Every rodent is not the same, each rodent species needs something different for good digestion and health. Therefore, the food is marked accordingly, this is not only a marketing stunt.
Rodents – may it be a chinchilla, a guinea pig or a hamster – are popular pets not only for children. And as high-quality food is essential for a happy and healthy animal of whatever kind (and for us, humans, as well), it is the right time to focus on these little companions.
There are types of food on the market which are for several kinds of rodents. However, if you want to give your pet the best food, rather focus on the products designed specifically for your rodent, at least when it comes to complete pet food. It’s not so problematic with treats and goodies. A guinea pig and a hamster have a completely different regimen and lifestyle and therefore they definitely need different nutritional values.
I vote for feeding with ready-made mixes. If it is a quality product, it is complete pet food which contains everything your pet needs and also in the right ratio. Therefore, you don’t have to make feeding difficult and mix everything by yourself.
Food for brown rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils should contain at least 16 % of proteins and roughly 4 % of fat, for example. With regard to daily dose, it isn’t only about the size of the animal but also about its activity. Some might find perfect to have food in a bowl at all times, others would lose interest in food and would stop eating sufficiently and others would spend all day within the reach reach of the bowl. When you wish to give your pet something special, these species will like special snacks or fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. However, be careful with seeds and nuts, they contain a lot of fat and therefore, they should only be served as an exception.
Rabbits (yes, we put them in this category even though they aren’t rodents:)) should also get around 16 % of proteins but they will be fine with 3 % of fat. They need significantly lower metabolizable energy (kcal) than the above-mentioned group. However, you shouldn’t forget about hay which shouldn’t be missed out in rabbits’ food so they stomach would work properly. Besides suitable kinds of fruits and vegetables, they will also like various types of herbs and grasses for variety. You can pick some dandelions, parsley or clover almost everywhere.
The main component of food for guinea pigs should be high-quality hay which will provide them a sufficient amount of necessary dietary fibre. They should also get some green food every day – some salad, grass or leaves, for example. On the contrary to other rodents, guinea pigs cannot generate vitamin C, therefore, they need to get it this way. However, a ready-made mix should already contain it as well. Keep it in a dark place, light destroys vitamin C. Guinea pigs are going to be well with around 12 % of proteins and less than 3 % of fats. Be careful about giving them fruits because of the sugar they contain.
Chinchillas, similarly to guinea pigs, need a lot of dietary fibres, therefore, hay needs to be also included in their diet and they should always have it within their reach. It is also included in dry food, together with herbs and other components. You can also give them some treat but don’t be too generous. For example, dried carrots, apples, hips or dandelions are good. Avoid giving them nuts because of the fats in them.
Regardless of the kind of rodent you have, don’t forget about the continuous supply of fresh water, may it be in a bowl (for the tidier creatures), in a sipper water bottle or in waterer with constant level of water.
Although I sometimes temporarily care of some brown rats, I still consider myself to be a beginner in brown rat keeping. In the beginning of this year, a white lab brown rat ended up in my temporary care. I noticed that Běluše (that’s how I called her...
It sits with great difficulties. It also looks like it is very painful. It seems that any contact of the tail and ground causes great pain. As well as any touch when I try to find out what’s wrong with its tail. We came back from swimming where our dog...
Summer fun begins now. And I can’t imagine a summer without our activities together with my dog. What about you? Plan where you and your doggie could spend time before the temperatures are scorching and not a single branch moves on trees and we all...
Some dogs are already born with sensitive digestion, at some it may occur later in life. Or an allergy for a component of the food they used to like and we considered as suitable may occur. For such cases, meat cans can be a great supplement of normal...
If you decide to head to the streets of your city during a hot summer day, remember that pavements you will be walking on are much warmer that the air. In general, I try to go out with my dog during hot summer days as least as possible but if we go...
That brown rats are social rodents and love and look for the closeness of not only other brown rats but also their owners is a well-known fact. They feel lonely and sad without any interaction
Weekend or holiday is here and you are thinking about what to pack? You definitely shouldn’t forget your first-aid kit. And also the one for your dog! Properly equipped first-aid kit is a must. If you are struggling with deciding what should be...
Our personal experience is what influences us most in our opinions. But if we don’t have it or can’t get it at least from a friend or family member, it is more difficult for us to imagine how living with a giant furry friend looks like. And if it comes...
The best option for living of a small rodent are big aquariums, plastic boxes or cages. And I don’t mean big as high but rather with as big area as possible. Hamsters are naturally running creatures and need enough space. Max has a space of the...
If you are going for your holiday by car, you may be considering bringing another passenger with you. Your dog can be a great companion, so you don´t want to leave it at home. However, your time off by the sea might hide various obstacles, starting...
Turkey, the homeland of angoras and Turkish Vans is almost cats’ paradise. Even though veterinary care is quite expensive here, also cats living outside are taken care of well. Even in large cities like Istanbul and Ankara you can encounter a lot of...
When I was a child, our dog changed my life. He taught me lifetime love for living beings but also responsibility, patience and caring for others. Scientist has found out those are not the only benefits the life with an animal has for children....
