Raw Q's

[ferreting]

Hi. I'm a new member and as some of you may know from my introductory post that I am curious about a raw diet.

Soo...From what I know, cooking the meat is what kills the bacteria...And freezing it doesn't kill that much bacteria. So how do you kill the bacteria in the raw meat before storing/feeding your fuzzies?

[Deleted]

Just curious, why are you trying to kill the bacteria?

Bacteria is only a concern for the human - and for that, just wash your hands/utensils thoroughly with hot water and soap, maybe a vinegar rinse.

For the fuzz, the bacteria won't stand a chance. The stomach acids are so acidic and the digestive tract is so short, everything gets destroyed, and whatever doesn't is eliminated before it can take advantage of the ferret.

I don't do anything for bacteria. I buy meat from the store, then baggie it up and freeze. I let it thaw in the fridge or warm water before feeding.

[miamiferret2]

They have a short digestive tract and very strong stomach acids (destroys bacteria). Ferrets digs and cats can eat meat raw & not get sick like people. The people here feed was meat (most for several years) with no problems. Do not feed kibble (dry) with raw meat. Kibble takes longer to break down and digest. This will cause gastrointestinal upset. My did has been on a raw meaty bones diet for over 2 years now. Ferret for approx 1 year and no problems whatsoever. The BENEFITS far outweigh any dangers. If feeding rabbit deep freeze for 3 weeks (this is what sherry told me)

[Sherry]

It's the same for any wild meat. You deep freeze it for at least 2-3 weeks to kill off any potential parasites. As far as bacteria, our furry friends(ferrets, cats, AND dogs) are built to handle that sort of load. Think about a cat catching a wild bird or mouse- they certainly don't cook it first Nor do they suffer any ill effects from the raw.
A weasel in the wild will take down and kill an animal, stash it, and eat off of it for several days with no problems. Their digestive systems are identical. They've NOT changed in the 50 or so years that kibble has been in existence. Prior to kibble being invented, our carnivores ate what they were meant to eat- raw meat/bone/organs. And the species is still here today!

[ferreting]

Oh, well that helps a lot! My dad doesn't want to feed raw to his two cats because he thinks they'll get sick. And my mom doesn't want to feed my cat raw, but she isn't protesting about me giving a bit of raw to my future ferret. Thanks!

Another question...Where does everybody get their raw meat? I mean, is it expensive for those of you who feed ONLY raw meat? And how much meat do you usually buy at a time?

[stephenie]

Hi I'm new here as well, I live in Holland, I have twee male ferrets, neither have been castrated but have an implant, they have had raw food all their life, they were 6 years old two weeks ago and neither have had any medical problems as yet. In Holland we can get a product named cannibest, its available for cat,dogs and ferrets. its minced meat and bone If you want to give raw, please do not forget that they also need bone for the calcium. good luck ,Stephenie

[Sherry]

I generally buy mine at both a grocery store, and ethnic markets. I also feed some commercial raw since I've got a really lazy bone eater, to help up her bone content in her diet.

[Deleted]

I buy my meat at the grocery store. I have certain prices for each protein I am comfortable with. My monthly budget is no more than $40 for my 3. I try to stay at about $30 though. I almost always have left overs for next month and in those situations I spend my budget on more expensive cuts like extra Cornish game hens for example.

You can also raise your own whole prey and cut costs that way as well.

[bellastar]

Hi Im new and I just started my ferrets on a whole prey and raw food diet. They love to eat the mice but wont eat the raw meat, they only lick it. Idk how to get them interested in it?

[Heather]

Are they eating whole adult mice? Why not move onto other prey animals (totally balanced diet ) You can feed rats, quail, guinea pigs, hamsters to name a few. I use a soupy to start my guys off, but I've never had to work from prey backwards That's an interesting concept. I would try using chunked meats and play tug games with it allowing them to get pieces of meat in their mouth. Most times it's just getting them to try something that is the battle. Once you get them to taste it, they usually go for it.
ciao

[Sherry]

Another idea is to dice the meat up small, and pop a few pieces into their mouths, so they get the idea that way.

[bellastar]

Yes there eating whole adult mice, I wanted to feed them both so I didnt have to run to the pet store all the time, but my husband thinks moveing them on to rats would be a good idea, you know give em something bigger.

[Sherry]

Giving both is a great idea! The more, the better. It is, however, also a good idea to have them accustomed to regular meat/bone/organ, in case your whole prey provider dries up for some reason.
That's what happened to me. The people I was able to get them from for a reasonable price went out of business with no warning. I was still waiting for my shipment to come in .

[Heather]

Hmmm, I didn't mean instead of....I meant including mice . Mice are only one protein source, you need at least 3. The more you use the better diet you're providing for your wee ones. Sherry's right too....sometimes a food source dries up and you really need to have multiple sources.
ciao

[bellastar]

oh ok, btw I made a soupy today and my male Spaz liked it but my female Vivian wasnt to thrilled about it she licked it a couple times and then walked away.