A Guide to Feeding Your Small Furries People are naturally drawn to animals, and there are many benefits to keeping pets in your home. Indeed, there are many studies that demonstrate people with animal relationships derive an unusual amount of healthy benefits from them. Just like humans, domesticated animals require a special diet aimed at providing them with all the proper nutrition they need for a long and healthy life. Unfortunately, some pet owners do not take the time to ensure their small furries are getting the diet they require. Although different animals do have different nutritional requirements, this quick guide will ensure your rabbit guinea pig or chinchilla is receiving exactly what he needs for optimum health.

It All Starts with Timothy Hay The foundation of your pet’s diet begins with timothy hay. Rabbits, chinchillas and guinea pigs cannot get enough of it. Small furries need to eat a pile of hay as large as their body every single day. There are other grasses on the market, and in the wild, but timothy hay has almost everything your pet needs. Timothy hay provides guinea pigs, chinchillas and rabbits with the right amount of digestible fibre for optimum health. And, small furries need a lot of fibre. They need a vast deal more than humans, and often more than pet owners can imagine. And, timothy hay provides small furries with a lot more than just fibre. It also aids fibrevores with oral health. Unlike humans who need to brush and floss for proper oral hygiene, rabbits, chinchillas and guinea pigs have different concerns. These animals have teeth that continue to grow throughout their lives. Unless small furries grind their teeth, they become sharp and pointy; this is obviously a source of pain for these animals. Fibrevores eat timothy hay differently than they do other foods. Instead of chewing up and down, small furries mash hay from side to side, grinding their teeth as they do so.

Not only does timothy hay assist with these essentials for fibrevore health, it also provides a source of entertainment for small furries. Rabbits, especially, love playing with the piles of timothy hay in their hutches. They can spend hours moving it from one side of their cage to the other, only to eat it as soon as they have it in the right place. Fortunately, it is impossible to overfeed timothy hay your small furries. They will eat as much as they need, and no more. If they do eat more than you expect, you can rest assured that it will not lead to weight gain or any digestive problems. Adding in Fresh Vegetables In addition to timothy hay, small furries need a selection of fresh veggies as part of their repertoire and regime. When feeding guinea pigs, rabbits and chinchillas aim to include a small serving of leafy greens every day, or a slightly larger portion every other day. Kale, parsley and spinach are all suitable options for small furries. These are rich in essential vitamins, and not detrimental to digestive health. In general, you should stick to leafy green vegetables, though there are a few exceptions. Carrots, for example, are often given as a treat to small furries. While these are certainly filled with plenty of nutrients, they are rather sugary and should not be given regularly. Starchy vegetables, too, should be avoided as they are difficult to digest and their nutritional content is not nearly as rich as leafy greens. The Rest of the Diet One of the most crucial parts of responsible pet ownership is the provision of fresh water. Just as humans need plenty of water, so too do small furries. In fact, they may even need it a bit more than we do as they do not receive it through other means. Rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas are all busy animals. They often make a mess of their cages by just playing and amusing themselves. It is no wonder that water bowls are frequently filled with bits of hay. Make sure that you check water bowls more often than once a day as you may need to refill it a couple of times. If you enjoy spoiling your pets with a bit of extra food or treats, then look for specially formulated biscuits or nibbles. Although small furries do have many of the same nutritional needs, they are not quite the same. If you have a chinchilla, only feed them chinchilla treats, not rabbit treats as theses are made with different nutritional requirements in mind. Whatever you feed your small furries, make sure you pay attention to special or industry warnings directed at fibrevore owners. Rabbits, for example, should not be fed muesli, although many domestic rabbit owners are still using this as their pet’s primary diet. Special Concerns for Your Small Furries Small furries have specific nutritional needs, just as any other animal – including humans. Although accidents can, and do, happen, responsible pet owners must

take precautions. Rabbits that are allowed to hop about in fenced gardens are susceptible to digestive issues. Some plants, like many types of ivy, are not necessarily poisonous to small furries, though a little nibble can cause digestive problems. Although indoor pets reside in a more controlled environment, owners should still be careful when new items are introduced. Poinsettias and other unusual plants can cause similar ailments. If you notice a change in your pet’s demeanour or bowel movements, then you must get him off to the vet. Small furries require as much care and attention as larger domesticated animals, though this is often overlooked as not as many vets are experienced with smaller animals. Rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas, however, should be cared for diligently, especially considering this. As with any pet, one of the most crucial parts of animal ownership is caring for them nutritionally. Fortunately, small furries do not have many food requirements. Jut ensure that you always have plenty of timothy hay on hand, provide fresh water regularly, and supplement with the right vegetables and treats and you should have a happy, healthy pet. For more information about feeding your small furries please visit the Burgess Pet Care website - http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk