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Hearty Munchies
Pet Age Staff //July 1, 2019//
Listen to this articleJust like humans need a diet that caters specifically to them, small animals require the same thing based on their age, lifestyle and state of health. Food and treats for small animals cover a wide range of products due to the variety of nutritional profiles of the different species of critters.
The kind of foods that small animal owners purchase generally depends on the species of pet that is owned. According to the 2019-2020 APPA National Pet Ownership Survey, nearly 80 percent of hamster owners feed their pet a hamster/gerbil mix, while just under half purchase food treats. As for guinea pig owners, more than 60 percent of those surveyed said they purchase alfalfa/hay products, more than half claim they buy food treats and 44 percent tend to get bagged pellets for their pet.
To keep your customers content, be sure they are well read on their pet’s unique dietary needs, so they can be confident that their pets are getting the proper diet. Also be sure to stock the appropriate foods and treats for the full range of small animals, from meat products for ferrets, which are obligate carnivores, to grass hay with calcium for rabbits.
There are many packaged treats and foods available on the market that address the various nutritional requirements of each and every critter in the sector. These products offer hearty ingredients with mouthwatering tastes that will help your customers’ small animal pets to flourish.
Forti-Diet Pro Health
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health was developed by animal nutritional experts to ensure proper nutrition, and contains probiotics and prebiotics to support digestive health. This food is rich in natural antioxidants for general health and immune support, plus it contains some larger, crunchier pieces to support dental health through natural chewing activity.
Vitakraft Sunseed Treats
Vitakraft Sunseed’s long-time favorite small animal treat bars come in a variety of recipes, containing exciting ingredients like quinoa seed, mountain ash berries, pumpkin seed hearts and flaxseed. They are fun, tasty and nutritious, with a texture that offers plenty of chewing exercise.
Tropical Carnival Natural Daily Diet
A vitamin/nutrient-fortified food and treat, all-in-one. These super premium gourmet foods are specifically formulated for the daily dietary needs of pet rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas.
Garden Select
Oxbow’s Garden Select foods combine complete nutrition with ingredients and flavor profiles hand-picked from Mother Nature’s kitchen. Now available in young formulas and larger sizes, these Non-GMO Project-verified diets are uniform, complete and balanced, with a delectable aroma and flavor that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.
Selective Naturals Grain-Free Food
Supreme is going grain-free with Selective Naturals rabbit and guinea pig food. Ninety-three percent of pet owners think there is a benefit to feeding grain-free, believing it is less likely to cause health problems. Selective Naturals Grain-Free is rich in Timothy Hay and garden vegetables, with no added sugars, corn or wheat.
Versele-Laga Complete Small Animal Food
Containing all nutritional elements, this complete, high-tech, all-in-one extruded small animal food has an industry-leading palatability and prevents selective eating. Based on advanced scientific insights, the composition is tailored to pets to keep them in top form. Available for rabbits, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, degus, ferrets and more.
