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Warm, Fuzzy Cuisine
By James C. Zgoda, M.S., D.V.M.
Many people choose to share their lives with companion animals other than dogs and cats. One group of these companions is known as "warm fuzzies" or "pocket pets" because of their small size.
Included in this group are ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, chinchillas, degus, hedgehogs and more unusual animals, such as sugar gliders and prairie dogs. Sharing your life with one of these cuties requires a special commitment on your part. While incredibly entertaining and enjoyable, these animals have many special requirements in order to remain happy and healthy.
Perhaps the most important requirement is making certain that you provide a diet that is appropriate for each species and most closely resembles its natural diet. Some basic principles for each one follow. More detailed information can be obtained by contacting a veterinarian trained in treating these species or from visiting the Web sites suggested. As for all animals, fresh water should always be provided.
Ferrets
These true carnivores do best on diets formulated specifically for ferrets. Some commercially available diets are: Totally Ferret, Forti Diet, Marshall Ferret Diet and Purina/Mazuri Ferret Chow.
 Rabbits
Recent studies indicate that traditional rabbit pellets are deficient in the high fiber that is needed to maintain adequate intestinal function. Current recommendations are to feed unlimited grass or timothy hay (alfalfa is too high in calcium and calories), 1/8 cup high fiber maintenance-type pellets, and 1 cup of mixed dark green or yellow vegetables for each five pounds of body weight daily. Further information can be found at rabbit.org and oxbowhay.com.
Guinea pigs
A good-quality commercial guinea pig pelleted feed with 20% crude protein and 16% fiber is recommended. These diets are supplemented with vitamin C, because guinea pigs have a special requirement for this vitamin. You can keep it from degrading in the food by keeping the pellets in a sealed container and in the refrigerator or freezer. Small amounts -1-2 tbsp. of timothy hay, alfalfa cube, kale, cabbage, or carrot tops can be supplemented daily.
Added by Jenny Lynn:
It's very important that guinea pigs be free-fed unlimited amounts of hay.
Their teeth grow constantly and the hay helps to wear the teeth down. It is
also needed to help with their digestive systems.
The should also be getting veggies on a daily basis. Guinea pigs can't produce
their own vitamin C, so they need veggies to help supplement this (as a side
note, it is not recommended to buy liquid vitamin C and put it in the pig's
water. It quickly loses content, and you can never be sure how much your pig
is getting. Plus, it changes the flavor of your pig's water, and he may not
drink as much water because of this). You can see here for a veggie and fruit
chart, listing things that are okay to feed your guineas (you have to scroll
down a bit to get to the charts).
My boys get, on a daily basis, Cavy Cusuine pellets from Oxbow (purchased
pretty cheaply from The Bunny Bunch or from The Ferret Store...I used to buy
directly from Oxbow, buy the shipping costs were killing me). They have
constant access to unlimited ammounts of timothy hay (purchased locally from a
feed store, although I have bought some from Oxbow and also from a friend of
mine from another message board, her company is called Kleenmama's Hayloft).
They also get a "salad": on a daily basis they get two big leaves of romaine
lettuce, a handful of dandelion greens, some green pepper and one baby carrot
each. I also rotate in italian parsley, curly parsley, cilantro, red peppers,
corn husks, kale, tomato and celery...pretty much whatever happens to catch my
eye in the produce section; and all of this bought at the local grocery store.
They also get an orange wedge every few days, peel and all.
Rats, mice gerbils and hamsters
These creatures do best on commercial rodent pellets such as Rat Chow, Hamster Chow etc. Common seed based diets do not provide complete, balanced nutrition and should be offered in small amounts only as occasional treats.
Chinchillas and degus
They do best with commercial chinchilla chows supplemented with free choice timothy hay and only 1 teaspoon of greens, sunflower seeds or carrots daily.
Hedgehogs
These insectivores/omnivores need a variety of foods to stay healthy. A typical daily diet would include commercial insectivore diet or cat/kitten food with a fruit/vegetable mix and a few mealworms and crickets.
Sugar gliders
These squirrel-like marsupials are also omnivores with diets that are difficult to recreate in captivity. A typical daily feeding would include a serving of insectivore diet, live insects and a mixture of fruits, sweet vegetables and something similar to nectar.
Prairie dogs
This diet consists of unlimited timothy/grass hay with a small amount of rodent chow. A small amount of dark green vegetables can be fed as an occasional treat. Currently, prairie dogs are nearing endangered status in the wild. It is not recommended that they be kept as companions.
This summary is intended as only an overview of accepted dietary recommendations. They should provide a good basis for improving the health of your "warm fuzzy," thereby providing you both with a lifetime of enjoyable companionship.
--Re-printed with permission. Dr. James C. Zgoda is the proprietor/director of Otterkill Animal Hospital in Campbell Hall, NY, where he has spent the last six years of his 16 years practicing veterinary medicine. His hospital provides care for dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, birds, reptiles and all warm fuzzies. He can be reached at 845-427-2854.
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