Hi Katie,
I completely agree with you in that the information you can find on raw feeding can be quite confusing. I found the same when I started researching this, but in the end I think you just have to read up on it as much as you can and then make your own, informed decision.
For me it has been a gradual process, where I started with high quality cat food (Orijen dry and Applaws wet) while I was getting my head around feeding raw. I also still keep this as backup for times when I run out of raw or if the cat is SUPERHUNGRY and his food hasn't defrosted yet..
Then, I moved on to feeding raw meat - including organ meat such as liver, but not including bone. Because of the bone not being included I supplemented the diet with this
The Feline Future Cat Food Company
Then, I gradually started introducing the kitten to bones. Chicken wings first - the smallest part right at the end. He was having problems chewing it, and it took around 4 months of trying until he finally got it. I guess his jaws had to grow strong enough too. Now, he eats nothing but raw meat, organs and bones. No supplements. Rabbits are his favourite!
To answer your questions:
- Is a raw diet the best thing for kitties? And if so, why doesn’t everyone feed raw? Is it just that it is time consuming and so most people prefer to feed with pouches etc?
Yes, it is the best diet for all cats and kittens. I think a lot of people are just not aware that cat food is not the best. Also, it's slightly more time consuming and more expensive. I also think people are put off by the whole RAW meat thing, bacteria, hygiene etc.
-If I don’t go with raw, what are the best pre-prepared/branded foods (although I’m not made of money so I would like to get the best possible thing at a good rate on the internet somewhere preferably)
I used Orijen and Applaws, but there are other good brands out there. The important thing is that it's got as much meat (not derivatives!) as possible, and that it's not got grains.
-Whatever route I take would I need to leave down dry too? All mine have always been grazers so I have always had a bowl of dry for them as well as their usual meal times.
When I first started feeding raw I too felt bad for not leaving any dry down, so I always had a bowl available for him to snack from. I've noticed though that it just doesn't get touched anymore, so have stopped doing this. Now he gets fed between two and four times per day, depending on if I'm working from home or not. It doesn't hurt them to go hungry a little while. In the wild, catching prey isn't guaranteed and I bet they would go long periods without catching anything. If you are worried though, what you could do is leave some frozen food down so that they can eat that as it defrosts. That way it stays fresh for longer.
-I have found loads of interesting info on raw diets and feline nutrition, but a lot of things seem to contradict each other or be written in the US, so I’m finding it difficult to know which places are reliable sources of information.
Janee has linked some good websites, and the yahoo group Saikou linked is also very useful. I'd say I got the best information from that yahoo group. Feeding raw really isn't as complicated as a lot of websites make it out to be (with recipies, grinding, supplements etc).
-Would I need to consult my vets before getting my kitties onto a raw diet? I know I would need to introduce this gradually anyway…
No, that's not necessary. I find a lot of vets don't understand about raw feeding and would probably advise you against it (and then recommend a cat food they get commission for selling).
-Oh and finally, I know this might be a stupid question, but if they eat raw, do I need to wipe their faces to stop any bacteria being carried around?? At the moment my kittens get food all round their chins when they eat and don’t always clean it off very well… ??
I've never thought of this before! I should think that if you don't have a habit of kissing them on the mouth it should all be fine..
They'll grow out of the messy eating too so no worries