NZ Chinchilla Rescue

Understanding  Chinchillas & Diet

Consideration & Thought

Please think before you feed, EVERYTHING you feed your chinchilla adds up it cannot be stressed enough, the ‘odd’ Raisin here and there – 70% sugar compared to 4% in the daily intake, the odd Wheatbix here and there.

So many say ‘but it is not much’ mostly because of how tiny the Raisin is in appearance, it is very deceiving, it is what is in the foods not how small the food is. IT DOES add onto what is already in the Pellets and Hay.  Please look and think.

Proper commercial designed Chinchilla Pellets and good Hay is all that is needed for a chinchilla.  As I said in another topic, if a Chinchilla is Healthy extra nutrition is not needed, ONLY in times of pregnancy, stress, sickness, growth and at a older age.

Pellet Types

I will say it again, always feed proper Chinchilla Pellets (not Pet Shop mixes they make up) never feed rabbit pellets, they have the wrong nutritional balance and since rabbits are not even Rodents, they are completely different. There are chinchilla pellets available on the market. The damage they cause to a chinchillas insides, mostly Liver is not worth it, turning from damaging to failure.  I have dealt with so many cases of Liver Failure it is saddening.  Depending on the Chinchilla it can happen at any time, and every case I have dealt with all the people did not know their chinchilla or breeding stock had it, an interesting issue to keep in mind.  Rabbit Pellet feeding has been linked to: small babies, less or no milk, deficiencies, behavioural problems, teeth problems, heart failure, calcium excretion, still births, other organ failure, intestinal problems, short life just to name a few.

;Here are photos of different Pellets to show examples.  Good Quality, proper Chinchilla Pellets are Dark, the lighter the Pellet the less suitable it is for Chinchillas and should be avoided i.e. as you can see from the Rabbit Pellets pictured.  The Complete/Mixed Food as you can just has a treat bonanza, treats are meant as a occasional thing, been in a daily food does not make sense and will eventually cause a mount of problems like fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis), seizures, prolapsed intestine, deficiencies to name some.  It also causes the Chin to become a selective a feeder, this WILL happen, where the chin picks out all the treats, eventually not eating all of the Pellets.  Proper plain commercial chinchilla pellets has everything that a Chinchilla needs, since Chinchillas have a very special diet in the wild, straight Pellet chinchilla food is especially made to even deal with pregnant or nursing needs, there is no need for extras in the Pellets.

       
 Good Quality Pellets - Nice and dark,          Complete Food, the coloured bits and            Rabbit/Guinea Pig Pellets - you can
 simple, yet has EVERYTHING they                seeds are rubbish food, banana chips           see there is nothing good in these just
 need, you know it is getting just that            are occasional treats so why are they             by the apparence of them, compared                                                                                                in a daily food?  - An OK Pellet                      to the Pellets made for Chinchillas.       

Chinchillas & Calcium

In order for a Chinchilla to have Healthy teeth and bones, the Calcium to Phosphorous in their diet needs to be either 2:1, or equal parts.

You do not have to give extra Calcium if your Chinchilla is healthy, it is a choice BUT a choice you should have much thought in, as there are guide lines and points to follow and to understand before attempting to give a Chinchilla extra Calcium.

Proper dedicated commercial Chinchilla pellets are designed for these specific needs also, they are nutritionally balanced and along with Hay which is already naturally calcium to phosphorous balanced, is enough for a healthy chinchilla.  A healthy chinchilla on this diet does not need extra Calcium/supplements unless breeding, nursing, growth, sickness, recovery etc, then they may need a little extra once to twice a week supplementation.

If Calcium is just given alone i.e. in the form of a Calcium block, Tablets etc, some still find their Chinchillas are still getting teeth problems.  Again, if the calcium to phosphorous is not right, or to much calcium is given (done very easily by giving supplements and calcium 3 or more times a week and giving a wrong balance i.e. licks, blocks), it will just be expelled by the body (magnesium imbalances cause calcium excretion also), if to much Calcium is absorbed then allot of Calcium is removed, so you are in fact doing the opposite of what you are trying to achieve!  A common sign of excretion is Calcified Urine, the shelves or litter, dried Urine will appear ‘white’, the two photos below are an example of Calcified Urine:

                           Calcified Urine on News Paper, I have circled in pink where this is.                   Calcified Urine on Wood

Things like cuttlefish are a very low dose of calcium and phosphorous, next to nothing in it so you are safe with leaving that in the cage all the time, not only that it is perfect for the teeth and back molars as it does not splinter like wood.

 

How Calcium is Absorbed

 

In basic, Calcium needs to be ingested in an ionic form and also have phosphorous, vitamin D and D3 so it can be fully absorbed.  Vitamin D and D3 assists with absorbing Calcium through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, then to the bones.  
That is why you have to be careful what kind of Calcium is given and how it is given.  Just because a product, Vet or reputable Pet Shop says it is fine, does not mean it is, look into it and if you are unsure leave it.

Bones cannot hold onto extra Calcium, so daily calcium supplementation of any kind will confuse the body’s system, again if lots of calcium is absorbed then lots is removed and can cause a number of problems, with or without you knowing. Sadly in NZ most is without the person knowing.

