Opinions on these hog feeds?

[artgecko]

Thanks! I didn't know if the females would benefit from the additional protein in the NE (18%) verses 16% in the hog feed.

[gilly]

TSC said that they couldn't order mazuri unless it was on their ordering sheet, but I am going to check with other feed stores in town.

This info might be too basic, but in my search for Mazuri Rodent food, I found TSC doesn't have access to it (but sell about 6 other animal foods), BUT .... find a feed store that orders Purina products and they likely will order it....even if
you just buy 1 bag at a time ( at least where I am). That being said.... since price is a factor in your buying hog food.... you might stick with that considering the Mazuri rodent is about $27.00/bag.

[artgecko]

Thanks! They've been on a 50/50 mix of the hog feed and the NE for about a week now. So far the results seem to be that they prefer the lab blocks and they *might* be gaining weight (fat) which isn't necessarily a good thing... Of course, I could just be overreacting. I am going to limit their food portion size a little and see if that solves the weight issue.

[artgecko]

Wanted to give another update.

I've decided to switch back to all lab blocks. A few reasons why I've made this choice:

- Rats GREATLY prefer the blocks, some to the point of holding out for blocks and not eating the hog feed
- Weight gain of half of the rats (fat, not muscle)
- Increase in amount of poo and slightly loose stools at times
- Possible allergy issues (2 of the 6 rats have started to loose some hair, not positive it is the food, but it might be).

I found a way to order the blocks online in larger bulk (5 bags at a time) for less cost, so although they will be more expensive than the hog feed, I feel that it is a better option nutritionally.

[Rhasputin]

I have found that I have fatter babies with lab block only, and less on hog feed. But other than that I have not noticed any significant differences. My spiny mice, do not like the lab blocks though, and prefer the hog food. Strange.