The Mazuri Tortoise LS Diet is a specially formulated food designed to meet the nutritional needs of herbivorous tortoises, particularly those from dry land environments. This diet has undergone changes in its formulation, leading to discussions and comparisons among tortoise keepers. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the Mazuri Tortoise LS Diet, its ingredients, benefits, and considerations for feeding.
What is Mazuri Tortoise LS Diet?
Mazuri Tortoise LS Diet (#5E5L) is a high-fiber food specifically designed for herbivorous tortoises inhabiting dry environments, including Gopher, Sulcata, and Galapagos tortoises. Its composition also makes it suitable for other herbivorous reptiles.
Key Features and Benefits
The Mazuri Tortoise LS Diet offers several key features and benefits:
- Complete Nutrition: Eliminates the need for additional vitamin or mineral supplements.
- High Fiber, Low Starch: Based on grass hay to promote healthy digestion.
- Natural Vitamin E: Provides a natural source of this essential nutrient.
- Natural Source Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants without ethoxyquin.
- Extruded Pellet Form: Reduces waste and encourages a natural feeding environment.
- Live Probiotic Cultures: Supports the development of a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
- Yucca Shidigera Extract: Reduces aerosol ammonia in animal facilities.
Ingredients Analysis
The Mazuri Tortoise LS Diet contains a variety of ingredients, which have evolved over time. Here's a breakdown of the key components and their potential benefits and drawbacks:
Primary Ingredients
- Timothy Hay: The primary ingredient in the new formula, providing essential fiber for proper digestion.
- Ground Soybean Hulls: A source of fiber and energy.
- Dried Beet Pulp: Another source of fiber.
- Oat Hulls: Provides fiber.
- Wheat Middlings: A byproduct of wheat milling, offering carbohydrates and fiber.
- Ground Oats: A source of carbohydrates and fiber.
- Dehulled Soybean Meal: A source of protein.
- Cane Molasses: A sweetener and source of energy.
- Dried Apple Pomace: A source of fiber.
- Wheat Germ: A source of vitamins and minerals.
- Flaxseed: Provides omega-3 fatty acids.
- Ground Aspen: A novel ingredient; the cambium of aspen trees is edible and contains Vitamin C.
- Carrageenan: A seaweed extract used as a thickener.
- Ground Brown Rice: A source of carbohydrates.
- Dicalcium Phosphate: A source of calcium and phosphorus.
- Soybean Oil: A source of fat and energy.
Additives
- Banana Flavor: Added to enhance palatability.
- Calcium Carbonate: A source of calcium.
- Brewers Dried Yeast: A source of B vitamins and protein.
- Salt: Provides sodium and chloride.
- L-Lysine: An essential amino acid.
- DL-Methionine: Another essential amino acid.
- Choline Chloride: A nutrient essential for nerve function.
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride: Vitamin B6.
- D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate: A natural source of Vitamin E.
- Biotin: A B vitamin.
- Dried Yucca Shidigera Extract: Reduces ammonia levels.
- Cholecalciferol: Vitamin D3.
- Beta-Carotene: A precursor to Vitamin A.
- Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex: A source of Vitamin K.
- Calcium Pantothenate: A B vitamin.
- Folic Acid: A B vitamin.
- Vitamin A Acetate: A source of Vitamin A.
- Riboflavin: Vitamin B2.
- Sucrose and Fructose: Sweeteners.
- Thiamin Mononitrate: Vitamin B1.
- Vitamin B12 Supplement: A source of Vitamin B12.
- Niacin: A B vitamin.
- Primalac: A blend of probiotic cultures.
- Copper Sulfate: A source of copper.
- Mixed Tocopherols: A preservative and form of Vitamin E.
- Ascorbic Acid: Vitamin C.
- Rosemary Extract: An antioxidant.
- Manganous Oxide: A source of manganese.
- Zinc Oxide: A source of zinc.
- Ferrous Carbonate: A source of iron.
- Zinc Sulfate: Another source of zinc.
- Calcium Iodate: A source of iodine.
- Sodium Selenite: A source of selenium.
- Cobalt Carbonate: A source of cobalt.
Concerns and Considerations
Some ingredients in the Mazuri Tortoise LS Diet have raised concerns among tortoise keepers:
Read also: Is Mazuri Insectivore Diet Right for Your Glider?
- Carrageenan: Some studies suggest that carrageenan may cause inflammation and digestive issues in lab animals.
- Sucrose and Fructose: The addition of these sweeteners is a concern for some keepers.
- Soybean Hulls and Grains: Some keepers prefer to avoid these ingredients.
- Ground Aspen: The use of aspen raises questions about its nutritional value and suitability for tortoises.
Feeding Guidelines
- Feed tortoises approximately 1-4% of their body weight per day.
- This diet should constitute at least 80% of their daily intake.
- Adjust the amount based on environmental temperature, activity level, and life stage.
- Moistening the pellets can help acclimate tortoises to the diet.
- Supplement with good quality grass hay.
- Offer fresh fruits and vegetables in moderation (up to 5% fruit and 20% vegetables by weight of total diet).
- Always provide fresh, clean water.
- Ensure reptiles have access to adequate natural light or a UV light source.
Storage Recommendations
- Store the diet in a sealed container in a cool (75°F or colder), dry (approximately 50% RH) location.
- Freezing can extend freshness.
- Use within 1 year of the bag's manufacturing date.
Comparison to Other Tortoise Diets
The Mazuri Tortoise LS Diet is often compared to other commercial tortoise diets, such as Zoo Med Grassland Tortoise Food. Some keepers mix Mazuri with Grassland to combine the benefits of both formulas. The new Mazuri formula appears to incorporate elements of Grassland, such as timothy hay and probiotics.
Read also: Ingredients: Mazuri Crocodilian Diet
Read also: Nutritional Benefits of Mazuri®