Salt is a must to avoid but it is also essential.  It is already in your chinchilla pellets and everything else you feed them, good quality Chinchilla pellets already have enough salt so there is no need to add Salt and Licks/Blocks of any kind.  The down side and risk of adding salt is it also causes calcium excretion (as explained above and below), leading to loss of bone density, cramps and other related calcium deficiency problems.

To make sure your Chinchilla will benefit from the calcium it is given

 

1. Stay away from phosphorus in phytate form, i.e. Cereal products, Peanuts.  This binds the calcium, preventing absorption.

2. Ensure that a chinchillas diet is correctly calcium to phosphorus balanced, in the CORRECT BALANCE TOGETHER with Vitamin D, D3, C and A and magnesium, very easily and simply done by sticking to Hay and proper commercial dedicated Chinchilla Pellets, NOT mixed Chinchilla food, rabbit or guinea pig pellets.

3. Give calcium supplement ONLY once to twice a week (at the most) and ONLY if needed i.e. pregnancy, nursing, growth, and DO NOT give any Calcium every day unless there is a medical reason in which then should only be advised by a Vet.

4. Ensure any supplements are CORRECTLY balanced for a chinchilla, not things that are for other animals i.e. Birds, Rats, Rabbits, even check supplements that say are for chinchillas, make sure they are also not made/put together by a Pet Shop regardless. 

5. Keep the diet basic and watch treats, supplements and other things (be strict as above) and keep the Salt to a minimum avoiding Salt Licks/Blocks, your chinchilla may love these, but remember salt is already in and added in EVERYTHING you feed to your chinchilla, to much, it can cause loss of bone density and other related calcium deficiency problems that can mimic symptoms of teeth problems i.e. watery eyes.

Make sure you replace the Pellets and Hay Daily with FRESH, and that the Pellets are well within the expiry date, are not expired or close to expiry.

* Introduce all new foodstuff including treats very slowly *

These are only some just to give you something, do not think that all herbs and Natural foods are suitable as they are not.  Just because a Chinchilla eats it, does not mean it is safe.  Again Chinchillas are complete Junk Addicts and love food, regardless of whether it be good for them or not.

*  Marshmallow Root  A favourite with Chinchillas!  Be warned though this has a high amount of Vitamin A, but also has a high amount of Vitamin B and thiamine which Chinchillas need.  It is not only a tasty treat but also can be used as a supplement for the respiratory system and digestive tracts.  A small piece once to twice a fortnight is enough.  For Chinchillas that have respiratory, kidney, other tract problems twice a week until progress is made is fine. Perfect for females who have delivered as it also soothes inflamed tissue, and it also has a natural calming affect which can be great for stress or shock.

*  Natural Liqourice Root  This is something about only half the Chinchillas like, it is very rich in nutrients so care must be taken to only feed no more than 2 inches long once a week.  But it is a very fibrous and tough the serves the teeth as well as the digestive, nervous system, also great for Ulcers and the stomach!

* Dried Herbs  Depending on the herb and again the Chinchilla, so check the suitability of them BEFORE feeding it.  A good pinch a few times a week per Chinchilla is fine.  Some are a great source of vitamins and minerals and are full of phyto-nutrients.  To name some and their benefits. For detoxing (great for after surgery): Dandelion, Restharrow root, Cornflower petals or Nettles.  For Heart and circulation: Rosemary leaves, Raspberry leaves, Yarrow, Cornflower, or Marigold (also good for Urine detox).  For Diarrhoea: Blackberry Leaves.  Remember that these are just some herbs, and some of what they do for your chinchilla, some have more than one benefit.

*  Apple Tree Twigs with bark on  before giving to a Chinchilla they should first be prepared, clean them in warm water and then put in a oven to be ‘baked’, this kills off any bugs/larvae and any live bacteria (leave the bark on). Like anything that is put for a Chinchilla to have must not be treated, glued or sprayed etc.  The Bark is safe so allow them to eat it, this is a excellent tasty fibrous treat that keeps the back molars down, and they also have to ‘work’ for their treat and it resembles closely to their natural diet and behaviour that they do in the wild.  A twig or two daily is fine to give, great Natural treat!  See “Safe & Non Safe woods & Chews” for list of other woods and Chews, safe or toxic.

*  Alfalfa Hay - Very high in calcium and phosphorous and other nutrients, it is a tasty and healthy treat, but to rich to be given regularly, so once to twice a week is plenty, but this also depends on the individual but must be kept away from babies.

*  Dried Rose Hips - A excellent daily treat that is full of fibre and not harsh on the digestive as it is not rich.  One once a day is safe, great for teeth and keeps them amused for a while!

*  Mountain Ash Berries - Another excellent treat that is very healthy and perfect for the teeth as well.  With Chinchillas that have sensitive digestive systems just feed one once a week.

*  Human Food - Once again, although chinchillas LOVE biscuits and cereals etc, please use your common sense when feeding them.  Biscuits are extremely high in fat and sugar, and you are not doing your chinchilla any favours if you feed them regularly.  Some sugar-coated cereals should be avoided too.

