Spoof
Kung Fu Chinny!
I felt this was a good question to address;
It isn't protein in general, it is the type and quantity consumed that may or may not cause issues. Proteins come from both meats and veggies and are different in how they act within the body. You might want to look into taking a nutrition class, they are very interesting. In general, chinchillas and horses have very similar digestive issues and function.
This is something I've found is true, with exception to pregnant ladies - they pee a lot regardless of species.
I've noticed this as I've switched from feed to feed. They may even be the same protein (18%) but one makes them double water consumption and pee that much more.
There is some theory that it can lead to kidney/bladder stones if enough water is not taken in naturally.
Due to the costs of producing a feed most do not say where the proteins come from so they have the liberty to buy the cheapest available. The exception to this is lab diets, and there is an interesting lab diet discussion on here somewhere.
So are there any negative effects that come from high protein other than the soft poops and diarrhea?
It isn't protein in general, it is the type and quantity consumed that may or may not cause issues. Proteins come from both meats and veggies and are different in how they act within the body. You might want to look into taking a nutrition class, they are very interesting. In general, chinchillas and horses have very similar digestive issues and function.
This is something I've found is true, with exception to pregnant ladies - they pee a lot regardless of species.
Excess protein results in nitrogen being converted to ammonia, then to urea by the liver. As a result, blood urea nitrogen content increases and the extra urea is excreted in the urine. Water intake increases, which results in greater urine volume and a noticeable ammonia smell, especially in poorly ventilated stables.
I've noticed this as I've switched from feed to feed. They may even be the same protein (18%) but one makes them double water consumption and pee that much more.
There is some theory that it can lead to kidney/bladder stones if enough water is not taken in naturally.
Due to the costs of producing a feed most do not say where the proteins come from so they have the liberty to buy the cheapest available. The exception to this is lab diets, and there is an interesting lab diet discussion on here somewhere.