Choosing the Best
Regardless of what kind of small animal you’ve chosen as a pet, we suggest you consider specially formulated premium, natural, and holistic foods that have been developed especially for the species you own. Our experienced associates at Pet Supermarket can help you choose food that will keep your pet strong and healthy.
Rabbit Food — More Than Just Carrots
The best foods for rabbits are:
- Pellets — Nutritious pellet foods formulated specifically for rabbits serve as a good overall meal.
- Timothy Hay — Rich in fiber, Timothy Hay helps the rabbit avoid problems like hairballs and diarrhea.
- Alfalfa — Very high in calories, protein and calcium, alfalfa should only be given to adult rabbits in small quantities or as a treat.
- Dark, green vegetables — Rabbits should balance their diet with vegetables like parsley, spinach, carrot tops, and broccoli leaves and stems for a long and healthy life.
Keep in mind that older rabbits need to have their meals portioned or else they will eat almost all that you give them. With all this food, fresh water must be available at all times.
Gourmet Gerbils
Basics plus Variety
It’s best to give your gerbil a varied diet high in nutrients. Gerbils can be fed seed mixes or block feeds. Other treats and supplements include fresh fruit and vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, apples, and berries.
When and How
Set up a routine to feed the gerbil every 24 hours, approximately at the same time. Place the block or pellet in a ceramic or heavy plastic bowl, with the supplement on the side. Try to get a feel for how much the gerbil will eat within a day, and then keep feeding that amount. Remove any uneaten food from the previous day before feeding. Feed any treat food in a separate bowl and remove it after a couple of hours to prevent spoiling. You can hand-feed the gerbil to instill trust in the animal and provide a solid base for training outside the cage.
Water is a Must
Although gerbils are small, they still require a fresh water supply to maintain their internal organs. This water should be replenished regularly into a bottle sipper. Try not to allow the water to get stale.
Ferret Food
Meat Eaters
Ferrets are strict carnivores and should be fed a high protein (at least 34%), high fat (at least 20%) high quality chicken- or lamb-based dry ferret diet. Chicken or lamb should be listed in some form (poultry, lamb, or poultry meal) as the number one ingredient in the ferret’s regular food. You should also look for food that is naturally preserved with vitamin E and has no artificial colors.
A Little Extra
You can supplement your ferret’s regular chow by giving him some cooked chicken. Some ferrets like to chew on the soft ends of bones as well. Bone marrow contains a lot of nutrients (including calcium) ferrets need. Chicken baby food can also be a form of meat supplement.
When and How
Ferrets need to be provided with fresh food and water twenty-four hours a day. They require several small meals throughout the day due to their fast metabolism. Water should be supplied in a heavy bowl that cannot be tipped over, as well as a hanging water bottle. The water and food should be changed at least twice a day.
Remember: regardless of what kind of small pet you have, Pet Supermarket’s associates can provide you with information and recommendations so that your pet stays well-fed and healthy.