*  Other suitable treats Raisins (once a week if that), Banana chips (once a week to once a fortnight), Porridge Oats (once a week), small piece of Apple (ONLY once a fortnight at the least to once a month).  Dried and unsweetened Papaya and Pineapple are very useful in dealing with and also preventing fur balls.  In them, they contain small amounts of the enzyme papain which can help digest the fur in the stomach.  Be warned to only feed these sparingly if NOT at all and keep an eye on the Sugar and Salt content of all treats given, remember that everything soon adds up, and Chinchillas can get diabetes and other problems from Sugar and Salt.   Also these kinds of treats are abit to harsh for their digestives, and you might have to deal with constipation or diarrhoea or worse, Prolapsed Intestines.  So these are best used as a remedy or for mothers to be or mothers, or illnesses.  Here is a sugar percentage to give you a idea showing the sugar content of some dried fruits, again it is best to look at the nutritional content of any treat for Salts, Sugar, Fats and Oils before feeding as these are Warnings in a chinchillas diet:

- Banana chips 23%
- Raisins 70%
- Dates 60%
- Apple 37%
- Dried pineapple 86%
- Dried papaya 64%

Here is also the Fat content in some Nuts and seeds which may be fed, but for very good reasons I personally do not feed Sunflower seeds, Millet or Nuts, good advice I would stay AWAY from these. For one, they are to high in Fats and Oils, this is far to harsh for their delicate systems even as a occasional treat.  Also as I have said before they don't have a gall bladder so the liver has to work over time, why they also MUST stay away from Raw hide (which is a meat product anyway, Chinchillas are strictly herbivores!), Rabbit or guinea pig pellets. This very delicate system is a good thing to keep in mind when choosing what they have to eat both treat and main:

- Peanuts 52%
- Walnuts 68%
- Cashew Nut 50%
- Hazelnut 63%
- Pinenuts 69%
- Sunflower seed 47.5%
- Sesame Seed 57%
- Almonds 57%
- Brazil Nut 68%
- Millet 46%

Things like treat sticks, either herb sticks or calcium sticks can be fed but are not the best and are just that, unhealthy treats.  They have the right amount of Calcium to Phosphorous and other good nutrients but they do have extra sugars, salts, other rubbish, seeds (as above, fats and oils), and are more just Junk to a chinchillas diet.  If they are fed they should be done so sparingly at one stick over a 3 week period (depending, some chinchillas love them and will gobble them up to fast), once every 2 -3 months and NO OTHER treats or supplements should be fed.

*  AVOID  Green food such as Fresh Grass, Broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, these foods are toxic for a Chinchillas system and have caused Bloat, so they SHOULD NOT BE FED AT ALL!  Other foods to STAY AWAY from are other Veggies like carrots, peas, corn.  Even dried corn, I know many feed them and even books suggest them but they are a big NO NO!

*  Mineral Blocks and Salts  This is not necessary, as said their pellets contain everything they need.  If these are added to your chinchilla’s diet be warned that they can cause fits and seizures, loss of bone density, Heart failure, excessive calcium excretion leading to calcium deficiencies.   Even for pregnancy a supplement will already be given so the mineral blocks and salt is not needed.

Going back to the Chinchillas simple diet of proper commercial designed Chinchilla Pellets and Hay, this contains everything that is required for a Chinchilla, if these are fed then there will be no ill affects on their Health.  Prevention is always better with Chinchillas, they are not as tough as what people may think, they are very good at hiding things and will seem normal and healthy if not enough is known no matter what has been read or said.  It can very easily slip past no matter what the issue.

Here is a supplement recipe that can be fed at one teaspoon ONCE A WEEK ONLY and only if needed.  This recipe is a completely balanced supplement:
 
Recipe no. 3 (provided by Debbie on CU).
1kg rolled oats
1kg wheat germ
1kg wheat bran
250g rye flakes
250g barley flakes
250g wheat flakes
250g quinoa flakes
150g golden linseed
15g calcium powder
10g "Arkvits" multivitamin & mineral supplement
Handful of dried nettles

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Like I have said, if treats are fed even healthy ones, they should be done so very sparingly with supplements. NZ does not have arkvits, so see a Exotics Specialist Vet for a suitable multivitamin and mineral supplement.  Check that the Vitamins, calcium to phosphorous is correctly balanced and NOT out of Date.

