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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2014 17:31:49 GMT -5
I might be thinking of commercial grinds. Can you explain commercial raw to me a bit better and how it's different from what I was doing before?
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Post by bitbyter on May 29, 2014 17:45:25 GMT -5
Commercial grinds / commercial raw are basically the same thing. There is also Freeze Dried Raw but it is even more expensive than commercial raw. Here is some info on it: Commercial RawAs raw diets have become more popular and more consumers start to realize that the convenience of kibble is not worth compromising their pets health, some forward thinking companies have started producing commercial frozen raw pet food. Usually these products are sold by small specialty pet food companies but more and more of the large box style companies are starting to carry it as will. It usually comes in two forms: Ground Patties and Ground Chubs which are either “complete” or “incomplete”. Pretty much all commercial raw products that are currently on the market are in the form of a ground meat product. Incomplete Commercial Raw: This is usually just ground meat and does not contain organs or bones. Your pet CANNOT SURVIVE on this long term without serious health problems. Complete Commercial Raw: Is a combination of ground muscle meat, ground bone and ground organs. Many also have a certain percentage of vegetables and / or fruits mixed in as well (generally the commercial products are meant for cats and dogs). For ferrets you’re best options are usually meant for cats and should meet the following guidelines: 10% to 15% ground bone no more than 5% ground organs no more than 5% vegetable matter
Companies:Below is a list of some of the more popular commercial raw producers (in no particular order). Remember that for ferrets you generally should look at their cat products and they MUST meet the percentages listed above: *NOTE: Stella & Chewy’s Canine Frozen Dinners do meet the requirements listed above (except the Pheasant, Venison & Rabbit) while most companies canine products do not. **NOTE: Straight Answers chicken does not contain heart so it is not a complete diet. Considerations With A Commercial Raw Diet:While a commercial raw diet is certainly very convenient, there are some reasons why it is not quite as good as a Frankenprey or Whole Prey diet. Expense: Commercial Raw diets tend to be quite expensive. On par with or possibly more expensive than a Whole Prey diet. Dental Health: a ferrets dental health generally relies on two things. Being able to chew on whole bones and the total lack of sugars and / or carbohydrates in their diet. Unfortunately a Commercial Raw diet does not meet these requirements (the bones aren’t large enough to benefit their teeth) and you WILL have to brush your ferret's teeth (weekly) or have them professionally cleaned (very expensive). Lack of Control: Similar to kibble, you have no control over the ingredients when you buy Commercial Raw. In general the ingredients in Commercial Raw are far, far better than those in kibble, but the company can always change their recipe at a moments without having to warn their customers. In the end, while a Commercial Raw diet is not as ideal as a Whole Prey or Frankenprey diet, it is still a legitimate choice and will provide far better nutrition than any kibble on the market. For some, it is the only diet they feed as it meets their needs (usually convenience) and still provides great nutrition for their pets. I believe Hare-Today.com also makes their own commercial grinds.
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2014 20:43:35 GMT -5
Well, I'm sold lol. I mean, it just seems perfect for my situation. I really want to give it a shot. I just want to keep them healthy and not comprise that because of my job. I am actually going to be able to make a purchase tomorrow (getting my first paycheck lol), I was thinking of ordering from hare today. What would you recommend I get to start?
Thanks so much for your help by the way!
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Post by bitbyter on May 29, 2014 21:31:08 GMT -5
I'd actually check to see if you can get any of those brands locally first as it will save you money on shipping. If you do have to ship then the more you order the more economical it gets as I believe the shipping cost is the same whether to box is full or half empty (at least that is how the whole prey companies do it). This means that freezer space is also useful.
As for what to order I don't use commercial grinds. You'll need a minimum of 3 protein types for a balanced diet and I'd start with things they are familiar with (poultry of different types). Once they are comfortable with the grinds then I'd try branching out.
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Post by bitbyter on May 29, 2014 21:33:28 GMT -5
Oh and for those who are willing, I'd definitely try and include some bone in meals once or twice a week for their teeth or you'll end up having to brush them. Chicken wings or necks are great for cleaning teeth.
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Post by Deleted on May 30, 2014 21:08:09 GMT -5
Okay gotcha. Thanks. I am going to check a couple of pet stores tomorrow to see what I can get locally. I'm pretty sure the natures variety is at my pet supplies plus. But tomorrow I will check.
So if I get the medallions/grinds, I should buy at least 3 different proteins (I.e. I need to buy at least 3 bags of different formulas)?
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Post by bitbyter on May 30, 2014 21:53:28 GMT -5
Correct. For nutritional variety you need three proteins types minimum in their diet.
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2014 17:35:37 GMT -5
Ok. Makes sense. Thanks!
We are planning on getting the food this week to start. We were going to get it today but after bills we didn't have much left (such is the story of our life lol). But yes we will get it this week. I have a good feeling about the grinds. They generally always like when I gave them ground meats before (ground beef, ground pork, ground turkey), so I have a feeling they will like this. I don't think it's going to be as hard to get them to eat this. I hope this ends up being what works with them!
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Post by bitbyter on May 31, 2014 17:50:53 GMT -5
Let me know how it goes!
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2014 18:09:53 GMT -5
Will do! And thanks for all your help. You've been a great mentor. I also appreciate not feeling judged or anything with the situation recently.
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Post by bitbyter on May 31, 2014 20:37:57 GMT -5
As long as they are on some form of raw that is all that really matters in the end for their health. I'm going to keep this open until you fully have them on commercial raw. I'm not sure if that will be considered a "graduation" or not. I've submitted the question to the other mentors.
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Post by bitbyter on Jun 2, 2014 8:08:08 GMT -5
Ok, I have confirmed that a switch to commercial raw is indeed and approved switch as far as the mentorship is concerned so keep posting.
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Post by bitbyter on Jun 9, 2014 8:29:17 GMT -5
Have you picked up the commercial raw yet?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2014 20:55:16 GMT -5
Sorry I should have said this earlier but I wasn't able to get them this past week but I should be able to this Friday for sure. I did see them at my pet supplies plus, saw I think exactly what I needed and they also sell lots of other brands too.
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Post by bitbyter on Jun 23, 2014 22:53:02 GMT -5
Haven't heard from you in a while. Are you still interested in continuing the switch to commercial raw or should this thread be closed?
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