.  These are a TREAT.  These are not meals.  These are not something they will be getting every day.  So, that’s okay.

They claim to be made in the United States.  I still need to do research to see where the materials are sourced.

I took them out of the package.  They are very firm.  No smell.  No artificial colors or flavors.

I gave Ginger the “Clean Carrot Crisp Flavor” and Gypsy had the “Clean Apple Crisp Flavor.”

Needless to say, after the girls became comfortable, they went to town on the bones.

In fact, the bones did not last long at all.  They were rated for dogs 25 to 60 pounds.  My dogs are 15 pounds.

But given the price and the few moments of chewing pleasure my dogs had, I would say that this is a good buy.  If you are interested in purchasing the products, I added them to our store.

I do warn: if you are a prey model raw or treat purist, you will not like these.  However, if you are like me and realize that this is a treat and nothing more, you will want to try these out with your dogs!

Have you tried this product? How was your experience?

With Much Love,

Beth

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QCT: Quality Cuddle Time

My pets (all 8 of them) KNOW when I am in pain and they can sense a migraine before it happens.  They instinctively know to bug me until I lay down.  When I do lay down, they press their warm bodies against me.  Last night, during a major storm, Phantom, my calico, laid at my head and purred.  Gypsy, my JRT, had her body pressed up against my legs.  Benny, the cat pictured above, had his body pressed against my ribs. Daisy was laying on my legs.  Elsa was laying on my chest.  Ginger, my Boston mix, was laying next to Benny, patiently waiting for a spot to open up.  Mooch and Patches, my other two cats, were waiting for a spot on the bed to open up-watching me from the chair at the foot of the bed.

When I use my cane (or they sense my balance is not the best before I realize it), my pets “guide” me where I need to be. One of them walks in front of me.  One walks next to me.  One races to where they think I am going and waits for me. They wait for me to do what I need to do and then they escort me back to where I need to be (either the couch or the bed).

Perhaps our pets KNOW that they have special abilities as AWESOME healers. Perhaps they come to us to be healed and they return the favor. It is a beautiful relationship. If you do a Google search for the term “pets as healers,” many websites come up praising pets. Many state that the healing powers of pets have been known for thousands of years.

While I do not profess to know the technical sciency reason behind this, all I know is that when I have warm loving bodies pressed against mine, my pain is reduced. My body relaxes. I feel much better.  I love my QCT: quality cuddle time.

Do your pets make you feel better?

After I sign off, at the end of this post, I have 2 memes that show the healing powers of our pets.

With much love,

Beth

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Learn the language!

Our pets are always communicating with us.  But do you know what they are saying? Did you realize that 100 percent of pet attacks on humans are a result of human error-a failure to accurately read body language?

By learning pet language and always being aware of the pets around you, you can help prevent attacks.  Teaching children how to respect pets will also help prevent attacks.

What is your pet currently telling you?

Just now, Daisy told me she REALLY loves me.  Ginger is begging to go outside (there’s a squirrel out there). Mooch is being attentive, watching me closely waiting for the purrfect opportunity to jump in my lap. Elsa is content in a tiny plastic bin that holds our bills.

When you learn what your pet is telling you, you can accurately respond and create harmony in your home!

With much love,

Beth

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Life Hack

A life hack is something in which makes life easier.

I get migraines on a fairly consistent basis.  My dogs love to play.  The sounds of their tags jingling together hurts my head.  Yet, they need them-especially when they go outside.

Life hack: I put their tags on clips.  When I come down with a migraine, I take the clips off of them.  They go on hooks next to the door.  Easy on, easy off.

Do you have a favorite life hack?

~Beth

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A Purrfect Product

Typically, in my home, the box gets played with more than the toy.  The toy might get one use, but the box will get multiple uses.

I went shopping on Saturday. At the local store, I checked out the clearance section.  They had two Purfect Arches left. They were a bargain.  

Now, most people who know me know that I am frugal and refuse to buy the As Seen on TV crap.  This product was no exception.  I’ve bypassed it many a time.  This particular shopping trip, two leaped into my cart-as if they had wings.