WOODS THAT ARE NOT SAFE

All Stone Fruit such as Peach, Apricot, Plum etc                                                     
Cashew
Birch
Cedar (including litter cedar shavings)
Cherry
All Citrus woods such as orange, grapefruit, lemon or lime (and stone)
Elderberry bushes                                                                                                         
Chestnut
Ebony
Box Elder
Sandalwood
Hydrangea
Eucalyptus                                                                                                                     
Spruce
Fir                                                                                                                                    
Aralia Spinosa (Other names are devil's walking stick or Hercules’ club)
Juniper
Greenheart
FRESH CUT Pine or Pinecones                                                                                        
Beech
Yew                                                                                                                             
Oak  (Bark is safe and is used in remedies and as a treat)
Teak                                                                                                                           
Walnut
Iornwood                                                                                                              
Rosewood                                                                                                                          
Black locust (Bean Shell is safe)
Ginko                                                                                                              
Maple                                                                                                                          
Blackwood                                                                                                                        
Almond
Myrtle                                                                                                                 
Mahogany                                                                                                                          
Wenge                                                                                                                              
Cherry
Blackwood
Chinese Snake Tree
Cypress
Tallow
Chestnut
Limetree
Sycamore                           
OTHER TOXIC WOODS ARE MAN-MADE BOARD’S such as Chipboard, Plywood, Block board, Fibreboard, Hardboard, Stirling board

WOODS THAT ARE SAFE

Cottonwood                                                                     
Apple                                                                                                                             
Willow (BUT stick with Goat, Weeping or Pussy Willow)
Pear                                                                                                                            Mulberry                                                                                                                         
Crab-apple                                                                                                                      
Hazelnut                                                                                                                                
Elm                                                                                                                            
Araucariaceae                                                                                                                   
Rosaceae                                                                                                                      
Dogwood rose (dried rosehips are healthy daily treats too!)                                        
Chinese Dogwood                                                                                                             
Horse Apple                                                                                                                              
Kiwi                                                                                                                                    
Pine (kiln dried & untreated with preservatives etc)                                                          
Pine Cones that have been opened free of seeds, washed, baked and dried               
Alderberry                                                                                                                            
Bamboo                                                                                                                             
Grape                                                                                                                              
Manzanita                                                                                                                   
Hawthorn                                                                                                                      
Magnolia                                                                                                                          
Pecan

These are safe BUT must be untreated, organic, fungicide & insecticide free, and NOT glued, stained or painted with ANYTHING!

IMPORTANT: I have also been told and researched that these have been trialled and tested, so with that I hope no one will use the not safe wood.

Personally I only stick to Apple, Hazel, and untreated Pine (this for shelving).   I used to give Willow but I found myself with my own chinchillas and rescues that Apple twigs/branches and Hazel is preferred over it.  In my own research, I found the best time to get Hazel twigs / branches are before Mid Summer, for some reason the Chinchillas seem to love it more at this time!

Apple twigs can also be used as a daily treat with the Bark left on (the Bark part been the treat). To prepare it wash them in warm water and then sun dry them for a day.  After this you then put in a home oven to be ‘baked’ at 300 F (150 degrees C), this kills off any bugs/larvae and any live bacteria, micro organisms in the wood.  Watch that you do not to overdo the drying process, drying it so much that the bark cracks and falls off,  and also that you do not burn it.  It is ok but not very enjoyable by the poor Chin!  Think of it as you eating burnt toast.

Be Warned about wood used for bedding, Cedar is a common bedding and so are others that have “odour-reducing", these are dangerous for Chinchillas, mice have even been known to die with Cedar bedding.  To many people do assume, if there is a item in reputable pet shop that is been sold or/and it is widely marketed, that it is safe for their pet.  This is not the case at all.  Items like Cedar (other wood that is not safe) can cause death or suffering, with or without you knowing.  If a Chinchilla does survive it can get Brain Damage, Eye Disorders, Rashes, Respiratory Problems, Liver Failure just to name a few.  People have also mistaken other symptoms for Dental problems, as Cedar (as with other woods & bedding) can make the eyes watery, loss of appetite and lose weight, even if the Chinchilla does not come into contact with it i.e. if the Bedding is under a wire bottom out of reach.

PLEASE NOTE: Watery eyes and other signs like this can mean a number of things other than bedding or Dental, it could also mean a allergy or deficiency of some kind, which will be in “Health, symptoms, possible causes, prevention & cures”.

MORE CHEWING HARZARDS IN OR OUT OF THE CAGE (please just use common sense):  Electrical Wires, commercial Cardboard i.e. scented toilet rolls, glue in some packing boxes etc, Cloth that strings, Medicated Anti-Fungal Powder i.e. used for fur fungus in dust but while dusting and after can get on chew toys, food etc so only use “Mycota” and only if necessary (also see “Health, symptoms, possible causes, prevention & cures”) and keep away from chew toys etc, Talcum Powder i.e. some put this in the dust bath so I warn that this is a ‘respiratory irritant’, House Plants, Plastics.

OTHER SAFE CHEWS: Cuttle Fish, Cholla, this is a dried cactus, great for chinchillas also a treat, similar to what Cactuses they would chew on in the wild but sorry NZ cannot get these unless it is one piece on a Bird Toy sold in Pet Shops, Pumice Stones, Mineral Stones OR Calcium Blocks that have Phosphorous but watch how much and what it contains, please see ‘Chinchillas and Calcium’ and ‘Diet & Nutrition’ about those two, also Hay Cubes which sorry we don’t get in New Zealand. 

These Safe Chews do not splinter like wood, I am afraid with wood there is a chance of that, so try to provide lots more of these kinds of Chews.  Chinchillas that already have teeth problems are best to stay away from woods (not the Barks, they are fine) and kept to these types of Chews.  Quality Chinchilla Pellets and Hard Treats like Rose Hips naturally keep teeth warn down while eating.

