The Henry's Healthy Blocks Story

Henry's Healthy Blocks were created 2 years ago when I got my two nonreleasable squirrels, Henry and Hazel. Once they were weaned, I struggled to find healthy foods they would eat. Rodent blocks are the best choice since they're based on the nutrient requirements of rats (the closest relative to squirrels for which this information exists). But there was a problem: like most pet squirrels, mine simply wouldn't eat rodent blocks! In fact, most squirrels will refuse to eat commercial rodent blocks unless they're introduced right at weaning (they will, of course, eat the blocks rather than starve to death). The reason for this dislike is unknown; perhaps it's the fishy smell and taste of the blocks due to their incorporation of fish meal. Like most pet squirrel owners, I was reluctant to starve my squirrels to force them to eat rodent blocks.

I knew nutritional deficiencies like metabolic bone disease (MBD) were all too common among captive squirrels and I didn't want that to happen to my two. So I started researching rodent nutrient requirements to see if I could come up with a healthy diet by just feeding a variety of healthy veggies. I quickly discovered that this was impossible. A squirrel would have to eat 9 entire heads of endive lettuce per week just to meet their calcium requirements. Finding a protein source was even harder; they wouldn't eat store-bought eggs, and picked at the mealworms I bought. Finally, I decided to create a tasty, nutritionally complete block that hopefully they would eat. I used the nutrient requirements of rats, just like in regular rodent blocks, but instead of high-carb cornmeal, I used fresh ground nuts as a base. Of course I also left out the preservatives, fillers, fish meal, meat by-products, and other "junk." Finally, I consulted with a panel of top experts in animal nutrition. I was thrilled when the original Henry's Healthy Blocks recipe was approved with only two small changes.

And best of all, my squirrels loved them! What a relief to have a healthy block my squirrels would actually eat! I saw the difference right away, especially in Henry, who had always had rather dull, coarse fur. After just a few weeks eating the blocks his fur became soft, shiny, and full. In fact, he earned a new nickname: "Mr. Silky."

After many requests from other squirrel owners, in 2009 I began to make and sell the blocks, and so Henry's Healthy Blocks was born. We wanted to bring Henry's quality to other small pets, and so we also developed Henry's Healthy Hamster Diet. Now we've changed our name to Henry's Healthy Pet Foods because we're developing healthy foods for other small pets as well. We love our small furry friends and believe they deserve to eat healthy, natural foods so they can live a long, happy life.