Which Oxbow Fortified Food Line Is Best for My Small Pet?
by Dr. Cayla Iske & Dianne Cook, LVT
As pet parents, it is our responsibility to make sure our furry family members receive the most wholesome, well-balanced, species-appropriate diet possible. So, it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions we answer at Oxbow is, “Which of your diets is best for my pet?”
The truth is that all Oxbow food lines have been formulated with the guidance of top exotic veterinarians and nutritionists to feature nutritionally correct, fortified, uniform nutritional profiles that are specially tailored to meet the unique requirements of their intended species and life-stage.
So, while the simple answer to the above question is that all our diets are great for your small pet, there are certainly some differences. Keep reading to learn more about our full range of diets and what makes each line unique.
If They’re So Similar, Why Do You Have So Many Options?
As any experienced pet parent will quickly point out, every one of our furry little companions has their own unique personality, complete with individual needs, preferences, tolerances, and opinions! Similarly, each pet parent has their own specific priorities, lifestyles, and nutritional factors that are important to them.
By offering multiple nutritionally complete premium diets, Oxbow is able to provide a diverse range of options and flavor profiles that speak to the specific preferences and tastes of as many pets and pet parents as possible while still ensuring your little one is receiving a delicious, complete, balanced, and species-appropriate meal.
Oxbow’s Essentials line-up is arguably our most recognizable, well-known food line and has been providing high-quality, well-balanced, species-specific nutrition for our exotic companion friends for more than 25 years. These tried-and-true formulas utilize traditional ingredients such as timothy, alfalfa, soy, and wheat products (depending on the species and life stage) to create a nutritionally balanced, complete diet.
Additional Product Highlights
Adult Rabbit & Guinea Pig
Western Timothy Hay-based
Calcium concentrations are 0.35% - 0.75%, finding themselves on the low end of most commercially available foods
Optimal blend of healthy proteins and fats using soybean meal and soybean oil
Young Herbivores
Alfalfa hay as the primary ingredient to provide a high-fiber diet with optimal protein and calcium for healthy growth
Wheat middlings, soybean hulls, and soybean oil balance phosphorus, fat, and additional fiber for a nutritionally complete food
Chinchilla
Features an alfalfa-based diet to meet the energy needs of chinchillas at any life stage
Added fiber, protein, and fat with soybean ingredients and wheat middlings round out our original chinchilla food
Small omnivore options for rats, mice, hamsters, and gerbils deliver optimal protein, fat, and energy sources when paired with species-appropriate supplemental foods
Contain a variety of nutritious grains such as barley, oats, millet, and wheat
Available in a full range of species and life-stages
Comes in a variety of sizes, including bulk (15-25 lbs)
Most readily available Oxbow diet – found in many brick and mortar retailers as well as numerous online pet specialty stores
No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
Contains prebiotics like yeasts (mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS)) to support digestive health
Fortified with stabilized vitamins and chelated minerals
Garden Select formulas offer a “garden fresh” flavor profile that is particularly appealing to many picky pets. This diet boasts an enticing herbaceous aroma with ingredients that mimic those found in your very own garden. Our Garden Select line also offers certified non-genetically modified (non-GMO) formulas in every bag.
Additional Product Highlights
Adult Rabbit & Guinea Pig
Three high-fiber grass hays (Timothy, Oat, and Orchard) are the base of these formulas
Organic Bounty diets are certified organic, making them perfect for pet parents who prefer offering an exclusively organic diet. These antioxidant-rich diets are made from a delectable array of ingredients including rosemary, cranberry, dandelion leaf, and blueberry.
Additional Product Highlights
A mixture of Timothy, orchard, brome, alfalfa, and clover grown naturally in the same field (Organic Meadow Hay) is the base of these formulas
No cane molasses or soy
100% Certified Organic product
Available in Adult Rabbit and Adult Guinea Pig formulas
Available in 3 lb packages
No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
Contains prebiotics to support digestive health
Fortified with stabilized vitamins and chelated minerals
Last, but far from least, Oxbow’s Simple Harvest line is comprised of “farm-inspired” ingredients such as canola, oat groats, and sunflower. Simple Harvest diets are only available through farm and feed retailers such as Tractor Supply Company, Fleet Farm, and Rural King. We have partnered with these companies as a way to offer high-quality diet options for families with small mammals who may live in rural settings, or otherwise do not have convenient access to the larger or independently ran pet stores.
Additional Product Highlights
Adult Rabbit & Guinea Pig
Western Timothy Hay-based
Canola and Sunflower utilized as main protein & fat sources
Young Herbivores
Alfalfa hay-based followed by Timothy hay for a tailored nutrient profile fit for young, growing animals
Canola and Sunflower added to provide optimal plant-based protein & fat
Chinchilla
Features a balance of alfalfa and timothy hays to provide adequate protein, fiber, and energy for chinchillas at any life stage
Canola and Sunflower added to provide optimal plant-based protein & fat
Small omnivore options for hamsters, gerbils, and adult rats
Grain-based diets that deliver high-quality protein, fat, and energy sources as part of a balanced diet
Contain a variety of nutritious grains such as oats, sorghum, wheat, and barley
Available in a full range of species and life-stages (with the exception of Mouse & Young Rat)
Available in various sizes, including bulk
Bulk sizes excluded in young guinea pig and hamster/gerbil formulas
Sold exclusively in the farm and feed channel
No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
Contains prebiotics to support digestive health
Fortified with stabilized vitamins and chelated minerals
So…How Do I Choose?
At the end of the day, rest assured that there is no wrong choice with any of Oxbow’s fortified foods for you small pet. Every single bag of food is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of each species at each life stage. The ingredients in each diet may be a bit different, but the end product is always one that provides the nutrients your little one needs to thrive.
We recommend starting by choosing the diet that you feel most comfortable with, whether that is because of certain ingredients or certifications. Then, leave the choice up to your pet. If your pet loves your selected food as much as you, it’s a great fit! If they are indifferent or just not as enthusiastic as you’d like after completing a gradual diet transition, try another! As always, variety is the spice of life so don’t be afraid to try each line of Oxbow’s fortified foods.