Guaranteed Analysis & Ingredients Of Pellet

Types

Kaytee Forti-Diet Chinchilla

Guaranteed Analysis
Moisture (max) 12.0%
Crude Protein (min) 18.0%
Crude Fat (min) 3.0%
Crude Fiber (max) 17.0%

Ingredients
Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Ground Oats, Ground Wheat, Ground Corn, Wheat Middlings, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Beet Pulp, Corn Oil, Dried Cane Molasses, Wheat Germ Meal, Salt, DL-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Magnesium Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine, Riboflavin (source of Vitamin B2), Ferrous Carbonate, Ethoxyquin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Niacin, Copper Oxide, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K activity), Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite.

Vitakraft Chinchilla Pellets

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 14.4% (Min.)
Crude Fat: 2.5% (Min.)
Crude Fiber: 20.5% (Max.)
Ash: 11.0% (Max.)
Moisture: 11% (Max)
Calcium: 1.1%
Phosphorus: 0.50%

Ingredients
Alfalfa Meal, Oat Bran, Coarse Sunflower Meal, Wheat Bran, Corn Gluten, Sugarcane Molasses, Coarse Rape Seed Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Retinylacetate (source of Vitamin A), Dihydroxycholecalciferol (source of Vitamin D3, DL-a-Tocopherol acetate (source of Vitamin E), Thiamine Monocitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Cobalamine (source of Vitamin B12), Menadion (source of Vitamine K), Nicotinic Acid, Panthotenic Acid, Folic Acid, Biotin, Copper Sulphate, Zinc Sulphate, Mangan (II) Oxide, Iron Oxide, Calcium Iodide, Cobalt Iodide, Sodium Selenite.

LM Chinchilla Food, Clasic Blend

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 17% (Min.)
Crude Fat: 2.5% (Min.)
Crude Fiber: 18% (Max.)
Moisture: 11% (Max)

Ingredients
Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Ground Oats, Ground Wheat, Soybean Meal, Linseed Meal, Dried Whey, Dried Skimmed Milk, Maize Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles, Cane Molasses, Sucrose, Wheat Middlings, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dextrose, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Phosphate, Meat and Bone Meal, Fish Meal, Blend of Animal Fat and Vegetable Oil (Preserved with BHT and Stabilized with Citric Acid), L-Lysine, dl Methionine, Choline Chloride, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Extract, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Vitamin A Acetate in Gelatin, d-Activated Animal Sterol (source of Vitamin D3), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K Activity), Calcium Pantothenate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Biotin, Niacin, Riboflavin, d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (source of Vitamin E), Vitamin b12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochioride, Ethoxyquin (A Preservative), Ground Limestone, Salt, Potassium Sulfate, Calcium Propionate (A preservative), Lecithin, Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Oxide, Cobalt Carbonate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Vegetable Oil, Natural and Artificial Flavors, and Colour.

Important Note & Tip:  Chinchillas are strict herbivores, things like Animal Fat, Fish, Meat and Bone Meal are one thing that should NOT be added to a Chinchilla Food! This is something important to look at when trying to decide what Pellet to feed. Another one that should not be added is Salt.  Salt is already added in other things in the Ingredients.

Chinchillas are not capable of digesting Sugar, breeders of all people should know this yet they feed their chins Raisins, Banana chips, Pet Shop made Chinchilla supplement, Apple and other foods inappropriately designed for chins and high in sugar, weekly, and encourage this.  Just because it is fed does not mean it is good for them, and just because other Rodents eat it does mean it is good for Chinchillas.  Please pay attention and read up, there is allot of misleading and improper info out on chins which takes up most of the chin world.











Alfalfa Meal
Alfalfa meal is the finely ground product of the alfalfa plant.
There are anti-nutritional factors (natural toxins) in alfalfa-saponins, tannins and coumestral. Saponins have a bitter taste and will irritate the lining of the mouth and intestine. Alfalfa meal use in sow diets has declined due to the possible effects of coumestral on reproductive performance. Alfalfa meal also contains tannins. Tannins and trypsin inhibitors bind proteins and inhibit protein digestion.


Animal By-Product Meal
Ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered mammals, including animal tissues, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents.

Animal Fat
May come from mammals or poultry.

 
Animal Protein Products
This is known as a collective feed term and legally the food can include one or more of the following at any given time and can change without notice to the consumer.
Animal products (meat solubles, blood meal)
Marine products (fish meal)
Milk products (whey, casein).

 
Ascorbic acid
A synthetic form of Vitamin C.


BHA, BHT
BHA and BHT are both preservatives. BHA is butylated hydroxyanisole. BHT is butylated hydroxytolune. Both have been associated with liver damage, fetal abnormalities and metabolic stress, and have a questionable relationship to cancer.


Beet Pulp
Beet pulp is the dried residue of sugar production from sugar beets. Dried beet pulp is commonly used in dairy feeds plus dog and other fur bearing animal feeds. It has 18-21 % crude fiber and 8 % crude protein.


