Teklad global cat diet (2060) is specifically formulated to provide the proper balance of all known nutrients considered essential for growth, maintenance, and reproduction of research cats.

The diet provides uniform nutrition and is a fixed-formula diet designed to minimize the nutrient variances that otherwise could occur if the ingredient composition of a diet were altered from one batch to the next. Unlike other cat foods, it does not contain meat substitutes, artificial flavorings, excessive grains, chemical colorings, or fillers.

Cats have unusual nutritional requirements. They cannot convert tryptophan to niacin effectively, cannot convert beta carotene to vitamin A, and cannot desaturate linoleic acid. They require an elevated level of protein, and the amino acid taurine is needed to prevent ocular lesions and dilated cardiomyopathy. Teklad global cat diet is designed to meet these special needs. In addition, it is formulated to be low in magnesium and ash, and high in meat protein to produce an acidic urine, which reduces the risk of feline urinary syndrome.

Feeding directions

Teklad global cat diet is a complete diet for cats and kittens. Ad libitum access to diet should be provided at all times. Cats normally consume small portions of food throughout the day, and they have a normal propensity to consume minimal amounts of water. Fresh water always should be available to each animal.

Teklad global ferret diet (2072) is specifically formulated to provide the proper balance of all known nutrients considered essential for growth, maintenance, and reproduction of research ferrets.

The ferret laboratory diet provides uniform nutrition and is a Fixed Formula diet designed to minimize the nutrient variances that otherwise could occur if the ingredient composition of a diet were altered from one batch to the next.

Ferrets are obligate carnivores with a very short intestinal tract. It is assumed that like cats, ferrets cannot desaturate linoleic acid. For these reasons it is generally recommended that ferret diets contain high amounts of animal protein and fat. The amino acid taurine is supplemented in the diet as a safety measure against developing ocular lesions and dilated cardiomyopathy. Teklad global ferret diet is designed to meet these special needs by including a large amount of poultry by-product meal and poultry fat. In addition, it is formulated to be low in magnesium and ash, which reduces the risk of urinary disease. Unlike lower quality ferret diets, it does not contain meat substitutes, artificial flavorings, grains, chemical colorings, or fillers.

Feeding directions

Teklad global ferret diet is a complete diet for jills, and kitts. Provide ad libitum access to diet in a self-feeder. Ferrets normally consume small portions of food throughout the day, and they have a normal propensity to consume minimal amounts of water. It is crucial that fresh and clean food and water be kept easily accessible to ferrets at all times.

Teklad ruminant diet (7060) is specifically formulated to provide the proper balance of all known nutrients to a variety of laboratory ruminant species. The diet provides uniform nutrition and is a fixed-formula diet designed to minimize the nutrient variances which otherwise could occur if the ingredient composition of a diet were altered from one batch to the next.

Ruminants require significant fiber to maintain proper rumen health. Sheep have a requirement for copper but are also very susceptible to copper toxicity. Teklad ruminant diet is high in fiber to support microbial fermentation and maintain proper rumen function. The diet has a low copper content easily exceeding the copper requirements of most ruminants while avoiding copper toxicity in sheep.

Feeding directions

Teklad ruminant diet is a complete diet for a variety of laboratory ruminant species and should generally be fed daily at two-to-three percent of body weight depending on the desired rate of gain. Fresh water always should be available to each animal particularly during warm summer days.

There is no definitive point where one is able to predict when a specific diet will spoil or become deficient in one or more nutrients. The common guideline of a nine month shelf life is based on longstanding practice in North America. In Europe and Asia, differences in local practices and regulatory oversight have led to Teklad standard natural ingredient diets being routinely used out to nine months and sometimes 12 months post-manufacture. This practical experience, along with literature support and vitamin testing over time, gives us confidence that these diets continue to support animal health and study integrity out to at least nine months post-manufacture. Please refer to your institution for guidance if you are unsure of local policies.

Recommended storage conditions:

• Cool and dry; at or below 70 degrees fahrenheit, humidity below 50% ideal, but up to 65% is acceptable
• Clean and free of pests
• In original packaging or in a container that prevents continuous exposure to light and minimal exposure to air