Whole Prey
Feeding whole prey can seem extreme or too much for some people, but remember the whole basis of a raw diet is that the dog and cat are carnivores. The diets we put together are our best attempt to replicate what nature has already done, the whole animal.
Whole prey is already balanced, better than we can replicate. It is truly the most natural way of feeding.
Whole prey is already balanced, better than we can replicate. It is truly the most natural way of feeding.
Examples of Commonly Fed Whole Prey:
- Quail
- Rabbit
- Mouse (pinkie - adult)
- Chicks (chicken, duck, quail)
- Guinnea Pig
- Small wild game (ex; squirrel)
- Whole Fish (mackerel, sardines, ect.)
**IMPORTANT NOTE**
Whole prey is never to be fed alive! Not only is this unethical & cruel, it is illegal in most places.
You can buy most of these frozen whole from various retailers.
See Sourcing Guide
Whole prey is never to be fed alive! Not only is this unethical & cruel, it is illegal in most places.
You can buy most of these frozen whole from various retailers.
See Sourcing Guide
If you wish to feed prey that has been wild caught (this includes fish) it must be frozen solid for a minimum of three weeks to kill potential parasites.
Is All Prey Created Equal?
When feeding a whole prey diet it's not just important to feed a variety of prey species but also a range of ages within species.
Younger animals are naturally higher in fat & will also be lower in calcium. Makes sense right? Bones are still growing & developing in young animals.
Nutritional profiles will also differ in the sex of the animal. A male rabbit, for example, and female rabbit will have different nutritional profiles just due to having different reproductive organs and slightly differing body compositions.
I find these are things many people never even consider & just assume all whole prey is complete and balanced meal. It certainly can be if you have knowledge as to what animals fit your pets nutrient requirements.
Younger animals are naturally higher in fat & will also be lower in calcium. Makes sense right? Bones are still growing & developing in young animals.
Nutritional profiles will also differ in the sex of the animal. A male rabbit, for example, and female rabbit will have different nutritional profiles just due to having different reproductive organs and slightly differing body compositions.
I find these are things many people never even consider & just assume all whole prey is complete and balanced meal. It certainly can be if you have knowledge as to what animals fit your pets nutrient requirements.