Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question for us? We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions here in Frequently Asked Questions. To get the answers you really need, visit our Bird , Ferret and Small Animal FAQ pages. If you have a question we haven't thought of, go to Contact Us to send us an e-mail message.
Before I switched my birds to a pelleted food from seeds, I added vitamin and mineral supplements. Do I need these now?
Category:
Birds
Answer Because seeds are lacking in many essential vitamins and minerals birds need, bird owners commonly try to provide vitamins and minerals for their birds in the form of supplements or by feeding fortified seeds. Birds have dry tongues and often the vitamins and minerals are not swallowed, or the supplements are discarded along with the hulls of the seeds. You're never sure just how much of the vitamin and mineral supplements your bird is actually eating. ZuPreem Premium Bird Foods are nutritionally balanced foods and offer your bird everything he needs for a long and healthy life. No supplements are required.
I'd like to switch my 12-year-old blue and gold macaw off his current diet and on to ZuPreem. I've heard it may be hard to switch him. Any hints?
Category:
Birds
Answer There's no question that birds get pretty opinionated about their seeds, and it may be a challenge to switch. You need to have patience and not give up, because the health benefits for your bird will be worth it. Visit the avian conversion page in the Learning Center on this site for important information, including several step-by-step methods for converting your bird to a new diet. On our conversion page, you'll also be able to download our avian feeding brochure and watch our avian conversion video. Also, discuss this with your avian veterinarian. He can decide which method may work best for your bird.
My birds, two green conures and a Moluccan cockatoo, really enjoy their fruits and vegetables, and I enjoy preparing them. Lately, I've been reading that I should limit the amount I feed them. What do you recommend?
Category:
Birds
Answer Most fruits and vegetables are considered healthy additions to a bird's diet, but they shouldn't make up more than 20% of your bird's daily diet. Most fruits lack sufficient protein to meet birds' requirements. Some are high in sugar and carbohydrates, some lack important nutrients, and because they add bulk and fiber, the bird will feel satisfied and not eat the more nutritious balanced diet. Go ahead and keep preparing and feeding them, but just make sure it's in moderation. For more information on what is really in your bird’s food cup, visit www.birdfoodfacts.com .
I don't want to feed my birds a food that has artificial preservatives. What is in the ZuPreem bird foods?
Category:
Birds
Answer All ZuPreem bird foods are naturally preserved. The foods contain rosemary extract, citric acid and natural mixed tocopherols (Vitamins E and C). These natural preservatives maintain product freshness. For years, scientists at ZuPreem have been carefully researching preservatives used in the manufacturing of animal diets, always with the consideration of preserving and protecting the nutrients but with a goal to use the best combination of the safest and most effective preservatives available.
The breeder where I got my two greys named Fuzzy and Dusty swears by ZuPreem products and says my birds had an advantage because they were hand fed with the ZuPreem hand-feeding formula. What did he mean and what's so good about it?
Category:
Birds
Answer Breeders everywhere have been experiencing the tremendous benefits of Embrace and Embrace Plus Hand-Feeding Formulas. Your breeder was referring to some of the same things other breeders are saying - greater strength, faster weight gain and better overall good health. Embrace is available in two formulas, each suitable for the different nutrient requirements of various species of birds. Visit the Embrace pages in the Our Food section on our website for product information.
On the FruitBlend package, the feeding instructions say not to leave the food in the bowl for more than two hours. Why is this?
Category:
Birds
Answer Notice the instructions say not to leave "moistened" food in the bowl for more than two hours. ZuPreem cautions bird owners to take care to practice good husbandry procedures by removing the moist food often, as well as changing the bird's water. If the environment is not clean, bacteria growth in the cage or surrounding areas could contaminate the food, particularly if the food is moist. ZuPreem's stringent quality control standards ensure that the unopened ZuPreem products you purchase are clean and free from harmful bacteria.
I am interested in getting two cockatiels. I want to make sure they have been raised with good care and that they are healthy. Where's the best place buy them?
