Parenting-Furkids

Cats => Cat Food And Nutrition => Raw Feeding => Topic started by: Catgirl64 on January 10, 2018, 03:17:49 PM

Title: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 10, 2018, 03:17:49 PM
More accurately, beef cheek killed it.  I knew that stuff would be hard on it, but I had no idea it would destroy it.   >:(  I cut it into small pieces, put only a few chunks in, and turned it on.  The little latch that holds the top on broke, and the mixing bowl itself cracked completely down the side in two places. 

Now I have to get a new one, or a grinder of some kind, and will have to either give everyone canned tonight, or open the only package of ground meat I have, which is a lb. of elk that cost ten freaking dollars, AND get more ground something for tomorrow.  Right now, I am leaning toward canned, as I am too angry and frustrated to try to cobble together food with no processor and a delayed order of Alnutrin. 

%@#*$(@!!!

Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: DeeDee on January 10, 2018, 03:28:30 PM
 >:( :( >:(  Silly machines.


With a lot of the dryer, denser meats, you have to add some water into it to get it to process. Honestly, I use my Ninja Pro that I got at Big Lots as a refurb. Haven't had any problems out of it, but I DO add water to a lot of things when I'm making them.
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Middle Child on January 10, 2018, 03:29:51 PM
Darn!  I would probably feed canned tonight, or can you feed chunks?  Investing in a good grinder may be the way to go if you are going to grind/chop a lot.
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 10, 2018, 03:41:03 PM
Darn!  I would probably feed canned tonight, or can you feed chunks?  Investing in a good grinder may be the way to go if you are going to grind/chop a lot.

I would love to do that, but whatever I get is going to be basically a gift from J, and it needs to be inexpensive. 
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 10, 2018, 06:59:27 PM
Fed canned.  This whole thing, particularly looking at replacement processors/grinders, gave me an upset stomach.  I still feel queasy.

We ordered this grinder:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L9Z08O8/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

I would love to have a Tasin, but it's not going to happen anytime soon.  I think this will work for what I do right now.
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Pookie on January 10, 2018, 08:54:24 PM
Nothing to add, just sending good vibes . . . GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Middle Child on January 11, 2018, 04:46:53 AM
Let us know how you like it!
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 11, 2018, 05:07:10 AM
SO sorry about your food processor!!!   :(

The grinder you ordered looks good enough to do the job.  Has good reviews!  The only thing I would keep in mind... like all grinders (as far as I know), don't run it for too long at one time. 
I only bought the Tasin, because I had no idea what to buy.  I also had planned to grind some bones... but don't. 

This is a picture of my first grinder.  :) 

Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 11, 2018, 10:42:35 AM
SO sorry about your food processor!!!   :(

The grinder you ordered looks good enough to do the job.  Has good reviews!  The only thing I would keep in mind... like all grinders (as far as I know), don't run it for too long at one time. 
I only bought the Tasin, because I had no idea what to buy.  I also had planned to grind some bones... but don't. 

This is a picture of my first grinder.  :)

I read a lot of the reviews and answered questions before deciding.  I was looking at some of the ones they had for about $25 or $30, and getting really stressed out, because they all looked pretty flimsy, and then J said, well, whatever you do, don't get the cheapest one, because we'll just have to replace it.  Some of those little ones look like they were designed to make a few ounces of wonton filling, and then put up to rest for a month. 

I considered getting a hand grinder, but really did not want something that had to be clamped to the counter.  I don't really anticipate grinding bones.  When I start feeding bones, I want the dogs and cats to do the grinding!   ;D

