In short:
The major difference lies in the homogeneity: the extrudes avoid selective sorting by offering an identical formula in each kibble, unlike conventional mixtures.
- Thermal procedures: The cooking-extrusion rises up to 180°C under 60 bar pressure, while the conventional pellets undergo cold or low temperature pressing.
- Sorting prevention: One-component extrudeds stop the systematic sorting of fat and sugar elements, eliminating targeted deficiencies and overweight.
- Fiber supply: A quality formula should contain more than 15% crude cellulose (ideally 18% to 20%) for digestive motility.
- Vitamin C needs: An adult requires 20 mg/kg body weight per day, a figure of 60 mg/kg per day in case of growth or gestation.
What is the difference between pellets and extruded turkey pigs?
The distinction between simple pellets (or mixtures) and extruded is based on physical form and method of manufacture. According to BAMM Paris (2020), basic seed and granule mixtures have separate elements of different colors and shapes. Conversely, single-component extruded extrudes have strictly identical granules molded by thermomechanical firing-extrusion.
The industrial extrusion process applies high temperatures of up to 180°C associated with a high pressure of up to 60 bar (BAMM Paris, 2020). The pressing of conventional pellets is carried out cold or at low temperature. On the behavioral level, the use of mixtures leads to systematic selective sorting by the animal, which primarily consumes the elements richest in fat and sugars. Lextrudé homogeneous guarantees that each kibble contains the entire nutritional formula, preventing any waste or imbalance.
High quality hay must imperatively constitute 80% of the daily food bolus and remain accessible as much as possible. The Lingostière Veterinary Clinic (2026) recalls that the ration of granules or dextruded must be strictly limited to an amount of between 15 g and 50 g per day for an adult turkey pig weighing about 1 kg.
Comparative table: Classic granules and one-component extruded
The choice of a dry diet directly conditions the oral health and the transit of the guinea pig. Here is a summary of the technical criteria based on veterinary and industrial data:
| Criterion of evaluation | Classic granules / Blends | One-component extruded |
|---|---|---|
| manufacturing process | Cold or low temperature pressing | Cooking-extrusion (up to 180°C and 60 bar) |
| Shape and appearance | Separate elements of various shapes and colors | 100% identical and homogeneous molded croquettes |
| Selective sorting risk | High (consumption of fatty/sweet seeds) | Null (impossible to sort nutrients) |
| nutritional impact | Common risk of targeted deficiencies and overweight | Constant and measured nutritional intake |
| Crude cellulose rate | variable, often lower than real needs | Recommended above 15% (ideally 18% to 20%) |
How is vitamin C preserved in the dry diet?
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an extremely fragile molecule that quickly degrades under the action of heat, air and light. The turkey pig does not synthesize this vitamin, its daily intake is vital or risk of developing serious scurvy.
According to Dr. Didier Boussarie (Cobayes Club, 2020), cooking-extrusion at high temperature destroys a significant part of the original vitamin C if it is not previously stabilized by the manufacturer. In addition, as soon as the sachet opens, exposure to ambient air and light causes continuous oxidation of ascorbic acid, decreasing its concentration over the weeks.
Data from the Virbac / Medvet laboratory (2026) establishes daily needs as follows:
- Healthy adult (about 1 kg): 20 mg/kg body weight per day.
- Increased needs (growth, gestation, lactation, convalescence): 60 mg/kg body weight per day.
- Concentration of veterinary additives: Powders or oral supplementation solutions display up to 30,000 mg/kg of vitamin C (3A300 additive) to ensure the stability of the dosage delivered.
Due to the instability of vitamin C in open kibble, dry intake should never be considered the only protective source. A liquid supplement administered directly to the pipette or a daily intake of fresh vegetables rich in vitamin C remains strongly recommended.
What clinical signs should alert you to your guinea pig’s diet?
A nutritional imbalance linked to food sorting or a lack of fiber produces visible effects on the rodent’s body. Careful monitoring of the faeces and behavior makes it possible to intervene before serious complications.
- Symptoms of dental malocclusion: Excessive salivation (wet chin), slow or painful chewing, refusal to feed with hay. Continuously pushed teeth require mechanical wear guaranteed by crude cellulose (greater than 15%, ideally 18% to 20% according to Malorie, 2020).
- Signs of vitamin C deficiency (scurvy): Stiffness of the rear limbs, vocalizations during movement (joint pain), bleeding of the gums, delay in healing and dull hair.
- Intestinal transit disorders: Soft droppings, decrease in the volume of the faeces or complete stoppage of the transit (absolute veterinary emergency). An extruded intake too rich in starch to the detriment of hay disrupts the caecal flora.
- Abnormal weight change: Rapid weight gain related to sorting seeds rich in lipids, or progressive weight loss masked by peeling.
What criteria should be applied to choose a suitable power equipment?
In addition to the formulation of the extruded, the choice of material to present the hay and the dry food directly influences the cleanliness of the food bolus and the hygiene of the cage.
For the distribution of extruded, favor a heavy ceramic or tempered glass bowl. Its mass prevents the animal from spilling it or soiling it with its litter. Avoid soft plastic that can be gnawed and ingested, causing digestive occlusions.
Hay should be installed in a suspended rack or a vertical feeder located above the ground. This device protects the urine fiber and droppings. Make sure the rack openings are wide enough to prevent the animal’s head from getting stuck, while preventing the guinea pig from jumping inside.
Always keep dextruded sachets in an airtight, light-tight container to minimize the oxidation of the remaining vitamin C after opening.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pig Turkey Feeding
How much extruded to give a turkey pig each day?
The daily ration recommended by the Lingostière Veterinary Clinic (2026) is 15 g to 50 g per day for a 1 kg adult. These extruded only serve as a complement to dusted hay, which must represent 80% of its overall food bolus.
Why should we avoid seed mixes for guinea pigs?
According to BAMM Paris (2020), the mixtures promote selective sorting: the animal consumes only the most fatty and sweetest elements. This behavior leads to targeted nutritional deficiencies, a high risk of overweight and tooth growth problems due to lack of wear.
Are extruded extruded to cover vitamin C needs?
No. Since vitamin C is thermosensitive and altered by air, cooking-extrusion and exposure after opening decreases its concentration. To cover the necessary 20 to 60 mg/kg/day (Virbac / Medvet Laboratory, 2026), direct supplementation or fresh vegetables remain essential.
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