mamarat2
Well-Known Member
Many people are intrigued that I have a cabinet in my kitchen devoted to my rats. Along with meds and herbs, I also keep many supplements that my rats are fed to keep them healthy. Please read the full post as it answers many questions in full context. Below is a list of the supplements and their uses:
Over the counter
flax seed oil
fish oil
CoQ10
Vitamin B complex
glucosamine/chondroitin/msm complex
Cosequin for small dogs - vet otc
greenmush
missing link powder
nutrical
Why do I use these supplements?
First let me say, in the course of my life I've found it is very helpful to turn to healthy supplements and in doing so I have applied such things to my pets as well, as I want them to lead long and healthy and happy lives. Everything here, I have incorporated from my own findings and am not being backed by a vet, let me make that clear. All of the supplements used, rats only get a small amount as in a sprinkle in some food once a day. I usually mix up something wet to put all of the stuff in at once.....instant baby cereal with ensure or something yummy.
Flax Seed Oil - Its been shown that flax is very good for one's skin and hair health, and many other healthy properties. It also contains omega-3's and many other "good" fatty acids. Although you can actually eat flax seeds, they are not broken down by the body so ingesting the oil or ground flax seed meal is a better alternative. Few drops of oil in food once a day. Please note when you use the oil form, watch for loose stool......which is why I saw a few drops.
Fish oil - benefits of omega 3's and fatty acids. Few drops of oil in food once or twice a day.
CoQ10 aka CoEnzyme Q10 - helps to boost the immune system, cardiovascular health. Really only use this with rats that I suspect have cardiovascular issues. Can be very expensive. Normal dosages for my kids who do not have heart problems, once a week in food. Comes as capsules with liquid inside.
Vitamin B Complex - neurological health, spinal nerve health, overall metabolism of fats and carbs in the body, cell health. The grocery store or pharmacy usually has some form of it on sale, I usually get the chewable fruit flavored kind and grind them up or you can use any kind and grind them. Sprinkle small amount in food once a day.
Glucosamine/chondroitin/msm complex - over the counter joint medication for people, I take it for my own joint problems. Good for the joints and cartilage health. Its NOT cheap. Chondroitin is the shark cartilage. They come in large capsules that are not easy to grind up, but its possible. Sprinkle small amount into food once a day.
Cosequin for dogs - Get it from the vet. Cheaper animal version of joint health supplement. Does not contain as much chondroitin, which is the shark cartilage that promotes excellent joint health. Comes in capsules with powder inside, easy to open and close capsules. Sprinkle small amount into food once a day.
Green Mush - Love the stuff. Its considered a super food. Also contains CoQ10, which is why I normally do not feed CoQ10 separately. Has a long list of ingredients that are dried whole foods, lots of GREEN stuff. Lots of fiber. I like to add this to some baby cereal and they go nuts. Very potent stuff and quite litereally smells green, don't ask me to explain that one. The green mush is made for pets, they also make one for people, same thing just called something different. I have literally made myself a "smoothie" with green mush before and drank it and take it from experience, it does amazing things for your digestive tract.
For more green mush info and ingredient list check out the link: http://www.healthfoodemporium.com/prod_page.php?id=178
Missing Link Powder - Not much experience with this stuff myself, but a fellow rat friend gives it to her kids in place of the green mush. I beleive its also considered a type of super food. Google for more info.
Nutrical - Purchased from the vet or many pet stores. High calorie supplement for older rats or sick rats having problems keeping weight on.
Over the counter
flax seed oil
fish oil
CoQ10
Vitamin B complex
glucosamine/chondroitin/msm complex
Cosequin for small dogs - vet otc
greenmush
missing link powder
nutrical
Why do I use these supplements?
First let me say, in the course of my life I've found it is very helpful to turn to healthy supplements and in doing so I have applied such things to my pets as well, as I want them to lead long and healthy and happy lives. Everything here, I have incorporated from my own findings and am not being backed by a vet, let me make that clear. All of the supplements used, rats only get a small amount as in a sprinkle in some food once a day. I usually mix up something wet to put all of the stuff in at once.....instant baby cereal with ensure or something yummy.
Flax Seed Oil - Its been shown that flax is very good for one's skin and hair health, and many other healthy properties. It also contains omega-3's and many other "good" fatty acids. Although you can actually eat flax seeds, they are not broken down by the body so ingesting the oil or ground flax seed meal is a better alternative. Few drops of oil in food once a day. Please note when you use the oil form, watch for loose stool......which is why I saw a few drops.
Fish oil - benefits of omega 3's and fatty acids. Few drops of oil in food once or twice a day.
CoQ10 aka CoEnzyme Q10 - helps to boost the immune system, cardiovascular health. Really only use this with rats that I suspect have cardiovascular issues. Can be very expensive. Normal dosages for my kids who do not have heart problems, once a week in food. Comes as capsules with liquid inside.
Vitamin B Complex - neurological health, spinal nerve health, overall metabolism of fats and carbs in the body, cell health. The grocery store or pharmacy usually has some form of it on sale, I usually get the chewable fruit flavored kind and grind them up or you can use any kind and grind them. Sprinkle small amount in food once a day.
Glucosamine/chondroitin/msm complex - over the counter joint medication for people, I take it for my own joint problems. Good for the joints and cartilage health. Its NOT cheap. Chondroitin is the shark cartilage. They come in large capsules that are not easy to grind up, but its possible. Sprinkle small amount into food once a day.
Cosequin for dogs - Get it from the vet. Cheaper animal version of joint health supplement. Does not contain as much chondroitin, which is the shark cartilage that promotes excellent joint health. Comes in capsules with powder inside, easy to open and close capsules. Sprinkle small amount into food once a day.
Green Mush - Love the stuff. Its considered a super food. Also contains CoQ10, which is why I normally do not feed CoQ10 separately. Has a long list of ingredients that are dried whole foods, lots of GREEN stuff. Lots of fiber. I like to add this to some baby cereal and they go nuts. Very potent stuff and quite litereally smells green, don't ask me to explain that one. The green mush is made for pets, they also make one for people, same thing just called something different. I have literally made myself a "smoothie" with green mush before and drank it and take it from experience, it does amazing things for your digestive tract.
For more green mush info and ingredient list check out the link: http://www.healthfoodemporium.com/prod_page.php?id=178
Missing Link Powder - Not much experience with this stuff myself, but a fellow rat friend gives it to her kids in place of the green mush. I beleive its also considered a type of super food. Google for more info.
Nutrical - Purchased from the vet or many pet stores. High calorie supplement for older rats or sick rats having problems keeping weight on.
