Getting Started With Raw Meow Mix
So, you want to try raw feeding and you have chosen Raw Meow Mix. Good choice.
DIY raw feeding can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to it or feeding kittens. Unless you are following a recipe created by an animal nutritionist, it is very easy to get it wrong.
Using a meal completer like Raw Meow Mix makes things much simpler, but you still need to choose the right formula, follow the instructions, and dose it correctly.
Choose the right Raw Meow Mix for your cat
Not all Raw Meow Mix formulas are the same, and choosing the right one matters.
Adult Raw Meow Mix
Adult is formulated for the maintenance of adult cats. For most cats, that means from around 12 months of age. For large breed cats, adulthood may be reached later, often closer to 2 years.
Adult is our standard everyday option for healthy adult cats.
Kitten Raw Meow Mix
Kitten is higher in phosphorus and calcium to support growing bones and developing bodies. It is suitable for kittens, as well as pregnant and lactating adults.
Kitten can also be fed to healthy adults where appropriate, but it is not the standard choice for cats with different phosphorus requirements.
Low Raw Meow Mix
Low is our lower phosphorus, lower protein option with added fibre.
It is generally considered in more advanced situations where phosphorus becomes a bigger dietary consideration. It is not intended for kittens or healthy adult cats.
Hypo Raw Meow Mix
Hypo is our more specialised option for cats who need a more targeted formula using novel proteins.
It can be useful when ingredient choice matters more, particularly in cases of suspected intolerance or when feeding a novel diet or elimination diet.
Neutral Raw Meow Mix
Neutral is designed for cats who need a formula with no animal proteins or animal-derived ingredients.
It offers another balanced option for cats where those ingredients need to be avoided.
Follow the instructions
Raw Meow Mix is easy to use, but only if you actually follow the instructions.
Do not rush it.
Do not skip steps.
Do not assume close enough is good enough.
If you are new to raw feeding, follow the transition guide exactly as provided.
Link to transition instructions here
Only use plain muscle meat
This part is important.
Raw Meow Mix must only be added to plain raw muscle meat.
That means no secreting organs, no bone, no fish, and no extra calcium sources.
Raw Meow Mix already contains what is needed to balance plain muscle meat, so adding extra ingredients from those categories will throw the balance off.
For suitable muscle meat options, link to your meat guide here.
Freeze your meat first
All raw meat should be frozen first for the appropriate amount of time before feeding.
This matters because any raw meat can carry parasites, including human-grade meat. Freezing correctly helps reduce that risk.
For freezing instructions and timeframes, link here.
Ways to use Raw Meow Mix
There is more than one way to prepare Raw Meow Mix, and all of them can work.
Some cats seem to have a preference for one method over another, although many do not care. If your cat is fussy, it can be worth trying more than one approach.
Option 1
Cut up fresh meat, add Raw Meow Mix and water, then mix well. Portion into 1 to 2 days worth of food, freeze, then defrost and feed.
This method tends to thicken after freezing, so adding a little extra water at feeding time is perfectly fine.
Option 2
Cut up fresh meat and portion it into meal sized serves. Freeze. Defrost each meal, then add Raw Meow Mix and water just before serving.
Option 3
Cut up fresh meat and portion it into 1 to 2 days worth of food. Freeze. Defrost, then add Raw Meow Mix and water. Store in the fridge and scoop out meals as needed.
You can also watch our YouTube videos to see how we and other customers prepare Raw Meow Mix.
Using Raw Meow Mix with cooked meat
If you are adding Raw Meow Mix to cooked meat, the most important thing is to calculate the powder based on the meat’s raw weight, not its cooked weight. When using this method, there is no need to pre-freeze the meat.
Here is how to do it:
• Weigh the meat raw so you can work out the correct amount of Raw Meow Mix powder
• Lightly poach the meat in a small amount of water
• Let the meat cool before adding the powder
• Use the cooking water to mix the Raw Meow Mix, as this contains nutrients released from the meat during cooking
• Pour the Raw Meow Mix sauce back over the cooled meat and mix well
• Add extra water or bone broth if needed
• You can prepare the day’s food in the morning, store it in the fridge, and scoop out meals as needed
• You can also cook and freeze it, although fresh daily preparation, or making 2 days at a time, is better
Dose the powder correctly
Getting the dose right matters.
Guessing is never an option.
Each bag contains a scoop for making single meals, but we recommend weighing the powder for accuracy rather than relying on the scoop, especially if you are making more than one meal at a time.
It is also important to remember that Adult and Low use a different dose to Kitten.
Adult and Low
3g powder per 45g meat
Kitten
3.6g powder per 45g meat
How to calculate the dose
The formula is:
weight of meat in grams ÷ 45 × required powder amount
That means:
Adult and Low: divide the meat weight by 45, then multiply by 3
Kitten: divide the meat weight by 45, then multiply by 3.6
You can also use the calculator on our website.
What not to add
Raw Meow Mix is a meal completer. It must only be added to plain raw muscle meat.
Do not add secreting organs such as liver, kidney, spleen, brain, testicles, or eyes.
Do not add bone of any kind.
Do not add random supplements, including eggshell powder.
If you need to add medication to food, check with your vet first.
Raw Meow Mix has been formulated to provide what is needed when used correctly, so adding ingredients from the do not add list can compromise the balance of the final meal.
What you can add
There are some extras that can be used where appropriate.
You may add egg yolk or egg yolk powder if needed for hairballs or constipation.
You may add probiotics or prebiotics, including S. boulardii when required.
You may add psyllium husk or Max’s Blend if needed for bowel support.
You may add digestive enzymes if needed.
You may add bone broth or suitable toppers.
The key difference is that these are optional extras used for specific reasons, not core ingredients needed to balance the meal.
Need help?
If you have questions as you get started, you are not on your own.
Posting in our Facebook group is often the fastest way to get help from other members and knowledgeable admins.
You can also message the Raw Meow Facebook page, email us at info@rawmeow.com.au, use the contact page on the website, or call Laura on 0400 686 186.