Introduction
When one walks down the food isle at the pet store, it is easy to be overwhelmed
by all of the choices available. There are not only many different companies,
but also many different recipes from each company. Yet which one is a good one?
Just like dog or cat food, they are not all made equally. Unless you plan to go
down the route of creating your own mix (which isn't as easy as it may seem)
than store bought mixes can be a good option too.
So let's look at common
brands of food and consider if they are good for a hamster. If there are any you
are wondering about that do not show up on this list than just ask and I will
look into it! Problem ingredients will be bolded in blue if they are a concern
for diabetes prone species (Winter White dwarfs, Russian Campbell dwarfs and
Chinese), and will be bolded in red if they are a problem for any species of
hamster.
Please keep in
mind that we are looking at each mix as if it were to be a possible staple for a
hamster, not as an additive alongside another food.
Considerations
When looking at a food it is best to look at three basic nutrition levels first,
protein, fibre, and fat; ignoring the ingredients and often colourful packaging
for a moment. Not enough research has gone into understanding the ideal
nutritional levels for a hamster, however based on the information we do have we
can make an educated guess. Based on research I have done myself alongside
conversations with other hamster enthusiasts the ideal levels for these are as
follows:
Protein: 17-22%
Fibre: 8-10%
Fat: 4-6%
Next we would look at the ingredients, careful to consider ingredients that may be harmful, ingredients that would not be beneficial for diabetic or diabetes prone species*, as well as an overall sense as to whether there is a good variety, there are not too many treats and the food is not missing any crucial ingredients. Don’t focus too much on the colourful packaging, which is designed to draw in the uneducated, especially children who will often want what looks like fun.
*Species prone to diabetes include Russian Campbell Dwarfs,
Chinese hamsters, Hybrids, and some lines of Winter White
Dwarfs.
Warning
Companies sometimes change
ingredients and composition with little or no warning. It is important to check
it every time you buy to be sure that it is still the food you expect it to be.
I will attempt to keep this page updated; however it is difficult to keep track
of so many foods. Also keep in mind that there will be variations in what some
people may consider a suitable food based on their own research. There is just
not enough conclusive information for everyone to fall with the same
opinion.
Quick Reference
List
Good for any species
-Supreme Pets Food Hazel Hamster (Note: Different
than Harry Hamster)*
-Supreme Pets Food Harry Hamster (Note: Different than
Hazel Hamster)*
-Supreme Science Selective Hamster*
Good for Syrians and/ or Roborovski Dwarfs
-Burgess Supahamster Hamster Harvest* [Thank you Ely
Vihavainen]
-Burgess Supahamster Dwarf Hamster Harvest* [Thank you Ely
Vihavainen]
-CareFRESH Complete Menu Hamster and Gerbil*
-Kaytee
Forti-Diet Pro Health Mouse, Rat and Hamster Food*
-Mazuri Hamster and
Gerbil
-ratRations Syrian mix - no fruits added (Europe Only)
-ratRations
Syrian mix - with Apple (Europe Only)
-ratRations Syrian mix - with Banana
(Europe Only)
Only suitable if foods from the above lists are unavailable.
Not recommended for hamsters with diabetes, or those prone to it.
-8 in 1 Ecotrition Organic Blend
Hamster and Gerbil Food
-Hamster Muesli by Pets at Home
-Premium Hamster
Muesli by Pets at Home [Thank you SyrianPumpkin]
-Purina Little
Wonders
-Purina Garden Recipe Hamster and Gerbil Diet
-Tesco Hamster Food
Peanut and Sunflower Seed
-Versele-Laga Hamster Nature Complete [Thank you
Ingrid Haugland, Ely Vihavainen]
-Vitakraft Vitasmart Hamster
Full Master List
8 in 1 Ecotrition
Essential Blend Hamster and Gerbil
Food
Ingredients:
Oat Groats, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal,
Whole Corn, Heat
Processed Soybeans, White Millet, Milo, Wheat, Pumpkin Seed, Spanish Peanuts,
Diced Papaya, Banana Chips, Ground
Corn, Soybean Meal, Wheat Middlings, Soybean Hulls, Ground Oats,
Feeding Oatmeal, Cane Molasses, Salt, Diced Carrots, Diced
Potatoes, Minced
Onions, Parsley Flakes, Celery Flakes, Diced Red Peppers, Diced
Green Peppers, Cabbage Flakes, Leek
Flakes, Diced Zucchini, Tomato Flakes, Spinach Flakes, Flaxseed,
Ground Limestone, Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin A Acetate,
Vitamin D3 Supplement, Whey Solids, Vitamin A Palmitate, Spirulina, dl-Alpha
Tocopheryl Acetate (source of Vitamin E), Ground Wheat,
Corn Gluten Meal, Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C),
Corn Distiller's Grains, Soybean Oil, Dried Whole Egg, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Molasses, Yeast
Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Product,
DriedLactobacillus bulgaricus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus
lactisFermentation Product, Lecithin, Natural Mixed Pantothenate, Vitamin
B12Suplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K), Folic
Acid, Biotin, Cobalt Chloride, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid
Complex, Iron Methionine, Magnesium Oxide, Ferrous Carbonate, Ferrous Sulfate,
Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate,
and Color Added (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1).
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein 16%
Crude Fat 7%
Crude Fibre 10%
max
This mix is certainly not the worst one out there when one first
looks at the guaranteed analysis; in fact it shows promise of being quite good.
When looking at the ingredients however it is first clear that this mix is not
ideal for diabetes prone species (ingredients bolded in blue). Yet they have
also included onions and leeks (part of the onion family) in this mix making the
entire mix unhealthy for any species of hamster (bolded in red). Onions contain
thiosulphate which can basically cause the abnormal break down of red blood
cells (the same reason dogs cannot have onions). Unfortunately due to these two
ingredients I cannot say that this mix is good for any
species.
8 in 1 Ecotrition
Organic Blend Hamster and Gerbil
Food
Ingredients:
Organic alfalfa forage, organic oat
groats, organic wheat, organic white millet, organic milo,
organic corn, organic soybeans, organic pumpkin seed, organic papaya, organic dehydrated
banana, organic flax seed, organic
ground corn, organic soybean meal, organic ground wheat,
dicalcium phosphate, organic soybean oil, calcium carbonate, organic spinach
powder, dl-methionine, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12
supplement, vitamin e supplement, calcium pantothenate, choline chloride,
menadione dimethylpyrimidinol bisulfate (source of vitamin K activity), niacin,
biotin, folic acid, riboflavin, ethylenediamine dihydriodide, cobalt carbonate,
iron (ferrous) sulfate, manganous oxide, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, zinc
oxide, sodium selenite, red cabbage extract, purple
carrot juice, annatto extract.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 16%
Fat 7%
Fibre 12%
This mix does
look decent upon first look at the guaranteed analysis, the protein and fibre
percentages are all quite reasonable. Although the protein could be a bit
higher. The fat content is also higher than one would like and the mix does not
even contain sunflower seeds. The ingredients bolded the ones
which are not beneficial as part of a diet for a diabetes prone species. Since
there are more than a couple along with the carrot juice, it is not a food
recommended for diabetes prone species or for diabetic hamsters. For Syrians or
roborovski dwarf hamsters, this mix would be ok if a better one could not be
found and only if 2-3 sunflower seeds were added to the hamster's diet
daily.
8 in 1 Wild Harvest Daily
Blend Nutrient Rich Food (Hamster and
Gerbil)
Ingredients:
Dehydrated alfalfa meal, white
millet, corn,
sunflower seed, wheat, milo, kibbled wheat, kibbled corn, flaked
wheat, flaked corn,
ground oats, soybean hulls, wheat middlings, soybean meal, dicalcium phosphate,
salt, ground limestone, Vitamin A acetate, Vitamin D3 supplement, choline
chloride, Vitamin E supplement, niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride,
thiamine mononitrate, D-calcium, pantothenate, menadione sodium bisulfite
complex (Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, Vitamin B12 supplement,
magnesium oxide, ferrous carbonate, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, manganous
oxide, copper oxide, calcium iodate, cobalt carbonate, red 40, yellow 5, yellow
6, blue 1.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 12%
Fat
4%
Fibre 10%
This mix is too low in protein to be a suitable mix for
any species of hamster. The fibre and fat content are alright and the
ingredients that are not suitable for diabetic or diabetes prone species are
able to be picked out. However, I cannot recommend this food for any species of
hamster due to the protein level.
