Raw for cat

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

Liver is great, organic preferable (but although the liver is a detoxifier, toxins are excreted and don't hang around in the tissue, so any liver is okay). Hearts are wonderful, cut them up *very* small or puree if your cats don't like the texture (they're a little tough). Gizzards aren't very appetizing, extremely tough. There are also organ supplements, this is the one I use (for me, too!): Grass Fed Organ Complex (oh, it's on sale! I better get more!).

 

[Dr. Christina]

I run a cat rescue that is raw-fed. One of our adopters just started feeding raw to their 15-year old cats a few months ago (who were on canned prior). One of the cats has been dealing with very elevated liver values and related liver values since this summer (maybe earlier). An internist has put the cat on clavamox on and off for months. It helps for a time, then the values go back up-we're talking into the 1700s, then "down" to 800 and trending down currently while on the antibiotics.
Is it safe for this cat to be on a raw diet OR should it be gently cooked? I'm getting push-back from the Vet (no surprise), but it does make some sense to me. They are feeding commercial raw brands like Primal, Steve's, Stella & Chewy. What can I tell my adopters?
Also, I need to post more about this cat's liver issues in the proper folder.

Thank you!

I would encourage them to become members of HA. At least take the free 101 class and then discuss it with them. IMO, cooked or raw will have the same impact on liver values.

Sounds like they would be well served, as most people with older felines, to be working with a great holistic veterinarian.

Dr Christina

 

[BettinaT]

Liver is great, organic preferable (but although the liver is a detoxifier, toxins are excreted and don't hang around in the tissue, so any liver is okay). Hearts are wonderful, cut them up *very* small or puree if your cats don't like the texture (they're a little tough). Gizzards aren't very appetizing, extremely tough. There are also organ supplements, this is the one I use (for me, too!): Grass Fed Organ Complex (oh, it's on sale! I better get more!).

Thanks for answer. I see where i normally buy raw meat from, that they also have whole one-day old chickens, there are minced.
Will that also be a good thing to give?

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

That might be a good options; after all it is a "whole" food that has all the needed nutrients!

 

[Dr. Christina]

Remember, also, to feed big enough chunks several times a week (that looked ground), to sink their teeth into for jaw and tooth health. In nature they do not chew food, so even the stomach benefits from some big chunks.
Dr. Christina

 

[BettinaT]

Remember, also, to feed big enough chunks several times a week (that looked ground), to sink their teeth into for jaw and tooth health. In nature they do not chew food, so even the stomach benefits from some big chunks.
Dr. Christina

Hi again. I mostly give raw chicken , or turkey, or rabbit , in big chunks now.
And i add a little liver and chicken neck to it. But they eat just a tiny bit of liver and neck.

I have before added this powder to it. Know What You Feed Natural Cat Food Supplements
Do you think its still a good idea to do ?
My cats are now 12 and 13 years old.

 

[BettinaT]

Hi again. I mostly give raw chicken , or turkey, or rabbit , in big chunks now.
And i add a little liver and chicken neck to it. But they eat just a tiny bit of liver and neck.

I have before added this powder to it. Know What You Feed Natural Cat Food Supplements
Do you think its still a good idea to do ?
My cats are now 12 and 13 years old.

And here is info from the site , where their product come from A Guide To A Balanced, Homemade Cat Food - Alnutrin Supplements

 

[BettinaT]

 

[BettinaT]

What do you think about this @Dr. Jeff , @Dr. Jean Hofve ?

 

[Dr. Christina]

I will let @Dr. Jean Hofve speak to the supplements - she is the expert there.
Only tweak I would do is try to offer some more variety - egg, raw goats milk, a little fish, etc.
Keep a journal, do a regular physical looking for any of the early warning signs and keep having fun with them! Note down any food cravings or aversions they have. And do you have a homeopathic vet on board if needed?

and the friend you mentioned who runs the rescue. Is it a registered non-profit? We will be doing a month on shelters and rescues next year.

Dr. Christina

 

[BettinaT]

I will let @Dr. Jean Hofve speak to the supplements - she is the expert there.
Only tweak I would do is try to offer some more variety - egg, raw goats milk, a little fish, etc.
Keep a journal, do a regular physical looking for any of the early warning signs and keep having fun with them! Note down any food cravings or aversions they have. And do you have a homeopathic vet on board if needed?

and the friend you mentioned who runs the rescue. Is it a registered non-profit? We will be doing a month on shelters and rescues next year.

Dr. Christina

No i dont know a homeopathic vet here in Denmark.

I dont know what you mean about a friend and run rescue . I have not mention about that

 

[Dr. Christina]

Ah.. the rescue was a note from Robin. To find a homeopathic vet, or other holistic vet, do read the article here. checking all the organizations will take time, so it is good to start when your kitties are doing well. Many will work virtually if no one is near you.
Dr. Christina

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Many will work virtually if no one is near you.

Exactly Bettina! You can work with a vet homeopath anywhere in the world.

 

[BettinaT]

And here is info from the site , where their product come from A Guide To A Balanced, Homemade Cat Food - Alnutrin Supplements

I see there are two different sources of calcium. One from egg shell and the other from limestone. What is best form of calcium? @Dr. Jean Hofve ,@Dr. Jeff ?

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

I don't have a problem with that supplement, and a general supplement like that is 100% necessary, not optional or sometimes.

Eggshell and limestone are both calcium carbonate, no real difference.

 

[BettinaT]

Thanks for your answers