Alfalfa sprouts?

[Amanda1801]

I grow my own stuff to add to salads, one of which being alfalfa sprouts, and was wondering if my piggies could eat them too? If so, in what kind of quantity/frequency? The Ca ratio is approx 1:2, but I'm not sure how it fares on the other nutrients with regards to piggies...I think they're high in protein proportionally, and know they can't be fed to certain breeds of tortoise because of this.... sorry, thinking aloud!

Here's a link with nutritional info...

http://nutrition.about.com/od/fruitsandvegetables/p/alfalfasprouts.htm

Any ideas?

 

[mikulinek]

Hi Amanda,

I think that calcium content looks a little high. I'm no vet or nutritionist but I would consider using them as treats to be fed in small amounts fairly rarely. Calcium is pretty dangerous stuff to piggies so I'm always wary of it. It can cause bladder stones and lead to other bladder problems and digestion issues.

Apart from that, it is also very high in water content which is something to try to avoid as well. Hope that helps.

 

[Amanda1801]

Hi Amanda,

I think that calcium content looks a little high. I'm no vet or nutritionist but I would consider using them as treats to be fed in small amounts fairly rarely. Calcium is pretty dangerous stuff to piggies so I'm always wary of it. It can cause bladder stones and lead to other bladder problems and digestion issues.

Apart from that, it is also very high in water content which is something to try to avoid as well. Hope that helps.

thanks for the reply. That's pretty much what I thought! - lots of water, a high piggy calcium level and not a whole lot else! The data on the link is for a cup (or 33grams) of alfalfa, which is a hell of a lot! I might just add a sprinkle every now and again to their other low calcium foods.

I hate working out calcium contents and stuff - I have a chameleon I'm treating for calcium deficiency and it feels like my whole life is spent calculating calcium doses!

 

[guineagurl]

I suppose you could give them a tiny bit if you want but is best not to...

 

[mikulinek]

Aww poor you and poor chemelion...

With the piggies, I've got to the stage where I stick to maybe 4 or 5 for Biscuit (long story but he needs to be looked after in terms of diet) and maybe 6 or 7 fruit and veg for caramel. I try not to deviate and I try not to feed too much of any one thing to avoid excesses of protein, phosphates, calcium etc. but keep uo vitamin C levels. I know how you feel. It's like and endless balancing act that you never feel you've got quite right.

Good luck with your chamelion and with the calcium control!