I brought the product home, thinking that the cats would be more interested in playing with the boxes than enjoying the product.  I assembled both of them (very easy to do).  I placed one in the cat room and one in the living room.

I kid you not-there was a line at both of them!  For the most part, there is always a cat at one of the arches at all times.  They haven’t even noticed the boxes!

Even my husband was impressed!  “Man!  They love them!” he said to me yesterday.  “Love” is an understatement.

I just wish I would have bought 4 more so each of my cats could have their own!

If you are interested in purchasing the product, Amazon has them on their website for close to what I paid for mine.

So, lesson learned: NOT all As Seen on TV products are crap.  Once in a great while, there is an awesome (or purrfect) product!

With love,

Beth

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A message to humanity

If you could connect to me telepathically, you would feel the raw emotion, the raw energy flowing through me.  You would feel what I know and know what I feel.

Today, what I have to say is not about raw feeding or pets.  Rather, it is about humanity.  It is about current events. It’s all connected in the most beautiful way.

My hand is on the pulsing heart of humanity.  I feel your concerns.  I feel your angst.  I feel your hope and determination for a better tomorrow.

I have a message for you: despite the chaos you find yourself in and you find the world in, everything is as it should be at this moment.  Everything is going to be okay.  Humanity is going through the greatest transformation it has ever gone through.

A country song, “Noise” by Kenny Chesney, explains much of what your television, cell phones and computers do to you.

Sometimes you need to shut it off. Go outside in your bare feet. Go sit under a tree.  Jump in rain puddles.  Wrestle with your dogs or children.  Eat ice cream for dinner.  Acknowledge the child within you.

Many of you are empaths and you have no clue. You feel deeply and you do your best to shut it off. Unsafe sex, drugs, alcohol. Anything to numb the pain of feeling the world on the deepest level.

Humanity has reached a critical point.  Things are hard.  But you’re here for a reason.  You’re here to hold up the light for others.  To remember who you are.  Your soul knew it would not be a cakewalk to come to this planet during this time, but you knew you had a critical mission to do. You wanted to come here to help this planet-to help Mother Earth, her sons and daughters.

Blessed is the believer who knows love is our redeemer And the only breath of life For these times in which we live Well give me a heart full of tender mercy And arms I will open wide Yeah give me words full of loving kindness And hands ready to hold up a light

Please realize the Divine Nature within you.  All religions teach that a God/Creator created humanity. Spirituality states that you are of God/Creator-therefore-you ARE God/Creator as the Supreme Being/Force made you of itself.  You are a mere flicker of a flame-albeit-a powerful one-of a much larger fire.

When we say that All is One and One is All, we refer to this.  The idea that we are all of God regardless of religion, color, sex, sexual orientation or age. This is an universally accepted fact. Yet, humanity forgets this. And, that’s okay. If you are reading this, you are meant to be an example of this-of Unity-of Oneness-of a Powerful Love.

Beyond ourselves, the Divine Energy is present in our pets, in the waves crashing upon the shore, in the sun beam that our cats stretch out in. Where ever you look, you will see it.  The Divine Energy is everything you see.  It is the order and chaos, the plentiful and the famine, the joy and the pain. As you and I are, the Divine Energy is everything it is and everything it is not.

Please realize that everything is going to be okay.  Everything is perfect right now.  It is perfect in the most imperfect way.  Old systems must fall before new systems rise. 

What do you do? You realize your Divine Nature. You embody the concept of Universal Unselfish Love. You don’t go out and preach it though. You do not go out and shout it from the mountain top. Rather, you hold the light and be the light for others.  Actions speak much louder than words.  Words are meaningless.  Actions-well-they are powerful-much like thoughts.

When you see the chaos and disorder, realize that there is order and perfection to it.  What we see happening now needs to happen.

I whisper to your soul: Remember who you are and why you are here.  You are powerful.  You are Divine.  You have a purpose.  Go flourish!

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Amazing nurses

During a bad fibro attack last night, Benny wrapped his paws around my wrist and gave me kitty kisses-taking my mind completely off the pain.

