courtesy of tviokh
Che wrote this while posting pics, and I've modified it and posted it here for quickreference for my own future posts:
If the concept or idea of feeding whole, pre-killed prey to a carnivore (dog, cat, ferret, etc.) squicks you or will set you off into hysterical tears, you're not going to want to see what follows. Let's just make everyone happy, and you scroll on by without clicking on the cut if you're one of those people.
For those who disapprove and are the type to look and comment anyway on how they're "OMG SO OFFENDED AND HORRIFIED", save your breath; I feed my carnivores what I feel is the highest quality diet available based on my own and many other's research.
For me, and for them, that is whole prey.
IMO, a good diet does not come in a prepackaged box and does not look like overprocessed cereal with meat or meat by-products added as an afterthought.
You're free to disagree, but you're not going to change my mind, so don't waste my time or yours trying. :)
And yes, because I know some people (who don't feed raw) wonder and there's lots of controversy between vets out there on this issue, their diet has the blessing of a vet for a wildlife rehab, who sees animals every day that NEED a diet based on either whole prey or raw foods.
Now, to remind myself, here's the raw feeding info:
ferrets get either two chicks/quail per ferret per day, or if mice, four mice per ferret per day. Rats depend on size. They get snacks in the afternoon; snacks are usually either small mice (hoppers, pinkies, fuzzies, etc..) or just a raw egg. Sometimes they get smelt. (can also feed rabbits, etc.)
The dogs and cats get mostly frankenprey; whole prey for them is a supplement. However, if you're feeding them all whole prey the same 'rules' apply; adult dogs need 2-3% of their body weight per day, puppies and lactating or pregnant bitches need closer to 10%. Very active dogs will need more food than less active dogs. We don't use supplements even with frankenprey.
If the concept or idea of feeding whole, pre-killed prey to a carnivore (dog, cat, ferret, etc.) squicks you or will set you off into hysterical tears, you're not going to want to see what follows. Let's just make everyone happy, and you scroll on by without clicking on the cut if you're one of those people.
For those who disapprove and are the type to look and comment anyway on how they're "OMG SO OFFENDED AND HORRIFIED", save your breath; I feed my carnivores what I feel is the highest quality diet available based on my own and many other's research.
For me, and for them, that is whole prey.
IMO, a good diet does not come in a prepackaged box and does not look like overprocessed cereal with meat or meat by-products added as an afterthought.
You're free to disagree, but you're not going to change my mind, so don't waste my time or yours trying. :)
And yes, because I know some people (who don't feed raw) wonder and there's lots of controversy between vets out there on this issue, their diet has the blessing of a vet for a wildlife rehab, who sees animals every day that NEED a diet based on either whole prey or raw foods.
Now, to remind myself, here's the raw feeding info:
ferrets get either two chicks/quail per ferret per day, or if mice, four mice per ferret per day. Rats depend on size. They get snacks in the afternoon; snacks are usually either small mice (hoppers, pinkies, fuzzies, etc..) or just a raw egg. Sometimes they get smelt. (can also feed rabbits, etc.)
The dogs and cats get mostly frankenprey; whole prey for them is a supplement. However, if you're feeding them all whole prey the same 'rules' apply; adult dogs need 2-3% of their body weight per day, puppies and lactating or pregnant bitches need closer to 10%. Very active dogs will need more food than less active dogs. We don't use supplements even with frankenprey.