Sources of Vitamin B / Thiamine

[Spodumena]

I was wondering if people had any advice about good safe sources of vitamin B (thiamine) for chinchillas who need a bit more.

I’ve been told wheat germ is a good one. But more recently it was suggested to me that a dried flat pea might also be a good source, or a pinch of dried carrot and bell pepper.

After all the reading I had done here, I was surprised that someone was suggesting any type of dried veggie for a chin. Do you think it would be safe in extreme moderation to get a bit more thiamine into the diet, or is wheat germ a safer source provided it is carefully monitored so that it does not go off? Does anyone have any experience supplementing sources of thiamine?

 

[Tanya]

I would not use peas, peppers, or wheat germ. Wheat germ turns rancid very fast. When it becomes rancid, toxic decomposition takes place. It is nearly impossible to get untoasted wheat germ that has not become rancid at least to some degree.

I would offer oat bran instead since it is a good source of B1. You can view the nutritional analysis of oat bran here: http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/5703/2

Oat bran contains less thiamine (~1.2 mg per 100g) compared to wheat germ (~1.9 mg per 100g), but it is a safer choice.  Alfalfa, red clover, and nettle contain some thiamine as well. It is a good idea to offer some alfalfa when you give your chin oat bran for a balanced Ca ratio.

 

[Spodumena]

Many thanks for the advice and information, Tanya.

Does this look suitable to you? Does it make a difference if the oat bran is extra fine or medium? Would about 1/2 teaspoon a few times a week be ok?
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/whites-oat-bran-extra-fine-60074885

I remember reading on here that we should be wary of wheat germ. I was under the impression that it was fairly apparent when it had gone off (i.e. it smells quite bad…). Is keeping it in the fridge in a sealed mason jar, and doing a taste-test of a bit of it before giving it to a chin still not being cautious enough?

 

[Tanya]

You are welcome. I would recommend getting an organic oat bran if possible (both medium and extra fine can be used; I would get medium). Try offering 1/4 teaspoon a few times a week, or you can sprinkle 1/6 teaspoon or so daily over herbs. I see that you are in the UK, so you can visit Galens Garden if you need to get herbs: https://galensgarden.co.uk/shop/dried-herbs

When you purchase wheat germ, it is likely to be rancid already to some degree.

 

[ticklechin]

May I ask what you are treating?

 

[chrisbradley6]

Spodumena and I have been discussing a certain type of seizure seen in our chins and possible causes. One cause our research has pointed towards is a vitamin b deficiency. hence the questions.