Complete Raw Feeding Guide for Rags&Fluff Cattery Families

At Rags&Fluff, we believe in providing the best nutrition for your new kitten, and raw feeding is the most natural and health-promoting option. This guide will walk you through the reasons why raw feeding is beneficial, as well as how to implement it with easy-to-follow steps. We’ll cover both ready-made raw meals and how to make your own food, so you have all the options to best suit your lifestyle and preferences.

Why Feed Raw?

Feeding your kitten a raw diet provides many health benefits that go beyond traditional processed foods. Here’s why we recommend it:

1. Healthier Skin and Coat

• Raw diets contain essential fatty acids like omega-3, which are critical for a healthy, shiny coat and smooth skin. It also helps with dry skin, shedding, and reduces dandruff.

2. Enhanced Digestion

• Raw food is easier to digest than processed foods. It contains natural enzymes and moisture that help break down nutrients efficiently, supporting better absorption.

3. Stronger Immune System

• Raw meals provide a natural balance of nutrients that supports the immune system, making kittens more resilient to illness and infection. These nutrients are absorbed more effectively from raw food than from cooked or processed options.

4. Healthier Teeth and Gums

• Chewing raw meat and bones provides a natural abrasive action that helps clean teeth, massage gums, and reduce plaque buildup, promoting long-term dental health.

5. Supports Healthy Weight

• Raw food is low in carbs and fillers and rich in protein, which helps your kitten maintain a healthy weight. The protein content of raw food helps support muscle growth and healthy development.

6. Natural Behavior and Energy

• A raw diet provides more energy and helps maintain mental clarity. Kittens thrive on high-quality protein, which supports active play and learning.

Ready-Made Raw Meals

Ready-made raw meals are the easiest option for raw feeding, offering balanced nutrition with minimal preparation. These meals are pre-portioned and ready to serve, making it the most convenient way to feed raw without needing to measure or mix anything yourself.

Recommended Brands for Ready-Made Raw Meals:

• Raw Feeding Miami
• Souly Raw
• Wholesome Raw
• Nutrish & Company

These brands provide fully balanced meals made with high-quality meat, organs, and bones, designed to offer the nutrients your kitten needs.

How to Feed Pre-Portioned Raw Meals:

• Thaw and Serve: Simply thaw the meal in the fridge overnight or place it in a bowl of warm water for faster thawing. Never thaw at room temperature.
• Serving Size: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on portion sizes. Kittens generally require 3-10 ounces per day depending on their size and activity.

• Kittens: Typically need 2–3 ounces per meal.
• Adults (8–12 lbs): Typically require 3–6 ounces per day, split into two meals.

• Storage: Once thawed, serve what your kitten will eat in one sitting. Store any leftovers in the fridge for no more than 24 hours.

What to Add (If Needed):

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Most pre-portioned raw meals contain essential fatty acids, but some may benefit from a boost of salmon oil (1/8 tsp per meal) for coat and skin health.
• Probiotics: If your kitten is transitioning to raw food, adding probiotics can aid digestion. Fera Pet Organics or Adored Beast probiotic powders are great options to support gut health.

Specific Brands and Meals:

• Raw Feeding Miami: Their meals come in a variety of proteins (chicken, turkey, beef, etc.) and are made with balanced ingredients. These meals are perfect for serving as-is, but additional omega-3 supplementation may be needed.
• Souly Raw: Offers high-quality, organic meals and can be fed as-is. No need for extra additions unless directed by a veterinarian.
• Wholesome Raw: Specializes in free-range meats and offers nutritionally complete meals. You may need to add salmon oil for extra omega-3, depending on your kitten’s coat health.
• Nutrish & Company: Known for human-grade raw food, these meals are ideal for feeding as-is, but adding fish oil can ensure optimal omega-3 levels.

Freeze-Dried Raw Meals

If you prefer an even more convenient option, freeze-dried raw meals are perfect. These meals are shelf-stable and don’t require freezing, so they’re great for on-the-go feeding.