Biotin
A natural B complex vitamin. Biotin functions as a coenzyme for carbon dioxide transfer and hence is essential to fat and carbohydrate metabolism. D-Biotin is a synthetic form.

Brewers Dried Yeast
The dried non-fermentative, non-extracted yeast of the botanical classification Saccharomyces resulting as a by-product from the brewing of beer and ale. It must contain not less than 35% protein.


Calcium carbonate
A natural form of calcium.


Calcium pantothenate
A high potency, synthetic source of vitamin B5.


Choline Chloride
Generally classified as a B-complex vitamin (referred to as vitamin B4 in some publications), choline influences the metabolism of carotene and vitamin A in animals.

 
Corn
Unspecified corn product. Not a complete AAFCO definition.


Corn Gluten Meal
Corn gluten meal is the by-product of the manufacture of corn syrup or starch. It is made up of the dried residue after the bran, germ and starch have been removed. Corn gluten meal has 60% crude protein which is comparable to soybean meal. The nutritional problems with corn gluten feed and meal is the same as those in whole corn. It is deficient in lysine and can be contaminated with mycotoxins.

D-activated
Plant or animal sterol fractions which have been vitamin D activated by ultra-violet light or by other means (chemical).


D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate
Natural Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is stored in the liver, muscle, adipose tissue, red blood cells, and several vital organs and glands. Vitamin E, a strong antioxidant, plays a starring role in protecting body tissues from damaging free radicals as well as critical functions in cellular respiration and for prolonging the life of red blood cells.

DL-Methionine
Dl-methionine is an amino acid, which is used as a nutritional supplement.

DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate
Synthesized Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is stored in the liver, muscle, adipose tissue, red blood cells, and several vital organs and glands. Vitamin E, a strong antioxidant, plays a starring role in protecting body tissues from damaging free radicals as well as critical functions in cellular respiration and for prolonging the life of red blood cells.

Dehydrated
Having had the moisture removed by thermal means (heat).


Diamond V "XP"
Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and the media on which it was grown consisting of ground yellow corn, hominy feed, corn gluten feed, wheat middlings, rye middlings, diastatic malt and corn syrup, and cane molasses. Has been shown to increase milk supply in cows.

 
Dicalcium Phosphate
Supplemental calcium and phosphorus


Dried Whey
Dried whey is the watery part of milk, separated out and then dried. It is not less than 11 percent protein or less than 61 percent lactose.


Ethoxyquin
Originally developed for use in the rubber industry and used as a pesticide, it is now used as a preservative in pet foods. However, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) will not approve it for use in human products.

While it may not be immediately threatening in pet diets, like many other substances, ethoxyquin may contribute to "cummulative biomass toxicity". The studies show that exposure to moderate levels of ethoxyquin increase health risks. The way cummulative biomass works is that the tissues accumulate and store certain substances over an extended period of time. Unlike other chemical and biochemical compounds, the body doesn't flush them out. Because of this, exposure at low levels of a substance for a long period becomes an equivalent toxicity level to exposure to a high level of the same substance over a short period. There simply isn't enough research out there to determine the 'safety' levels of the product. Studies would need to be years long. If ethoxyquin functions like other pesticides (which it is classified as), it will in fact produce cummulative biomass toxicity.

Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide
The forms of iodine most commonly used in animal feed are calcium iodate, ethylenediamine dihydriodide (EDDI), and potassium iodide.
Iodine is a key component in the formation of thyroid hormones thyroxin and mono-, di-, and tri-iodothyronine. Excessive ethylenediamine dihydriodide (EDDI) may interfere with vitamin A metabolism.

 
Folic Acid
Vitamin B9 is folic acid or Folicin. It is water soluble and it is present in the foliage of certain plants and is considered an anti-anemia vitamin. Folic acid is essential for the production of red and white blood cells.

 
Forage products
This is known as a collective feed term and legally the food can include one or more of the following at any given time and can change without notice to the consumer.
Alfalfa meal, dehydrated
Alfalfa hay, ground
Alfalfa meal, sun-cured
Coastal Bermuda grass hay
Corn plant, dehydrated
Dehydrated silage
(ensilage pellets)
Flax plant product
Ground grass
Lespedeza meal
Lespedeza stem meal
Soybean hay, ground


Germ
The embryo found in seeds and frequently separated from the bran and starch endosperm during milling.


Grain products
This is known as a collective feed term and legally the food can include one or more of the following (in any of the normal forms such as whole, ground, cracked, screen-cracked, flaked, kibbled, toasted, or heat-processed) at any given time and can change without notice to the consumer.
Barley
Corn
Grain sorghum
Mixed feed oats
Oats
Rice
Rye
Triticale
Wheat


Ground Corn
The entire corn kernel ground or chopped. It must contain not more than 4% foreign material.


Lecithin
A specific phospholipid found in both plants and animals. Soybeans and other oil bearing seeds are an excellent source of lecithin. Lecithin displays excellent emulsifying, wetting, and antioxidant properties.

Linseed meal
The residue of flaxseed oil production, ground into a meal.


