Mazuri tortoise diet is formulated to provide optimal nutrition for tortoises, supporting their overall health and well-being. This article delves into the components of Mazuri tortoise diet, explores recent changes to the formula, and analyzes the implications for tortoise keepers.
Mazuri Tortoise Diet: Aims and Components
Mazuri tortoise diet aims to deliver a balanced nutritional profile that caters to the specific needs of tortoises. The diet is designed to support eye health, skin health, gastrointestinal (GI) tract health, and normal growth. The food is designed to be palatable to tortoises.
Feeding Guide
The general recommendation is to feed tortoises a quantity of food equivalent to 1-4% of their body weight daily, alongside a supply of fresh, clean water. However, it's crucial to recognize that food intake can fluctuate based on factors such as environmental temperature, activity level, and the tortoise's life stage. To supplement the diet, provide good quality forage such as grass, hay, or browse. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be offered, but should not exceed 20% of the total diet.
The New Formula: Changes and Reactions
Recently, Mazuri has introduced a new formula for its tortoise diet, leading to discussions and debates among tortoise owners. One of the most significant changes is the shift in the primary ingredient from the old formula to timothy hay in the new one.
Key Changes
- Primary Ingredient: The new formula lists timothy hay as its first ingredient, a change from the previous formulation.
- Shipping Costs: Some users have noted a decrease in shipping costs for the 25lb bag.
- Price: The product costs twice as much as the old diet.
- Added Ingredients: Sucrose, fructose, carrageenan, and ground aspen have been added.
- Probiotics: The new formula includes probiotics.
Reactions to the New Formula
The introduction of the new formula has elicited mixed reactions from tortoise keepers. Some appreciate the inclusion of timothy hay as the primary ingredient and the addition of probiotics. Others have expressed concerns about the addition of ingredients like carrageenan, sucrose, and fructose. Some keepers have noted that their tortoises readily consume the new formula.
Read also: Is Mazuri Insectivore Diet Right for Your Glider?
Concerns about Specific Ingredients
Several ingredients in the new formula have raised concerns among tortoise keepers:
- Carrageenan: This seaweed-derived additive has been a point of contention due to studies suggesting it may cause digestive issues in laboratory animals.
- Sucrose and Fructose: The addition of these sweeteners has been questioned, as they were not present in the original formula.
- Ground Aspen: The inclusion of ground aspen, a tree component, has also sparked curiosity and debate.
Comparing Mazuri to Other Brands
When evaluating tortoise diets, it's natural to compare Mazuri to other brands like Zoo Med's Grassland Tortoise Food. While Mazuri may be less expensive than some alternatives, keepers need to consider the ingredient list and nutritional content to determine the best option for their tortoises.
Tips for Feeding Mazuri Tortoise Diet
- Quantity: Feed tortoises between 1-4% of their body weight per day. As an example, a 10 lb. (4.5 kg) tortoise will typically consume between 1/2 cup (45 g) to 2 cups (180 g) per day depending on activity level, environmental temperatures, and life stage.
- Moistening: It is not necessary to moisten pellets with water. However, soaking the product may help to acclimate tortoises to the diet. If moistened, the diet should be replaced at least twice daily.
- Supplementation: Provide good quality forage such as grass hay or browse and fresh, clean water daily.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables may be provided, but at no more than 20% of the total diet.
- Hygiene: Thoroughly wash feed and water bowls on a regular basis. It is always good practice to wash hands thoroughly after feeding and/or handling animals.
Additional Considerations
- UV Radiation and Humidity: Always provide reptiles with adequate natural light or a light source that supplies sufficient UV radiation between the wavelengths of 280 and 315 nm. Proper humidity levels are also critical for health and growth of reptiles.
- Storage: For best results, reseal the bag between uses or store contents of open paper sack in container with sealing lid. Store in a cool (75⁰F/24⁰C or colder), dry (approximately 50% RH) location free from rodents and insects. Do not offer moldy or insect-infested feed to animals as it may result in illness, performance loss or death. Freezing will not harm the diet and may extend freshness.
- Not for Human Consumption: This diet is not for human consumption.
Read also: Ingredients: Mazuri Crocodilian Diet
Read also: Nutritional Benefits of Mazuri®
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