Category:
Birds
Answer There are many reputable bird breeders, as well as quality pet stores that sell birds. Visit the Locator section on this site to locate a breeder near you. Once you locate a breeder or pet store that sells the bird you are looking for, ask the breeder or the store to give you the name of someone who has purchased a bird from them and who would be willing to share their experiences with you. It's very important to ask about the feeding history for the birds.
I was reading an article about how African greys developed problems with their bones because they weren’t getting enough calcium in their diet. How do I know if my birds are getting enough calcium? If they aren't, what should I do?
Category:
Birds
Answer Most likely, these African greys were on a diet high in seeds. Calcium levels in seeds are so low that after just a few years on seeds, birds may develop muscle and bone problems. Merely giving calcium supplements isn't the answer, because it is the ratio of calcium to phosphorus that is important. A 1:5 - 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus is desirable. This means there should be twice as much calcium as phosphorus in the diet. ZuPreem premium bird foods provide this proper ratio your bird needs everyday for good health.
Could you provide me with some general ferret nutritional information?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer You can go to several locations on this website to get nutritional information for ferrets. Visit our Learning Center to get articles, tips and techniques, or visit our ferret conversion page for nutritional insights, conversion methods and helpful downloads.
You can also visit our food section to learn about ZuPreem Ferret Diets and why it provides all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals your ferret needs for a healthy life. Also, talk with your veterinarian or join a club in your area. Resources to find either are located on the Locator section of this site. Both are excellent sources for ferret information.
Is feeding the same diet to my ferret every day a good idea? What if he stops eating it?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer Some ferret owners frequently switch from one brand of food to another. When you switch from food to food, you can never be certain your ferret is getting consistent nutrition. Choose a premium, high-quality food such as ZuPreem Ferret Diets that provides all the nutrients your ferret needs and then stick with it. ZuPreem Ferret Diets has a great taste ferrets love and there is usually no problem getting your ferret to eat it. If, however, he rejects this food after a while, look for signs of illness and visit your veterinarian for a checkup.
Are the ZuPreem ferret diets complete or should I feed supplements?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer ZuPreem Ferret Diets provide complete nutrition. In fact, supplementing with vitamins or minerals may actually upset the carefully formulated balance of vitamins, minerals and amino acids in the food, and could end up harming your ferret.
What is the benefit of feeding ZuPreem Ferret Diets rather than a kitten food?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer For many years there was no commercial food made especially for ferrets. So, ferret owners had to make do with kitten, cat or mink food or a homemade diet. With the introduction of commercial diets formulated especially for ferrets, ferret owners noticed their ferrets were living longer and experiencing fewer health problems. ZuPreem Ferret Diets don’t have corn. ZuPreem ferret diets are high in protein and fat to fuel your ferret's high energy needs.
Does the ZuPreem ferret diet have corn in it?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer ZuPreem Ferret Diets do not contain corn or any ingredients made from corn, which makes our food easier to digest.
What are the proper amounts of protein and fat in a good ferret food, and how does that compare to the ZuPreem ferret diet?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer Meat or egg protein should make up at least 35% of the ingredients in a ferret's diet. ZuPreem ferret diets have a minimum 40% protein, some of the highest of any commercial ferret foods. Your ferret needs 15%-20% fat from animal sources (not vegetable). ZuPreem Ferret Diets guarantee the right amount of animal fat to fuel your ferret's high-energy needs and to help him maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Most grocery store cat food has 8%-10% fat, not nearly enough for a ferret. Want more information about what is really in your ferret’s food cup? Visit www.myferretfoodfacts.com .
Do ZuPreem ferret diets have by-products?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer ZuPreem Ferret Diets do not contain by-products.
My ferret is real picky about his food. How do I know he will eat the ZuPreem food?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer ZuPreem understands that many ferrets are very finicky about their food and that's why we have formulated diets for a taste ferrets love. Most ferrets enjoy ZuPreem Ferret Diet s, but in case your ferret doesn't like these diets, ZuPreem offers 100% Money-Back Guarantee. Just return the unused portion of the product in the original package, along with a copy of the store receipt to P.O. Box 2094, Mission, KS 66201 for a complete refund.
