Degu
Feeds- |
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CURRENT FEED VERSION |
OLD FEED VERSION |
Versele-Laga make this feed and there are two types, a newly formulated and much improved current version ('Degu Nature') and an old version ('Degus Nature' which was part of their Prestige Nature Fibre & Herb range)- see pictures of packaging above. It is stocked by some pet shops in griplock bags for freshness. Sizes available: 750 g and 2.5 kg |
>Ingredients< CURRENT FEED
VERSION Note: Contains Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS). These are NOT sugar compounds and may actually be beneficial for diabetic degus. Also contains EC permitted additives, Jerusalem artichoke and saponins in the form of yucca extract which inhibit yeast growth. The use of saponins in feeds is still subject to some controversy (see the feed trial in the articles section). OLD FEED
VERSION Note: This feed IS NOT SUGAR FREE- it contains whole, dried fruit (banana, raisins and carob). The feed also contains salt. |
>Nutritional analysis<
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>Specific feeding advice< CURRENT
VERSION Note that Jerusalem artichoke is included as a vegetable in this feed, these tubers can cause bloating so watch for signs of this when first giving this feed. Signs of bloating include a distended abdomen, straining/constipation or diarrhoea and passing gas. OLD VERSION Personal communication with the nutritionists at Versele-Laga confirmed that vitamin C was not included in this feed (Werquin, 2006*), although the food does contain rose hips, a natural source of vitamin C. It is currently assumed that degus need dietary vitamin C as they are unable to make it (like their close relatives the Guinea pig and chinchilla), so when feeding this diet it is essential to supplement their feed with fresh vegetables containing vitamin C, such as rosehips, red peppers, parsley and broccoli. The vitamin E levels are also a little low, so you can supplement with corn, spinach and sunflower seeds (although sunflower seeds are high in fats and protein). |
* Dr. Guy Werquin (2006) Nutritionist at Versele-Laga. Personal Communication.
© Copyright C.V. Long BSc 2004 - 2010; Reproduction with permission only.