Menadione Sodium Bisulfite
Source of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is known as the clotting vitamin, because without it blood would not clot. Some studies indicate that it helps in maintaining strong bones in elderly humans.

 
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
More stable source of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is known as the clotting vitamin, because without it blood would not clot. Some studies indicate that it helps in maintaining strong bones in elderly humans.

 
Menadione Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfite
A stabilized form of Vitamin K3. Vitamin K is known as the clotting vitamin, because without it blood would not clot. Some studies indicate that it helps in maintaining strong bones in elderly humans.

Middlings
A by-product of flour milling comprised of several grades of granular particles containing different proportions of the endosperm, bran, germ, and differing levels of fiber.

Molasses
A thick, black liquid derived from the extraction of sugar from sugar cane. Very high sucrose content


Molasses Products
This is known as a collective feed term and legally the food can include one or more of the following at any given time and can change without notice to the consumer.
Beet molasses
Beet molasses, dried product
Beet pulp, dried, molasses
Cane molasses
Citrus molasses
Condensed molasses
Condensed solubles
Fermentation solubles
Molasses, distillers
Molasses, distillers, dried
Molasses yeast condensed
Solubles
Starch molasses

Niacin
A form of Vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 is required for cell respiration, helps in the release of energy and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, proper circulation and healthy skin, functioning of the nervous system, and normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids.

 
Nicotinic Acid
This is a form of niacin, a B vitamin which, apart from its use as a vitamin supplement in the treatment of niacin deficiency, is also prescribed in the treatment of a large number of disorders. High doses of the drug are used to treat certain types of hyperlipidaemia (high levels of fat in the blood), which may increase the risk of heart disease. Nicotinic acid also has a vasodilator effect, improving circulation to the fingers and toes.


Oat Bran
The edible portion of the whole oat that is separated by sifting from the flour.


Oat Groats
Cleaned oats with the hulls removed.


Oat Hulls
The outer covering of oats.


Plant protein products
This is known as a collective feed term and legally the food can include one or more of the following at any given time and can change without notice to the consumer.
Algae meal
Beans, dried
Canola meal
Coconut meal
Cottonseed cake
Cottonseed flakes
Cottonseed meal
Cottonseed meal, low gossypol
Cottonseed, whole
Linseed meal
Peanut meal
Peas
Rapeseed meal
Safflower meal
Soybean feed
Soybeans, ground
Soybean, heat-processed
Soybean meal
Soybean meal, kibbled
Soy flour
Soy grits
Soy protein concentrate
Sunflower meal, pressed, dehulled
Yeast, active dry
Yeast, brewers'
Yeast, primary dried
Yeast, culture
Yeast, dried
Yeast, torula dried

Processed grain by-products
This is known as a collective feed term and legally the food can include one or more of the following at any given time and can change without notice to the consumer.
Brewers' dried grains
Buckwheat middlings
Condensed fermented corn
Condensed distillers' solubles
Corn bran
Corn flour
Corn germ meal
Corn gluten feed
Corn gluten meal
Corn grits
Distillers' dried grains
Distillers' dried grains/solubles
Distillers' dried solubles
Grain sorghum germ cake
Grain sorghum germ meal
Grain sorghum grits
Grain sorghum mill feed
Hominy feed
Malt sprouts
Oat groats
Oat meal, feeding
Pearl barley by-product
Peanut skins
Rice bran
Rice polishings
Rye middlings
Sorghum grain flour
Wheat bran
Wheat flour
Wheat germ meal
Wheat germ meal, defatted
Wheat middlings
Wheat mill run
Wheat red dog
Wheat shorts


Propionates
Calcium propionate and sodium propionate, were recently evaluated by the FDA and although massive doses of these preservatives did kill lab rats, the FDA labeled them safe. Germany, however, has banned propionates. Propionic acid is a fatty acid that exists naturally in everything from apples to wood pulp. It works in two ways: It flavors food and it inhibits mold growth. Recent research shows propionic acid to be a safe preservative.

 
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Vitamin B 6 - Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a water-soluble B vitamin that is important in the functioning of a host of enzymes and amino acids.

 
Riboflavin
A water-soluble vitamin, helps the body release energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates during metabolism.


Rice Bran
The pericarp or bran layer and germ of the rice, with only such quantity of hull fragments, chipped, broken, or brewer's rice, and calcium carbonate as is unavoidable in the regular milling of edible rice.

Roughage products
This is known as a collective feed term and legally the food can include one or more of the following at any given time and can change without notice to the consumer.
Almond hulls, ground
Apple pectin pulp, dried
Apple pomace, dried
Bagasse
Barley hulls
Barley mill by-product
Beet pulp, dried
Buckwheat hulls
Citrus meal, dried
Citrus pulp, dried
Citrus seed meal
Corncob fractions
Cottonseed hulls
Flax straw by-products
Husks
Malt hulls
Oat hulls
Oat mill by-product
Oat mill by-product, clipped
Peanut hulls
Rice hulls
Rice mill by-product
Rye mill run
Soybean hulls
Soybean mill feed
Soybean mill run
Sunflower hulls
Straw, ground
Tomato pomace, dried


Sodium Nitrate
Widely used as a red coloring and preservative, produces powerful carcinogenic substances known as nitrosamines. People have died from accidental nitrite poisoning.