I'll post when I try it out.  It is supposed to get here tomorrow.  I'm pretty excited.  I will probably use it to grind meat for us, too - our own ground beef, either fine for burgers or coarse for chili, and may even try making my own sausage. 
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 11, 2018, 01:09:11 PM
One interesting development as a result of this is that I gave Lily and Bandit some of the beef cheek that the poor, deceased food processor really didn't grind up, and they seemed to like it.  This is the first food they have actually had to chew. 
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 11, 2018, 01:52:14 PM
I think that is AWESOME that your dogs chew!  One less thing to stress over.  ;) 
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 11, 2018, 01:53:23 PM
PS
I am in awe that you fix (grind and/or mix) daily meals for so many. 
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Middle Child on January 11, 2018, 02:15:04 PM
One interesting development as a result of this is that I gave Lily and Bandit some of the beef cheek that the poor, deceased food processor really didn't grind up, and they seemed to like it.  This is the first food they have actually had to chew. 

 thumbsup1 thumbsup1 thumbsup1
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 11, 2018, 07:07:50 PM
PS
I am in awe that you fix (grind and/or mix) daily meals for so many.

I don't do it every day, thank Heaven.  I try to mix at least 5-6 lbs. meat with the Alnutrin at a time, and would like to increase that amount to at least a week's worth.  No choice.  I seriously cannot afford RadCat or really high-quality (ha) canned food on anything like an ongoing basis.   

As for chewing, I am going to have to kind of watch Lily.  I think she may have "gulper" tendencies.  Of course, I have to watch her, anyway, because of her habit of hiding her treasures.  Last night, I thought she ate all of her food, but when I went to bed, I found myself lying on something wet.  It was a chunk of beef cheek that she hid under the covers.  -_-
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Pookie on January 11, 2018, 09:56:28 PM
Last night, I thought she ate all of her food, but when I went to bed, I found myself lying on something wet.  It was a chunk of beef cheek that she hid under the covers.  -_-

 :o :-X yuk
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 12, 2018, 03:08:05 AM
:o :-X yuk

The dead mouse she left in my bed once in Alaska was worse.  At least I found that BEFORE I got under the covers.   ::)
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Middle Child on January 12, 2018, 05:25:11 AM
I don't do it every day, thank Heaven.  I try to mix at least 5-6 lbs. meat with the Alnutrin at a time, and would like to increase that amount to at least a week's worth.  No choice.  I seriously cannot afford RadCat or really high-quality (ha) canned food on anything like an ongoing basis.   

As for chewing, I am going to have to kind of watch Lily.  I think she may have "gulper" tendencies.  Of course, I have to watch her, anyway, because of her habit of hiding her treasures.  Last night, I thought she ate all of her food, but when I went to bed, I found myself lying on something wet.  It was a chunk of beef cheek that she hid under the covers.  -_-

 funny2 funny2 funny2
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 12, 2018, 12:10:15 PM
Wonderful.  The grinder will not get here until tomorrow.  It was delayed due to weather - sleet and snow.  I guess my cats will be introduced to chunks sooner than I expected.  I still have some canned, but if I keep using it, I will run out before the grinder comes.  Thawing two chicken breasts and will probably end up thawing out the ground elk, too, just in case.  It's flash-frozen stuff I got at Sprouts, so I'm pretty sure it would be safe.  Beef cheek and pork roast are not items I want to try cut up that small - my wrist starts to hurt after about five minutes of that.  I may give some to the dogs, though.  I think they will eat larger pieces.   
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 12, 2018, 01:53:09 PM
I don't do it every day, thank Heaven.  I try to mix at least 5-6 lbs. meat with the Alnutrin at a time, and would like to increase that amount to at least a week's worth.  No choice.  I seriously cannot afford RadCat or really high-quality (ha) canned food on anything like an ongoing basis.   



You are still doing a LOT of work quite often!  I like to have a few months worth of ready to go frozen meals.  Too many variables that could screw up having meals ready... and then put me in panic mode.   I have even tried telling myself... "Worse case scenario, I go to the store and buy some canned.  It isn't like it is going to kill them." 