How to Feed Freeze-Dried Raw Meals:

• Rehydrate: Add 2 tablespoons of water per ounce of food to rehydrate freeze-dried meals. Let the food sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. You can also soak the food in a bowl to speed up the process.
• Serving Size: Follow the recommended serving guidelines provided on the packaging. Kittens typically need 1-2 ounces per meal, depending on age and activity level.
• Storage: Store unused portions in a sealed container in the fridge or pantry. Rehydrate before serving.

What to Add (If Needed):

• Salmon Oil: Some freeze-dried foods may be low in omega-3. Add 1/8 tsp per meal for healthy coat and skin.
• Probiotics: Probiotics may also be beneficial during the transition phase to raw. Consider adding a good-quality probiotic powder for digestive support.

Brands and Meals:

• Vital Essentials: Known for their high-quality freeze-dried meals, Vital Essentials meals are balanced and can be served as-is after rehydrating. Add extra omega-3 for better coat health.
• BIXBI RAWbble: A great freeze-dried option, offering premium raw meals. No additional supplementation is typically necessary unless indicated by your veterinarian.
• Stella & Chewy’s: Provides a completely balanced raw diet and is perfect for kittens. Add salmon oil for additional omega-3s if necessary.

Transitioning to Freeze-Dried Raw Food:

If you're transitioning your kitten from the raw food we provide to freeze-dried raw food, it’s important to do so gradually to avoid digestive upset. Here's a recommended 7-day transition plan:

1. Days 1–2: 75% raw food (provided by us) + 25% new freeze-dried raw food
2. Days 3–4: 50% raw food (provided by us) + 50% new freeze-dried raw food
3. Days 5–6: 25% raw food (provided by us) + 75% new freeze-dried raw food
4. Day 7: 100% freeze-dried raw food

Making Your Own Raw Food

For those who prefer to make their own raw food, it’s important to balance the diet correctly. Making raw food at home requires knowledge of proper ratios of meat, organs, and bone to provide complete nutrition.

Ingredients for Homemade Raw Food:

• Muscle Meat: Choose a variety of proteins, such as chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, or rabbit.
• Organ Meats: Include liver, kidney, and heart. About 10-15% of the total food should be organ meat.
• Bones (Ground or Whole): Cats need the calcium and phosphorus found in bones. You can grind the bones or feed small, soft bones (e.g., chicken wings, necks, or backs). Bone content should make up about 10-15% of the meal.
• Fish (Optional): Salmon or sardines can be added for additional omega-3s, or you can use fish oil.
• Supplements: Homemade raw food requires supplements to ensure nutritional balance:

• Vitamin E (for antioxidant protection).
• Taurine (an essential amino acid for cats).
• Fish Oil (for omega-3 fatty acids).
• Calcium (if feeding bone-free meals).

How to Make Raw Food:

• Grind or Chop: If you’re making the food from scratch, grind the meat, organs, and bones, or chop them into small pieces.
• Mix the Ingredients: Combine 80-90% muscle meat, 10-15% organs, and 10-15% ground bone. Add fish oil, taurine, and other necessary supplements.
• Portion the Meals: Portion the raw food into small servings and store them in the freezer or fridge (for short-term use).

General Tips for All Raw Feeding Options

• Thaw in the Fridge: Always thaw raw food in the fridge, not at room temperature.
• Hydration: Raw-fed kittens may not drink as much water. Always provide fresh water and consider adding extra moisture to their meals if they’re not drinking enough.
• Transition Slowly: If switching from another diet, introduce raw food gradually over a week to allow your kitten’s digestive system to adjust.
• Monitor Body Condition: Adjust portion sizes as your kitten grows. You may need to increase portions as they approach adulthood.
• Rotate Proteins: If possible, rotate between different proteins to prevent any nutrient deficiencies and keep meals interesting.

Conclusion

Raw feeding doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Whether you opt for ready-made raw meals or choose to make your own, feeding raw is a simple, natural, and nutritious way to support your kitten’s health. By following the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, you’re providing your kitten with the best possible diet for their growth, energy, and well-being.

If you have any questions or need support along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Rags&Fluff. We’re here to help you give your kitten the healthiest start in life!