How should I choose a good ferret diet?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer Read the first six ingredients on any commercial ferret food bag. Three of these ingredients should be animal protein from chicken and egg sources and one should be animal fat. A carbohydrate source is necessary to "hold" the nugget together in extruded nugget manufacturing process, so you will find either wheat, soy, rice or corn products listed. However, make sure none of these carbohydrates is first in the list of ingredients. If it is, it probably has too much carbohydrate for a ferret to digest or receive any nutritional value.
How much should I be feeding my small pet?
Category:
Small Animals
Answer Your small pet has very unique digestive needs, so it is important to feed him the best foods in the right amounts. When feeding Nature's Promise Premium Rabbit, Guinea Pig or Chinchilla food, follow the general guidelines below to help you understand how much you should be feeding your small pet.
RABBITS GUINEA PIGS CHINCHILLAS
¼ cup of pellets per day for every 5 lbs your rabbit weighs
¼ - ½ cup of pellets per day
2 tablespoons of pellets per day
Provide an unlimited amount of western timothy hay at all times to ensure they are getting steady and consistent fiber intake
Offer free-choice greens, leafy lettuce and herbs
Be sure to supply plenty of fresh clean water
I’ve heard that my ferret’s diet should have plenty of Omega Fatty Acids in it. Does your diet have this?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer Yes, ZuPreem Ferret Diets have Omega Fatty Acids and they contribute to your ferret's healthy skin and shiny coat.
My ferret really likes fruit, especially raisins. I’m not sure how many I should give him each day.
Category:
Ferrets
Answer Make certain you limit the amount of treats to no more than 20% of your ferret's total diet. In addition, ferrets with insulin problems such as insulinomas, should not be fed high sugar snacks. Offer your ferret a diet high in protein and fat several times a day and this will help stabilize his blood sugar levels. Consult with your veterinarian if you think your ferret is sick.
Do ZuPreem Ferret Diets have any artificial preservatives?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer ZuPreem Ferret Diets contain no artificial preservatives and are naturally preserved with Vitamins E and C to maintain freshness for 18 months from the date of manufacture.
What is the best source of nutrition for my small pet?
Category:
Small Animals
Answer The best source of nutrition for your small pet is high quality western timothy hay and pellets. Timothy hay is the most recommended hay for everyday feeding. With its long-strand fiber and low protein content, timothy hay is ideal for good digestion for your small pet. Nature's Promise Premium Hay and Timothy Naturals Pellets include the best quality timothy hay and is certified weed-free for healthier digestion. Plus, all ZuPreem Nature’s Promise products are tested and monitored for pesticides. Safer for you and your pet. Download our small animal feeding brochure to learn more information about your small pet's special nutritional needs.
How do I know if my small pet is sick?
Category:
Small Animals
Answer You should pay attention to your small pet to recognize any changes in his behavior or physical condition that may be indicators of an underlying disease. If you notice your small pet has become restless or less active, displayed loss of appetite, or has experienced weight loss you should contact your veterinarian immediately. You should also pay attention to your small pet’s stools; soft stools or diarrhea may indicate digestive problems, contact your veterinarian for further diagnosis.
What size cage is best for my small pet?
Category:
Small Animals
Answer The best cage for your small pet is one that is spacious, fun and comfortable depending on the size of your small pet. At minimum the cage should be 2 x 2 x 2 ft; it can be larger depending on the size of your small pet or number of small pets housed in one cage. The bottom of the cage should be a solid bottom or feature proper bedding to minimize discomfort when moving about the cage. For guinea pigs and chinchillas, having multiple levels allows for more fun and exercise.
What are the benefits of feeding Nature’s Promise Premium Pellets and Hay?
Category:
Small Animals
Answer With Nature’s Promise Timothy Naturals Pellets and Western Timothy Hay, you can ensure your small pet is getting the best source of fiber your pet needs to obtain optimum health. Our western timothy hay is ideal for good digestion because of its low protein content and long-strand fiber. Our premium pellets are certified weed-free to reduce the risk of digestive upset. In addition, Nature's Promise Timothy Naturals Guinea Pig Food is made with a stable source of Vitamin C which guinea pigs need every day for good health.