All Living Things Hamster and Gerbil Daily
Diet
Ingredients:
Corn, wheat, milo,
ground corn, dehulled soybean meal, sun-cured alfalfa
meal, sunflower seeds, white millet, ground wheat, shelled peanuts, ground oats,
wheat middlings, pumpkin seed, green split peas, raisins, dehydrated
carrots, dried bananas, dried papaya, dehydrated sweet potatoes,
dehydrated apples,
fructooligosaccharide, dicalcium phosphate, soy oil, calcium carbonate, salt,
whole cell algae meal (source of omgega-3 and DHA), dried
cane molasses, ground flax seed, vitamin A supplement, choline
chloride, l-lysine, dl-methionine, wheat germ meal, brewers dried yeast,
riboflavin supplement, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), ferrous sulfate,
vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin E supplement, yucca schidigera extract,
l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), manganous oxide, zinc oxide,
niacin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity),
copper sulfate, rosemary extract, citric acid, cholecalciferol (source of
vitamin D3), calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine
mononitrate, folic acid, biotin, calcium iodate, cobalt carbonate, dried
bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried bacillus licheniformis
fermentation product, sodium selenite, FD&C red #40, FD&C yellow #5,
FD&C blue #1.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein
(not less than) 14%
Crude Fat (not less than) 6%
Crude Fibre (not more
than) 10%
This mix is low in protein, far too low for any species of
hamster. There are various ingredients that should not be provided to a diabetic
hamster, or even a hamster of a species that is prone to diabetes (Ingredients
bolded ). Overall the mix is not a good quality mix for any species of
hamster and I would not recommend it.
Best Friend
Festival
Ingredients:
Rodent pellets, wheat mix,
alfalfa mix, oats, dari, pea chips,
carrot pellets, carob, corn chips, sunflower
seeds, molasses,
wheat, beans,
carrot, peeled peanuts, saflor seeds, papaya,
mango, rose hips, banana,
sugar. Additives: Vitamin mix (Vitamins A, D, E and C),
minerals, E330, E320, E321, E324, E172, E131, E124.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 13%
Fat 6%
Fibre 8.5%
This mix is too
low in protein, though the fat and fibre content is alright. The mix is full of
ingredients that are unsuitable for diabetes prone/ diabetic hamster (bolded ) even, for some reason, adding sugar to the mix. Over all I would not
recommend this mix for any species of hamster.
Burgess
Supahamster Dwarf Hamster Harvest
Ingredients:
Canary
Seed, Millet, Grass Pellets, Maize,
Peas, Toasted Soya Flakes, Toasted Wheat Flakes, Sunflower
Seeds, Poultry Fat, Mealworms.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 17.5%
Fat (not listed)
Fibre 9%
This
mix is one of the best mixes found out there for any hamster really, though it
is aimed for dwarf hamsters (and likely Chinese hamsters too). It is UK based,
where it seems less common for fat content to be listed, but the fibre and
protein are both in good ranges. The only thing that would need to be picked out
for a diabetic hamster or for a species prone to diabetes is the maize (corn)
and the peas as they are high in natural sugar. I would recommend this mix for
Syrians and Roborovski dwarfs as is, or for any diabetic prone species so long
as the maize and peas were picked out.
Burgess
Supahamster Hamster Harvest
Ingredients:
Cooked cereal
biscuits, Toasted wheat flakes, Toasted maize flakes,
Toasted soya flakes, Toasted oat flakes, Grass pellets, Peas,
Maize, Pumpkin seeds,
peanuts, sunflower seeds, banana
flakes, Poultry fat, Mealworms,vitamins D3, E and A, copper,
E341, E102, E131, E306.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein
18%
Fat 8%
Fibre 6.5%
This mix is aimed for Syrian hamsters, though
Roborovski dwarf hamsters could this eat as well; they would likely prefer the
smaller seeds in Burgess' Dwarf mix though. The protein level is quite good and
the mix is quite well suited for a Syrian hamster or a Roborovski dwarf. The fat
content is rather high, though limiting the amount of pumpkin seeds and peanuts
would likely cut this down a great deal. The fibre content is a little bit low,
adding some timothy hay, broccoli, kale and other high fibre foods could help to
give your hamster more of the fibre it needs. I would not recommend this mix for
any species that is prone to diabetes however due to the presence of the
ingredients bolded in blue.
CareFRESH Complete Menu Hamster and Gerbil
Ingredients:
Whole
corn, soybean meal, oat groats, whole wheat, wheat mill run,
ground barley, split green
peas, sun-cured alfalfa hay, grass hay (timothy, orchard,
brome), whole safflower, dried
carrot, yeast culture,
dried cane molasses, salt, sodium bentonite, sodium
phosphate, lignin sulfonate, flaxseed (source of omega-3 fatty acids), soybean
oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), choline chloride,
calcium carbonate, L-lysine, DL-methionine, yucca schidigera extract, vitamin E
supplement, zinc sulfate, iron sulfate, zinc proteinate, niacin, selenium yeast,
copper sulfate, biotin, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, calcium
pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, sodium selenite, vitamin B2 riboflavin,
vitamin B1 thiamin mononitrate, magnesium sulfate, manganous oxide, vitamin B6
pyridoxine HCl, folic acid, cobalt carbonate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12
supplement, calcium iodate and ethylenediamine dihydroiodide (source of
iodine)
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min)
17%
Crude Fat (min) 3.5%
Crude Fibre (min) 5%. /Crude Fibre (max)
10%
This mix is one of the better ones on the market, they recently
changed the recipe, but it is still a rather good mix. The protein and fibre are
at good percentages, thought that fat content could be higher. This may be due
to the fact that this mix does not contain sunflower seeds which should be a
part of any hamster's diet. If you use this mix for your roborovski dwarf or
Syrian hamster, than adding 2-3 sunflower seeds daily would be ideal; organic
unseasoned sunflower seeds work best. This mix is still not ideal for
diabetes-prone species seeing as there are some ingredients that are not best to
have in their diet (bolded ). I would recommend this mix for roborovski
dwarfs or Syrians so long as sunflower seeds were
added.
FM Brown's Natural Hamster
Food with Vitamins and Minerals
Ingredients:
Corn,
alfalfa meal dehydrated, timothy hay, milo, millet, wheat flour by-product less
than 9.5% fibre, oats, wheat bran, split green peas, stripe
sunflower seed, wheat germ ground, soybean flour by-product, vitamin A
palmitate, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), vitamin E supplement, vitamin
B12 supplement, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, salt, manganese
proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, cobalt proteinate, calcium
proteinate and zinc proteinate.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min) 11.25%
Crude Fat (min)
4.25%
Crude Fibre (min) 5.3%. /Crude Fibre (max) 7.3%
This mix is very
bare-bones basic. The protein and fibre level are both rather low, we would
rather see the protein level between 17-22%. If the mix was better quality and
had a better variety than it could be ok for a diabetic hamster as one would
only need to pick out the corn and the peas. In the end I would not recommend
this mix for any species of hamster.
