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Post by jenpettit on Jul 26, 2011 10:16:32 GMT -5
Hi everyone! I just have a few questions about diet. I found this place locally that caters to raw fed cats and dogs. They make a meal plan for you and pre package everything in per meal sizes. They also do free delivery. I just need to let them know organ/meat/bone %. Also can they eat a ground mix of organs, meat, and bone everyday? I ask because I have noticed most commercial raw include all these things in their mixes.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2011 10:27:29 GMT -5
. Also can they eat a ground mix of organs, meat, and bone everyday? I ask because I have noticed most commercial raw include all these things in their mixes. Mine do and they are doing very well. I just occasionally give their teeth a brushing because the ground stuff doesn't keep their teeth as clean as meaty bones would. |
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Post by Sherry on Jul 26, 2011 12:17:33 GMT -5
If your ferrets have never had raw before, you may want to hold off on ordering just yet ;D
It can take some a while to make the transition, and with those starting with a purée is usually best. They will also eat almost double their normal amount for the first 2-3 months before finally settling down to what they will wind up eating.
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Post by jenpettit on Jul 26, 2011 15:44:53 GMT -5
Thanks for the the advice! I was just looking into pricing because I am on a very tight budget but I do tend to go a little gung ho sometimes.  This may be off subject but I was wondering if eating raw meat can cause intestinal parasites in ferrets? Also can bones harm them? I know in cats and dogs bones can cause harm to their intestinal tract but I was not sure about ferrets? |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2011 15:50:52 GMT -5
Issues with bones (in dogs and cats as well) is when they are cooked. Cooked bones splinter and cause damage, raw bones do not. The only issue with bones I can foresee (and only because it has happened to my Jack) is that small bones can get stuck in their teeth - not a big deal, just mildly uncomfortable until someone pops it out.
My ferrets have been eating raw for almost a year and I have had NO issues with intestinal parasites, upset stomachs or any of the other horror stories the vet will use to persuade you to not feed raw. Many on here have been feeding raw to their ferrets for many,many years and have never had such issues.
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Post by Sherry on Jul 26, 2011 18:25:47 GMT -5
Mine have been raw fed meat, bone and organ, as well as whole prey for 3 years now with no problems, and only positive effects. Where the thing about parasites can come into play is if you catch wild animals for them, and feed without freezing. As long as the prey item is frozen in a deep freeze for a minimum of two weeks, it will kill any parasite that may be there. As for bone, jacksmomma is right. It's only cooked bone that becomes brittle enough to do any damage Think about cats catching birds and mice, or dogs catching rabbits. They eat bone and all, with no ill effects from it! |
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Post by miamiferret2 on Jul 27, 2011 7:21:04 GMT -5
I didn't know about the freezing for two weeks! My brother goes hunting and he always offers bring me rabbit for his nephew Sonny. Hmmm....
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Post by Sherry on Jul 27, 2011 9:30:59 GMT -5
Go for it! But it's got to be a "deep freeze". Above the fridge freezers don't get cold enough for a two week freeze. I'd leave them in there for a couple of months if using that one.
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