I have some amazing nurses.  You won’t find them in hospitals inserting IVs and administering pills.  But they are amazing healers.  They have this remarkable ability to KNOW when I’m in pain-sometimes before I even am aware of an attack coming on.

They paw at me.  Pester me to the point that I am annoyed and do as they ask.  Then they lay on top of me, turning on their purring machines.  The pain comes on, like a punch in the gut you weren’t expecting.  Yet, the vibration from the purrs makes it feel better.  It makes it much less of a mental stress.  Perhaps that is their goal.

Last night, when I was in agony (that’s putting it lightly), all of my cats were trying to get on top of me.  The dogs wanted on top of me to, but I could not handle them jumping on the bed.

When I use my cane, my pets "help” me.  They walk two steps ahead of me, look back and see if I am coming.  When I catch up to them, they walk two more steps.  Stop and repeat.  When I get to my destination, they sit next to me (yes, even the cats) and wait for me to do what I need to do.  Then they guide me back to where I need to be (the couch or my bed).

People have been using pets as healers.  Some pets are destination as “therapy pets” and go to visit people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and even courts!

According to an article, “Pets as Healers,” 

For over a decade, all over the globe, researchers have been discovering and documenting the amazing healing abilities of pets. You might say that humans can teach a pet to “heel”, but pets can teach humans to “heal”. The experts say the reasons for this are simple… pets reduce our anxiety level, which directly affects the blood pressure and heart rate, putting us in a more relaxed state. When we are caring for a pet and giving and receiving affection, we are satisfying the most basic human need for touch and connection. 

Perhaps my pets know this.  Perhaps it is a part of their intuitive nature to be healers.  All I know is that they make me feel so much better.  When I am petting their silky fur or when I wake up to them firmly pressed up against my body-nothing else matters in this world.  It is just a moment in time where I am connected to a soul whose purpose is beyond this world: one of the most intimate precious connections one can ever have.  Soul to soul.

Being healed by my pets and with much love, Beth

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For my tumblr friends

I am so sorry I have been MIA.  I have been working on the website.  When I am not doing that, I am nursing a fibro flare.

Anyways, I want to let you know that I am working on a new feature on the website: How I feed my Pets for a week. Days 1 and 2 are done.

I hope it can help some new raw feeders!

With much love,

Beth

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When you say you're against training with force, are you meaning 'positive only' where the dog is never told 'no', or do you just mean physical force?

I have no problem with a dog learning the word “no.” In fact, it can be a very rewarding experience and an effective communication tool.  What I am against are tools and training that instills fear, punishment, pain or unpleasant stimulation (though, I do admit, that they *CAN* come in handy when all else fails).  However, I do not feel like the average Joe can utilize them properly to get the response they desire.  They are best left to professionals who know when and how to use them properly.

I hope this answers your question!~Beth

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Join our team!

Raw Pet is currently looking for page editors (Facebook) for the following time slots: Everything other than cat and dog: 7pm Goodnight post: 9pm These times are EST and can be scheduled in advanced.

We are also looking for Guest Bloggers! Guest bloggers would ideally be linked to either our Facebook page or group. We are looking for any type of blog as long as it does not promote anti-raw or goes against force free training. We have two series in the works: How I started raw, How I feed raw. The blog post, again, do not have to be related to the series as long as it has something to do with pets.

We are also looking for articles for our website. Guidelines follow the same as the blog post with the addition that you must have full rights to your article.

If you are interested in volunteering or submitting a piece, please message me on facebook.

~Beth

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Chicken is often a first meat for pets. It can be a daunting task for new raw feeders to know what to feed and how much. This guide breaks down what is what and gives examples for meals.

We have a new article on our website. In the next week, I will be photographing what my pets eat and posting it on the website as a visual aid for those new to raw feeding.

~Beth

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My crew. Mooch-tortie-will be 14 in August. Patches-white with tabby- 7 in September Phantom-bicolor face-8 Benny-cat laying on his side-8 Daisy-missing front leg-3 Elsa-tuxedo-2 Ginger-shih tzu/Boston-5 Gypsy-Jack Russel Terrier-4 All raw fed.

~Beth

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“Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul, chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we’re the greatest hunters on earth!” ~Anne Tyler