Serval Diets and Nutrition
A Servals diet is of upmost importance and their owners must be committed to feeding a well balanced diet to their cat for it's lifetime to ensure their Serval is getting everything it needs nutritionally to thrive. Sometimes it's not as easy as buying a bag of dry kibble from the supermarket and pouring it in to a dish. Servals usually require much more nutritionally than that.
Food for servals can vary widely depending on habitat and availability. Small rodents such as mice, rats and squirrels are commonly eaten. But they will also eat a variety of insects, reptiles and amphibians. Studies have found that they also consume a surprising amount of vegetable material and fruit. In captivity they will consume many types of grass. Some are also fond of vegetables such as corn on the cob and spinach. Servals primarily hunt alone. In the absence of suitable small prey they have been known to team up on larger animals. While servals are well adapted for hunting by jumping and snaring or pouncing, they seem very skilled at probing holes with their long forepaws. Servals in captivity will frequently stick their paw in ones pocket to fish around for interesting items.
Dogs and cats are carnivores, and do best on a meat-based diet. A raw diet is usually the better way to go and is so much more healthy for the Serval because it mimics what the cat would naturally eat in the wild. You just need to make sure the food is fresh, cleaned, and thoroughly washed before feeding.
If you do choose to feed kibble, I recommend a very high-quality kibble for your Serval kitten to eat.
Cheap, low quality brands are high in starch and grain content all of which are proven to cause many
short and long-term digestive problems in cats.
BeSpotted cats and kittens are fed a mixture of high end dry kibble alternated with raw that is ground up prepared weekly including bone and organs. Their diet consists
of chicken, turkey, beef, venison, rodents, mice, grasses, vegtables, fruits, etc., in addition to adding high quality supplements such as Oasis FT, Mazuri, vitamins B and E, taurine, calcium, Bene-bac, probotics, and lysine.
CALCIUM: The bottom line is Servals need a lot of calcium in their first two years of life due to their expedited growth rate,
and calcium is essential to their structural wellness. Like large breeds of dogs, Servals grow fast and a lot in just a short span of time causing stress to the joints and bones. It is essential that a Servals diet is
balanced and provides them with the calcium and other nutrients they need to grow strong, healthy bones. Calcium can come from a variety of sources one being the bones of an animal. If your Serval isn't offered a raw diet or it doesn't eat large quantities of bone, then supplementing their diet with calcium is a must.
Foods:
(The product descriptions below are taken directly from the commerical websites in order to better inform you.
We ask that you locate these brands of foods and research them further on your own. We are simply letting you know
of several great products that BeSpotted has used successfully in the past with our cats. Not all cats like all products so
one must try many types of products before you find one your Serval will eat faithfully.)
*** BeSpotted Feeds and Recommends Royal Canin Baby Cat, Kitten, Indoor, Pro Special and Pro Queen HOWEVER because
I know not all servals cooperate with
a diet of OUR choice....it's their way or no way so beyond here I am merely offering you addtional options should your Serval not want to eat Royal Canin or kibble.
They are wild cats after all.
Royal Canin Pro Queen
Royal Canin Pro Special
Royal Canin Pro Mother and Baby Cat
Royal Canin Pro Kitten
Royal Canin Indoor
For our slighty chubby ones!
Additional dry foods you might consider for your Serval are,,,,,,However please know BeSpotted feeds Royal Canin exclusively.
Taste of the Wild
Cats
Rocky Mountain Feline Formula
A grain-free formula for all life stages with peas and sweet potatoes provides highly digestible energy for your active cat. Made with real roasted venison and smoked salmon, this formula offers a taste sensation like no other. For today's healthy cat, this formula is supplemented with fruits and vegetables, providing natural antioxidants to support a healthy immune system and overall good health. Your cat craves a taste of the wild. Go ahead and give him one. Protein: 42% Fat: 18% Calories: 3,745 kcal/kg (390 kcal/cup) Calculated Metabolizable Energy Available in 5lb and 15lb bags.
Innova Cat and Kitten Food
Innova Cat and Kitten Food contains fresh, natural, whole ingredients from each of the five food groups: meat, dairy, fruit, grain and vegetables, to provide a balanced, nutritious and healthful diet for your cat. Innova Cat and Kitten Food is formulated with added antioxidant vitamins, and is rich in Omega-6 and Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids for a silky coat and optimum health. For all the stages of your cat's life, Innova Cat and Kitten Food exclusively uses only the highest quality turkey and chicken. Innova Cat and Kitten Food is the first pet food to take advantage of advanced fresh cooking methods to incorporate lean turkey and chicken, lactose-free milk, vegetables and fruit along with whole ground grains to create a cat food unequaled in nutrition and health benefits. Animal feeding tests using AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) procedures substantiate that Innova Cat and Kitten Food provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages. Innova Cat and Kitten Food is available in 2.2 lb., 6 lb. and 15 lb. packages.
