DietGel® Recovery

FAQs

• When should I use DietGels®?

  DietGel® products are soft diet formulation with carbohydrate, fat protein, and fortified with a mineral and vitamin mix (with the exception of DietGel Recovery, which only contains mineral mix). They are a superior alternative to mash diets, that can be used as the sole source of nutrition for up to 7 days. 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. DietGel products are designed to provide compromised rodents a palatable source of hydration and energy and are an excellent solution for supplemental hydration for:

  • Breeding and weaning of pups 
  • Post-surgical support 
  • Neurologically compromised rodents 
  • EAE models, Transgenic Mice 
  • Shipping

• What is the best way to store DietGel products?

  Unopened DietGel can be stored at room temperature and does not require special handling. Shelf life for unopened DietGel is 18 months.

  Once opened (provided the gel has not been contaminated) ClearH2O products can be stored either at room temperature or at 4°C in a sealed bag/container to prevent the product from drying out for approximately 2 weeks

• Why does DietGel sometimes have white or brown specs?

  Non-soluble ingredients are sometimes visible in 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.

• Why does the color of DietGel vary from case to case?

  Color variation occurs during our sterilization process. When DietGel products are produced the color is a milky white. The product is then sterilized. The irradiation process changes the product color from a milky white to a caramel color. Product position within the sterilization chamber results in color variation. All of the product is 100% sterile 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 sterile 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.