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How we select and check products
At DRD Knaagdierwinkel®, it comes down to one thing: products must truly fit the animal. Not just “fun” or “convenient”, but also safe, species-appropriate and practical in daily use. We’ve been a specialist since 2011 and work with our own stock (no dropshipping). This helps us stay in control of origin, storage and quality checks.
Quick start: Products (by product type) · Catalogue (by species) · DRD Knaagdierwinkel® · De Knaagdier Kruidenier® · 100% chew-proof range
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✓ Species-appropriate
We assess what the animal needs: behaviour, safety, sizing and nutritional requirements.
✓ Consciously EU/UK
We consciously choose suppliers and products from Europe and the UK, with clear origin and information.
✓ Own stock
No dropshipping: storage, handling and checks in-house for better reliability and quality.
“A product has to be more than a nice story. It must be safe, fit the animal, and truly work in real life.”
— Marika Stoevelaar
Our selection process
Not every product automatically enters our range. Depending on the product type (food/non-food), we follow a fixed assessment. This keeps our standards high — and keeps things clear for you.
Steps (short and clear)
- Pre-selection: does the product fit species-appropriate needs and welfare?
- Information check: is there enough data (composition/analysis, material info, sizing, intended use)?
- Additional questions: if something is missing, we request extra details from the manufacturer/supplier.
- Category-specific assessment: we assess food/hay differently from non-food (safety, function, size, materials).
- Practical check: where needed, we test and evaluate usability, safety and suitability.
- Listing + clear product info: only with clear guidance, correct use and relevant warnings.
- Ongoing review: feedback, return reasons and updates feed into re-assessments.
Criteria: food, hay, herbs & snacks
Nutrition is not an afterthought. We select based on species-specific requirements and critically review composition, analysis and origin. We only call something “main food” when the information truly supports that.
What we look at (among other things)
- ✓ Species-appropriate: tailored to the animal (preferably supported by analyses/research/insights).
- ✓ Transparency: for main food, composition + analysis are essential. If missing, we won’t list it as main food.
- ✓ Additives: we critically assess, among others, (added) sugars and ingredients that don’t fit certain animals (such as lactose/citrus where unsuitable).
- ✓ Herbivores: no animal proteins where they don’t belong.
- ✓ Origin & quality: clear origin, attention to GMO/organic where relevant, and for hay/herbs we check harvest and quality information.
Criteria: non-food, materials & sizing
With non-food, it’s mainly about safety, sizing and function. A product should enrich — not frustrate or create risk. That’s why we are critical about materials, finishing and whether it truly fits the species.
1) Material safety
No doubts about glue, staples, sharp edges or unclear coatings. Safety first.
2) Size & entrances
Large enough for the animal, entrances that fit, and for prey animals ideally at least two exits.
3) Function & enrichment
The product must serve an animal-friendly, species-appropriate function (hiding, digging, foraging, movement).
- ✓ EU/UK origin: a conscious choice for Europe/UK with clear info and supply chain.
- ✓ Sustainability: where possible, we choose sustainable materials and longer lifespan.
Testing & quality control
If we can’t recommend something with confidence, it doesn’t go live (yet). We combine available information with practical checks. We don’t just look at paperwork, but also real-life suitability.
How we do this
- ✓ Check available research, certificates, analyses and product specs (where relevant).
- ✓ Request additional information from the manufacturer/supplier if details are missing.
- ✓ Practical test/evaluation for safety, sizing, usability and animal-appropriate function.
- ✓ Evaluate real-life experiences (incl. feedback and usage patterns) and refine where needed.
What you won’t find with us
We make conscious choices. Some products are popular in the market, but don’t match our view on welfare and safety. That’s why we don’t stock certain product types — even when wrapped in “great marketing stories”.
Examples
- x Hamster balls
- x Open (unsafe) wheels
- x Hamster cotton/wadding
- x Calcium/gnaw stones
- x Products that mainly “sound good”, but add little in practice or create unnecessary risk
Transparency & help choosing
Strict selection is step one. Step two is that you quickly understand what fits your animal. That’s why we invest in clear product information, practical explanations and buying guidance — so you can order with confidence.
✓ Clear product info
Clear on sizing, material, use and what is (or isn’t) recommended.
✓ Shop your way
Choose by product type or by species.
✓ Advice when you’re unsure
Send species + enclosure size + goal, and we’ll think along with you.
Questions? We’re happy to help
Contact us via Service & contact. Already ordered? Add your order number. Not ordered yet? No problem — send your enclosure size and what you’re looking for, and we’ll advise you.
FAQ – product selection & quality
Why are you so strict?
Because small animals are often underestimated. We want products to fit behaviour, safety and daily practicality — without unnecessary risks.
What does “own stock” mean for me?
No dropshipping: we control storage, handling and shipping ourselves. That means more control over quality and availability.
When do you call something “main food”?
Only when composition and analysis are clear enough to assess it as a complete base diet. Otherwise we won’t list it as main food, but as complementary feed.
I’m unsure about a product. What should I send?
Send species, (approx.) age, enclosure size (LxWxH) and your goal (e.g., basic setup, bedding, food, enrichment). Then we can advise effectively.
✓ Specialist since 2011 – with heart for small animals
✓ Consciously EU/UK, own stock, clear product information
✓ Critical selection for welfare, safety and practical usability
