Probiotics for raw?

[sherrylynne]

My old guy, Mr. Stubbs, has for some reason decided he no longer wants his wet food, but would prefer raw instead(he actually started stealing the ferret's meat, and hisses and huffs at anyone who comes near him ).
One problem- he still chucks it up. Doesn't matter what kind, it usually comes back up in about 20-30 minutes, once in a while in a few hours.
He did this last year as well, which is why we made the decision to go to canned.
What should I look for in a probiotic? Or what brand? And how long should it be on the meat before I feed him for it to be effective?
And what is the chance of it actually working?
Thanks!

[Bonkers]

HI Sherrylynne!

First let me say that probiotics may not help his situation. But if you would like to give it a try I would definitely purchase one that is made for expecially for pets. The reason being is that there are so many different strains of probiotics it is hard to distinguish which are the most beneficial. Anyway at least make sure they are dairy free. Some brands also include digestive enzymes which may help kitty to break down the food.

 Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes & Probiotics is a brand I have used in the past. I have also used one from Aunt Jeni's which has probiotics and slippery elm, but no digestive enzymes.

ETA Correction: The Aunt Jeni's also contains digestive enzymes.

[sherrylynne]

Thanks for the reply Bonkers. I've already picked up Prozyme, vet formula, and it does seem to do the trick. At least he seems to be keeping the raw down that he's eating!

[karen11]

Hello! I can suggest this probiotic, that works very well
http://www.aaapetmart.com/4233-probios-dispersible-powder-240-gm.html
Good Luck!

[Bonkers]

Yoo Hoo!    sherrylynne

How are things going with Mr Stubbs?

[robfdavis1971]

Have you also tried a hair ball remedy? I have a BIG furry cat and every once in awhile he will start to vomit after eating....and it is usually because he had a hairball blocking the food from leaving the stomach. the throw up can also happen with eating to fast.

How is he doing?

[GreyGhost]

This is very good news. Hope all is continuing to go well.

[GreyGhost]

Also wanted to put this out there. I use the canine version of this. They are an awesome company, organic, and have probiotics and digestive enzymes.

http://www.thewholisticpet.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=561&ParentCat=50

[sherrylynne]

Actually, he's doing pretty well with it now . He only wants his raw in the morning, and that's fine. He eats any of the red meats, refuses to touch any fowl whatsoever. But hey- he's fine with that. He gets a raw breakfast, canned and freeze dried raw for the other two meals of the day.
And to think how long I was trying to get this cat to successfully eat raw meat before I finally gave up about a year or more ago

[Bonkers]

Hi sherrylynne

That is great that he is doing so well. I guess he just wasn't ready last year and is one kitty that likes to do things his own way and in his own time Lol.

 Are you still using the prozyme?

[GreyGhost]

That is good news. Glad its going well. They have a way of letting us know what they want and when they want it.

[sherrylynne]

Yes Bonkers, we are. It really seems to help, so I figured, why stop
He's actually looking healthier now, too. Before, the reason I was expecting to lose him was the weight loss, and activity level(he slept most of the time).
Now- he actually plays
And he loves to play with our newest ferret! He hates the other 8, but this one will dance at him, and dance away, dooking(chuckling) all the time. He'll chase her, and gently bat at her with his paw, all the while with her dancing!
It likely helps that she's WAY too fast for him to do more than tap.