How important is feeding hay to my small pet?
Category:
Small Animals
Answer Fiber is very important to your pet's overall health. Your small pet requires a high-fiber diet to stimulate digestion and help move foods through his system quickly. Your pet rabbit, guinea pig or chinchilla is an herbivore, meaning he eats only plant materials. As an herbivore, his digestive system is uniquely adapted to digest a variety of digestible and indigestible plant-based foods, such as high-fiber hays, leafy greens, herbs and pellets. Timothy hay is the most widely recommended hay type.
Could you provide me with some general nutritional information for my small pet?
Category:
Small Animals
Answer Download our Small Animal Healthy Feeding Brochure to learn more about your pet's digestive and nutritional needs. Also find out how ZuPreem Nature's Promise diets are specially formulated to meet the needs of small pets. All of this information is available in the product section of our website.
Does Nature’s Promise have any artificial preservatives?
Category:
Small Animals
Answer Nature's Promise does not contain any artificial preservatives or artificial colors.
I heard guinea pigs need Vitamin C. Do your products offer a good source of Vitamin C for my guinea pig?
Category:
Small Animals
Answer Nature's Promise Timothy Naturals Premium Guinea Pig Food is made with a stable source of Vitamin C which your guinea pig needs every day for good health. The Vitamin C levels in our guinea pig food remain consistent throughout the products shelf life.
My bird likes the colors and shapes in FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors, but lately I've been wondering if he should be on a more natural food. What's the difference between your FruitBlend and Natural foods?
Category:
Birds
Answer Both products are the same nutritionally. Both have the same proper levels of vitamins, minerals and amino acids your bird needs for excellent health. FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors has dried bananas, oranges, apples and grapes. Natural has dried carrots, celery, beets, watercress, spinach, cranberries and blueberries. Natural does not have the fruity shapes or colors like FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors. It will appeal to you if you like feeding your bird a more natural food.
My bird likes the colors and shapes in FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors. Can I also feed VeggieBlend with Natural Carrot Flavor and NutBlend with Natural Nut Flavor?
Answer All ZuPreem adult maintenance diets have the same complete nutrition. These diets can be interchanged to add variety to your bird’s daily diet.
My African grey seems to prefer the smaller FruitBlend pellet size - the one made for cockatiels. Is this okay, or should I try to get him to eat the size made for him?
Category:
Birds
Answer ZuPreem offers FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors and Natural in various pellet sizes for different species and sizes of birds. Although most species enjoy the size recommended for them, occasionally a bird will prefer a larger or smaller sized pellet. Because the same complete and balanced nutrition is in every pellet size, you can be assured your bird is getting adequate nutrition, no matter which size he prefers.
I have an orange-winged Amazon who has decided he only likes the banana shape in your FruitBlend food. He picks the bananas out and throws the rest on the floor of his cage. Can I buy this bird food in only the banana shape?
Category:
Birds
Answer Although not common, you are not the first bird owner we've heard from whose bird prefers one shape or color pellet over the others in FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors . Because the nuggets are uniform in flavoring, it must be the particular shape or color that your bird likes. We do not sell individual shapes or colors, but we do have a couple of suggestions. If you are feeding a lot of birds, you can pick out the particular shape or color this bird likes. Or, you can feed our Natural Bird Food which offers a uniform shape and color. It provides the same nutrition as FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors.
I've heard that too much sugar is bad for birds. Do your products contain sugar?
Category:
Birds
Answer Sugar is added to ZuPreem FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavor s, VeggieBlend with Natural Carrot Flavor, NutBlend with Natural Nut Flavor, Natural , AvianBreeder FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors , AvianBreeder Natural and Lory and Low Iron Diets in very small amounts. Sugar in ZuPreem bird diets mimic simple sugars found in fruits that most birds eat and enjoy in the wild. All sugars such as sucrose, fructose or lactose, are carbohydrates and contain four calories per gram. After digestion, sugars travel through the bloodstream to body cells where they are used for energy to help metabolize fat, help form proteins, or to be stored for future use.
