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Ingredients
Nutritional
Features of Specific Ingredients
Alfalfa (pellet,
stalk)
Alfalfa is a natural source of nutrients including
cellulose / lignified fibre, protein rich in essential amino acids (lysine, threonine,
tryptophan), b-carotene (pro-vitamin A) and vitamin E,
calcium and linoleic acid. Alfalfa also contains approximately double the
quantity of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) than cereal grains such as wheat and barley. Studies have shown that FOS can promote and
maintain a healthy digestive system in animals. Both
alfalfa pellets and alfalfa stalks are used in Charlie. Whilst essentially the same ingredient stalks are
particularly useful as they are of a fibrous nature and assist the appropriate wear of
dentition, and may help prevent dental overgrowth. In
addition they can maintain a longer eating period, occupying the animal for longer.
Carrot (micronised,
home-dried)
There
are two different types of dried carrots used in Charlie, micronised
(bright orange flakes) and home-dried (pale orange irregular shaped). Micronisation improves the digestibility of the
carrot, and enhances the palatability by converting the starches to sugars. Colour retention with the process is excellent
which is why these flakes appear so bright. The
home-dried carrot is produced at the Supreme Factory. Slices of fresh carrot are dried slowly to
maintain the aroma and flexibility of the carrot. Both types of carrots are used as not
only do they contain moderate levels of protein and fibre, they are especially rich in b-carotene. Both are extremely palatable
and the different textures provide interest.
Extrusions
There are two types of extrusions in Charlie.
The red discs are wheat extrusions, and
contain predominantly wheat. Wheat is rich in
starch, phosphorus and contains moderate levels of protein. They also contain oat feed (consists of oat bran
and some endosperm), which is a low energy ingredient and contains high levels of fibre
and Vitamin E. The red discs also
contain linseed oil which is a valuable source of the essential fatty acid inolenic acid
(C18:3; w-3)
important in maintaining skin and coat condition. The orange discs are also wheat extrusions. However as well as containing oatfeed, they also
contain wheat feed. Wheat feed is also a good source of fibre, and also contains some
short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). The orange
discs contain soya oil a source of another essential fatty acid linoleic acid (C18:2; w-6),
and a vitamin and mineral supplement that is tailor-made to suit the chinchilla. Such supplements are essential to promote the
optimal health and performance of the animal, and are added to balance the levels of
nutrients in the finished product. |
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