Sokokes are predators. Never forget that when you’re trying to decide what foods to feed your new Sokoke. That may explain why your Sokoke seems like a finicky eater. You can have trouble getting your Sokoke to eat if you’re giving him food that is not meat or formulated from meat products.
How should you serve to your new Sokoke?
Keep in mind Sokokes share much of their dna with the fiercest of felines — cheetahs, lions and tigers — so keep that in mind while feeding your Sokoke. You won’t see a mature puma on Animal Planet eating an apple, drinking milk or chewing grass in nature. You also would never observe a lion cub in nature drinking the milk of a cow, or any other animal. As ludicrous as these examples appear, that’s exactly how many people feed their Sokokes. So you should not expect your Sokoke at home to be ecstatic if that’s what you try to give her. Sokokes don’t eat the same way humans or dogs do. When it comes to nutrition, they are very strict, and owners must always take that into consideration. Sokokes consume almost exclusively fats and proteins as opposed to omnivores like humans who also get nutrition from vegetables and fruits. If we ate like Sokokes, we’d develop serious health issues at a young age. Sokokes are not at all like people and they are not miniature dogs. Often you’ll find owners who feed their Sokokes the same way they feed themselves and their dog, although the Sokokes diet is much more limited. In fact, dog food is deadly to Sokokes over time because it doesn’t meet their dietary needs and it’s often too high in carbohydrates, which Sokokes can’t digest well. Sokokes will develop severe weight issues by eating carbohydrates, which can eventually lead to diabetes. The Sokoke’s system is not designed for carbohydrates. They are to be avoided.
young Sokoke care tips
Satisfying Your Sokoke’s Palate
When you’re choosing food for your Sokoke, make sure the packaging states it meets the requirements set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Meeting their requirements ensures that your Sokoke is receiving the proper food. Pay no attention to marketing “hype” terms like “super-premium”, ” premium”, ” natural”, and “gourmet”, as there is no standard that defines them. You can ask your doctor what type of food (wet or dry) they recommend for your Sokoke. After you’ve made your choice, give your Sokoke a taste test. If your Sokoke enjoys the food and does not display any gastrointestinal upsets (such as stomach pain) later, you’ve made a good choice. In contrast, if your Sokoke doesn’t tolerate the food, you need to be prepared to give a different choice. If your Sokoke doesn’t tolerate the food you have given him, a harmful hunger strike may be next. If she decides to stop eating, the Sokoke runs a high risk of liver failure or death. If you ever need to change from one food to another, replace the old food a little at a time, in small quantities over a week. This makes it easier for your Sokoke to accept and reduces the chances of somach discomfort.
Snacks, Portion Size, and Feeding Time for Sokokes
How much food do you need to feed the Sokoke? There are many elements that determine that answer. For example, is the Sokoke a house cat or a yard cat or hybrid? Has your Sokoke been sterilized? Both affect your Sokoke’s nutritional requirements. Your best bet is to consult your Sokoke’s doctor, who will figure out your Sokokes ideal weight and daily calorie requirement. Once you find out how much food your Sokoke needs, stick to the plan. Although it seems like it’s not enough, your Sokoke will get used to it and settle at his healthy weight. For Sokokes, it’s difficult to shed weight once they get overweight. Once you’ve gotten this info from his vet, it’s time to set up the Sokoke’s meals. Sokokes enjoy small meals or snacks during the day, so expect to leave meals out so she can come and graze when hunger strikes. You can put out half in the am before leaving for work and the other half in the evening. Keep snacks to a minimum. Don’t let treats dilute their nutrition. Just like with people, too much salt is a bad thing.
Don’t forget to check out these other articles about Sokokes
Was this post helpful? If so, please take a minute to Tweet and Share below on Facebook. I would also love to know your thoughts so leave me a comment 🙂
Follow