Cats have built up a reputation as being difficult to switch to a raw diet. But cats, more so than dogs, are true carnivores and need to eat meat. Think about it - would you feed a lion food that’s made up of maize and other grains?
Let’s make sure our cats are fed what they need – even if making the change takes a bit longer. Start by replacing the dry food with lightly steamed meat or “wet food” (e.g. Tuna for cats) over a period of a few days. Follow the same phasing-in approach as for sensitive dogs. Once your cat is happily eating this, you can start to introduce the raw food in the same way.
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Eating according to weight: how much to feed your pet |
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The daily allowance of food on a raw diet is calculated based on a percentage of body weight.
Factors such as metabolism, activity levels, breed, age and whether your pet is over- or underweight must be taken into account.
As a general guideline, adult dogs can be fed between 1-3% of their body weight per day, and adult cats between 2-4% of body weight. Large breeds require a lower percentage of their body weight per day than smaller breeds. Puppies and kittens require more frequent feeding and a higher ratio of food per body weight – anywhere between 4-10% of body weight, depending on age. Pregnant females will need smaller, more frequent feedings after 5 weeks gestation.
Be careful not to over feed your pet – this can lead to a variety of health problems, especially in larger breeds or puppies. You should feel a slight outline of the ribs, with a thin covering of skin and flesh if you rub your hands over the ribcage area. Adjust the daily amount up or down as required.. |
If you are unsure, please consult your veterinarian who will quickly be able to tell you the ideal weight. The following table has been put together to serve as a feeding guide.
SIZE |
ESTIMATED WEIGHT |
RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF RAW LOVE |
Dog breeds |
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Tiny |
(3kg – 6.5kg) |
100 - 300g per day |
Small |
(7kg – 11kg) |
300 – 400g per day |
Medium |
(12kg – 25kg) |
400 – 600g per day |
Large |
(25kg – 45kg) |
600 – 1 kg per day |
V-Large |
( > 45kg) |
1 kg – 1.5 kg per day |
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Puppies / kittens |
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4 -10% of their body weight |
Cats |
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2-4% of their body weight |
We conveniently pack the frozen meals in 1kg or 500g plastic containers. Store them in your freezer and they will keep for three months or so. PLEASE DON’T microwave the meals - leave them to thaw naturally and serve raw, preferably at room temperature – this retains the most nutrients and minerals.
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Prevent gum disease and decay: give your dog a bone |
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Chewing raw, meaty bones is essential for a balanced natural diet. Bones contain almost all the minerals your pet requires, in perfect balance, for optimal absorption. Raw bones also provide natural anti-oxidant and anti-ageing factors like living enzymes, and essential fatty acids. Chewing bones promotes saliva flow, assists with digestion, and keeps teeth clean.
We recommend that raw meaty bones make up 50% of the diet. If this is not possible, try to include it as part of the diet at least 2/3 times a week to prevent gum disease and tooth decay, which is often the cause of infections throughout the body. |
To your pets delight - the bigger the bone, the better. This will ensure your dog bites normal size pieces, and that in the process they exercise their jaw, neck and teeth!
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Less is more: natural fasting gives their body a break |
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Not feeding your pet everyday might feel a bit strange. But carnivores in the wild have to hunt for their food, and as a result do not eat every day.
Fasting is part of a natural diet and we highly recommend that you consider skipping a meal every so often. This can improve your pets' health by giving their metabolic system a chance to rest – which allows the energy normally taken up with digestion to be used throughout the body.
If you are not happy to fast your pet, a “meatless” day would also do the trick. A meal on these days could consist of Bulgarian yogurt with Oats or Bran or brown rice. |
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