Nutritional Features of Specific Ingredients

Maize (flaked)

Gerty contains flaked maize, which although lower and poorer in protein quality than wheat has the highest energy content of most cereals, containing twice the oil of wheat and barley. The maize kernel is high in starch, also contributing to the energy value. The flaking process improves the digestibility of the maize kernel.

Oats (whole)

Oats, especially whole oats are ideal for use in guinea pig food.  They are fibrous, contain less starch than wheat or barley, and hence are a low energy dense ingredient.   They are also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

Peas (flaked)

Flaked Peas are a good source of protein, and are rich in sugar and starch, contributing to energy levels.  Although they contain low amounts of oil, the oil present is unsaturated.   Peas contain reasonable quantities of B vitamins.

Soya (Hipro pellet)

Hipro soya pellets are included in Gerty to boost the protein levels. Soya is an important source of vegetable protein.  It is rich in amino acids such as threonine and lysine, and also methionine and cysteine.   In addition soya has a high oil content, and is an excellent source of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid (18:2 w-6 fatty acids).  Heat processing partially breaks down the plant cell wall rendering the nutrients more available and reduces the levels of anti-nutritional factors (ANF), which would otherwise reduce the digestibility of the protein. When the oil is removed the residue left is known as soya bean meal, which may then be incorporated directly into animal feeds or pelleted.  The term Hipro indicates that soya hulls are not reblended with the meal, and hence it is lower in fibre, but higher in protein than other meals.  Hipro Soya Pellets are a good source of vitamins B and D.   Soya complements the amino acid deficiencies of peas.

Wheat (flaked)

Cereals such as wheat are rich in starch and hence contribute energy to the animal. Wheat contains some protein, and is low in fibre and vitamins especially biotin. Most cereals such as wheat are relatively rich in phosphorus but deficient in calcium. However, wheat germ is a valuable source of Vitamin E.

Gerty Guinea Pig

Specific Ingredients

Feeding Instructions