The best Small Animal Food: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

The food in the picture is not appropriate for rats. The pellets are alfalfa and rats won't don't like them. I don't know of any seed/grain mixes in the US that are any good. I'd probably avoid a mix and get a pellet/kibble instead. I'd suggest feeding them something like Oxbow Essentials. It's about $11 for a 3 lb bag that should last about a month and a half.

Your rats don't look malnourished.

Very good A+ rats destroy everything and eat as much as possible.

It sounds like your rats are perfect.

If you're in the US, you can get 3 lb bags of Oxbow from Amazon or Chewy for about $10. It's the equivalent of $3.50 per rat a month (11 cents a day per rat).

I feed my ferrets the wysong ferret epigen 90 digestive support. You can get it on Amazon here:

Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support - Dry Ferret Food - 5 Pound Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019W9VXZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DM9QybAWSR9YB

I did have to mix it in with the Marshall food they give the ferrets at petco. I just mixed it 50/50 and gradually added less of the Marshall food. It took about 2 weeks to get them off the Marshall food.

Here's 1 link for the Rosewood Nature's Salad on Amazon. Although it's normally priced at $5 or less. You can usually get it at a local Walmart for $4 or less too... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026ROIH6/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_aZOCEbQX5R50Y

I'd say either Wysong, raw, or most premium kitten food! From my knowledge Blue Buffalo works well if you're going the kitten food route, and can also be found at most pet stores easily (Or, if you're lucky, it can be found at a grocery store), Wysong is the best specifically ferret food I know of and can be found on Amazon ( https://www.amazon.com/Wysong-Ferret-Epigen-Digestive-Support/dp/B019W9VXZK/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=ferret&qid=1554951902&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-2 ), and I'm afraid I know little to nothing about raw feeding. Hope this helped!

My babies wont touch raw food. But, as far as kibble, this is what you want:

https://www.amazon.com/Wysong-Ferret-Epigen-Digestive-Support/dp/B019W9VXZK

What u/Hydnum said. Also here is what my rats eat, no corn in the ingredients list. Oxbow Regal Rat

For adult lab blocks? If that was what you mean, I can link an Amazon - if that wasn’t just reply to me. https://www.amazon.com/Oxbow-Animal-Health-Essentials-20-Pound/dp/B00E5BHEBI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2QKMO43P8BCG4&keywords=oxbow+adult+rat+food&qid=1671199171&sprefix=oxbow+adult+rat+food%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&sp... I would go for the 20lb, it’s worth the money you’re spending for it

First time owner and def NOT making my own food. I use this for their kibble. They seem to love it. I haven't tried unlimited kibble bc they seem to never want to stop eating lol. I'm just so confused bc I'm reading that they need veggies everyday, occasional fruit, then daily kibble as well. I've been giving them 6 pieces of kibble in the morning and at night along with fresh veggies as well. I try to make sure both are getting the same amts.

Supreme Petfoods Science Selective Rat Food, 4 Lb 6 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BHVDSFE/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_1CYM3GET5VY3Q2F8466E?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I always switch to This top end food as soon as i can get them to. I have raised so many krazy fur kids they always seem to have far less diet issues. Then I always twice a month get feeder mice its great for their little systems.

I'd recommend giving this a try: https://www.amazon.com/Wysong-Ferret-Epigen-Digestive-Support/dp/B019W9VXZK

Not only is it a great long-term dry food with excellent nutrition, we've had luck on multiple occasions getting ferrets that had imprinted on other brands to eat this with no mixing, and it seems to be gentle enough on their stomach as well.

I'd also recommend getting a quart of good organic salmon oil, a couple pumps onto the dry food can motivate some of the pickiest ferrets to eat, and you can reduce the amount you're adding over time until they are eating the kibble without any fish oil added. https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Alaskan-Salmon-Dogs-Ferrets/dp/B078WDDG5M?th=1

Wysong is a one of best kibbles, but it's high in fiber = diarrhea so I mix Marshall and wysong to balance it out Marshalls by itself is bad but mixing with a better food is fine.

