When shopping for reptile food, don’t buy anything from PetSmart. They are generally from dreadful pet mills and fed frozen prey. Not only are they not worth buying, but many snakes are also fed the wrong kinds of food. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through this experience alone. Here are some things you should know about PetSmart snake food. Also, remember that the company has a 14-day money-back guarantee, which means that if your pet is sick or dies, they will compensate you for the purchase either through store credit or money.
Contents
Reptiles sold at PetSmart aren’t pretty
Animal rights groups like PETA have taken on Reptiles by Mack, a chain of pet stores that sells wild animals and small mammals. These animals are kept in tanks, cages, and worse. Many of them are tortured or killed in horrific conditions. Even worse, some of them are sold at PetSmart at a fraction of their retail price. Here’s what PETA has discovered.
One reason why pet stores aren’t the best places to buy reptiles is their lack of knowledge about how to care for them. Reptiles in chain stores are likely unhealthy, injured, or malnourished. Fortunately, some smaller shops have knowledgeable owners and reptiles for sale. While some chains may offer knowledgeable reptiles, others are just miniature versions of chain stores. We visited two different pet stores to compare the standards.
They come from horrible pet mills
A shocking investigation by PETA has revealed that most of the snake food sold in pet stores is sourced from horrendous pet mills. These facilities often use animals captured in their natural habitats and then shipped to other continents for use as pets. The industry often ignores the needs and instincts of these animals in their quest for profit. Here are some of the shocking details that were uncovered during the investigation:
Almost all animals sold in chain pet stores are bought from horrendous pet mills. The animals are not treated properly and compete for food and water. They also lack veterinary care. Disease and injuries go untreated. No wonder snake food sold in chain pet stores is so bad. Animals need to be raised in proper conditions, not put in pet stores. Petsmart snake food comes from horrible pet mills.
They are fed frozen prey
The snakes sold at PetSmart are carnivores, which means they’re used to eating meat. To reduce the risk of disease or injury, they’re typically fed frozen Arctic Mice. Pinkie mice are a safe food for baby snakes, but bigger mice are ideal for adult snakes. To prevent bacterial growth, the prey must be thoroughly cleaned and stored in the fridge or freezer.
Before feeding your pet, thaw the frozen prey before giving it to the snake. Snakes’ body temperature can fall drastically if they’re only partially thawed. The most efficient way to thaw frozen prey is to place it in a cup of water for 30 minutes before feeding. To make the food seem live, you should hold the food with tongs and gently shake it in the cup of water.
They aren’t a good choice for first-time pet owners
The quality of the food sold at PetSmart and other similar stores is suspect. This is primarily due to the fact that snakes are carnivores, which means that their primary food is meat. Many of the snake foods sold at PetSmart are made from frozen Arctic Mice, which are less likely to cause disease or injury than fresh prey. Similarly, baby snakes should be fed pinkie mice, while adult snakes should be fed larger mice.
Besides the poor quality of the food, there are other issues with this brand. While Petsmart does offer a guarantee, most customers are not satisfied. The employees at pet stores give bad information, fail to explain proper care for the snake, and charge too much. The company should educate its staff about the needs of snakes and provide them with the right food.
They aren’t healthy
You can’t rely on commercial food for your snake, especially when you’re shopping at a pet store, like Petsmart. This company does not have a high-quality reptile food, and the information it provides is outdated and wrong. It’s best to seek veterinary advice for your reptile’s health and nutrition. Proper habitats are essential for your snake’s well-being, so you need to make sure you provide the proper living conditions for your pet. A bad set up can cause your snake’s death.
Before buying your pet snake from Petsmart, remember that these animals are carnivores. If you’re feeding one of these animals meat, you’ll reduce their risk of contracting disease. To reduce the risk of injury, Petsmart recommends purchasing frozen Arctic Mice for feeding. A good tip when purchasing frozen prey for your snake is to warm them up first by placing them in warm water.
