Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Bison for cats?

[Alpaca]

I didn't realize it until I went to the Nature's Variety site, but that's where it says that bison is intended for 'supplementary and intermittent feeding' for cats only.

Why would they say that? What kind of problem would there be if I fed my cats the bison?

[doodlebug]

I would assume that the level in something essential is not high enough, especially since other proteins indicate that they are balanced for cats. NV has gone through feeding trials in addition to the normal chemical testing to ensure their foods are balance.

You might want to call them and see if they can tell you what is low, then supplement yourself if you really want to feed bison. If you use bison in rotation with other proteins then I wouldn't be too concerned as long as it doesn't make up a significant part of the diet.

[Alpaca]

Thanks for your prompt reply. I sent a message to NV already, awaiting their response.

Well, it's not going to be their main meal. I'm only using it as a bedtime snack. They're already on a 50% raw/50% wet canned diet. If it's a case of insufficient nutrition, then it would be okay.

Silly me, doodlebug, that makes sense as cats need more protein than dogs do. Oh well, I'll wait for NV's response. Thanks!

[Alpaca]

Wow fast service! Nature's Variety got back to me in record time. They said bison doesn't have adequate taurine levels to be a balanced meal but if rotated with other proteins or fed as a snack, then it shouldn't be a problem.

[doodlebug]

I was thinking taurine, but didn't want to speculate.

BTW...if you haven't already, sign up on their website....they're always sending out all kinds of coupons. Right now there's a free Trial size raw coupon circulating and also $3 off any size bag or chub.

[Alpaca]

Thanks doodlebug! I already signed up and was using the get $3 off raw for the bison! :>

[beckyhiker]

I think it's a bit strange then that on the NV website they have this to say about bison:

"Bison is the striated muscle (skeletal and cardiac) from US-raised bison. It is an excellent source of protein, with many essential nutrients (including high levels of zinc, taurine, and iron) to help maintain stamina and heart health. Bison meat is a complete protein, meaning it contains all essential amino acids required by dogs. Nature’s Variety uses bison that are grass-fed and free-range. Our bison meat, bison organs, and bison bones are sourced from a USDA-inspected human food facility. Moreover, our bison ingredients are considered “natural” according to USDA definitions; they do not contain any added growth hormones or antibiotics. "

Here they say it has high levels of taurine. Also, they are counting bison heart as part of the ingredient "bison" and, as we all know, hearts are full of taurine.

I'm not trying to dish on NV here, I think they're a good company, I just wonder what is the correct answer to the original question.

[Alpaca]

Hmm, that IS strange. I also think NV is a good company, but this is a bit puzzling. Although it does say that it contains all the essential amino acids required by dogs.

Curous but nevertheless, I'm still okay with using it as I am going to use the bison as a snack instead of a full meal.

[beckyhiker]

Actually the reason I'm curious about this is that I feed my allergy cat bison and venison as beef replacements, he has bison right now. I was hoping that these meats were as high in taurine as beef. Also, I won't feed him beef heart and lately the store I used to buy lamb heart in doesn't seem to be selling it and I've never seen bison or venison heart anywhere. He does get duck hearts though.

[Auntie Crazy]

According to the NV website, the feline bison product contains .03% taurine. AAFCO requires .2% before they'll allow their "100% Complete and Balanced" seal to be used on the product's label.

AC