Also slowly add any new foods over 2 weeks so you don't mess up their stomach https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019W9VXZK/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_WX9BZGPCV7XGE7NECCRD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

typically just water. here’s a link to a formula we use in wildlife rehab Henry's Healthy Pets Fox Valley Day ONE 32/40 Formula for Squirrels, Rabbits and Opossums https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00EFJ6JJI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7TKK883W9PE11G875ZT0 it’s mixed 2 scoops water to one scoop formula and gently heated on the stove

I am sorry. I did that Oxford for a time but my mice seem to be diarrhea a lot so I changed it to a seed mix kind. They like better Supreme Tiny Friends Farm Reggie Rat and Mimi Mouse Tasty Mix 2lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VF2IRH0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_J5WK86QFHXSN0M3ACPXS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

In my experience summer hay is tougher than the stuff harvested in fall (not sure if this is normal or actually a coincidence on my end) and my bunnies also get much more picky about which parts they’ll eat during these months. Bunnies being picky is natural to some extent tho so buying in bulk and living with the fact that they’ll throw half of it out of the bin is a reality we will have to live with haha

I use this hay from Amazon as it is pretty cheap for the quantity and I have never had a moldy batch:

Standlee Hay Company Premium Timothy Grass Hand-Selected Forage, 25 lb Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M9Z9F4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Q0CJVXGMKVTVBJFQE8T3

I use this because I live in an apartment and can’t store a whole hay bale:

Standlee Hay Company Premium Timothy Grass Hand-Selected Forage, 25 lb Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M9Z9F4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_98A2VQXDD8P8024GAX8G

Maybe try a different food. I tried that for my mouse is so messy. I traded Supreme Tiny Friends Farm Reggie Rat and Mimi Mouse Tasty Mix 2lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VF2IRH0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0Z83V72SJ15365JB4S4H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 This seem to be great my mice love it. Worth a try.

What are you feeding them diet wise? I feed these two Supreme Tiny Friends Farm Reggie Rat and Mimi Mouse Tasty Mix 2lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VF2IRH0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TGETKFEEDS1187CRB74R

I noticed my babies poop was is better on this one then

Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food - All Natural Adult Rat Food https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GABM1K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Z3X3E5RGHQGH6GQVZ9TK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 this one . So I mix them both are pretty great food.

Lots of love and good food like oxbow rat food, Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food - All Natural Adult Rat Food https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GABM1K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XPXQJ2BDT59S1MXRFCVB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Supreme Tiny Friends Farm Reggie Rat and Mimi Mouse Tasty Mix 2lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VF2IRH0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZQ4YNXYB924907WG80BM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Both of these are great food. Maybe a vet visit. She will need a friend so she not lonely

Oxbow rat food Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food - All Natural Adult Rat Food https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GABM1K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_027PZHA8M4GWCDGYG96E?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

and Supreme Tiny Friends Farm Reggie Rat and Mimi Mouse Tasty Mix 2lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VF2IRH0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3D2TY73DMS8E1FX3G2MH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I like this as well. I give both to them to eat .

if your gonna stick with kibble go with Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support - Starch Free Dry Natural Food for Ferrets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019W9VXZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_D5MME67DXN0Q2ZTBMEAM it's the only healthy ferret kibble i know of, if your not getting that then you have to go threw the ingredients and make sure none of the ingredients is vegetables or fruits only meats and protein and whatever they are obligate carnivores and can't eat anything else. if you wanna feed raw i would just order from https://www.rawfeedingmiami.com/collections/raw-grinds

I use this for my rats which they seem to enjoy and I've heard is recommended by a lot of people.

https://www.amazon.com/Oxbow-Essentials-Adult-Food-3-Pound/dp/B000GABM1K/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2J1WI4U8VZNPE&dchild=1&keywords=oxbow+adult+rat+food&qid=1620435982&sprefix=oxbow+adult+rat%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyRDRMTlVXV00xRzJYJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzkxNTAwMzNCRUVJVFNWUUZaNCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjQ1NTMwWVVaSVg2NzFKREpXJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

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Also if the rats are younger oxbow also make rat food for young rats.

Mine also doesn’t care for millet. I found some oat spray at PetSmart in the bird section that mine likes more but they still aren’t his favorite. I started hiding food and treats around in the bedding and mine loves digging around for his food. I actually took his food dish out because he didn’t use it anymore. I also got this from Amazon and mine likes to eat some of the things in this mix. Although he doesn’t go for everything

Rosewood Pet 1 Pouch Nature'S Salad Food For Small Animals, 200G https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026ROIH6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_VYE8SYQMYQ87G8MVVASQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

They gave us the labs so I went and dug them out. His glucose was in range so it looks like he's not having insulin issues. This vet was listed as qualified for Ferrets, I liked her better than the first for sure. They typed up all of the issues from the blood work and if I didn't know it was for a Ferret I could have mistake it for mine lol. It actually made me feel better knowing they had 3 pages of lab results so I knew they didn't half ass it on my.

