DietGel® FAQ
When should I use DietGels®?
DietGels® are soft diet containing carbohydrate, fat, protein, and fortified with mineral and vitamin mix (with the exception of DietGel® Recovery, which only contains mineral mix). They are a superior alternative to mash diet, that can be used as the sole source of nutrition for up to 2 weeks, reducing time and labor costs. However, customers have used the product as a sole source of nutrition for up to 3 months with no issues. Please consult with your nutritionist for long term use. DietGels® are designed to provide compromised rodents a palatable source of hydration and energy and is an excellent solution for:
- Breeding and weaning of pups
- Post-surgical support
- Neurologically compromised rodents
- EAE models, Transgenic Mice
- Shipping
What is the best way to store DietGels®?
Unopened, DietGels® are designed to be stored at room temperature and do not require special handling. Shelf life for unopened DietGels is 24 months.
Once opened (if partitioned out in a clean environment), DietGels can be stored at 4°C in a sealed bag or container to prevent the product from drying out, for approximately 2 weeks.
What is the difference between DietGel® 76A (w/Animal Protein) and DietGel® 76A (w/Wheat protein)?
DietGel® 76A (w/Animal Protein) contains casein as the source of protein, while DietGel® 76A (w/Wheat protein) contains a vegetarian source of protein. There are some slight changes in nutritional values, and a different flavor profile that can make all the difference for your animals.
Moreover, as animal products sometimes encounter issues for exportation, DietGel® 76A (w/Wheat protein) can be imported in Europe easily.
Why does DietGel® sometimes have white or brown specs?
Non-soluble ingredients are sometimes visible in the the DietGel®, showing up as white to brown specs or clumps. The non-soluble ingredients do not affect the nutritional integrity of the product, making it 100% safe to use for your research animal.
What is the white foam on top of the gel?
It is rare but normal to see white particulate on top of the product. During the production process, foam can form from the mixture and interaction of all the ingredients and rise to the top of the gel. The foam, which contains ingredients such as casein or sugar, can dry out, exposing casein or sugar crystals, and form a white, crystal like residue layer that can be mistaken as mold. It’s completely safe for the animals and poses no health risk.
Why does the color and texture of DietGel® vary from case to case?
Color and texture variation occurs during our irradiation process. When DietGel are produced the color is a milky white and texture is firm. The product is then irradiated. The irradiation process changes the product color from a milky white to a caramel color and breaks some of the bonds in the gel matrix. Product position within the chamber results in color and texture variation. All of the product is 100% irradiated and safe to use.
Can I use DietGel® Recovery for support during shipments?
DietGel® Recovery is an excellent choice as a hydration source when shipping mice and rats. Many sites have successfully used DietGel® Recovery during transport of rodents who arrive dry, healthy and require less time to acclimate. DietGel® Recovery is a purified water gel containing 60% water. It is fortified with calories and minerals and provides 155 kcals/ 100 grams.
When shipping guinea pigs we recommend using HydroGel®. In a recent study conducted by Charles River Laboratories, consumption and weight loss of guinea pigs during transit was significantly better with HydroGel® compared to a sweetened gel. The study showed that animals consumed more HydroGel®, therefore preventing body weight loss and decreasing clinical pathologic indicators of dehydration.
What if my rats eat the plastic cup?
ClearH2O cups comply with FDA regulations for food contact and do not contain heavy metals, chemicals or known allergens. The plastic is non-toxic and BPA free and harmless to the animal if it’s consumed or chewed.