RadCat is a pretty much a treat at our house.  I buy it once (maybe twice) a year.  Too costly for me to feed regularly to 6 cats and one dog. 
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 12, 2018, 01:55:13 PM

As for chewing, I am going to have to kind of watch Lily.  I think she may have "gulper" tendencies.  Of course, I have to watch her, anyway, because of her habit of hiding her treasures.  Last night, I thought she ate all of her food, but when I went to bed, I found myself lying on something wet.  It was a chunk of beef cheek that she hid under the covers.  -_-

Ewwwwww!  I would have to throw out the sheets, mattress, and probably the bed! 

Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 12, 2018, 01:57:15 PM
Bummer about the food processor.  Sorry. :( 
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 12, 2018, 02:05:07 PM
Ewwwwww!  I would have to throw out the sheets, mattress, and probably the bed!

It had been a difficult day, and I was too tired to fuss with it.  I fed the chunk to Bandit, washed off my leg, put a towel over the wet spot, and fell asleep.   :-[
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 12, 2018, 02:46:42 PM
It had been a difficult day, and I was too tired to fuss with it.  I fed the chunk to Bandit, washed off my leg, put a towel over the wet spot, and fell asleep.   :-[

I did something verrrrrrry similar once, when one of my human kids barfed in my bed.  I figured no one was going to die... and we all needed sleep.  lol  Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.  :)
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 13, 2018, 06:33:46 PM
Grinder is still not here, and as tomorrow is Sunday, won't be here then, either.   :'(

No choice now but to mince by hand.  The minute that thing gets here, I am going to grind up every bit of meat I got for them, and then run out and get more, and grind it up, too, and stock up the freezer so well that this never happens again.  I also ordered an emergency case of canned food, just in case the power goes out sometime and my raw either spoils or cannot be thawed. 

I know weather happens, and this is no one's fault, but I am still so frustrated and angry right now.   :-[
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 13, 2018, 07:31:49 PM
Grinder is still not here, and as tomorrow is Sunday, won't be here then, either.   :'(

No choice now but to mince by hand.  The minute that thing gets here, I am going to grind up every bit of meat I got for them, and then run out and get more, and grind it up, too, and stock up the freezer so well that this never happens again.  I also ordered an emergency case of canned food, just in case the power goes out sometime and my raw either spoils or cannot be thawed. 

I know weather happens, and this is no one's fault, but I am still so frustrated and angry right now.   :-[

Sorry to hear the grinder hasn't arrived.  So very frustrating for you...   Hug1
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 15, 2018, 05:19:07 AM
Sorry to hear the grinder hasn't arrived.  So very frustrating for you...   Hug1

It really is.  And since today is a federal holiday, I probably won't be getting it until Tuesday, at the earliest.  I have enough food made up to last until then, I think, but only if it does arrive, and does so early in the day.  In any case, they are not thrilled with the texture of this batch, which I mentioned in my "journey" thread.  Since we are going shopping today, in preparation for more possible snow, I may have to resort to buying some freshly-ground meat from the butcher.  I hate to do that, as I am aware of the risks, but it's better than having them not want to eat enough.  The dogs are accepting small chunks, but the cats...not so much.  I have some emergency canned food on the way, but of course it won't be here tomorrow, either. 

I want my freezer to look like yours!  THAT is food security.   DrLisaPiersonWorthy DrLisaPiersonWorthy DrLisaPiersonWorthy
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 15, 2018, 04:40:47 PM
It's here!

I guess they deliver packages on days they don't deliver letters.  It was sitting under the carport when we got home from the grocery store.
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Pookie on January 15, 2018, 05:01:12 PM
multistars multistars multistars

Happy grinding!   ;D
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: DeeDee on January 15, 2018, 05:03:13 PM
Glad to hear you got it! I see a long time in the kitchen in your future!
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 15, 2018, 05:09:10 PM
Glad to hear you got it! I see a long time in the kitchen in your future!

Yep!  I am going to process everything I have on hand for them tonight and tomorrow.  This should be a fun activity if we are snowed in again.  ::)  Next time we shop - probably this weekend - get some more and prepare it, too.  I would love to get to the point that I have at least a week's worth of food ready to go, and a month's worth would be even better.  That may not happen just because the furkids have to share a freezer with the human occupants of the house, but it's definitely motivation to clean the thing out more often. 

Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Middle Child on January 15, 2018, 05:39:55 PM
bananamiddlechild bananamiddlechild bananamiddlechild bananamiddlechild
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: DeeDee on January 15, 2018, 05:40:51 PM
I make trips to Aldi for veggies and fruit. Then I'll puree it and put it in gallon freezer bags. Then I have 6 to 8 weeks of puree ready to defrost. Just depends on how much I'm able to find when I go. Pretty much have to eat seasonally if you're buying at Aldi, but it's a lot cheaper for them, and they have a lot of organic compared to other stores.
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 15, 2018, 06:02:43 PM
I make trips to Aldi for veggies and fruit. Then I'll puree it and put it in gallon freezer bags. Then I have 6 to 8 weeks of puree ready to defrost. Just depends on how much I'm able to find when I go. Pretty much have to eat seasonally if you're buying at Aldi, but it's a lot cheaper for them, and they have a lot of organic compared to other stores.

We shop at Aldi a lot, but I'm not sure that's the way I will go for my dogs.  For one thing, our local store is a bit limited, in terms of organic.  Also, given the size of my dogs - a Chihuahua and a (rather largish) Pomeranian, I'm not sure I need to make the puree in such large quantities.  This is one area where I may be able to splurge a little bit.  I will get what I can at Aldi, but I'm not counting on it as a sole source.  I have been meaning to ask you if is okay to use some frozen things, as long as it is just the fruit or veg, with nothing added.   

I have plenty of time to work out a strategy for home-made puree.  I still have lots of base mix left at this point.  I think I have a lot to learn about feeding dogs this kind of diet.  When I fed raw before, I did strictly prey-model.   
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: DeeDee on January 15, 2018, 06:40:35 PM
I have been meaning to ask you if is okay to use some frozen things, as long as it is just the fruit or veg, with nothing added.   

I have plenty of time to work out a strategy for home-made puree.  I still have lots of base mix left at this point.  I think I have a lot to learn about feeding dogs this kind of diet.  When I fed raw before, I did strictly prey-model.   

As long as there's no salt or sugar added, frozen is fine. Honestly, I've come home late on my mom's appointment days that I needed to defrost food (but forgot about it before leaving) and used some of our canned food until the next morning. 

Right after Daddy died, during the 1.5 yrs, they ate a lot of canned food thanks to my memory being so sucky. Twice in the past year, they've even had Burger King hamburgers brought home to them for dinner. *gasp*

Life and food doesn't have to be SO rigid that you absolutely can't take shortcuts sometimes. I look at a lot of things like, "Would I have fed the boys this(?)" and the answer is usually, "YES!"
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 15, 2018, 08:39:12 PM
I have been known to drive through McDonalds and get just a hamburger patty for Lacy dog.  Who knows what they add to their meat... or if they do.  BUT a treat doesn't always have to be "perfect."  I probably shouldn't have admitted to that or say this, but....  Lacy dog ate kibble for years.... there isn't much worse than that!! 
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 17, 2018, 10:21:15 AM
Did you get all the grinding done?
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 17, 2018, 12:19:54 PM
Did you get all the grinding done?

I got a lot done yesterday, am finishing up now.  I don't think I am going to get beef cheek again.  I'm not sure why, but no one seems to like it very much, even when mixed with bribe food.  There are other cuts of beef that are just as reasonably priced, and with less hard brown fat and stringy connective tissue.  I am glad I got it once, though, because if I had not, I would probably not have the grinder, which I love.  It makes the whole process so much easier!  It will make a difference for the people of the house, as well, as I plan to learn to make sausage and start doing my own ground beef for burgers.
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 17, 2018, 04:32:08 PM
To be honest, I had never heard of beef cheek...until you.  Just the name sounds ewwwww.
Glad you are enjoying your grinder!
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: DeeDee on January 17, 2018, 04:54:58 PM
To be honest, I had never heard of beef cheek...until you.  Just the name sounds ewwwww.