FM
Brown's Tropical Carnival Gourmet Food for Hamsters and
Gerbils
Ingredients:
Oat groats, millet, alfalfa meal,
milo, safflower seed, sunflower seed, corn, kibbled corn,
pineapple, buckwheat, wheat, peanuts, banana,
raisins, lentils, squash, pumpkin seeds, almonds, brazil nuts,
green peas,
cantaloupe seeds, navy beans, carrot, potatoes, apples, papaya, wheat
flour, cheese meal, semolina flour, soybean meal, gluten meal, soy oil,
di-calcium phosphate, dried brewer’s yeast fermentation product, yucca shidegra
extract, salt, vitamin A palmitate, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3),
alpha tocopherol (source of vitamin E), ascorbic acid (source of vitamin C),
thiamine mononitrate, menadione sodium bisulfate (source of vitamin K), choline
chloride, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, niacin supplement, pyridoxine
hydrochloride, copper amino acid complex, calcium iodate, cobalt chloride,
manganese amino acid complex, iron methionine, zinc amino acid complex, dried
bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried aspergillus oryzae fermentation
product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus product, dried lactobacillus bulgaricus
fermentation product, sulphur dioxide (a preservative), FD&C color,
artificial flavors.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude
Protein (min) 12.5%
Crude Fat (min) 7.5%
Crude Fibre (max)
8.5%
This mix is far from healthy for any hamster, it is often dubbed as
a junk food mix. Nearly all of the ingredients would make better treats rather
than part of a staple diet. There are various foods (bolded ) that are no
good in a diabetic hamster's diet making it unsuitable for any species of
hamster that is prone to diabetes. The protein and fibre content are too low and
the fat content is too high. I would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
Grreat Choice
Hamster/Gerbil
Ingredients:
Corn,
milo, white millet, wheat, sunflower, toasted corn flakes, oat groats,
dehydrated alfalfa meal, dehulled soybean meal,
ground corn, wrinkled peas, ground oats, ground wheat, calcium
carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, dried cane molasses,
salt, corn oil,
vitamin a supplement, dl-methionine, l-lysine, choline chloride, ferrous
carbonate, manganous oxide, riboflavin supplement, ethoxyquin
(a preservative), zinc oxide, vitamin b12 supplement, vitamin e supplement,
niacin, copper oxide, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin k
activity), cholecalciferol (source of vitamin d3), calcium pantothenate,
pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, calcium iodate, biotin, folic
acid, cobalt carbonate, sodium selenite, artificial color, natural
flavors.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min)
12%
Crude Fat (min) 4%
Crude Fibre (max) 10%
This mix is low in
protein thus making it unsuitable as a staple diet for any species of hamster.
On top of that they use the preservative ethoxyquin, which is debated to cause
cancer. The mix is also not suitable for a hamster that is prone to diabetes, or
that actually has diabetes. Over all I would not recommend this mix for any
species of hamster.
Hamster
Muesli by Pets at Home
Ingredients:
Toasted
pea flakes, grass pellets, extruded nuggets ( Wheat, sunflower,
linseed, oat bran), toasted maize
flakes, toasted soya flakes, wheat, sunflower seeds, peanut,
carob bean meal, glucose
syrup, dried banana flakes (min 1%), yeasts,
dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 17%
Fat 7%
Fibre 7%
This mix does
have a good protein level, though the fat content is a bit high. There are
various ingredients (bolded ) that are not suitable for a hamster with
diabetes or a species that is prone to it. I would consider giving this to
Syrian hamsters or Roborovski dwarf hamsters if a better food was not available,
though for a diabetic hamster I would not recommend this
food.
Hartz Bonanza Hamster and
Gerbil Diet
Ingredients:
Wheat Middlings, Whole
Corn, Whole Wheat, Red Milo, Ground
Corn, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Kibbled
Corn, Green Split Peas, White Millet, Oat Groats, Pumpkin Seeds,
Dehulled Soybean Meal, Striped Sunflower Seeds, Toasted
Corn Flakes, Black Oil Sunflower Seeds, Shelled Peanuts, Soybean
Hulls, Roasted Soybeans, Dried
Bananas, Dried Papaya, Raisins, Beet Molasses, Soybean Oil,
Rolled Oats, Dried
Carrots, Navy Beans, Calcium Carbonate, Corn
Gluten Meal, Vegetable Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline
Chloride, Lignin Sulfonate, Natural Orange Flavor, Salt,
L-Ascorbly-2-Polyphosphate, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, Brewers
Dried Yeast, Cane
Molasses, Vitamin E Supplement, Mineral Oil, Saccharomyces
Cerevisiae Yeast Culture, Sodium Selenite, Color Added (Yellow #5, Blue #1,
Yellow #6, Titanium Dioxide, Red #40, Red #3), Calcium Propionate (a
Preservative), Corn Distillers Dried Grains, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A
Supplement, Natural & Artificial Apple Flavor, Niacin Supplement, Calcium
Pantothenate, Condensed When Fermentation Solubles, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B 12
Supplement, Magnesium Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin D 3 Supplement, Yucca
Schidigera Extract, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid,
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Mixed
Tocopherols ( a Preservative), Silicon Dioxide, Cobalt Carbonate, Pyridoxine
Hydrochloride, Citric Acid ( a Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Sodium
Selenate.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (Max.)
15%
Crude Fat (Min.) 4%
Crude Fibre (Max.) 8%
This mix has just too
low of a protein percentage, rather than the 17-22% that it should be, it sits
at 15%. The fat content and fibre content are at reasonable levels however.
Looking at the ingredients bolded we can see that this mix is not an
ideal one for a hamster with diabetes nor for a species that is prone to it.
Over all I would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health
Mouse, Rat and Hamster Food
Ingredients:
Ground
Yellow Corn, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Ground Wheat, Ground Oats,
Ground Peanuts, Sun-cured Alfalfa Meal, Ground Flax Seed, Dried
Cane Molasses, Lignin Sulfonate, Corn
Sugar, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Ground Rice,
Salt, Soy Oil, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Beet Pulp, Whole Cell Algae Meal
(source of Omega-3 DHA), Fructooligosaccharide, DL-Methionine, Yeast Extract,
Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Lysine, Vitamin A Supplement, Choline Chloride,
Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Ferrous Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement,
Manganous Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement,
Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K activity),
Copper Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid, Cholecalciferol
(source of vitamin D3), Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine
Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Dried Bacillus licheniformis
Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Cobalt
Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Natural Flavoring.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 21%
Crude Fat (min.) 4.5%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 7%
So the first thing about this food is that it is intended
not only for hamsters, but also for mice and rats. All of which have different
nutritional needs. Looking at the nutrition information, the protein and fat
percentages are both quite within good range of a hamster's needs. The higher
protein level is especially beneficial to a species like the roborovski dwarf
who do better with a higher protein level. The fibre is a bit on the low end,
however with foods such as timothy hay, kale, bok choy, broccoli and similar
high-fibre fresh foods it could be balanced out. So this mix could be ok for
Syrian hamsters as well as Roborovski dwarf hamsters upon looking at this
information. However for the other three species, it would not be the best
choice seeing as there are ingredients (bolded ) that are not beneficial
to have in the diet of a diabetic hamster. Also note that this food is not a
seed mix, but a lab block (compressed pellet), which is debated between seed
mixes as to whether they are better or not. If this lab block is selected than
the owner would also need to add sunflower seeds to the diet (just 2-3 daily).
They are very beneficial to their overall health (especially their heart!), so
organic, unseasoned sunflower seeds would be highly recommended to add in. So
long as the sunflower seeds were added in I would recommend this mix for Syrians
and roborovski dwarfs.
Kaytee
Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster and Gerbil
Food
Ingredients:
Corn, Wheat, Milo, Sunflower,
Millet, Oat Groats, Sun-cured Alfalfa Meal, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Ground
Corn, Toasted Corn Flakes, Shelled Peanuts, Toasted Wheat
Flakes, Ground Flax Seed, Canadian
Field Peas, Green Split Peas, Ground Oats, Ground Wheat, Ground
Rice, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried
Cane Molasses, Salt, Soy Oil, Whole Cell Algae Meal (source of
Omega-3 DHA), Fructooligosaccharide, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Yeast Extract,
Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin A Supplement, Choline Chloride, Mixed
Tocopherols (a preservative), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Riboflavin
Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin,
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K activity), L-Carnitine,
Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid, Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Copper
Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate,
Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation
Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium
Selenite, Artificial Color.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 13.5%
Crude Fat (min.) 6%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 10%
Not to be mixed up with Kaytee's Forti-Diet Pro Health
Rat, Mouse and Hamster Food; this one is not recommended. The protein percentage
is far too low for a hamster, needing upwards of 17%-22%. The fat content is a
tad high as well. The ingredients bolded are not beneficial to diabetes
prone species and while most of them could be picked out, the cane molasses
cannot. I would not recommend this for any species of
hamster.
