Shredded Wheat

[tati121]

Since becoming a member of CnH I have learned the truth about raisins and since discontinued giving my chin the occasional raisin because of the high sugar content. What I don't understand is why shredded wheat (un-frosted) are acceptable. The carbohydrates are converted to sugars when digested so why are they any better than raisins? Diabetics are advised to stay away from carbohydrates in addition to sweet foods so why wouldn't this be the case with chinchillas as well?

Thank you guys!

 

[caiti]

I really don't know the specifics. I'm sure it's in a notebook from one of my classes somewhere but I'd venture to guess it is related to the fact that they are hindgut fermenters. So bacteria are actually metabolizing the carbohydrates like glucose and what not, into I think volatile fatty acids, which are absorbed then by the digestive tract and used by the animal as a source of energy.

So I don't really know how much if at all the actual chinchilla digests carbohydrates. Maybe what happens is when we feed too many carbs there isn't a large enough microbial population in their cecum to digest them so they have ill effects from it not being broken down. Eh? Maybe someone with more knowledge or time to investigate it will give you a better answer.

 

[tati121]

I really don't know the specifics. I'm sure it's in a notebook from one of my classes somewhere but I'd venture to guess it is related to the fact that they are hindgut fermenters. So bacteria are actually metabolizing the carbohydrates like glucose and what not, into I think volatile fatty acids, which are absorbed then by the digestive tract and used by the animal as a source of energy.

So I don't really know how much if at all the actual chinchilla digests carbohydrates. Maybe what happens is when we feed too many carbs there isn't a large enough microbial population in their cecum to digest them so they have ill effects from it not being broken down. Eh? Maybe someone with more knowledge or time to investigate it will give you a better answer.

Interesting...I was just curious since the pre-med in me was slightly confused but you seem to more about the digestive processes of 4 legged folk so that's good!

Thanks for your reply!

 

[Silverrose]

Since chinchillas are hindgut fermentors, a lot of their nutrition is dependant on the bacterial colony within the cecum. A raisin has a higher sugar content than shredded wheat, and also a different type of sugar, fructose as opposed to glucose. The high and rapid influx of sugar encourages the growth of toxin-producing bacteria, possibly causing health problems within the chinchilla including bloat, stasis, malnutrition, etc.

 

[Tennyson]

Bravo, though, for questioning the accepted policy tati121, you never know when something might be accepted by everyone just because everyone accepts it when really it shouldn't be. Also my wife (also pre-med) had asked me this question before-and I had no idea, so glad to hear the answer!

 

[tati121]

Bravo, though, for questioning the accepted policy tati121, you never know when something might be accepted by everyone just because everyone accepts it when really it shouldn't be. Also my wife (also pre-med) had asked me this question before-and I had no idea, so glad to hear the answer!

Thanks Tennyson!

 

[Claire D]

A couple of the benefits of shredded wheat over raisins are the high fibre content (hence it's use with chins with mild soft droppings) & the lack of sugar. One of the problems with raisins, apart from the sugar rush, is the effect it can have on chins' teeth - dental caries is a real possibility.
I don't know about the US version of Shredded Wheats but ours in the UK contain nothing but wheat - no salt or any other additives. We also have wheat feed as a component of many chinchilla pellets.

As with all things chinchilla, moderation is the key. Shredded wheat is a 'healthy' treat when compared to raisins or anything else containing sugar.
Whether there is a case for reducing carbohydrates in chinchillas' diets or not remains to be seen - it's one of those areas where not enough decent research has been undertaken.

 

[tati121]

A couple of the benefits of shredded wheat over raisins are the high fibre content (hence it's use with chins with mild soft droppings) & the lack of sugar. One of the problems with raisins, apart from the sugar rush, is the effect it can have on chins' teeth - dental caries is a real possibility.
I don't know about the US version of Shredded Wheats but ours in the UK contain nothing but wheat - no salt or any other additives. We also have wheat feed as a component of many chinchilla pellets.

As with all things chinchilla, moderation is the key. Shredded wheat is a 'healthy' treat when compared to raisins or anything else containing sugar.
Whether there is a case for reducing carbohydrates in chinchillas' diets or not remains to be seen - it's one of those areas where not enough decent research has been undertaken.

Thank you for your reply Claire!