I'd say the most important thing is to not be hasty. Don't expect to have the scraps too early.

Breeding them is definitely the way to go though. Find a 1 star? That's your target. Lead him home. Find a two star and life will be great. Just a few runs for mushrooms and berries and you'll have more hides and meat than you'll know what to do with.

It takes time. But it pays off in the end. Make a big enough pen and you can get dozens every day.