Ideal Diet?

[caiti]

I am switching my chin to a new feed as she has had soft poos for a bit. I pulled her feed for a few days, did the charcoal and acidophilus thing. Then went to the vet and she was on sulfa/trim for a week (parasite test was negative). Neither worked, but she IS on Mazuri and I just got her 3 months ago. So she fully transitioned to Mazuri about a month or so ago. So I thought maybe I would try a new food. Her poos are slightly soft and very slightly moist (I almost can't tell sometimes). They have gotten a bit better with all the treatments but that could just be because I've been shoving fiber down her throat.

My vet gave me a composition of ideal chin food:

18-20% protein
15-18% fiber
2.5-3% fat
9-10% ash

I've noticed in a lot of foods, the fiber and protein percents are pretty much switched. Does this analysis seem right to you guys? I almost want to say that the protein and fiber SHOULD be switched...but I am no expert of course. Thoughts?

 

[ticklechin]

Fiber max is too low IMO, 18-23% is better and the ideal diet would have 16-18% protein also IMO.

 

[Jenn]

I never had a problem with Mazuri but I've heard other chins have had some problems with soft poo with that brand. I now feed Oxbow, because my store stopped selling Mazuri, and have had no issues with it at all.

 

[Stackie]

I would go no higher than 18% for protein. Anything higher can cause problems, including diarrhea which is what you're having an issue with.

I also agree with Dawn, fiber should be around 18% min, 23% max.

You may want to look into Oxbow as it fits both these criteria. It has an 18% protein content and 18% min - 23% max fiber. I have been feeding it for several years now and my chins seem to thrive on it. Never had any problems.

 

[caiti]

I would go no higher than 18% for protein. Anything higher can cause problems, including diarrhea which is what you're having an issue with.

I also agree with Dawn, fiber should be around 18% min, 23% max.

You may want to look into Oxbow as it fits both these criteria. It has an 18% protein content and 18% min - 23% max fiber. I have been feeding it for several years now and my chins seem to thrive on it. Never had any problems.

Actually, I just bought a bag of Purina Natural Advantedge (the PANR replacement) online. I think Oxbow is the ideal food but it's ridiculously more expensive. It's about $16 for 5 lbs bought in a store. I know I could get it for about $11 online shipped, but that's still a lot compared to the Advantedge. Also, it came in a big set I bought and QMC doesn't sell Oxbow feed, so I kind of went with the most efficient choice. Advantedge has 18.5-21% fiber and 16% protein. Either way, it's better than Mazuri if my chin does indeed have diarrhea from eating it. I wish Oxbow was cheaper *sigh* She still loves her Oxbow hay, though. That I can splurge on hehe.

 

[Stackie]

I don't have any experience with the new PANR formula, so I hope you have good luck with it. ) Yes, Oxbow is expensive especially if you have a good number of chins. Of course it's really the only kind of feed ALL my chins like and I have had nothing but good results from it so I don't mind the price. I buy it from Sandi on here. )

 

[ticklechin]

I always feel lucky I can buy oxbow and APD products from the Mom and Pop petstore up the street, they sell the 10lb bag of Oxbow for 14.99.

 

[caiti]

I just started her on the PSNA (purina show natural advantedge) tonight. She picked it all out and threw a bunch of Mazuri on the ground...so I guess she likes it. Although it also could have been because I froze it for a while so it was still cold. Who knows...I'll probably post an update maybe on a new thread or something as I know it's a new food and people are probably curious.

$15 for 10 lbs...I would kill for that price. I really almost feel guilty for not buying Oxbow since I only have one chin, I just think about the 15 more years I gotta feed her and see the cost adding up. I could buy the Oxbow, it wouldn't kill me or anything I just figured I liked the analysis of the PSNA and it's good quality. I guess once you're in the realm of quality food it's hard to say which one exactly is best for your chin, I just don't know. Ok, I am definitely worrying about this way too much...gah!! I hate being the neurotic, anxious pet owner!!

 

[mishellyshel]

when i had one, i used to buy my little 2.5 lb bag of mazuri from petsmart for like 10 dollars, than i got 2 and it started costing more, when i got got 3 and realized a 25lb of mazuri at the feed store only cost 13 dollars, i nearly had a heart attack. right now in my home, i have 10 chins and i buy a bag or the prsc (purina rabbit show chow) and 50 lbs costs me less than 15 dollars and probably lasts about 2.5 months.