Confused about gp pellets

[Sandra]

I still cant make my mind on what pellets to get my new gp. I know it should have stabilised vitamin C...but what about the other things? Why some have a higher protein % and lower fiber and other have higer fiber than protein? Which one is the best one? I also know it should be plain pellets....But that part fiber/protein part is what is confusing me. What petshop pellets are considered good? Thanks for your help, I'll talk all the info you guys can give me. Thanks

[crzy4piggers]

http://www.guinealynx.info/diet.html

I hope that answers your questions. Protein and fiber have never been an issue with me purchasing their pellets. I look for the Vit. C and no seeds or colorful bits. The guinea pig should be getting it's fiber through the timothy hay you should be providing. But, check out the link and read about their diet and that should help you.

[Sandra]

I had already read that link but it didnt help me much. I know Oxbow is top of the line, but I cant afford to order. Thats why I was wondering what petshop pellets are good or comparable to Oxbow.

[crzy4piggers]

Kaytee FortiDiet
Mazuri Guinea Pig Pellets

http://www.guinealynx.info/pellets.html On the bottom of that page is all the pellets that are commonly fed to guinea pigs.

[Sandra]

Sorry for being ignorant on this but if I may ask, what makes "Kaytee FortiDiet" and "Mazuri Guinea Pig Pellets" better pellets than the other GP pellet brand? Thanks for the link.

[Sandra]

Mazuri pellets for GP:
Guaranteed AnalysisCrude protein not less than18.0%Crude fat not less than4.0%Crude fiber not more than16.0%Ash not more than9.0%Ascorbic Acid not less than613 mg/lbVitamin E not less than 35 IU/lb

Kaytee Timothy Complete™ for Guinea Pigs
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min.)...............14.0%
Crude Fat (min.)......................2.0%
Crude Fiber (max.).................22.0%
Moisture (max.).....................12.0%
Ascorbic Acid (min.)..............100mg/lb

Would Mazuri be better because it got 613mg/lb even if it got less fiber than Kaytee? Just cant find the Mazuri's moisture value

[crzy4piggers]

The first year I fed Kaytee as my numbers were much lower now I feed Mazuri and it's done my herd just fine for the 5 years I've fed it. I realize it is alfalfa based, but when you run a rescue you need to find something affordable.

I don't care about the protein, fat, fiber, or moisture that is in it, all that matters is that it has stabilized Vitamin C in it. They get their pellets, grass hay (FIBER) and veggies (more vit. C) daily and are healthy pigs.

That is my experience, if you need further analysis answers my I suggest GuineaLynx? I am not into numbers and all that...

[UP Lisa]

Depends on the age of the pig. Growing pigs need more calcium and fat. Therefore, they should have an Alfalfa pellet. Adults need lower calcium, fat, and protein, and should be fed a Timothy pellet. A stabilized Vitamin C is best for all.

[PiggieLuver]

I just use regular plain pellets from the local feed store. None of those expensive food with all the horrible colored junk in it.

[UP Lisa]

Be careful about buying pellets in bulk. When they are left sitting out in bins, they lose their Vitamin C.

[lilchris_28]

Quote: Be careful about buying pellets in bulk. When they are left sitting out in bins, they lose their Vitamin C.

I buy pellets in bulk from KMs and put what I won't use in two week in the freezer and take it out as I need it.

[HappyWithLife]

The Oxbow website has a store locator where you can find stores near you that sell their products. That's how I found Oxbows Cavy Performance for my young boys. Some vets carry oxbow pellets and hays since most recommend that brand. The guinealynx site also has a list of ingredients to avoid in pellets.