Kaytee Forti-Diet Crunch
Hamster and Gerbil
Ingredients:
Corn,
Wheat, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Milo, Sunflower, Oat Hulls, Millet, Sun-cured
Alfalfa Meal, Oat Groats, Ground
Corn, Shelled Peanuts, Ground Oats, Canadian
Peas, Ground Wheat, Ground Flax Seed, Green
Split Peas, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate,
Dried Cane Molasses, Tetra
Sodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bisulfate, Salt, Soy Oil, Vitamin A Supplement,
DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Titanium Dioxide, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate,
Manganous Oxide, Riboflavin Supplement, Ethoxyquin (a
preservative), Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin,
Copper Sulfate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K
activity), Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate
(source of vitamin C), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Pantothenate,
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Folic
Acid, Dried A. oryzae Fermentation Extract (source of protease), Dried Bacillus
coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation
Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium
Selenite, Artificial Colour.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 15%
Crude Fat (min.) 5.5%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 12%
This mix is low protein, contains various foods (bolded)
that are not diabetes friendly, and on top of that, this mix contains
ethoxyquin, a preservative that is highly debated to cause cancer. No matter
what side of the ethoxyquin debate you may fall on, this mix is not one that I
would recommend for hamsters.
Kaytee Supreme Hamster and
Gerbil
Ingredients:
Rolled
Corn, Rolled Oat Groats, Rolled Barley, Sunflower, Soybean Meal,
Peanuts, Ground
Corn, Ground Wheat, Ground Oats, Wheat Middlings, Sun-cured
Alfalfa Meal, Cane
Molasses, Calcium Carbonate, Fish Meal, Salt, Brewers Dried
Yeast, Lignin Sulfonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, DL-Methionine, Iron Oxide, Vitamin
A Supplement, Choline Chloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement,
Vitamin E Supplement, Soy Oil, Copper Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide,
Zinc Oxide, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K
activity), Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Calcium Pantothenate,
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Folic
Acid, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 14%
Crude Fat (min.) 4%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 10%
With this mixture the protein and fat content are again
too low for a hamster of any species, this already is not a mix that any hamster
should be fed. Hamsters with diabetes are at an extra risk due to the corn
ingredients and the cane molasses added to this mix. I would not recommend this
mix for any species.
Kaytee
Forti-Diet Hamster/Gerbil
Ingredients:
White Millet,
Corn, Milo,
Sunflower, Oat Groats, Toasted Corn
Flakes, Sun-cured Alfalfa Meal, Wheat, Toasted Wheat Flakes,
Dehulled Soybean Meal, Ground Corn,
Canadian Field Peas, Ground Oats, Ground Wheat, Calcium
Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Cane Molasses,
Salt, Vegetable Oil, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin A Supplement,
DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide,
Riboflavin Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement,
Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K
activity), Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Calcium Pantothenate,
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Folic
Acid, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Artificial
Color.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.)
12%
Crude Fat (min.) 4%
Crude Fibre (max.) 11%
This mix is not an
ideal one for hamsters. Again we see that the protein is too low, that most of
the ingredients are not even actual pieces of food, and that of the food in
there, several ingredients are not friendly for diabetes prone species (bolded )
This is not a mix that I would recommend for any species of
hamster.
Kaytee Chunky
Hamster and Gerbil
Ingredients:
Rolled Barley, Oats,
Corn, Green Split
Peas, Oat Groats, Shelled Peanuts, Wheat, Sun-cured Alfalfa
Meal, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Ground
Corn, Dried Bananas, Millet, Dehydrated
Carrots, Sunflower, Pumpkin Seed, Flax Seed, Buckwheat, Maple Peas, White
Northern Beans, Whole Peanuts, Pinto Beans, Kidney Beans, Ground Oats, Ground
Wheat, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Salt,
Cane Molasses, Soy Oil, Yucca Schidigera Extract,
Vitamin A Supplement, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Ferrous
Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Mixed Tocopherols
(a preservative), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Copper
Sulfate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K activity),
Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid, Calcium
Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Iodate,
Biotin, Folic Acid, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 13.5%
Crude Fat (min.) 7%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 10%
The common trend with lower quality foods is that the
protein percentage is too low, and following suit with that idea another of
Kaytee's foods with too low of a protein percentage. The fat content is also
higher than one would want to see for a hamster as well. While the variety in
the mix is interesting, several of the ingredients would make better treats and
several others are not a good idea for diabetes prone species (bolded ).
I would not recommend this mix for any species of hamster.
Kaytee Nature's Benefits Hamster and Gerbil Daily
Diet
Ingredients:
Sun-cured Timothy Grass Hay, Corn, Sunflower, Rolled
Oats, Wheat, Soybean Meal, Ground Wheat, Sun-cured Alfalfa Meal, Ground
Corn, Wheat Middlings, Dried Bananas, Oat
Hulls, Dried Papaya,
Raisins, Peanut Pieces, Hulled Sunflower, Cracked
Corn, Gelatin, Cane
Molasses, Dried Cane Molasses, Ground Oats, Calcium Carbonate,
Dicalcium Phosphate, Dehydrated
Carrots, Pistachio Pieces, Salt, Honey,
Corn Sugar, Soy Oil, Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes, Pepitas, Pecan
Pieces, Almond Pieces, Walnut Pieces, Corn Gluten Meal,
DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Vitamin A Supplement, Choline Chloride, Mixed
Tocopherols (a preservative), Brewers Dried Yeast, Wheat Germ Meal,
L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin
B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Ferrous
Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
(source of vitamin K activity), Copper Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Rosemary
Extract, Citric Acid, Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Thiamine
Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Biotin,
Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Dried A. oryzae Fermentation Extract (source
of protease), Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus
subtilis Fermentation Product, Natural Flavours.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 13%
Crude Fat (min.) 7%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 16%
The variety in this mix is quite impressive for a
pre-made mix, and many of the ingredients would not just be considered treats,
though several would be. However looking at the nutritional information we see
that the fat content is too high and that the protein content is too low for a
hamster. On top of that this mix seems to be the least friendly of Kaytee's line
in terms of a diabetic diet (note the bolded blue ingredients). I would not
recommend this mix for a staple diet for any species of
hamster.
Kaytee Fiesta Max
Hamster/Gerbil
Ingredients:
Corn,
Oats, Wheat, Milo, Sunflower, Millet, Green Split Peas, Oat
Groats, Shelled Peanuts, Ground Wheat, Ground Corn, Sun-cured
Alfalfa Meal, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Pumpkin Seed, Barley, Raisins,
Dehydrated Carrots, Dried Bananas, Safflower, Canadian Field Peas,
Ground Flax Seed, Ground Oats, Dried Papaya, Ground
Rice, Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes, Dehydrated Apples, Rice
Flour, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Soy Oil, Algae Meal (source
of Omega-3 DHA), Fructooligosaccharide, Cracked Corn, Hulled
Millet, Dried Cane
Molasses, Yeast Extract, Sesame Seed, Yucca Schidigera Extract,
Vitamin A Supplement, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Mixed
Tocopherols (a preservative), Gelatin, Honey, Dextrose, Ferrous
Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Riboflavin Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B12
Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Menadione Sodium
Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K activity), Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid,
Cholecalciferol, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine
Mononitrate, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Dried Bacillus licheniformis
Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Cobalt
Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Artificial Colour.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 13%
Crude Fat (min.) 6%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 10%
This mix is low in protein, which is of no good for any
species of hamster. Alongside that any diabetes prone species are only going to
find trouble with mix as various ingredients are too high in sugar; some of the
ingredients cannot even be picked out such as the dried cane molasses and the
honey. Picking out too many ingredients can throw off the balance of a food
anyway. I would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
Kaytee Supreme Daily
Blend Hamster and Gerbil Mix
Ingredients:
Rolled
Corn, Rolled Oat Groats, Rolled Barley, Sunflower, Soybean Meal,
Peanuts, Ground
Corn, Ground Wheat, Ground Oats, Wheat Middlings, Sun-cured
Alfalfa Meal, Cane
Molasses, Calcium Carbonate, Fish Meal, Salt, Brewers Dried
Yeast, Lignin Sulfonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, DL-Methionine, Iron Oxide, Vitamin
A Supplement, Choline Chloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement,
Vitamin E Supplement, Soy Oil, Copper Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide,
Zinc Oxide, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K
activity), Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Calcium Pantothenate,
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Folic
Acid, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude protein (min.) 14%
Crude fat (min.) 14%
Crude
fibre (max.) 10%
This mix is not suitable for diabetic hamsters or for
diabetes prone species due to various ingredients that are not suitable for a
low sugar diet (bolded in blue). The fat content is way too much for a hamster
where 4-5% is far more suitable. The protein is too low in this mix where it
would be better between 17%-22%. I would not recommend this mix for any species
of hamster.
