In our article we will talk about what a mineral stone is for rodents, why is it needed. In addition, consider the popular options for this treat. First, find out what a mineral stone is.
What is it?
As a rule, this is ordinary natural chalk, which is mined in nature. Various manufacturing companies add additional components to it to improve palatability and properties, but the main ingredient is still chalk itself.
Why is stone necessary?
For rodents, mineral stone is the source of the necessary building material for teeth, bones, and also to maintain their strength. In addition, the composition includes minerals that participate in metabolic processes, control the acid-base balance and so on. Due to the lack of important elements, a malfunction in the body can occur, which must never be allowed. In addition, the mineral stone for rodents is useful as an attractive object for biting.
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There are different types of stones. It is worth considering in detail them:
- Salt stones. They include salt. Such a stone is suitable for exclusively herbivorous rodents, such as a decorative rabbit and guinea pig. Their usual diet is dominated by hay and grass. Because of what they need additional salt top dressing. Rats do not need it. Therefore, salt stones should not be given to them.
- It should be noted that some manufacturers add flavorings and colorings to stones and other treats for rodents. As a rule, such stones attract more attention of animals. But you need to make sure that your pet does not have an allergy to these components.
- Loamy stones are a good option. Sometimes salt is also added to them.
- Sepia (shell of cuttlefish). This is a great alternative to the mineral stone for rodents.
- School ordinary chalk white. It can be used, but as an exception. If you take such chalk, make sure that the composition does not have a large amount of gypsum.
Popular products for rodents
Food in decorative rabbits, rats, guinea pigs and other rodents should be varied. In addition, for their full development, additional vitamin complexes are required. You can also use mineral stones. They are now produced by many companies ("Zoomir", Vitakraft, LoLo Pets and others). Some of the popular products we will consider further:
- Stone for all rodents from the company "Zoomir". The composition includes components such as feed chalk, iodized salt, ground mollusk shells, brewer's yeast, gypsum and enterosorbent. There are three types of products: with algae, vitamins and probiotics.
- LoLo Pets. This stone is suitable for different rodents. The composition contains only minerals. All stones of this company are not salty.
- Ferplast These stones are made in the form of cubes. Release them without adding salt.
- "Animal". The stones of this company are suitable for all rodents. They produce two types: with and without vitamins. All products are made with the addition of salt. The composition includes dry brewer's yeast, fodder chalk, oyster shell rock, fodder limestone, iodized salt (edible).
- Fiory. Mineral stone for all rodents.
- Trixie. There are different types. Good for all rodents, without exception.
- Chica. This is a mineral stone that is designed for all rodents. Caution should be given to feed rats.
- Karlie The manufacturer produces two types of products: Ice Cream and Banana. The composition contains components such as oyster shell flour, artificial coloring matter, calcium sulfate, ground limestone, yeast, calcium bicarbonate, ethylenediamine, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, natural flavors.
- "Bins". You can see on sale two types of stone: "Garden Carrot" (only for rabbits) and "Bullet apple" (suitable for all rodents). The composition contains minerals of natural origin, such as halite mineral concentrate, shell limestone.
- Vitapol. Products suitable for all rodents.
Take care of your pets so that they always delight you with their healthy, peppy look.