Feeding Your Pet Prairie Dog

Feeding Your Pet Prairie Dog: A Comprehensive Guide

Prairie dogs, with their unique dietary needs, require a well-balanced, high-fiber diet to thrive in captivity. While grasses make up about three-quarters of their diet in the wild, replicating this in a controlled environment involves offering a variety of specialized foods and supplements. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your prairie dog remains healthy and well-nourished.

High-Fiber Diet Essentials

Exotic Nutrition Prairie Dog Food is a staple for captive prairie dogs. This formula is designed to meet their specific nutritional requirements and is particularly high in fiber. A high-fiber diet is crucial for maintaining their digestive health.

Diet for Baby Prairie Dogs

Baby prairie dogs (8 weeks to 6 months) have higher protein requirements compared to adults. For these young pets, a combination of Prairie Dog Food, Monkey Biscuits, and Timothy Pellets is recommended until they reach six months of age. These products provide the necessary protein and other nutrients for growth and development.

Additionally, prairie dog pups (under 8 weeks old) may require a milk supplement until they are weaned. Exotic Nutrition offers a Specialty Milk Replacer in a powdered form, which is ideal for baby prairie dogs. This product can be used in conjunction with a Baby Animal Nursing Set for easy feeding.

Hay and Fresh Vegetables

Timothy hay is an essential component of a prairie dog’s diet. Offer your pet dried Timothy Hay or Timothy Hay Cubes to ensure they get enough roughage. Whole oats are also a great addition. Fresh vegetables, such as raw sweet potatoes and raw carrots, or Garden Fresh Re-Hydrate can be given as treats. These vegetables not only provide variety but also essential vitamins and minerals.

Supplements

Exotic Nutrition's Prairie Dog Booster (Multivitamin) ensures that your prairie dog is getting the vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive. Feeding a balanced diet is a priority for good health and wellbeing, and vitamin supplements can help fill any nutritional voids

Feeding Guidelines

The amount of food your prairie dog needs depends on several factors: age, sex, activity level, metabolic rate, and overall health. Here are some general guidelines:

• Monitor Weight: Regularly check your prairie dog's weight. If your pet is gaining too much weight, reduce the amount of food. Conversely, if they are losing weight, increase their food intake.
• Diverse Diet: In addition to Prairie Dog Food, offer a variety of fresh hay, grasses, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts.
• Fresh Water: While prairie dogs in the wild rarely drink water, captive prairie dogs should always have access to fresh water. A water bottle with a lick spout works well, but ensure young prairie dogs learn to use it by placing a small dish under the spout initially.

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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian, experienced breeder or wildlife rehabilitator.

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