Yes, Sir, I agree that the word is not entirely specific.
The reason I used thirve is due to a certain snake and keeper I know who refuses to feed live for any reason. One of her snakes pretty much lives on a subsistance diet and only takes the F/T about 1 in 10 times, despite my pleading with her to either feed this one live or sell me the snake. To me that is living, not thriving.
Especially since I know for a fact that the animal I'm refering to will eat live at the drop of a hat.