Proper nutrition should incorporate both the life stage (age) and species of your pets, so managing the diet of varied-aged animals can be difficult. Because every situation and furry family is unique, there is no "one size fits all" solution. Luckily, there are some general rules that can be followed:
- Unlimited amounts of grass hay should be available for small herbivore species (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, etc.) at all times, even when young and adult animals cohabitate
- Young, growing, or pregnant/lactating animals with higher nutrient needs should also be provided alfalfa, ideally in a setting where access to alfalfa can be provided specifically to those animals
- Supplementing these animals with a handful of loose alfalfa during individual play/bonding time outside the enclosure is often the most feasible way to ensure these little ones are getting the added nutrients they need
- Providing age-specific fortified food to your pets is ideal if you are able to separate young and adult animals during mealtime.
Each situation is unique and comes with its own specific challenges. The resources below may be of additional help in managing nutrition for your pets:
If you have additional questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us directly.