What are the nutritional requirements for a chinchilla?
What type of food do chinchillas need? I’m looking for a high quality chinchilla food but I’m not sure what their requirements are as far as the source of protein (meat or vegetable/fruit based), and the amounts of protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates. The only food that seems to be recommended on the web is Mazuri, but it is made by Purina so if it is anything like their dog or cat food it isn’t going to be too healthy. Thanks!
Tagged with: cat food • high quality • protein meat • purina • type of food
Filed under: Chinchilla Persian Kittens
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Nutrena Naturewise 16%
Purina Advanced Nutrition Rabbit Sho or Pro
Tradition
Oxbow
APD
Mazuri (Last place in my book)
Those are the best foods on the market right now for chins. There are some long-time ranchers who make their own feed, but they don’t advertise it, and usually don’t sell it in small quantities. Owbow and Mazuri you can get at either Petco or PetSmart, the others are all through feed stores or from on-line sources (individuals). Stay away from the other crap you can buy in pet stores. Treat filled foods and ones that sit on shelves for 2 years before being purchased are hardly going to benefit your chin.
Mazuri used to be a really popular feed, mostly because that’s all anybody knew about or could get. Now though, many people have switched from it because it has given their chins diarrhea. It seems like Mazuri tried to cover that up by adding acidophilus to the mix, but in my opinion that’s putting a band-aid on it, not fixing what caused the diarrhea. There are still people who use it and swear by it, but a growing number are switching to what they feel is a better feed alternative.
You want your fiber to be high and your protein low. Ideally, protein would be 15% or less, though most feeds don’t hit that. I feed the Nutrena at 16% and I’m really happy with it. It and PANR are rabbit feeds, but there are many pet owners and breeders who feed them and get excellent results. You can’t ‘buy just any rabbit food though, those two brands are tried, tested, and approved by actual chinchilla folk.
If you just need small amounts (not a 50 pound bag) you can check the classifieds at http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com. Lots of people will buy 50 pound bags then want to split them because they won’t come near to using that much. It’s still actually cheaper to buy that 50 pound bag though than it is to buy a smaller bag at a pet store. Some other people also take what they will need, then donate the excess to an animal shelter. If you just want smaller amounters, you can find them in the classifieds as well.
As far as treats, nix the raisins. They are high in sugar and chinchillas don’t digest sugar well. There are much better treats for your chin, and they don’t come from the pet store either. Bite sized nonsugared shredded wheat, dried rosehips, organic rosebuds, a pinch of old fashioned (not quick) oats, and chinchilla safe wood chews are a much better alternative to raisins.
Feel free to join the forum if you’d like. You need to be over 14 due to COPPA regulations, but you can still read all the forums regardless. We’re a large and growing community of pet owners and beeders, and we’re always happy to answer your questions.
Chinchilla food only! We buy ours at Pet Smart and just usually buy the cheapest brand they have. We have had him for 3 years and he is in good health..Some raisins are ok, but not many they will tear his tummy up! But mainly Timothy Hay and Chinchilla Food are all they need and of course water!….Good Luck!
That is some inspirational stuff. Never knew that opinions could be this varied. Thanks for all the enthusiasm to offer such helpful information here.
This is just the sort of info I was looking for! Thanks