I have friends who say that the coloring in some ZuPreem diets has had an effect on the bird's skin and feathers. Why do you put the coloring in some of your products?
Category:
Birds
Answer Through research, ZuPreem scientists have confirmed that birds find a diet filled with a variety of flavors, shapes and colors more interesting. This is why ZuPreem developed FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors . This premium bird food contains differently colored, individually shaped, fruit-flavored pellets. It is scientifically formulated to contain the highest quality ingredients - complete nutrition for birds. These colorants are the same as those used in many bird toys and almost every processed food found on grocery store shelves today.
How do I tell if the ZuPreem food I have is fresh?
Answer Printed on the back or side of your bag of ZuPreem product, you will see "Best Before Date". This will tell you the intended shelf-life of your product. Also, check the bag instructions on the best way to store the food to maintain freshness. Canned food date codes are stamped on the bottom. Refer to these for date code information.
Can I freeze ZuPreem foods to keep them fresh?
Answer Date codes are stamped on the back of each package. We recommend you store any ZuPreem food in the original packaging. There is no need to freeze the food. All of our products, except the larger bulk bags (17.5 lbs. or larger) come in reclosable zippered bags. These bags are designed to protect flavor and nutrient freshness. With any ZuPreem bag, always remove the air and reclose the package immediately after use.
How do I switch my pet to a healthier diet?
Answer Most pets convert to a new diet fairly easily; however you do want to gradually introduce a new diet to minimize any digestive upset or other digestive issues.
For more tips and other conversion methods to help get your pet on a healthier and more nutritious diet visit our conversion pages.
Birds
Ferrets
Small Animals
Are there nuts in any ZuPreem food?
Answer ZuPreem avian, ferret and small animal foods do not contain any nut products.
I would like to be able to buy direct from ZuPreem. I live a ways away from any pet store and this would be more convenient. I would even be willing to pay shipping charges.
Answer ZuPreem does not sell direct to customers, however you can find the closest retailer in your area by using the retail locator on our website. Additionally, Petco.com, Petsmart.com, drsfostersmith.com and jefferspet.com, and many other on-line resources will also deliver directly to your home.
Can I call ZuPreem and get a sample of one of your foods? I'm not sure my pet will like it, but I'd like to try him out on it.
Answer ZuPreem does not give out samples and here's why. We feel a sample size is not a large enough quantity for an animal to become accustomed to a new diet. It may take a couple of weeks or longer for your adult pet to completely switch diets. A sample size would not adequately get him started on the new diet. With our 100% Guarantee policy, our products are like samples and all are refundable. If you try one of our products, and it doesn't meet your expectations, you may return the unused portion of the product, in the original package, for a complete refund. See any ZuPreem package for return details.
I'm a new pet owner and would like to talk to others who may have more experience than I do. Since I'm just getting started, I need all the help I can get.
Answer Go to the Club Locator on this site to find a bird, ferret or small animal club near you. You can also sign up for one of our online Friends Clubs to receive special offers, product information and facts about your pet's health. It's free and participants report that they enjoy this feature as a way to connect with us and other pet owners.
Will ZuPreem donate food to my local animal shelter?
Answer ZuPreem believes the animal community is best served when its charitable efforts are focused in one or two areas, and where, by combining resources, it can make a substantial difference. With many daily requests it makes it nearly impossible to decide who receives product. The company has established the ZuPreem Future Generation Fund which contributes to research for wildlife preservation and zoo programs that help protect endangered species through better nutrition that can lead to increased reproduction. This fund primarily supports two specific charitable organizations. The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1948, and is dedicated to improving the health and well being of companion animals and wildlife by funding humane animal health studies. By using this information, we can improve the health of animals generation after generation. Find out more about MAF at www.morrisanimalfoundation.org . The second organization is The Ben Cote Veterinary Scholarship Fund which annually awards research grants to top veterinary students for innovative studies to improve the welfare of animals. The fund was established at MAF in 2007 as a lasting tribute to an 8-year-old boy whose love for animals was so strong it continues to inspire many others. To learn more about Ben and how to order a set of note cards to support the Ben Cote Veterinary Student Scholarship Fund visit www.bensfund.org .