Living World Classic
Hamster Food
Ingredients:
Wheat, white millet, corn, red milo, wheat
shorts, oat groats, dehydrated alfalfa meal, wheat middlings, black oil
sunflower seed, dried green split
peas, ground wheat, dried banana, soybean
meal, safflower seed, dried
papaya, dehulled peanuts, dried carrot flakes, dried
carrot, calcium carbonate,
corn gluten meal, dried beet pulp, orange oil (preserved
with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), salt, cane
molasses, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin B12
supplement, folic acid, niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement,
riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, biotin, menadione
sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), vitamin D3 supplement),
minerals (cobalt sulfate, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, sodium selenite, copper
sulfate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate), magnesium oxide, lignin sulfonate,
dicalcium phosphate, DL-methionine, calcium propionate (preservative), sorbic
acid (preservative), choline chloride, artificial colors (Green 3, Red 40,
Yellow 6, Titanium Dioxide).
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 12%
Fat 5.5%
Fibre 8%
This mix is too
low in protein to be suitable for any species of hamsters. The fat and fibre
contents are within reason though. The mix also contains various ingredients
that are not favourable for a diabetes prone/ diabetic hamster. I would not
recommend this mix for any species of hamster.
Living
World Extrusion Pellets
Ingredients:
Ground corn,
soybean meal, ground wheat, wheat middlings, calcium carbonate, dicalcium
phosphate, dehydrated alfalfa meal, dried beet pulp, corn
gluten meal, ground dehulled peanuts, yeast culture, salt,
lecithin, sugar,
choline chloride, DL-methionine, L-lysine, yeast extract, manganous oxide, zinc
oxide, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, niacin, yucca schidigera extract,
d-calcium pantothenate, copper sulfate, vitamin A supplement, vitamin B12
supplement, riboflavin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K
activity), pyridoxine hydrochloride, calcium iodate, thiamine mononitrate, folic
acid, cobalt carbonate, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 15%
Fat 3.5%
Fibre 4.5%
This lab
block is low in protein, fibre and even the fat content falls short. The
ingredients are not friendly for a diabetes prone/ diabetic hamster, they even
include sugar. I would not recommend this food for any species of
hamster.
LM Farms Hamster and
Gerbil
Ingredients:
Wheat middlings, soybean hulls,
dehydrated alfalfa meal, whole
corn, whole wheat, red milo, cane
molasses, dehulled soybean meal, flaxseed meal, corn
flakes, oat groats, ground corn, salt, lignin sulfonate, black
oil sunflower seeds, ground limestone, choline chloride, DL-methionine, soybean
oil, rolled oats, vitamin E supplement, sodium selenite, ferrous sulfate,
magnesium oxide, niacin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, manganese sulfate,
calcium pantothenate, zinc oxide, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine
hydrochloride, copper sulfate, biotin, vitamin A acetate, cobalt carbonate, zinc
sulfate, riboflavin supplement, ethylenediamine dihydriodide, menadione sodium
bisulfite complex, calcium propionate (a perservative), color added (yellow #5),
blue #1, yellow #6 lake, titanium dioxide, red #40), vitamin D3 supplement,
folic acid.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.)
11%
Crude Fat (min.) 4%
Crude Fibre (max.) 7%
The protein content
is rather low in this mix, already knocking down this food to an undesirable
position. This mix is also not suitable for any species that is prone to
diabetes or for any diabetic hamster due to the ingredients bolded in blue. Over
all I would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
LM Animal Farms Bonanza
Gourmet Diet Hamster and Gerbil
Ingredients:
Whole
corn, wheat middlings, oat groats, red milo, whole wheat, ground corn, dehydrated
alfalfa meal, green split
peas, white millet, dehulled soybean meal, corn
flakes, striped sunflower seeds, black oil sunflower seeds,
toasted wheat flakes, pumpkin seed, navy beans, shelled peanuts, Canadian
trapper peas, soybean hulls, raisins, dried
carrots, corn gluten meal, cane molasses, ground limestone,
soybean oil, dicalcium phosphate, safflower seeds, vegetable oil, dried
bananas, dried papaya, shelled almonds, rolled oats, salt,
choline chloride, lignin sulfonate, brewers dried yeast, mineral oil, artificial
orange flavor, potassium chloride, l-lysine, corn distillers, dried grains,
l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, dl-methionine, vitamin E supplement, vitamin E
supplement, condensed whey fermentation solubles, propionic acid, ferrous
sulfate, sodium selenate, vitamin A acetate, rice hulls, magnesium oxide, color
added (yellow #5, yellow #6 lake, blue #1, titanium dioxide, red #40, yellow
#6), artificial apple flavor, niacin supplement, calcium pantothenate, yucca
schidigera extract, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, vitamin D3
supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, zinc sulfate, calcium propionate, manganous
oxide, thiamine mononitrate, biotin, mixed tocopherols, silicone dioxide, citric
acid, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, menadione sodium bisulfite complex,
rosemary extract, ethylendiamine dihydriodidie, pyridoxine hydrochloride, sodium
selenate, cobalt carbonate, vitamine A supplement.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude protein (min.) 15%
Crude fat (min.) 6%
Crude
fibre (max.) 7%
This mix has a host of ingredients (bolded in blue) that
are not suitable for a diabetic hamster's diet, making it a poor choice for a
diabetic hamster or for a species that is prone to diabetes. Even for Syrian
hamsters or for Roborovski dwarf hamsters this mix would still not work due to
the low protein and higher fat percentages. I would not recommend this mix for
any species of hamster.
Mazuri
Hamster and Gerbil
Ingredients:
Dehulled soybean meal,
ground corn,
soybean oil, ground wheat, wheat middlings, dehydrated alfalfa meal, dried beet
pulp, ground oats, cane
molasses, ground soybean hulls, lignin sulfonate, dicalcium
phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, wheat germ, calcium carbonate, brewers dried
yeast, salt, calcium propionate, DL-methionine, choline chloride, menadione
dimethylpyrimidinol bisulfite (vitamin K), dried yucca shidigera extract,
pyridoxine hydrochloride, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), vitamin A acetate, folic
acid, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate (natural source vitamin E), thiamin
mononitrate, calcium pantothenate, nicotinic acid, riboflavin, vitamin B12
supplement, manganous oxide, zinc oxide, ferrous carbonate, copper sulfate, zinc
sulfate, calcium iodate, cobalt carbonate, sodium
selenite.
Guaranteed analysis:
Crude protein (min.)
22%
Crude fat (min.) 6%
Crude fibre (max.) 6%
This is a lab block,
which is basically a compressed pellet. It is debated whether lab blocks or seed
mixes are better. The benefit of the lab block is that a hamster cannot throw
off the balance of the food by being picky as they cannot leave anything behind.
