Calcium in Science Select

[Guinea Newbie]

Hi all,
Perhaps some of you can help clear up some confusion. 6 weeks ago we re-homed 2 lovely boys. They were fed on kale and spinach daily and have both had bladder issues since we took them on, despite their old owner insisting they were healthy! We’ve been at the vets weekly since having them - next stage is x-rays if Trifles latest uti doesn’t clear with metacam and baytril. Just as one stops medication the other seems to need it!

We cut the kale and spinach and carried on with their science select nuggets. I noticed on the pack that it’s made from alfalfa so bought the grain free science select which is made from Timothy hay. I then realised on the nutritional info that there is exactly the same Calcium (0.6) and phosphorus (0.5) in each pack. I know people feed the grain free to avoid excess calcium but is it worth it if the packaging says they actually have the same quantities...? Or am I missing something obvious here?
Also they have unlimited hay and water and their veggies are now romaine lettuce and slice of pepper and cucumber daily.
Thanks

 

[Piggies&buns]

I believe the calcium:phosphorous issue is quite complex. Below is the comparison chart which may help you
Nugget Comparison Chart

In my opinion yes feeding grain free is absolutely worth it. The grains in the standard version of the pellets aren’t good for piggies, nor is the alfalfa. The fact that grain free is, well, grain free and is grass based is clearly better.

Ensure you don’t overfeed pellets (one tablespoon per piggy), and do filter their drinking water. A lot of calcium intake is from pellets and drinking water above the veg.

 

[Guinea Newbie]

Thank you, I will have a look at the comparison chart. Their water is already filtered as we are in a hard water area.
Thanks again