Food Data Chart Update: Calcium to Phosphorus Ratios

[harimau]

Thanks Crittermom, good to know. I'll just give as a treat then. At the moment I'm using papaya as a staple because he's happy to eat a ton of it and it's 4.8:1

It's also abundant, cheap and keeps well in the fridge. Phew.

I've been crushing calcium tablets this week and rolling his treats in it and I must say he started looking better immediately - his fur thickened up and got glossier. If possible he's even lovelier to cuddle!!

[harimau]

Just in case this is ever useful for anyone:

I created this visual shopping list for my husband and pembantu (housekeeper, she can't read). It's too big to attach, but here is the link:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9Nf...p=docslist_api

It shows high calcium / low phosphorous fruit and veg that are cheap and easy to find in Asia, with British English and Indonesian names.

It could be useful for anyone living in Asia who needs to feed squirrels.

[island rehabber]

Thank you harimau, this is excellent information! Not sure if everyone can access it via Google, however..... ?

[harimau]

Sorry! I forgot to set it to public. Everyone should be able to see it now

[farrelli]

That is s nice guide.

[AprilC]

Y'all forgive my ignorance on squirrel nutrition, but the higher the calcium and lower the phosphorus is better in food choices, correct?

[island rehabber]

Y'all forgive my ignorance on squirrel nutrition, but the higher the calcium and lower the phosphorus is better in food choices, correct?

Pretty much -- the ideal ratio is 2:1 -- twice as much calcium as there is phosphorous, in other words. The problem is that so many things squirrels love are full of phosphorous (peanuts, sunflower seeds, corn) it becomes a challenge to get them on a healthy diet that does not include those things.