This block is not suitable for diabetes prone species as the corn nor can the
molasses be picked out. However for Syrians or roborovski dwarf hamsters this
lab block would be suitable.
Mucki Menü
Plus
Ingredients:
Barley, wheat, maize,
peas, pea flakes, carob, wheat flakes, bean flakes, sorghum,
sweet peas, wheat
emolina bran, carrot
chunks, striped sunflower seeds, white sunflower seeds, peanut
kernels, turnip rape, sunflower seeds, oats, greaves meal, bruised soya grain
(GM-free), safflower seeds, parsnip, dari, paddy rice, puffed wheat, leeks, hemp seed,
parsley, poultry protein hydrolysate, sodium chloride.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 16%
Fat 5.9%
Fibre 7.7%
This mix is a
bit low in protein, a bit low in fibre and is alright for fat content, though it
is at the higher end of the spectrum of what we want. The ingredients
highlighted in blue are indicative that this mix would not be ideal for diabetes
prone/ diabetic hamsters. The leeks are not safe for nay species of hamster
seeing as they belong to the onion family. I would not recommend this mix for
and species of hamster.
Oxbow
Essentials for Hamsters and
Gerbils
Ingredients:
Timothy Meal, Pearled Barley
(Rolled), Oat Groats, Linseed (Flax) Meal, Canola Meal, Wheat Gluten, Millet,
Ground Flax Seed, Canola Oil, Limestone, Salt, Dried Yeast Culture
(Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Zinc
Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Selenium
Yeast, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper
Proteinate, Riboflavin Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Biotin, Manganous
Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium
Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Cobalt Carbonate, Vitamin D3 Supplement,
Calcium Iodate, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min) 15%
Crude Fat (min) 4.50%
Crude
Fibre (min) 11%
This is another lab block (compressed pellet) that
while lacking in variety, was once nutritionally sound. It was a lab block that
was suitable for all species. However recently the protein level was dropped
from 17% to 15% rendering this food no longer suitable for any species of
hamster.
Premium Hamster Muesli
by Pets at Home
Ingredients:
Flaked peas, rabbit
pellets (oat feed, Wheat feed, Sunflower, Grass, molasses,
Vegetable fat), extruded biscuits (Wheat, Oat feed, Non GM Soya),
Flaked maze, toasted wheat flakes, wheat, Sunflower
seeds, Peanuts, Poultry fat, Banana
Flakes (min 1%), Minerals &
vitamins.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 16%
Fat
7%
Fibre 8%
This mix is a bit low in protein, and the fat content is
higher than should be desired. The fibre content is within reason at any rate.
There are some ingredients that are not suitable for diabetes prone/diabetic
hamsters. This mix could be alright if no better food was available, but I would
only use it for Syrians or Roborovskis.
Purina
Little Wonders
Ingredients:
Wheat Middlings, Whole Corn, Striped
Sunflower Seeds, Whole Red Wheat, Whole Barley, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal,
Dehulled Soybean Meal, Green Split
Peas, Corn Distillers Dried Grains, Cane Molasses, Ground Corn,
Calcium Carbonate, Safflower Seeds, Ground Rice Hulls, Pumpkin Seeds, Dried Banana, Salt,
L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, Soybean Oil, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Oxide,
Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Menadione
Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K), DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate
(Source of Vitamin E), Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Sulfate,
Folic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Vitamin A Acetate, Active Dried
Yeast, Brewers Dried Yeast, Biotin, Betaine Anhydrous, Niacin Supplement,
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Propionic Acid (a preservative), Dried Aspergillus
Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation
Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Yucca Shidigera
Extract, Ground
Papaya, Cobalt Carbonate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate,
Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Copper Chloride, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate,
Ferrous Sulfate, Cobalt Sulfate.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein: 16%
Crude Fat: 5%
Crude Fibre:
10%
This is mix has good fat and fibre levels. The protein really could
be a bit higher, but this mix would do just fine if no others were available. I
would not recommend this mix for hamsters that have or are prone to diabetes due
to certain ingredients (bolded in blue), but for Syrian and Roborovski dwarf
hamsters it would be ok to use if better foods were
unavailable.
Purina Garden Recipe
Hamster and Gerbil Diet
Ingredients:
Wheat middlings,
whole corn, striped
sunflower seeds, whole red wheat, whole barley, dehydrated alfalfa meal,
dehulled soybean meal, green split
peas, corn distiller's dried grains, cane
molasses, ground corn, oat groats, calcium carbonate, safflower
seeds, ground rice hulls, pumpkin seeds, dried banana, dried carrot
flakes, salt, L-lysine, DL-methionine, soybean oil, choline
chloride, magnesium oxide, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride,
vitamin D3 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K),
Dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate (source of vitamin E), zinc sulfate, vitamin B12
supplement, copper sulfate, folic acid, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin,
vitamin A acetate, active dried yeast, brewer's dried yeast, biotin, betaine
anhydrous, niacin supplement, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), propionic acid, dried
aspergillus niger fermentation extract, dried lactobacillus acidophilus
fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried
yucca schidigera extract, ground
papaya, cobalt carbonate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate,
ethylenediamine dihydriodide, copper chloride, sodium selenite, calcium iodate,
ferrous sulfate and cobalt sulfate.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min) 16%
Crude Fat (min) 5%
Crude
Fibre (max) 10%
This mix has good fibre and fat percentages, and while
the protein content could be higher it is ok if no better food is available. Due
to certain ingredients (bolded in blue) which would not be good for a diabetic
hamster, I would not recommend this mix for a species that is prone to diabetes,
nor for a diabetic hamster. For Syrians or roborovski dwarf hamsters it is an ok
mix to use if a better alternative is unavailable.
ratRations Syrian mix - no fruits
added
Ingredients:
Flaked soya, buckwheat, egg
biscuit, flaked
peas, lentils, flaked wheat, flaked buckwheat, burns kibble,
flaked rye, whole
maize, wheat, puffed spelt, safflower, bran sticks, flaked
barley, flaked
maize, flaked millet, dry roast peanuts, small sunflower,
groats, paddy rice, pearl barley, puffed millet, pumpkin
seed.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 19.1%
Fat
6.1%
Fibre 7.9%
This mix has great protein, fat, and fibre levels and
the ingredients are just fine for Syrian and Roborovski dwarfs. For those that
are prone to diabetes or are diabetic there are a few ingredients that would not
make this mix ideal. I would recommend this mix for Syrians and roborovski
dwarfs.
ratRations Syrian mix - with
Apple
Ingredients:
Flaked soya, buckwheat, egg
biscuit, flaked
peas, lentils, flaked wheat, flaked buckwheat, burns kibble,
flaked rye, whole
maize, wheat, puffed spelt, safflower, bran sticks, flaked
barley, flaked
maize, flaked millet, dry roast peanuts, small sunflower, chopped dried apple
slices, groats, paddy rice, pearl barley, puffed millet, pumpkin
seed.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 19.1%
Fat
6.1%
Fibre 7.9%
The protein, fat, and fibre content in this mix are
all at good levels for a hamster, and while there are ingredients that would be
best avoided in a diabetic/diabetes prone hamster's diet, this mix is one that
I would recommend for Syrians and roborovski dwarfs.
ratRations Syrian mix - with
Banana
Ingredients:
Flaked soya, buckwheat, egg
biscuit, flaked
peas, lentils, flaked wheat, flaked buckwheat, burns kibble,
flaked rye, whole
maize, wheat, puffed spelt, safflower, bran sticks, flaked
barley, flaked
maize, flaked millet, dry roast peanuts, small sunflower, crushed dried banana
chips, groats, paddy rice, pearl barley, puffed millet, pumpkin
seed.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 19.1%
Fat
6.1%
Fibre 7.9%
This mix has good fibre, fat and protein percentages
and the ingredients are suitable for Syrians and/ or Roborovski dwarfs. Due to
certain ingredients (highlighted in blue) this mix would not be best for
diabetic or diabetes prone hamsters. I would recommend this mix for Roborovski
dwarfs and Syrians.
