88 replies to this topic

[Zahra]

You are right, they would probably have highs and lows. However, this also happens to some extent with seed mixes- one day's bowl might contain more high protein ingredients, the next days, not as much. Or if you fill the bowl once every few days, the first day your hamster may eat all the tastiest, probably high protein bits, and the next few days have to eat the lower protein parts.

 

This is probably exactly why I leave food in until it's gone. I just felt like changing their food everyday at the same time regardless of how much they have eaten is not only a waste of money, but it also allows the hamster to only pick at what they enjoy most. And I am a strong advocate for tough love, LOL!

[Strong Brew Hamstery]

I'm really bad with tough love, however I'm pretty opposite in view, and don't really prefer seed mixes. My dwarfs are on lab blocks and oxbow. They're older, so need less proteins (and given the ketone presence in their urine last test, I wanted to reduce their protein intake a bit to see if it would help for the retest, and up their fibre).

 

My two Syrians eat HT, oxbow and a mix. I'm currently having a good friend of mine develop a mix that's about 19-22% protein for nursing mothers and pups using smaller seeds in it. 

 

My boy who has been on the mix since he was little was much harder to switch to pellets and lab blocks. He will eat both, but of course goes bonkers over the tasty bits in his food.

 

I supplement a lot with porridges, veg, egg, etc. and we use millet and what not. 

Edited by Strong Brew Hamstery, 20 August 2014 - 11:30 PM.

[PinkHamster8498]

Ohhhh, I've been picking colored pellets and corn out of my hamster's food ever since I got him!! Thanks for the info!!
And wait, does this mean that dwarves can be fed food with cane molasses?

[pawlove]

Ohhhh, I've been picking colored pellets and corn out of my hamster's food ever since I got him!! Thanks for the info!!
And wait, does this mean that dwarves can be fed food with cane molasses?

 

As long as the molasses is way down on the ingredient list and the hamster isn't already diabetic / overweight, it should be fine  

[PinkHamster8498]

As long as the molasses is way down on the ingredient list and the hamster isn't already diabetic / overweight, it should be fine

Oh, thanks! 😊

[Pipipki]

that was really helpful and kind of made me wonder why people haven't already realised some of them (it's very logical really!!!)

[ButteryPopcorn]

everything I know is a lie...

[7swans]

I am glad I read this thread! Nutrition seems to be one of the most confusing aspects of hamster ownership (for me, at least). 

The only question I must ask is does this mean the pinned "Master Food List" post is outdated? I've been reading it over for the past couple of days, trying to decide which food is best for my WW hybrid, but from that thread almost no food is acceptable unless certain ingredients are picked out. The information about corn, peas, etc. in this thread seems to be more up to date, but the conflicting information is super confusing for a newbie! I'm still at a loss for which mix(es) to choose. 

[pawlove]

I am glad I read this thread! Nutrition seems to be one of the most confusing aspects of hamster ownership (for me, at least). 

The only question I must ask is does this mean the pinned "Master Food List" post is outdated? I've been reading it over for the past couple of days, trying to decide which food is best for my WW hybrid, but from that thread almost no food is acceptable unless certain ingredients are picked out. The information about corn, peas, etc. in this thread seems to be more up to date, but the conflicting information is super confusing for a newbie! I'm still at a loss for which mix(es) to choose. 

 

The recommendation at the master food list is quite outdated...

The mix you'll be looking for a WW hybrid is the ones that don't contain too many dried fruits and added sugars and is not too high in fat.

[7swans]

The recommendation at the master food list is quite outdated...

The mix you'll be looking for a WW hybrid is the ones that don't contain too many dried fruits and added sugars and is not too high in fat.

 

Thanks! I will comment on the master food list as well, but I wonder if a disclaimer could be added to the beginning of that post to warn new members such as myself that the information is not the most up to date and perhaps point people towards this thread and any others like it.  

[PikaHammy]

Thanks! I will comment on the master food list as well, but I wonder if a disclaimer could be added to the beginning of that post to warn new members such as myself that the information is not the most up to date and perhaps point people towards this thread and any others like it.

Correct me if I'm wrong but, I'm sure that the Moderator or Taxonomist if I'm correct is working on actually trying to update.  While the update may not be perfect, it will be a lot updated compared to the one we have right now.

[7swans]

Correct me if I'm wrong but, I'm sure that the Moderator or Taxonomist if I'm correct is working on actually trying to update.  While the update may not be perfect, it will be a lot updated compared to the one we have right now.

I didn't know that, but I am pleased to hear it! I hope I didn't come off sounding grumpy or anything, as I can see that a lot of work goes into these posts. It's just a little confusing as a new member/new hamster owner. 

[pawlove]

I didn't know that, but I am pleased to hear it! I hope I didn't come off sounding grumpy or anything, as I can see that a lot of work goes into these posts. It's just a little confusing as a new member/new hamster owner. 

 Yeah, they are working on it I know how you feel, it's really confusing, especially for new members. The best way to discuss something would be to make a new thread on the forum. 

[lucymn11]

Thank you so much! This was quite helpful. 

[Word Weaver]

Good job on the myths Tax! I hope many new members come here to learn more about hamster food!