Do pellets cause impaction?

[kaixingin]

Hello! I'm new, just thought I'd start gathering some opinions on this topic because the community seems divided!

In your experience, which foods are most likely connected to impaction and what is your advice for avoiding it?

I know axolotls often suffer from impaction. I recently bought some Northfin Jumbo Fish pellets because many praised its high quality ingredients and their personal experience with them. The issue is: these are rock solid! Even after soaking, I wouldn't feel right feeding these to my axie, at least not until its bigger. Some have connected pellets to increased rates of impaction but the same is also said about regular old worms. Some say its lack of variation that causes it etc. So far, my lotl seems to eat whatever I give them so I'd like to feed them whichever rotation of foods is best for them all around.

Thanks everyone!

Update: Sauron is almost 5 inches today! :3

 

[michael]

Hard pellets can swell up inside the digestive tract of salamanders and cause impaction. This can be avoided by using soft moist pellets or pre soaking hard pellets. The big problem is when a bunch of hard pellets are eaten at once.

 

[kaixingin]

Hard pellets can swell up inside the digestive tract of salamanders and cause impaction. This can be avoided by using soft moist pellets or pre soaking hard pellets. The big problem is when a bunch of hard pellets are eaten at once.

Do you have any recommendations for soft-moist pellets? Most recommend the ranken salmon pellets but their fat content is only double the amount of the ones I have (plus most recommend low fat content for axolotls) so I'm concerned they wont be soft enough. Thanks!

 

[michael]

The Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center at the University of Kentucky uses and recommends Rangen brand soft moist salmon pellets. That is also what I recommend and use for my axolotls and some of my other salamanders and aquatic frogs. I am currently not selling or shipping anything due to the pandemic. There are a number of axolotl breeders that repackage and rebrand Rangen pellets. If I had to get some in a pinch I would probably go with lexolotls.

 

[John]

The Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center at the University of Kentucky uses and recommends Rangen brand soft moist salmon pellets. That is also what I recommend and use for my axolotls and some of my other salamanders and aquatic frogs. I am currently not selling or shipping anything due to the pandemic. There are a number of axolotl breeders that repackage and rebrand Rangen pellets. If I had to get some in a pinch I would probably go with lexolotls.

Agree 100% with Michael.

 

[kaixingin]

Agree 100% with Michael.

Okay! Are they actually soft, like soft dog treat level soft or do they still require soaking?

 

[michael]

They are soft and moist.

 

[basilstorm]

My axie's been on pellets since I got him, I've always used the Hikari Carnivore Sinking Nuggets. If you're worried you can cut them in half, that's what I did until he reached about six inches. I usually hand feed the pellets, and I hold them in the water for 60 seconds to let them soften up a bit first.

 

[kaixingin]

My axie's been on pellets since I got him, I've always used the Hikari Carnivore Sinking Nuggets. If you're worried you can cut them in half, that's what I did until he reached about six inches. I usually hand feed the pellets, and I hold them in the water for 60 seconds to let them soften up a bit first.

Awh thats so cute xD Mine bites my fingers, hes a little goblin. As of now, he wont eat any nuggets because he is a big worm glutton but eventually I'd like to get him accustomed in case of emergency and such so thank you for sharing your experience! It helps me lots

 

[Binditheaxolotl]

Do you have any recommendations for soft-moist pellets? Most recommend the ranken salmon pellets but their fat content is only double the amount of the ones I have (plus most recommend low fat content for axolotls) so I'm concerned they wont be soft enough. Thanks!

I know I’m late, but I use invert aquatics soft moist sinking pellets! I feed my lotl a earthworm in the morning and pellets at night to keep her used to pellets in case the bait shop runs out again.

 

[michael]

If you check the caudata.org for sale section you will find the soft moist sinking pellets at a discount for caudata.org members. Most of the axolotl and newt pellets are repackaged and rebranded Rangen pellets.

 

[Calgarycoppers]

Wish we could get them shipped to Canada again.

USPS changed the rules July 1st so I can't get them anymore.

If you check the caudata.org for sale section you will find the soft moist sinking pellets at a discount for caudata.org members. Most of the axolotl and newt pellets are repackaged and rebranded Rangen pellets.

 

[GulfCoastAxolotls]

Okay! Are they actually soft, like soft dog treat level soft or do they still require soaking?

The rangen salmon pellets are by far the best choice I have found. They can usually be ordered in different sizes too. I generally order the 3/16in ones. they are soft enough that even my most finicky juveniles will eat them. Another good emergency food (if you run out of worms) is repashy grub pie.