Chicken Necks & Gizzards

[yogakitty]

So, I took someone's advice and bought some frozen chicken necks from the pet food store. I just gave one to Simon after washing it a few minutes ago. He's still going at it! I'm so happy. He loves it! And he's such a good boy he's just chewing away at it right in his bowl. Not carrying it around or making a mess. What a sweetheart. God I love that cat.

Anyways. I haven't found gizzards yet, but I'm feeding these snacks mostly for dental care. How often should I be feeding them and how many chicken necks vs gizzards? Any other treats like this I could interchange for dental wellbeing? Is brushing still recommended or will this be sufficient? He's on an all wet/canned diet.

I just hope he doesn't have diarrhea or an upset stomach after this! This is the first time I've tried it!

 

[LTS3]

I'd still brush the teeth just to be extra sure that the teeth are as clean as they can be.

Feeding gizzards and necks a few times a week is plenty and won't unbalance the diet. Some supermarkets, particularily ethnic ones, sell chicken gizzards. A butcher shop would likely have them as well and may order  you some along with chicken necks.

 

[gwennad]

I find chicken hearts & gizzards at Sobeys and Food Basics (I see you are in Toronto so you should be able to find them there)

 

[yogakitty]

 
I'd still brush the teeth just to be extra sure that the teeth are as clean as they can be.

Feeding gizzards and necks a few times a week is plenty and won't unbalance the diet. Some supermarkets, particularily ethnic ones, sell chicken gizzards. A butcher shop would likely have them as well and may order  you some along with chicken necks.

As suspected, Simon had some diarrhea this morning

Is it just a matter of getting used to it? He's active and fine, and had breakfast...just....had some runs in the litter box...

I only gave him one neck yesterday. He really did love it.

 

[lavishsqualor]

He'll acclimate.  You could give him some probiotics if you wanted, especially s bouldarii, in the meantime.

 

[yogakitty]

 
He'll acclimate.  You could give him some probiotics if you wanted, especially s bouldarii, in the meantime.

I've given him some more since, and he actually seems to be doing fine! I occasionally feed him plain yogurt, which he loves. Knock on wood he seems to have a pretty strong gut thus far! But he loves the necks. Gobbles them right up!