[Stones] Treats for Guinea pigs who have crystals in urine

[admin@guineapigs.org]

Evelyn,

I did a little research at the USDA site
(http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/).

According to the database, wheat grass sprouts have 28 milligrams of 
calcium and
200 milligrams of phosphorus per 100 grams.

The Stones nutrition chart lists values for oats as grains: per 100 
grams, oats:
80 mg Ca, 330 mg Phos. I couldn't find a definitive value for oat grass.

But, it may be that your piggie is getting too much phosphorus, which 
is causing
the crystals to precipitate in the urine. The recommended ratio of calcium to
phosphorus is 1.5 or 2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus; calcium intake
should always be higher.

When Sweetie Pig had her chronic sludge, it was a matter of trial and error to
find the foods that she could tolerate. One sprig of parsley would see her
crying with discomfort and passing white sludge within 12 hours (needless to
say, she got no more parsley). She *did* enjoy a varied diet of mixed 
greens, a
slice of peeled cucumber now and again, and lots of timothy hay, with a 
limited
amount (1 tablespoon) of pellets. Of course, that was waht seemed to work for
her - your little girl may have different needs.

Hopefully some other Stones members will have some ideas as well.

Tex