Someone suggested a different food to boost his nutritional intake and we feed him this https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B019W9VXZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_33LbGbV46HZX7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 We were feeding them Marshall's ferret food but changed because it was out of stock.

Because he's lost a good bit of weight are the caloric supplements any good. I noticed malt syrup was listed as the main ingredient on the one I pulled up first.

I use the Home Depot tub and didn't have to do any kind of trimming (good thing as I haven't the tools to do it lol). I tried a tub from Lowe's that was just a tiny bit too big but the Home Depot tub was a perfect fit, even though they are basically the same thing. I went with that rather than the Bass pans mostly due to cost. The cage is definitely huge and roomy; my rats (I only have two) love double layer hammocks, though they usually sleep on the top level of them. Baskets, hides, etc. are great for them. The tub really doesn't take up enough floor space to worry about, imo. Plus, the cage can be repurposed in the future for other small animals as well!

I buy the "yogurt treat" things that Gerber makes for babies as the yogis made for animals can be high in sugar from what I understand. I used Oxbow till I got a batch the boys refused to eat so I tried the Harlan Teklad (sp?) blocks which were ok, and then found another brand on Amazon which they LOVE and will go for before either of the other two. They love whole wheat pasta; Sam will gingerly take a single piece while Frodo will stuff his cheeks like he thinks he's a hamster! They didn't care for the dried fruit treats I got them once, I think it was freeze dried berries? They do love baby food (turkey/beef/chicken, apples, other fruit) and peas in a bowl of water (I use frozen peas). They enjoy a variety of chew toys and sometimes millet plumes (make sure it's not the orange scented ones for birds, yuck) and oat sprays. They're my first rats and it's a huge difference from the mice, hamsters, and hedgehog I've had before. They're SO smart!

Be very careful it doesn't aspirate and gets plenty of calcium. Henry's website tells you everything you need to know so it doesn't aspirate. Here's a link to the formula they sell. You may already know this but I rehab squirrels and I had to learn the hard way years ago. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00EFJ6JJI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ipbmFb2S5CXQ7

Some mice gain weight simply from genetics.

I would pull out any corn in your mix and switch to a corn free pellet. The only corn free pellet I can find in the US is Supreme Selectives Rat and Mouse. I get it a Petco...

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/small-animal/small-animal-food-treats/small-animal-food/supreme-selective-diets-rat-food

Petco is the cheapest...see Amazon pricing... Supreme Petfoods Science Selective Rat Food, 4 Lb 6 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BHVDSFE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_p3IkEbSW4H2PV

Also pick out sunflower and pumpkin seeds and set aside for treats or put a few back in their bowl.

I am making my own mix now from Whole Foods bulk section. I mix millet, quinoa, oatmeal flakes, oat groats, coconut smiles, dried kale chips (Trader Joe's unflavored), dried broccoli (Trader Joe's...very little because it's seasoned), dried Goji berries, safflower seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds and small amounts of currants or other dried fruit, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

I also feed them Supreme Selective as a fortified food.

They get Cheerios, Rice Krispies, fresh vegetables, blue berries, black berries, shelled pecans, cooked white rice, cousous, quinoa and pasta as treats.

Very rarely they get peanut butter, candied coconut or freeze dried fruit, animal crackers, cheese crackers, or chocolate Teddy Grahams (made with cocoa not chocolate).

It can affect it.

Personally I think the best hay is Small Pet Select - saves money on vet bills

I have seen good review for this https://www.amazon.com/Standlee-Hay-Company-Premium-Hand-Selected/dp/B07M9Z9F4W/ref=pd_sbs_199_t_2/131-5284355-7288938?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07M9Z9F4W&pd_rd_r=bd42dc4e-4d48-4c2a-96af-9f58c4248b3a&pd_rd_w=EVaH1&pd_rd_wg=CcvoE&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=37YN5BT84EAQNHRQGR3T&psc=1&refRID=37YN5BT84EAQNHRQGR3T

In the store the best brand is Oxbow. Avoid Kaytee.

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Also local rescues often sell cheaper hay that is good quality - check.

These seem to be it 10lb box, 25lb box. The box says Jojo's on it.

I bought a 20lb bag of Oxbow on Amazon Canada for about $70 with free shipping. It’s lasted me quite a while so far. OXBOW Essentials Regal Adult Rat - 20 lb https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00E5BHEBI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AlFeBbGWNT6VP