Sun Seed
Sunscrition Vita Prima Hamster and Gerbil
Formula
Ingredients:
White Millet, Wheat, Milo, Whole Corn, Sunflower
Seed, Oats, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Wheat Middlings, Soybean Hulls, Peanuts,
Kibbled Corn,
Flaked Wheat, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Dried Egg Product, Corn
Gluten Meal, Split Green Peas, Ground Corn, Calcium Carbonate,
Ground Flax Seed, Corn Distillers
Dried Grain, Ground Oat Groats, Ground Wheat, Dicalcium
Phosphate, Salt, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Lysine, Vegetable Oil, Niger Seed,
Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Potassium Sulfate,
Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin D3
Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement,
Calcium Pantothenate, Menadione Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfite (Source of Vitamin
K Activity), Potassium Iodide, Biotin, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate,
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Ethylenediamine
Dihydriodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Cobalt Sulfate, DL-Methionine,
L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Sodium Selenite, Sugar,
Honey, Dried Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Product,
Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium
Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried
Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation
Product, Torula Dried Yeast, Dried Trichoderma Viride Fermentation Product,
Color Added.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein
(min): 12%
Crude Fat (min) 4%
Crude Fibre (max) 14%
Looking at the
protein we can see that this mix is already not a good choice as it is far too
low in protein. Beyond that there are several ingredients (bolded in blue) that
make it unsuitable for diabetic hamsters, even sugar has been added to this mix.
I would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
Supreme Pets Food Hazel
Hamster (Note: Different than Harry
Hamster)
Ingredients:
Flaked whole wheat, ground whole
wheat, pelleted soybean meal, dehydrated alfalfa pellets, whole
corn, flaked peas, flaked whole corn, sunflower seeds, flaked
soybeans, peanut kernels, kibbled locust beans, soybean oil (preserved
with BHT), peanuts in shell, pumpkin seeds, wheat middlings,
salt, calcium carbonate, sodium sulfate, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, choline
chloride, niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin b6],
vitamin a supplement, riboflavin [vitamin b2], thiamine hydrochloride [vitamin
b1], folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin d3 supplement),
minerals (zinc oxide, manganese oxide, iron sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium
iodate, cobalt carbonate, sodium selenite), added fd&c colors (yellow 6,
yellow 5, blue 1).
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein
(min) 18%
Crude Fat (min) 5%
Crude Fibre (max) 9%
This is one of
the more recommended mixes available. The protein, fat and fibre levels are all
at good percentages and the ingredients are not full of treats. The foods that
are not suitable for diabetic hamsters (bolded in blue) can be easily picked
out, and there is not an overabundance of them so picking them out does not
throw off the balance of the mix. I would recommend this mix as is for
Roborovski dwarfs as well as Syrian hamsters. For diabetes-prone species I would
recommend this mix so long as the corn (whole and flaked) and the peas were
picked out. The ingredient BHT (bolded in red) is debated to be unsafe for
hamsters, I myself do not personally subscribe to that, however it is widely
debated and I recommend that anyone wishing to feed this food do some of their
own reading so as to make their own educated guess.
Supreme
Pets Food Harry Hamster (Note: Different than Hazel
Hamster)
Ingredients:
Lucerne meal (alfalfa), flaked maize, soya, wheat
flour, maize, flaked wheat, flaked
peas, oats, sunflower seeds (min 4%), locust bean, peanuts (min
2%), flaked soybeans, banana, fenugreek oil,
soy oil, minerals. Additives: Colourants.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 19%
Fat 5%
Fibre 8%
This mix is
different than the Hazel Hamster one, it is usually found in the UK or
throughout Europe. It is still a good mix, though more so for Syrians and
Roborovski dwarf hamsters than the other species. The ingredients bolded in blue
are not suitable for diabetic hamsters nor for hamsters that are prone to
diabetes, they can be picked out however just as they can in Hazel Hamster mix,
but the banana must also be removed. Over all I would recommend this mix for
Syrians and Roborovski dwarfs and for diabetes-prone species so long as the
maize (corn) ingredients, the peas and the banana were picked
out.
Supreme Science Selective
Hamster
Ingredients:
Whole meal wheat flour, soybean
meal, barley, oats, linseed, soya oil, dicalcium phosphate, limestone flour,
salt, Vitamin A 15000 IU, Vitamin D3 1500 IU
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 19%
Fat Content 5%
Crude fibre
5%
This is a lab block (compressed pellet), while lab blocks are debated
to not be suitable due to the lack of variety, this one would be suitable for
any species of hamster. The fibre content could be higher but adding higher
fibre foods in their diet alongside this such as broccoli, kale, bok choy and/or
timothy hay could help to balance that.
Tesco
Everyday Value Gerbil and Hamster
Food
Ingredients:
Wheat, Peas,
Wheatfeed, Oatfeed, Oats, Maize, Sunflower Meal,
Peanuts, Sunflower Seeds, Vegetable Oil, Grass, Minerals, Apple,
Grape, Carob Meal, Linseed, Additives (Per Kg), Nutritional
Additives, Vitamin A 8000iu/kg, Vitamin D3 1000iu/kg, Vitamin E 40mg/kg, Trace
Elements, Iron 480mg/kg, Iodine 0.7mg/kg, Copper 3mg/kg, Managanese 14mg/kg,
Zinc 11mg/kg, Sodium 0.004mg/kg, Antioxidants.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 14%
Fat 7%
Crude Fibre 8%
This mix is
low in protein and so is unsuitable for any species of hamster; along with that,
the fat content is a bit too high too. There are a few ingredients present that
are also not suitable for diabetic hamsters, all bolded in blue. Over all I
would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
Tesco Hamster Food
Peanut and Sunflower Seed
Ingredients:
Maize,
Wheat, Peas, Soya,
Wheatfeed, Oatfeed, Peanuts (min 4%), Sunflower Seeds (min 4%), Grass,
Sunflower Ext, Vitamins & Minerals, Apple, Grape, Vegetable
Oil, Carob Meal, Linseed, Additives (per Kg), Nutritional Additives, TempText3
12000 iu/kg, TempText4 1000 iu/kg, TempText5 40 mg/kg. Trace Elements, TempText6
300 mg/kg, TempText7 0.6mg/kg, TempText8 2.5 mg/kg, TempText9 12 mg/kg,
TempText10 10 mg/kg, TempText11 10 mg/kg. Antioxidant.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 16%
Fat 9%
Crude Fibre 7%
This mix is
high in fat content, as suggested by its name. While sunflower seeds are
beneficial and peanuts are alright as a treat they should not be the main
component of a food. It is also not suitable for diabetic hamsters due to the
presence of the ingredients listed above that are bolded in blue. Over all this
mix could be ok for a Syrian or a Roborovski dwarf, but only if something better
was not available and even then I would recommend to keep
looking.
Versele-Laga Hamster
Nature Complete
Ingredients:
Grains (9% corn flakes,
oat flakes, and popcorn), vegetables (18.5% of which 1.5% carrots
and 5% beetroot), derivatives of vegetable origin, seeds (11%), fruit (7.5% of
which 9.5% apricot,
9.5% pineapple,
12.5% banana, 12.5%
papaya, 12.5% raisins and 38% carob.),
vegetable protein extracts, nuts (5%), minerals, yeast, FOS, herbs, calendula.,
vitamins A, E and D3, copper, E320, E321, E102, E132, E110,
E124.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 17%
Fat
8.5%
Crude Fibre 7%
This mix is rather high in fat content and is a
tad low in fibre content. The protein is on the lower end as well. The
ingredients highlighted in blue indicate that this mix would not be ideal for
hamsters prone to diabetes or for those that have diabetes. The packaging of
this brand only provides limited information on ingredients as well, which is
not altogether helpful for analysing the quality of the mix. Overall I would not
recommend this mix mostly due to the high fat content. It could be alright for
Syrian or Roborovski hamsters if no other more suitable mix was
available.