EVO
Turkey & Chicken Formula
Dry Cat and Kitten Food
The Ancestral Diet Meets Modern Nutrition
Traditionally, dry pet foods required a significant concentration of grains and carbohydrate-rich ingredients to aid in the manufacturing of a crunchy kibble pet food. Natura challenged this tradition, and developed unique manufacturing processes to create the first-ever grain free, low carbohydrate dry pet food. Removing grains and dropping carbs leads to many benefits for our beloved four-legged friends. The protein in EVO is derived from premium quality meats that are highly digestible, highly palatable and provide maximum nutrient absorption. Fresh meats provide vital nutrients like amino acids (such as lysine and taurine), essential minerals, and other key building blocks that encourage strong bones and muscles. EVO Turkey & Chicken Formula Dry Cat Food is grain free. By removing ALL grain from the diet, EVO minimizes starch or carbohydrate intake while maximizing the concentration of protein. In fact, EVO provides high-quality protein at a level that is among the highest available anywhere. EVO cat and kitten foods are formulated with the highest quality meats, and whole fruit and vegetables are added to provide natural vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals.
EVO Benefits:
Grain free for when extra carbs and grain intolerances are a concern
High levels of protein from quality meat, poultry and fish
Excellent palatability
Skin and coat health
High digestibility and decreased waste
Energy and nutrient-dense
Formulated with added antioxidant vitamins
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
Animal feeding tests using AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) procedures substantiate that EVO Turkey & Chicken Formula Dry Cat & Kitten Food provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages.
EVO Turkey & Chicken Formula Dry Cat & Kitten Food is available in 2.2 lb (1 kg), 6.6 lb (3 kg), and 15.4 lb (7 kg) bags.
EVO
Herring & Salmon Formula
Dry Cat Food
The Ancestral Diet Meets Modern Nutrition
Traditionally, dry pet foods required a significant concentration of grains and carbohydrate-rich ingredients to aid in the manufacturing of a crunchy kibble pet food. Natura challenged this tradition, and developed unique manufacturing processes to create the first-ever grain free, low carbohydrate dry pet food. Removing grains and dropping carbs leads to many benefits for our beloved four-legged friends.
The protein in EVO is derived from premium quality fish products that are highly digestible, highly palatable and provide maximum nutrient absorption. The all natural ingredients in EVO cat foods include essential vitamins, minerals, and other key building blocks that encourage strong bones and muscles.
EVO Herring & Salmon Formula Dry Cat Food is grain free. By removing ALL grain from the diet, EVO minimizes starch or carbohydrate intake while maximizing the concentration of protein. In fact, EVO provides high-quality protein at a level that is among the highest available anywhere. In addition, EVO also contains a source of viable, naturally occurring microorganisms and has both linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and omega-3 fatty acids.
EVO Benefits:
Grain free for when extra carbs and grain intolerances are a concern
High levels of protein from quality meat, poultry and fish
Excellent palatability
Skin and coat health
High digestibility and decreased waste
Energy and nutrient-dense
Formulated with added antioxidant vitamins
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
EVO Herring & Salmon Formula Dry Cat Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.
EVO Herring & Salmon Formula Dry Cat Food is available in 2.2 lb (1 kg), 6.6 lb (3 kg), and 15.4 lb (7 kg) bags.
Ingredients:
Herring
Herring is the clean tissue of undecomposed whole herring or herring cuttings, either or both.
Herring is an excellent single-source protein. It is also an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Natura uses whole, high-quality herring, which are ground and added to the ingredient mix.
Salmon Meal
Salmon meal is the clean, rendered, dried ground tissue of undecomposed salmon or salmon cuttings, either or both, with or without the extraction of part of the oil.