LOL. Not to gross you out, but when son was in the mountains for winter-survival, they had to cook a rabbit to eat. He said he had been starving so much that even at the cheeks out of the thing, and they were GOOD. I don't know about beef cheek. I've never seen any for sale. I'd try it for the boys if I did.
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 18, 2018, 01:41:19 AM
LOL. Not to gross you out, but when son was in the mountains for winter-survival, they had to cook a rabbit to eat. He said he had been starving so much that even at the cheeks out of the thing, and they were GOOD. I don't know about beef cheek. I've never seen any for sale. I'd try it for the boys if I did.

Try Walmart, if you shop there.  They have a small selection of "variety meats," things like beef cheek, tongue, tripe (not the kind dogs eat), ox tails, and other odd bits, occasionally even heart (I'll be jumping on that if I see it again.)  It will probably be at the end of the case where they keep the other beef.  The cheeks I got were in a vacuum pack, and labeled in Spanish.  In the package, they look just like any other really dark red beef.  I know lots of people don't like Walmart, and I honestly don't care for them much, either, but you can sometimes find some interesting things there.  Around Christmas, our local store had pig heads in the freezer case!  No joke - whole pig heads.  I know people use them for various things, but I certainly didn't expect to see them there.

I'm not easily grossed out.  Actually, one of the things I have not had to struggle with that I think bothered a lot of other members starting out is the idea of handling raw meat, including strange animal parts.  It just doesn't bother me, and never has.  I didn't grow up in a family of hunters (I wish now that I had), but my father and I often fished when I was a child (Mom mostly watched), and one of the rules was that I had to bait my own hook, take my own fish off the hook, and at least help him out when he gutted and skinned or scaled and filleted our catch.  I think that experience early in life may have stuck with me, in terms of what makes me squeamish.
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 18, 2018, 02:10:39 AM
To be honest, I had never heard of beef cheek...until you.  Just the name sounds ewwwww.
Glad you are enjoying your grinder!

You don't see a lot of them at the grocery store.  I suspect mostly that they go into things like sausage, hot dogs, and other processed meats.  I found them near the tripe and beef tongue.  I know that tripe is used to make menudo, and believe it or not, shredded beef tongue makes a truly amazing taco.  I haven't found a place that serves them here, but I ate them often when I lived in Anchorage.
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 18, 2018, 02:14:16 AM
Quote
You don't see a lot of them at the grocery store.  I suspect mostly that they go into things like sausage, hot dogs, and other processed meats.  I found them near the tripe and beef tongue.  I know that tripe is used to make menudo, and believe it or not, shredded beef tongue makes a truly amazing taco.  I haven't found a place that serves them here, but I ate them often when I lived in Anchorage.


I think I just threw up a little... Silly7
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 18, 2018, 02:56:44 AM

I think I just threw up a little...

Oh, my.  I'm sorry.   :-[  I feel bad for grossing you out.
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 18, 2018, 03:22:26 AM
Oh, my.  I'm sorry.   :-[  I feel bad for grossing you out.

Noooooooooooo!  I edited my other post and added  Silly7 to show I was being a smartazz.   :-*
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Middle Child on January 18, 2018, 04:31:44 AM
How is the grinder to clean Catgiirl?
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Catgirl64 on January 19, 2018, 01:44:32 AM
How is the grinder to clean Catgiirl?

Not too bad.  Nothing can go in the dishwasher, but that's no big deal.  You do have to wipe the washable parts with salad oil after drying them, though, to keep them lubricated.  I forgot to do this the first time I used it, and had to run some oil through to get it apart.  That was a mess!  I am VERY glad that I got it.  It is so much easier to make the food now, and the texture is more to everyone's liking. 
Title: Re: I just killed my food processor.
Post by: Lola on January 19, 2018, 12:47:42 PM
I am SO happy for you and your furkids!!!!