View Full Version : Teklad 14%, 16% or 18% ?
Hi ! I was wondering what is the difference between teklad foods 14%, 16% and 18% protein? What is recommended? Does it depend on the age of the squirrel? I can't find a reliable source and internet reference that explains the protein % recommendations and why. Thank you so much!
island rehabber
12-08-2024, 10:03 PM
Hmm. I feed the 2018 because that's what was originally recommended for squirrels, but I don't actually remember why....anyone more academically astute than I am out there? :hello
Mel1959
12-09-2024, 07:16 AM
I think 2018 was originally suggested because it had a “middle of the road” protein value of 18%. 2014 has 14% and 2026 26% which is probably better for pregnant or very young squirrels if a higher level of protein is needed. I think there may be another difference between the 2014 and 2018 formulas and that may be that one contains soy and the other doesn’t. I’m not sure how soy affects them, I’m sure Leigh or Jay would no better about that.
SamtheSquirrel2018
12-09-2024, 07:26 AM
Hi ! I was wondering what is the difference between teklad foods 14%, 16% and 18% protein? What is recommended? Does it depend on the age of the squirrel? I can't find a reliable source and internet reference that explains the protein % recommendations and why. Thank you so much!
Hi Vero and welcome to The Squirrel Board!
The 14, 16 & 18 are the approximate percentage of protein contained in each particular preparation. Teklad 2014 contains around 14% protein, 2016 contains around 16% protein and 2018 contains around 18% protein. My recommendation would be to use the Teklad 2018 for general Squirrel raising and for most captive Squirrels (NR's and Pets) until they reach an age where they would be approaching what would be considered "Senior" status. Just when a Squirrel becomes "elderly" is quite difficult to state as a specific number but the usual life-span of captive Squirrels in good health, living in generally safe surroundings and being provided a nutritionally optimal diet is probably in the neighborhood of 6-12 years (this is just an "average" range as there are certainly cases noted here on TSB and elsewhere regarding Squirrels significantly exceeding 12 years of age!) but this is only my opinion.
Teklad 2018 is formulated for General Maintenance, Growth, Lactation and Breeding and this is what i use for most Squirrels and this is what I would recommend for "general" Squirrel nutrition. When a Squirrel reaches relatively "old" age, there are potential risks to the kidneys (among other potential issues) with use of a high protein diet and growth obviously is not a factor for those Squirrels; and for them, I would recommend using the 2014, but again, deciding when this transition should occur (or even IF this change in diet should occur) is a bit dicey. Maybe after 5 -6 years but in reality, there is very little difference between the 2014 and the 2018 preparation including the minimal difference in protein and the 2018 can probably be used indefinitely but I just wouldn't.
If using Mazuri Rat and Mouse Diet for nutritional support of a long-term captive Squirrel, the protein content is a bit more of a concern and that is because it contains 23% protein and I simply would not continue that beyond 2-4 years and would opt for one of the Teklads (2014 or 2018). Incidentally, a pet Rat's normal life expectancy is around 2 years with 3 years at the very most and while I have no issues with using the Mazuri formulation with captive Squirrels; I just wouldn't with a pet Rat over 1 year old as they are usually headed into their senior years after their first birthday and kidney issues are a concern!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel
SamtheSquirrel2018
12-09-2024, 08:42 AM
I guess I was typing while Mel was already posting. Thanks, Mel!
StS
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