Salmon
Salmon is a marine and freshwater fish high in protein and long chain omega-3 fatty acids. Herring Meal
Herring meal is the clean, rendered (cooked down), dried ground tissue of undecomposed whole herring or herring cuttings, either or both, with or without the extraction of part of the oil. Herring meal is a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Natura uses the whole herring including the oil from this excellent food fish in our cat and dog food products. Peas <
Green peas are a variable annual leguminous Eurasian vine that is cultivated for its rounded smooth or wrinkled edible seeds. Green peas are a fresh vegetable source of protein and contain a good source of vitamin A. Natura uses high-quality peas in some of our treats. Eggs
Eggs are the whole of the reproductive body produced by hens. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, with naturally occurring complex combinations of amino acids. Natura uses only whole eggs in our products. Herring Oil
(naturally preserved with mixed Tocopherols) Herring oil is the oil extracted from whole herring. Herring oil provides a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Because the herring that Natura uses is of such high quality, the herring oil helps produce healthy skin and lustrous coats. Pea Fiber
Pea fiber is an absorptive vegetable derived from cleaned and processed pea hulls. Pea fiber is a useful ingredient that helps regulate the bowels to help prevent constipation or diarrhea. Natural Flavors
Natural flavors are flavor ingredients that do not contain synthetic or artificial components. In the Natura products that include "natural flavor" in the formula, the exact composition is proprietary. However, it is always made from high quality all natural ingredients, consistent with Natura's nutritional philosophy. Apples
A member of the rose family, the apple has a compartmented core and is thus classified as a pome fruit. Apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber. About 81% of the fiber is soluble; most of it is of a type called pectin. Apples provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, some vitamin C and beta carotene, and potassium and boron. Natura uses this nutritious fruit in its whole form to obtain all of its wholesome nutrients. Sunflower Oil
(naturally preserved with mixed Tocopherols) Sunflower oil is obtained by extracting oil from sunflower seeds. Natura uses sunflower oil to provide the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid, which is important for good skin and coat health. Carrots
Carrots are the roots of the carrot plant, and a member of the parsley family. Innova dog and cat foods contain whole fresh carrots. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is the result of separating milk or cream into curds and whey. The curds are drained and pressed to form the soft, white, spoonable cheese. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, protein and vitamins. Natura uses high-quality cottage cheese, straight from its retail container. The cottage cheese has only trace amounts of lactose and because of its limited inclusion in the formula, the ultimate amount of lactose in the finished product is insignificant and would not be in sufficient supply to cause an intolerance problem. Dried Chicory Root
Dried Chicory Root is the dried, non-roasted root Cichorium intybus L., used as a source of inulin, as soluble, fermentable fiber. It shall contain no less than 50% inulin and no more than 13% moisture. Chicory Root is a thick-rooted blue-flowered European perennial composite herb widely grown for its roots and as a salad plant. Commonly known as a soluble fiber, the inulin derived from the Chicory Root is a fructooligosaccharide added to help maintain digestive tract health and function.
DL Methionine Methionine (dL-Methionine) is a sulfur-containing amino acid obtained by the hydrolysis of most common proteins. Methionine is a principle supplier of sulfur which is important in production of many other compounds in the body. dl-methionine regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine. dl-methionine is an essential amino acid. Natura adds this supplement to cat foods. In our dog foods, the meat supplies sufficient amounts. Minerals
Minerals are inorganic substances essential for a host of vital processes within the body.
AAFCO regulates minimum standard quantities of minerals in levels that pets need to survive. All pet food manufacturers supplement their products with minerals. Beyond meeting these minimum requirements, all Natura products contain a complete vitamin and mineral supplement program that helps pets to thrive, not just survive. The minerals Natura uses are chelated, providing three to ten times greater assimilation than common minerals. Included in our foods are some of the following vitamins and minerals: Ascorbic Acid, Beta Carotene, Biotin, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Iodate, Choline Chloride, Cobalt Carbonate, Cobalt Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Dicalcium Pantothenate, dl-Methionine, Folic Acid, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Niacin, Potassium Chloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin C Supplement (Sodium Ascorbate), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement (Alpha Tocopherol), Zinc Proteinate Natura adds these important vitamins and minerals, in proper balance to its foods to ensure that your pet gets all the necessary nutrients for life and good health every day.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds that function as parts of enzyme systems essential for the transmission of energy and the regulation of metabolisms of the body.
AAFCO regulates minimum standard quantities of vitamins in levels that pets need to survive. All pet food manufacturers supplement their products with vitamins. Beyond meeting these minimum requirements, all Natura products contain a complete vitamin and mineral supplement program that helps pets to thrive, not just survive. Included in our foods are some of the following vitamins and minerals: Ascorbic Acid, Beta Carotene, Biotin, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Iodate, Choline Chloride, Cobalt Carbonate, Cobalt Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Dicalcium Pantothenate, dl-Methionine, Folic Acid, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Niacin, Potassium Chloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin C Supplement (Sodium Ascorbate), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement (Alpha Tocopherol), Zinc Proteinate Natura adds these important vitamins and minerals, in proper balance to its foods to ensure that your pet gets all the necessary nutrients for life and good health every day.
