Bones and Raw Food Diet
Those of you who already have Amber Snow kitties know that I feed and believe in the Bones and Raw food diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they have evolved for thousands of years to eat meat and meat only. Cats (like humans actually) do not digest corn or grains and this leads only to more litter box products, if you know what I mean. In addition, feeding raw food leads to better overall health, better breeding potential and certainly strong musculature.
The vital importance of whole raw food for animal health was first demonstrated by a ten-year experiment (1932-42) run by Francis Pottenger, MD. The experiment involved 900 cats. Dr. Pottenger had noticed that cats fed on raw food enjoyed good health, as did their offspring. When the cats were fed cooked or processed food, their health deteriorated. These cats developed behavior problems, allergies, skin problems, parasites, nervous system inflammation, organ malfunction, and skeletal deformities. The third generation of cats fed only cooked food could no longer reproduce. It took four generations of cats eating raw food for those lines to regain health. Need more convincing?
A growing number of vets are stating that processed pet food is the main cause of illness and premature death in the modern dog and cat. In December 1995, the British Journal of Small Animal Practice published a paper contending that processed pet food suppresses the immune system and leads to liver, kidney, heart and other diseases. This research, initially conducted by Dr Tom Lonsdale, was researched further by the Australian Veterinary Association and proven to be correct. Still not sure?
William Pollak D.V.M. - "Recent studies have shown processed foods to be a factor in increasing numbers of pets suffering from cancer, arthritis, obesity, dental disease and heart disease, comments Dr Wysong. Dull or unhealthy coats are a common problem with cats and dogs and poor diet is usually the cause, according to many veterinarians and breeders. "Dogs, cats and other animals live for years on foods that come out of bags, cans and boxes. But do these foods promote health? If they did, our companion animals would enjoy long, happy lives free of arthritis, hip dysplasia, eye problems, ear problems, fleas and other parasites, gum disease, lick granulomas, thyroid imbalances, skin and coat problems, personality disorders, birth defects, breeding problems, diabetes, cancer and other major and minor illnesses. Before World War II, most North Americans fed their pets raw bones and table scraps. Today, everyone uses convenience foods, and pet food companies are industry giants. Diet isn't the only thing that has changed. So has life expectancy, with the life span of many breeds now less than half what it was two or three decades ago. Skin and coat problems are so common that we accept them as unavoidable, and today's vets routinely treat conditions that used to be unusual or even rare."
Granted, this diet takes more time and effort, but I feel the benefits FAR outweigh the troubles. My cats are healthier and happier! Perhaps I can convince you! I encourage you to do your own research. . .
For more information on this diet please check out catnutrition.org!
Great vitamin supplements are Kitty Bloom products. I add these to my raw foods!! |
For a great supplier of whole ground products, check out Hare Today Gone Tomorrow. Tracy ships all over the US!
For a great supplier in the southern United States, try Blue Ridge Beef! |
Orijen cat food believes the concept is simple: include the fresh, whole foods that nature evolved cats to eat (in correct ratio and quantity), and exclude ingredients like cereal grains that are not part of the natural diet. I have to say the cats think this food tastes great! Their website has a store locator. It is 45% protein, 20% fat and 15% carbohydrates. It gives your cat 4700 kilocalories per kg, which means they will need to eat less of it.
Innova Evo: This premium cat food utilizes the biologically appropriate diet and therefore contains no grains. Their website link has an option to search for suppliers in your area. It is 50% protein, 22% fat and 7% carbohydrates (the lowest in the industry). It gives your cat 4500 kilocalories per kg.
Royal Canin: This quality cat food tempts even the most picky of cats. It does contain some grains. You can find it easily at Petsmart. The kitten formula is 34% protein and 20% fat. I do not consider this food a low-carbohydrate product. It gives your cat 4150 kilocalories per kg.
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