Specialised Animal Nutrition

14/02/2025

Tummy time 🐰🐹

Rabbits are known as “hind-gut fermenters”. Instead of digesting their food in their stomach and small intestine, microbial fermentation occurs in the caecum and large intestine (colon).

Large amounts of fibre are needed in their diet to keep the gut moving. When the fibre reaches the caecum and large intestine, it is separated into non-digestible fibre, which is quickly expelled in small hard pellets, and digestible fibre. The digestible fibre and other nutrients form soft caecotrophs, which are eaten again by the rabbit directly from their hind end! This usually happens at night, and hence is called the “midnight snack”.

Guinea pigs are also hind gut fermenters and practice “caecotrophy” but less is known about this.

The main thing to remember is that fibre is key, so always offer plenty of good quality grass hay to your pet, and ensure pellets, treats are supplements are hay based. Find out more about Oxbow’s range of products at https://www.oxbowaustralia.com/oxbow-grass-hays/

07/02/2025

Did you know?

Rabbits and guinea pigs have very different teeth to cats and dogs, and to humans.

Their teeth are “aradicular hypsodont” teeth, which means open-rooted, long-crowned teeth. Unlike our teeth, rabbit and guinea pig teeth are continually growing.

In fact, rabbits’ teeth grow at a speed of up to ONE CENTIMETRE per MONTH!

In order to keep their teeth in check, rabbits and guinea pigs need plenty of hay to chew, which grinds their teeth down at an appropriate rate. Oxbow Grass Hays are a tasty, nutritious option.

Dental problems are common - have their teeth checked by a veterinarian regularly.

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30/01/2025

History time!

Oxbow Animal Health began with a farmer, his craft, and a passion for perfection. As a fifth generation hay farmer, Oxbow Founder, John Miller, spent years honing the craft of producing premium hay on his farm in rural Nebraska.

John became practiced in the art of waiting for the perfect harvest conditions (even if it meant harvesting beneath the stars) and developed a reputation for producing the most premium hay the market had to offer.

John soon discovered a need in the small pet community for proper nutrition and education and embarked on a journey to revolutionise the way small pets were fed and cared for. The company started in 1980 and over the years, Miller’s passion has grown into a global commitment to small animal health. Oxbow Animal Health is now a part of the Compana Pet Brands family, a global leader in pet care and nutrition.

Specialised Animal Nutrition is proud to the exclusive distributor of Oxbow Animal Health products in Australia and New Zealand. 2025 marks our 20 year anniversary in business. Visit our Australian website for more information on our products www.oxbowaustralia.com

10/01/2025

Introducing the Enriched Life Wobble Teaser!

Enrichment products support natural behaviours in small pets, such as exploring, chewing, hiding and playing. Oxbow enrichment products are constructed from 100% pet safe materials.

The Enriched Life Wobble Teaser is an engaging way to feed small animals their daily ration of Oxbow Fortified Pellets or Simple Reward treats. It has an adjustable opening to control flow, and a clear design to visualise food levels. It is designed to wobble for your pet’s entertainment, and is made of high quality materials to last.

20/12/2024

Thank you to our partners, customers and friends for a wonderful 2024.

The Specialised Animal Nutrition office will be closed from 20 Dec – 6 Jan.

We look forward to working with you in 2025 🐰🐭🐹

16/12/2024

Such a pleasure to be involved with The Guinea Pig Secret Santa Project for another year 🎅

...Huge thanks Specialised Animal Nutrition for the amazing Secret Santa. Piggies and myself have been spoilt. 😊❤️
As also a big thanks to The Guinea Pig Secret Santa Project for all the work you do to make secret Santa's possible. 💕😁

12/11/2024

Christmas has come early at Specialised Animal Nutrition!

Oxbow’s Critical Care® Herbivore in Natural Apple & Banana Flavour is in stock 🍎🍌

The Critical Care® Herbivore range is a complete assisted feeding formula for rabbits, guinea pigs and other herbivores, who are not eating due to illness or surgery.