Direct-Fed Microbials
This is the regulatory term given to microorganism cultures added to food.
Direct-fed microbials are living microbes that can be found in a healthy digestive tract. As cooking would kill these microbes, Natura adds them to the outside of the kibble after the dry food has been gently cooked. Since the entire contents of our canned foods must be cooked as part of the canning process, we are unable to add viable microorganisms to our canned products.
California Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat and Kitten Food
California Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat and Kitten Food is made with only five Pure & Simple ingredients to meet the needs of your special cat. The wholesome, healthful ingredients in California Natural are the key to your cat's good health, good coat, and good digestion.
California Natural Cat and Kitten Food utilizes real chicken meat and chicken meal as its primary components. The whole brown rice in the formula is a high quality source of carbohydrates and natural fiber, while flaxseed and sunflower oil supply Omega 3 and Omega 6 Essential Fatty Acids for healthy skin and silky coat.
California Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat and Kitten Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
California Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat and Kitten Food is available in 5 lb. and 15 lb. packages.
Zupreem Feline Diet
Zupreem can be used as part of a routine feeding schedule and it contains taurine which is an important part of a Servals diet. You can mix it with other supplements.
SUPPLEMENTS: There are numerous commercial products and supplements on the market to aide owners in balancing their exotic cats diet.
A variety of supplements that can be used are:
Mazuri Carnivore Supplement w/B Vitamins & Taurine - 57UX
Mazuri Carnivore Supplement for Whole Prey (per KG) - 58QB
Platinum Performance™ Feline Wellness Formula
This product was clinically developed to be a foundation formula for daily nutritional support. Platinum Performance Feline is a synergistic formula which addresses multiple nutritional deficiencies and imbalances that are common in most modern feline diets. These deficiencies are often the risk factors that lead to disease and premature aging
Duralactin Feline L Lysine
Highly palatable paste for cats when L-lysine or MicroLactin, a dried milk protein, are needed. L-lysine helps maintain respiratory and ocular health especially during stress. MicroLactin is an immuno-nutritional aid to help manage chronic inflammation. Also contains Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids.
Taurine
Give Taurine when extra amounts of this essential amino acid are needed. Taurine is important in maintaining normal vision, blood platelet & heart function. Give 1-2 tsp as needed. Contains Taurine and Maltodextrin.
Probios
10 million CFUs per gm of total viable lactic acid producing bacteria. Use prior to or during periods of adverse conditions such as travel, training, during antibiotic treatments, post surgery, diarrhea, post-whelping, geriatric, injured, or exposure to weather extremes.
BeneBac
Source of live naturally occurring micro-organisms, 10 million colony forming units (CFU) of total viable Lactic Acid producing bacteria per gram, help maintain beneficial microbial population in digestive tract. Useful for dogs, cats & small animals under stress due to breeding, weaning, training, working, transporting or recovery. Ingredients include: dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried l plantarum fermentation product dried streptococcus faecium fermentation product & more. Newborns: 0.
Felovite II-with Taurine
Felovite II is a highly potent vitamin and mineral supplement fortified with taurine. Felovite II comes in a tuna flavored paste which makes giving vitamins to your cat easy.
Benefits:
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals for your adult cat or kitten
• The taurine is essential for your cat’s overall health
• No reported side effects
How it works:
With its high-potency formula of vitamins, minerals and the all-important taurine, your cat’s daily dose will round out nutritional needs. It’s doubtful that your cat will not submit to the allure of the taste of tuna. If need be though, you can stimulate your cat’s interest in Felovite II by placing a small amount on your pet’s nose.
Apperon vitamins
Wild Trax supplements
Wild Trax Feline Supplement® is fortified with selected vitamins and minerals for optimum nutrition and health of wild felines, hybrid cat breeds, and ANY domestic cat breed on a raw meat & bone diet.
Oasis FT
Primal-Cal
DiCalcium Phosphate
Dicalcium is a supplement for use in the animal's regular feed, formulated to provide supplemental Calcium and Phosphorus that may be lacking in the animal's regular feed. Guaranteed Analysis Calcium, Max ..... 28.00% Calcium, Min ..... 25.00% Phosphorus, Min .. 18.50% Flourine, Max .... 0.10%
©2010-2011
