Before you buy chinchilla food from PetSmart, it is important to understand that PetSmart employees are not veterinarians and do not have any pet experience. They are often not very trustworthy and have ties to many disreputable wholesalers. Moreover, the large scale of these pet stores is not ideal for chinchillas waiting for new owners.
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Alfalfa based chinchilla food
Alfalfa based chinchilla food is the best choice for your chinchilla’s diet. Chinchillas have very specific nutritional requirements. Their diet should be composed of 30 percent fiber, 14-16 percent protein, and 35 percent carbohydrates. They also need 3.5 percent fat and 4 percent sugar. The right amount of minerals and trace elements should be included as well.
Chinchillas are easily acclimated to the temperatures of an average house, but should never be kept in direct sunlight or a drafty area. Alfalfa-based pellets should be fed to your pet at least twice a day. Alfalfa-based pet foods can be purchased at select Petco stores.
Avoiding raisins
If you want your chinchilla to have the best health, you should avoid giving it raisins in their food. These items are highly acidic and are not good for your chinchilla. Luckily, there are some treats they can eat, including dried apples and grapenuts. Just remember to avoid giving raisins and other sugary items.
Raisins can be a tasty treat for your chinchilla, but be sure to keep the amount to a minimum. While they are not toxic, they are high in sugar. Too much sugar in a chinchilla’s diet can lead to diabetes and obesity. It is better to choose healthy treats like pellets or timothy hay instead of raisins.
Another type of treat that chinchillas can enjoy is a small piece of fruit. Chinchillas are particularly sensitive to sugar, so you should limit their fruit intake to just a few pieces per week. You can also consider shredded wheat as a substitute for raisins. Ensure that you buy organic shredded wheat.
Avoiding plastic igloos
One way to make a chinchilla’s life better is to give it a place to hide. The plastic igloos in Petco aren’t the best idea. They contain a lot of sugar, which can cause diabetes in your pet. A wooden house is a better choice.
It’s important to keep chinchilla food and supplies clean. Ideally, they should only be fed alfalfa-based pellets. The best brands are Oxbow and Mazuri. It’s also important to be aware that not all wood is safe for chinchillas. Some wood is toxic, especially if it’s painted or treated.
Avoiding salt and mineral wheels
Avoiding salt and mineral wheels when feeding pets mart chinchilla food is important to avoid the health consequences of over-salting your animal. Salt wheels and solid mineral blocks are popular, but they are not good for chinchillas. Salt and mineral wheels are made to provide extra nutrients, but they can have harmful effects on your pet.
Mineral wheels and salt are a danger for chinchillas because they can clog up the urinary system. If the urine is not emptied quickly enough, the excess minerals will build up into large structures that may require surgery. They may even cause death if not treated in time. Salt is also an issue because too much can lead to a calcium deficiency in your chinchilla. Both calcium and sodium are excreted in urine. The excess sodium can cause hypocalcemia, which can be fatal.
Avoiding chinchilla wheels
Chinchilla exercise wheels are a great way to keep your chin active. The wheels come in different sizes, and you’ll want to choose one that has a solid running surface and an open side. Avoid wheels made of wire, as these can be dangerous for your chinchilla. You should also avoid plastic exercise balls, which are not safe for your pet. Steel exercise wheels are easier to clean and maintain.
Chinchillas have very delicate digestive systems, and plastic can cause impaction and shutting down their system. Despite this fact, pet stores continue to sell plastic chinchilla products. Also, the diameter of chinchilla wheels is too small, which can hurt your chinchilla’s back and cause pain. Plastic also keeps temperatures high, which can cause health problems for your chinchilla.
