Raw Meow Kitten Feeding FAQ
Bringing home a kitten usually means getting five different pieces of advice from five different people. This covers how to use Raw Meow Kitten Mix correctly and how to feed a growing kitten with confidence.
When can my kitten start eating Raw Meow?
From weaning. Raw Meow Kitten Mix is formulated for kittens from weaning age, as well as pregnant and lactating queens. No need to wait.
How long should I feed Kitten Mix?
At least 12 months for most cats. Larger, slower-maturing breeds - Maine Coons, Ragdolls, British and Scottish Shorthair and Longhair, Folds, Norwegian Forest Cats, Siberians - should stay on Kitten Mix until two years. Once they reach the appropriate age, transition gradually to Raw Meow Adult Mix.
Which Kitten Mix should I use?
Rotate between Chicken Liver Kitten Mix and Lamb Liver Kitten Mix. Using both gives variety and makes protein rotation easier. Neutral and Hypoallergenic options are available for kittens with specific allergies or intolerances, but healthy kittens can use the Chicken and Lamb mixes.
What do I add?
Plain muscle meat, the correct amount of water, and the correct amount of Raw Meow Kitten Mix. Use the batch calculator on the website for the right amounts. When prepared correctly, it meets and exceeds AAFCO nutritional requirements for growth.
Should I add bone?
No. Raw Meow Kitten Mix already contains the calcium and minerals needed to balance the meat. Do not add ground bone, crushed bone, chicken frames, bone mince, or additional calcium. Adding bone changes the calcium to phosphorus ratio and can make the finished food unbalanced. This matters more for kittens than for any other life stage.
Should I add liver or other organs?
No. The mix already supplies the secreting organ portion of a balanced diet. Plain muscle meat only.
Can I add multivitamins?
No. Raw Meow Kitten Mix contains everything required. Adding extra vitamins or minerals risks pushing nutrient levels higher than they need to be.
Can I use probiotics?
Yes. Probiotics can be used alongside Raw Meow Kitten Mix. Raw Meow's Ava's Blend is a pre- and probiotic formulated for cats.
Do I need to add fibre?
No. Raw Meow Kitten Mix combined with plain muscle meat and water is complete without vegetables, pumpkin, or added fibre. Some cats may benefit from a small amount of fibre for a specific reason - constipation, loose stools, hairball support - but it should not be added routinely. If you think your kitten needs it, contact us before adding anything. Raw Meow's Max's Fibre Blend is available for cats that genuinely require additional fibre.
What meat should I use?
Plain human grade muscle meat from a supermarket or butcher. Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, pork, duck, and roo are all suitable. You do not need to buy specialist pet mince. Many pet minces contain bone, organs, preservatives, or unspecified ingredients that make them unsuitable for use with Raw Meow. Always check exactly what is in any mince before using it.
Can I use kangaroo?
Yes, as part of a wider rotation - but not as the only protein for a growing kitten. Kangaroo runs around 2% fat, and a growing kitten needs a finished meat mixture with approximately 10% fat. If you are using roo, combine it with a fattier meat. Kangaroo must also be frozen for three weeks before feeding raw.
How much fat should the meat contain?
Aim for approximately 10% fat in the finished meat portion. Use naturally fattier cuts or combine a lean meat with a fattier one.
Can I mix different meats?
Yes. You can rotate proteins or combine more than one in the same batch. There is no nutritional reason to feed only one protein at a time unless your kitten has a suspected allergy, intolerance, or sensitive stomach. When introducing a completely new meat, start with a small amount and increase gradually. Aim for at least three different proteins over time.
Can I add heart?
Yes. Heart is muscle meat, not secreting organ. It can make up around 10% of the meat portion of the batch.
Does the meat need to be minced?
No. Minced, diced, strips, or a mix of textures all work. Larger pieces encourage kittens to chew, which is good for their teeth and jaw development. Start with small chunks and increase size as your kitten gets used to chewing.
How much should I feed?
Do not restrict a growing kitten to a strict weight chart. Kittens generally eat around 5 to 10% of their body weight per day, divided across six or more small meals - but feed to appetite. Their needs change quickly during growth spurts. If they finish a meal and want more, give more.
Can I just do breakfast and dinner?
No. Two meals a day is not enough for a kitten. Small stomachs, rapid growth, and high energy requirements mean they need frequent small meals throughout the day.
Can I mix raw with freeze dried or canned?
Yes. You can combine fresh raw balanced with Raw Meow Kitten Mix, freeze dried complete meals, and high quality canned food. Many people use a mixed approach, especially during transition or for convenience. The key is that each meal is complete and balanced. When using Raw Meow Kitten Mix with fresh meat, that portion is fully balanced. For freeze dried or canned, only use products labelled as complete and nutritionally balanced.
Should I feed dry food?
No. Dry food is low in moisture, high in carbohydrates, and not something a cat's body is designed to process efficiently. It can also make kittens less interested in fresh food and harder to transition to raw. It is not needed.
Can I feed plain meat as a meal?
No. Plain unbalanced meat is not a complete meal for a growing kitten.
Can I feed tuna?
Not as a regular meal. A teaspoon as an occasional treat is fine. Do not feed a whole can of tuna as a meal.
Should I add vegetables?
No. Cats are obligate carnivores. Vegetables are not part of a complete feline diet and are not required when using Raw Meow Kitten Mix.
Can my kitten eat raw bones?
A whole raw chicken neck can be offered occasionally for dental exercise. Freeze it for at least three days before feeding. Always feed whole, never cooked, and supervise. One per week maximum.
Can I partially thaw meat and refreeze it?
Yes. Thaw in the fridge until soft enough to portion, add the powder, portion into meals, and return to the freezer. Do not thaw at room temperature. Follow the recommended freezing time for each meat before feeding raw.
Should raw food be served cold or at room temperature?
Slightly warm - roughly prey temperature. Take the portion out a little before serving, or sit the bowl or sealed container in warm water for a few minutes. Do not microwave raw food. Only warm the portion you are about to serve.
Should I add Raw Meow to the whole batch or at each meal?
Either works. You can mix the correct amount through the entire batch before portioning and freezing, or portion and freeze the plain meat first and add the mix at serving time. What matters is that the correct amount is used for the weight of meat being fed and mixed through thoroughly.
Where do I find meat?
Plain human grade meat from a supermarket or butcher is completely suitable. No specialist pet meat supplier needed.
Still confused?
Contact us before adding extra ingredients or changing the preparation instructions. We are happy to help with suitable meats, batch preparation, feeding amounts, transition, or any other questions about Raw Meow products.