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.
My bird likes the colors and shapes in FruitBlend, 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 Flavor has bananas, oranges, apples and grapes ground from fresh fruit. Natural has carrots, celery, beets, watercress and spinach ground from fresh vegetables for a veggie flavor. Natural does not have the fruity shapes or colors that FruitBlend Flavor has. It will appeal to you if you like feeding your bird a more natural food.
Why do the shapes in the ZuPreem weaning diet look like Cheerios?
Category:
Birds
Answer The O's in AvianWeaning Diet look a lot like Cheerios®, but that's where the similarity ends. These O's have been carefully formulated for birds, not people. For example, unlike Cheerios, AvianWeaning Diet has controlled levels of iron and zinc - better for birds. The formula supplies balanced protein and fat levels weaning birds need to maintain weight, making a smooth transition from a hand-feeding formula to an adult diet. We discovered many bird owners weaned their birds using Cheerios, because birds learning to feed themselves can easily grasp the O shape. AvianWeaning nuggets can also be soaked in warm water or warm fruit juice and will maintain its shape. Young birds can still pick up the softened nugget.
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. However, ZuPreem Premium Bird Foods are nutritionally balanced extruded foods and offer your bird everything he needs for a long and healthy life.
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 Flavor and Natural in five different pellet sizes for different species and sizes of birds. There's a pellet size just right for any species. 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'd like to switch my 12-year-old blue and gold macaw off seeds and onto a pelleted food. 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.
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 Flavor . 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 Flavor.
I've heard that too much sugar is bad for birds. Do your products contain sugar?
Category:
Birds
Answer Sucrose is added to ZuPreem FruitBlend Flavor , Natural , AvianBreeder FruitBlend , AvianBreeder Natural and AvianWeaning Diet in very small amounts. Sucrose mimics the 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.
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.
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 and entertaining. This is why ZuPreem developed FruitBlend Flavor . This premium bird food contains differently colored, individually shaped, fruit-flavored pellets. It is scientifically formulated to contain the highest quality ingredients - complete and balanced nutrition for birds. These colorants are the same as those used in almost every processed food found on grocery store shelves today.
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 without adding artificial preservatives such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. 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 four hours. Why is this?
Category:
Birds
Answer Notice the instructions say not to leave "moistened" food in the bowl for more than four 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 Premium Ferret Diet 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 Premium Ferret Diet that provides all the nutrients your ferret needs and then stick with it. ZuPreem Premium Ferret Diet 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.
Is the ZuPreem ferret diet complete or should I feed supplements?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer ZuPreem Premium Ferret Diet provides 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 Premium Ferret Diet 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 Premium Ferret Diet has no corn or fish meal. It also contains 40% protein and 20% fat, one of the highest available to fuel your ferret's high energy needs.
Does the ZuPreem ferret diet have corn in it?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer ZuPreem Premium Ferret Diet does 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 Premium Ferret Diet has 40% protein, one of the highest of any commercial ferret food. Your ferret needs 15%-20% fat from animal sources (not vegetable). ZuPreem Premium Ferret Diet guarantees 20% 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.
Does the ZuPreem ferret diet have by-products?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer ZuPreem Premium Ferret Diet does 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 the diet to have the taste ferrets love. Most ferrets enjoy ZuPreem Premium Ferret Diet , but in case your ferret doesn't like the diet, ZuPreem offers 100% Money-Back Guarantee on all our diets. 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 from.
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 Premium Ferret Diet has 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.
Does your ferret food have fishmeal in it?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer ZuPreem Premium Ferret Diet contains no fish or fishmeal. Fishmeal has an offensive odor and often contains mineral levels that are too high. Any ferret diet that lists fish in the ingredients will most likely produce a foul smelling stool, as well as a strong body odor in the ferret itself. You can reduce the odor of your ferret's stools, and his own body odor by feeding ZuPreem Premium Ferret Diet with no fishmeal in it.
Does Premium Ferret Diet have any artificial preservatives?
Category:
Ferrets
Answer ZuPreem Premium Ferret Diet contains no artificial preservatives and is naturally preserved with Vitamins E and C to maintain freshness for 18 months from the date of manufacture.
I noticed new packaging at my retail store for FruitBlend Flavor. Has the food changed, too?
Category:
Birds
Answer While the packaging is new, be assured that the food inside each bag is exactly the same formula and the same great nutrition you have come to trust all these years.
These packaging changes provide fresh, new graphics, easy-to-read feeding instructions, a larger window and clearer indication of which size bird is best for each nugget size. All of these changes were made with the advice of and consultation with numerous bird owners, key retailers and breeder customers.
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 Pellets includes the best quality timothy hay and is certified weed-free with no soy or wheat for healthier digestion. 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 Pellets and 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 innovative formula helps reduce intestinal gas and diarrhea problems by containing no soy or wheat. In addition, Nature's Promise 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.
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
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.
What are the benefits of feeding Nature’s Promise Premium Pellets and Hay?
Category:
Small Animals
Answer With Nature's Promise Pellets and 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 innovative formula helps reduce intestinal gas and diarrhea problems by containing no soy or wheat. In addition, Nature's Promise Guinea Pig Food is made with a stable source of Vitamin C which guinea pigs need every day for good health.
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 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.
Why don’t Nature’s Promise products contain soy or wheat?
Category:
Small Animals
Answer Unlike other pellets for small pets, Nature's Promise Premium Products contains no soy or wheat to minimize intestinal gas in your small pet and is the best solution for diarrhea issues or "runny bunny" problems.
Why does Nature’s Promise contain Beet Pulp?
Category:
Small Animals
Answer Beet pulp is used in Nature's Promise products as a source of fiber because there aren't grains in the pellets. Nature's Promise pellets are made with fresh ground vegetables for a great taste. In addition, beet pulp acts as a stool hardener helping to eliminate diarrhea issues.
Can I freeze ZuPreem foods to keep them fresh?
Answer All ZuPreem pelleted avian, small animal and ferret foods are good for 18 months from the date of manufacture, so freezing them is not necessary. Date codes are stamped on the back of each package. We recommend you store any ZuPreem food in the packaging it came in. 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.
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.
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 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.
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. Follow the chart below to gradually switch your pet's food.
Day
Old Diet
New Diet
Day
Old Diet
New Diet
Day 1
90%
10%
Day 6
40%
60%
Day 2
80%
20%
Day 7
30%
70%
Day 3
70%
30%
Day 8
20%
80%
Day 4
60%
40%
Day 9
10%
90%
Day 5
50%
50%
Day 10
0%
100%
For more tips and other conversion methods to help get your pet on a healthier and more nutritious diet visit the Learning Center of our website.
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.
Are there nuts in any ZuPreem food?
Answer ZuPreem avian, ferret and small animal foods do not contain any nut products. However, we cannot guarantee there are no peanut products associated with the other diets manufactured at the plant. ZuPreem does guarantee an extremely thorough, eight-hour cleaning of the machinery before any of our diets are manufactured. However, as some nut allergies can be severe, and even lead to anaphylactic shock, we want to be sure you understand that we cannot fully guarantee the plant itself to be nut-free.
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 .