New Changes -- Please Read and Update !
BARF and BARK diets !!
RaggleRock has always fed Premium Kitten foods and spared no expense
... long, long ago this consisted of using such brands as Iams,
Holistic Blend etc. Then we switched to Royal Canin whom we thought
would be best due to their global availability and many of our cats
and kittens are being shipped around the world.
RaggleRock wanted a food that our kittens would NOT have a difficult
time adjusting to their new homes (as the same diet would be
maintained by the new owners), and therefore would not upset their
stomachs, possibly leaving the kitten with a bout of diarrhea.
Meanwhile, here at home in our cattery our adults too were on Royal
Canin Kitten (for the high protein) AND being fed a RAW barf and
natural diet. We found that feeding RAW was feeding more like nature
intended while the variety provided a well balanced diet over time,
without our cats becoming finicky eaters. Sometimes we would even
feed a can of tuna packed in water or some sardines, ground turkey
and chicken is always a favorite, perhaps a little goat with bone
for chewing and tartar control.
However we have found that over the years, too many of the
commercially available kibble products are being recalled and have
such low quality food value for the money being spent (which becomes
more every day), that we decided it was time for another change in
how we ran our cattery ... this time affecting what we feed our
kittens.
RaggleRock feeds kittens more than 50% natural and RAW barf
(biologically appropriate raw food) diet in conjunction with bark
kibble (biologically appropriate raw kibble) such as
Orijen and Acana. We strongly suggest that you maintain your
kitten on this type of diet for at least the first year, IF not for
the rest of its life, as this is truly the way nature intended.
Using a variety of foods to provide a well balanced diet over time.
No one food can be called a well balanced diet ... and to make a
comparison ... it would be like us eating pizza or burgers every
day, day in and day out for breakfast, lunch and dinner, forever
.... well you get the picture, right?? Yuck !!
As we have always mentioned to our clients be careful of spices,
especially *Onion and
garlic are toxic to kittens & cats ! You may wish to try some
slightly cooked meats (like chicken or fish), or try a chopped,
boiled egg or some pieces of cheese (preferably grated). A teaspoon
or two of cottage cheese can't hurt and neither can some boiled rice
or pureed pumpkin. Natural plain yogurt is a hit here too.
We recommend that you always leave a bowl of DRY KIBBLE around as a
free-for-all (and in case they are still hungry after you leave for
work or go shopping), as well as a FRESH BOWL of WATER. Remember
that during the hotter months it is important to clean up any soft
foods or raw foods as they may spoil quickly, and for younger
Ragdoll kittens this may upset their tummy.
Using these foods you WILL notice a change to softer, silkier fur
that is more manageable, shiny eyes, plump bodies,
higher activity level (in terms of energy), and they will
have smaller and less smelly stools which is good news
for you! Keeping your new baby on premium diet such as this
will help ensure good health.
Be sure
to clean and refill the water dish at least twice daily (more if you
can). We recommend that you keep the food and water dishes near your
sink so that you will see it when you walk by and think of doing it
right then and there. Do NOT give your kitten or cat milk. This can
cause upset stomach and diarrhea. Cats should only drink water
once they are weaned, if it is necessary there is specially formulated
kitten milk available from your pet store.
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