[FONT=Arial]Nutriphase Gold has a preservative in it called Ethoxyquin, it is carcinogenic in nature, almost no human products are allowed to use Ethoxyquin because of this. Paprika is one rare exception, but no human is going to consume very much Paprika in their lifetimes.
A lot of small animal foods have this chemical in it, very nasty stuff. Most guinea pig foods PetnotsoSmart sells have it in them. (Kaytee is another example) I would highly suggest you look into a timothy based pellet once your guys are 6 to 12 months old, as alfalfa pellets can make them fat, and the calcium can give them stones.
Also, you don't want to feed a mixed pellet like Nutriphase Gold, because the seeds are very fattening, and they can choke on them.
The best pellet makers are Oxbow and Km.
www.kmshayloft.com http://www.oxbowhay.com/index.sp
They make healthy pellets that are both alfalfa and Timothy based using human grade ingredients. Many petfoods are actually disposal methods for human food processing for product like "wheat or soybean hulls".
You may pay a little more for these foods, but not much more then the food you are buying now, and it will help insure your friend does not run into problems down the road that require surgery, (very expensive and painful).
Also make sure you feed at least a cup of good veggies on a daily basis, and that the pig has access to unlimited grass hay. If the pig is under a year, it can have some Alfalfa too.
The common misconceptions thread is a great place for any guinea pig person to get basic information about their new friends. GL also has a comprehensive care and medical guide.
Common Misconceptions about Guinea Pigs and their Care www.guinealynx.info
Enjoy your pig! And tell DH that pigs need at least another pig to keep company. While you may be around a lot, you can't be there all the time, and you don't speak pig!
Ps. If you are looking for company, there is an organization called Texas Rustlers who has around 200 pigs in their home right now looking for a forever home. The shelters are pretty full too, and a
mod here is looking for a home for some of her pigs.
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