Soybean Hulls
Consist primarily of the outer covering of the soybean.

 
Soybean Meal
The product remaining after most or all of the oil has been extracted from whole soybeans.


Sterols
Solid cyclic alcohols which are the major constituents of the unsaponifiable portion of animal and vegetable fats and oils.
(Definition of Saponify: to hydrolyze (a fat) with alkali to form a soap and glycerol)

 
Sun Cured
Sun-cured is left in the field until it is dry enough to be processed. Then it is raked up, loaded into a truck and taken to the processing facility. Hot-air dried alfalfa is cut and trucked directly to the processing facility. Each time the alfalfa is handled, nutritional losses will occur, so hot-air dried alfalfa is better quality from the start.

Thiamine
Vitamin B1, also called thiamine, is one of eight water-soluble B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which is "burned" to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, are essential in the breakdown of fats and protein. B complex vitamins also play an important role in maintaining muscle tone along the wall of the digestive tract and promoting the health of the nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver. It may also be labeled as thiamine hydrochloride or thiamine mononitrate.

Wheat Bran
The coarse outer covering of the wheat kernel as separated from cleaned and scoured wheat in the usual process of commercial milling.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for the function of all the organs in the body and is particularly important for growth and development. Acetate is a retinol form of vitamin A commonly used in supplements (this is a synthetic form of vitamin A). Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and vision, health of epithelial cells, growth, a healthy reproductive system, protection against infection, bone development and brain development. It is also important for the maintenance of the proper functioning of the immune system.


Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a member of the vitamin B complex. It contains cobalt, and so is also known as cobalamin. Vitamin B12's primary functions are in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenence of a healthy nervous system. B12 is necessary for the rapid synthesis of DNA during cell division. This is especially important in tissues where cells are dividing rapidly, particularly the bone marrow tissues responsible for red blood cell formation.


Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is stored in the liver, muscle, adipose tissue, red blood cells, and several vital organs and glands. Vitamin E, a strong antioxidant, plays a starring role in protecting body tissues from damaging free radicals as well as critical functions in cellular respiration and for prolonging the life of red blood cells.

 
Zinc Amino Acid Complex
Zinc, combined with select amino acids.
Most commonly used is Availa-Zn. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Amino acids are involved in a number of metabolic functions including protein synthesis. Zinc is necessary for sense of taste and smell, is required for the formation and activity of insulin, is an antioxidant mineral, essential for many vital enzymatic processes, is needed for a healthy reproductive and immune system, for tissue renewal, maintenance of the skin and for healthy bones and teeth. Zinc helps maintain the function of the liver and the release of vitamin A. Zinc is required for the development of the skeletal system, nervous system and for brain function in the growing fetus. Excessive calcium reduces zinc metabolism. Copper and iron are slightly antagonistic to zinc. Dietary plant phytate/phytic acid reduces zinc availability.

Zinc Methionine
Studies show that zinc methionine exhibits a superior absorption rate when compared with many other forms of zinc. Methionine is an amino acid with antioxidant activity which assists detoxification. Methionine aids the metabolism of Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Zinc is necessary for sense of taste and smell, is required for the formation and activity of insulin, is an antioxidant mineral, essential for many vital enzymatic processes, is needed for a healthy reproductive and immune system, for tissue renewal, maintenance of the skin and for healthy bones and teeth. Zinc helps maintain the function of the liver and the release of vitamin A. Zinc is required for the development of the skeletal system, nervous system and for brain function in the growing fetus. Excessive calcium reduces zinc metabolism. Copper and iron are slightly antagonistic to zinc. Dietary plant phytate/phytic acid reduces zinc availability.

 
Zinc Oxide
Zinc content in zinc oxide is 72%. It is usually the most cost-efficient form of zinc. Zinc is necessary for sense of taste and smell, is required for the formation and activity of insulin, is an antioxidant mineral, essential for many vital enzymatic processes, is needed for a healthy reproductive and immune system, for tissue renewal, maintenance of the skin and for healthy bones and teeth. Zinc helps maintain the function of the liver and the release of vitamin A. Zinc is required for the development of the skeletal system, nervous system and for brain function in the growing fetus. Excessive calcium reduces zinc metabolism. Copper and iron are slightly antagonistic to zinc. Dietary plant phytate/phytic acid reduces zinc availability.

Zinc Sulfate
Usually manufactured from secondary zinc sources. Zinc content in zinc sulfate is 35%. Zinc is necessary for sense of taste and smell, is required for the formation and activity of insulin, is an antioxidant mineral, essential for many vital enzymatic processes, is needed for a healthy reproductive and immune system, for tissue renewal, maintenance of the skin and for healthy bones and teeth. Zinc helps maintain the function of the liver and the release of vitamin A. Zinc is required for the development of the skeletal system, nervous system and for brain function in the growing fetus. Excessive calcium reduces zinc metabolism. Copper and iron are slightly antagonistic to zinc. Dietary plant phytate/phytic acid reduces zinc availability.