Versele-Laga Mini
Hamster Nature Complete
Ingredients:
Barley, wheat,
maize, oatmeal
flakes, maize
flakes, rice, puffed maize, puffed
wheat, puffed rice, peas, beetroot, carrot, tick bean flakes,
pea flakes, wheat
bran, soy meal non-gmo, sunflower seed meal, sunflower, pumpkin seed, linseed,
safflower, carob, bananas, papaya,
raisins, apricot, pineapple, cranberry, elderberry, apple, soy
protein non-gmo, peanuts, calcium carbonate, monocalcium phosphate, salt,
brewers’ yeast, fructo-oligosaccharides, marjoram, oregano, thyme, mint, garlic, calendula,
vitamins A, E and D3, copper, E320, E321, E102, E132, E110,
E124.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 14%
Fat
7.5%
Fibre 6%
This mix is too low in protein, too high in fat content
and too low in protein. It is not suitable for diabetes prone/ diabetic hamsters
either due to some of the ingredients present (bolded in blue). The addition of
garlic in the mix renders it unsafe for any species of hamster too as garlic is
hard on their kidneys. I would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
Versele-Laga Hamster
Crispy
Ingredients:
Wheat bran, soy meal non-gmo,
sunflower seed meal, wheat, barley, buckwheat, maize,
puffed wheat, puffed
maize, puffed rice, peas, pea flakes, carrot,
calcium carbonate, monocalcium phosphate, salt, sunflower, safflower, pumpkin
seed, linseed, carob, peanuts, vitamins A, E and D3, Copper, E320, E321, E102,
E132, E110, E124.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein
15%
Fat 10%
Fibre 7%
This mix is low in protein content as well as
fibre content. The fat content is a bit too high as well. The mix itself is
rather basic, with several ingredients that are not beneficial to diabetes
prone/ diabetic hamsters. Overall I would not recommend this food for any
species.
Vitakraft Emotion Beauty
Hamster Food
Ingredients:
Cereals (12% corn
flakes, 5% oat), derivatives of vegetable origin, vegetables
(5.6% bean flakes, 5.6% pea
flakes), fruits, nuts (4% peanuts), molluscs
and crustaceans (2% shrimps), milk and milk derivatives, sugar
cane molasses, minerals, oils and fats, alloe vera
concentrate.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 15%
Fat
[not listed]
Fibre 9%
This mix is low in protein, and the fat content
is not available. The fibre content is suitable however. The ingredient
information is limited though with what is available, this mix does not seem
suitable for diabetes prone/ diabetic hamsters. Based on the lack of information
available alongside the low protein levels, I would not recommend this mix for
any species.
Vitakraft Menu
Hamster
Ingredients:
Milo, dehydrated alfalfa meal,
ground corn, wheat,
wheat middlings, soybean hulls, flaked corn, sunflower
seed, steel-cut
corn, steam-rolled oats, carob pods, oats, whole
corn, dehulled soybean meal, steam-rolled
peas, split green peas, heat-processed soybean flakes, puffed
wheat, heat processed wheat flakes, shelled peanuts, corn
gluten meal, calcium carbonate, corn distiller's dried grains
with solubles, ground flax seed, ground wheat, dicalcium phosphate, monocalcium
phosphate, ground oat groats, salt, dehydrated carrots,
l-lysine, vegetable oil, potassium chloride, magnesium oxide, vitamin A
supplement, choline chloride, algae meal, yeast culture, ground steam-rolled
oats, dl-methionine, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried
lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium
fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium bifidum fermentation product, dried
aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, torula dried yeast, yucca schidigera
extract, fructooligosaccharide, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement,
niacin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin supplement, d-calcium
pantothenate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, biotin, folic acid, thiamine
mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, zinc sulfate,
ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, manganous oxide, copper sulfate, potassium
iodide, cobalt sulfate, sodium selenite, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1 and titanium
dioxide.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min)
13%
Crude Fat (min) 4%
Crude Fibre (max) 12%
Starting off by
looking at the guaranteed analysis we can see that this mix is not good to start
with due to the low protein percentage. Then looking to the ingredients we see
that there are various ingredients that are not suitable for diabetic hamsters
(bolded in blue). So this mix is not recommended for any species of
hamster.
Vitakraft Vitasmart
Hamster
Ingredients:
Soybean hulls, wheat,
flaked corn, oats, dehulled soybean meal, carob pods,
puffed wheat, flaked soybeans,
flaked peas, wheat middlings, dehydrated alfalfa meal,
ground wheat, ground
corn, timothy grass hay, peanuts, chopped timothy grass hay,
corn gluten meal,
dried plain beet pulp, calcium carbonate, ground flaxseed, corn distillers dried
grains with solubles, dicalcium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, salt, cane
molasses, L-lysine, vegetable oil, wheat germ meal,
apple juice concentrate, potassium chloride, magnesium oxide,
vitamin A supplement, choline chloride, ground steam-rolled oats, DL-methionine,
dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei
fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried
bifidobacterium bifidum fermentation product, dried aspergillus oryzae
fermentation product, torula dried yeast, yucca schidigera extract,
fructooligosaccharide, algae meal, yeast culture, dehydrated parsley, vitamin D3
supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement,
riboflavin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, menadione sodium bisulfite
complex, biotin, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride,
L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate,
manganous oxide, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, manganese methionine complex,
copper lysine complex, zinc methionine complex, cobalt glucoheptonate, cobalt
sulfate, sodium selenite, color added (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1 titanium
dioxide) and aloe vera gel concentrate.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min) 16%
Crude Fat (min) 3%
Crude
Fibre (max) 10%
This mix is not suitable for diabetic hamsters or
diabetes prone species due to the various ingredients (bolded in blue) that are
not suitable for them. For Syrians or Roborovski dwarf hamsters this mix could
be ok if there was nothing better available as the protein percentage is a bit
lower than it should be and even then only if 2-3 sunflower seeds were added to
your hamster's diet daily.
Wagg
Hamster Gerbil Mouse Munch
Ingredients:
Wheat,
Wheatfeed, Oatfeed, Toasted Soya, Peas, Sunflower Ext.,
Flaked Maize, Whole
Maize, Peanuts (4%), Sunflower Seeds (4%), Vegetable Oil,
Lucerne, Apple, Grape,
Syrup, Grass, Minerals, Linseed (0.4%), Carob Meal, Yeast
(0.05%), Vitamin A 8,000 iu, Vitamin D3 1,200 iu, Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol
acetate) 40 iu. Trace Elements: Iron (iron lll ferric oxide) 450 mg, Iron (iron
sulphate) 2.5 mg, Iodine (calcium iodate) 0.8 mg, Copper (cupric sulphate
pentahydrate) 3 mg, Manganese (manganous oxide) 15 mg, Zinc (zinc oxide) 12 mg,
Zinc (zinc chelate) 12 mg, *Colourants, Antioxidant.
*Colourants - from a
mineral source found in nature.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 16%
Fat 10%
Crude Fibre 9%
Looking
first at the protein we see that it is just a bit below what is recommended, the
fibre is at a decent level, but when we look at the fat content it is double
what it should be. Looking at this food for diabetic hamsters or those prone to
it, there are various ingredients (bolded in blue) that would not do for a low
sugar diet. Over all I would not recommend this mix for any species as the fat
content is too high.
Wilko
Original Hamster Mix
Ingredients:
Pellets, flaked
barley, flaked
maize, flaked wheat,
flaked peas, sunflower seeds, peanuts, soya oil,
vitamins & minerals, EC permitted colourants.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 12%
Fat 6%
Fibre 8.5%
This mix is very
basic, with the protein percentage being too low for any species of hamster. If
the mix was better quality than it could have been ok for diabetes prone species
as only the maize (corn) and the peas would need to be picked out. As it is, I
would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
A Thank You
I would like to thank everyone on Hamster Hideout for
their help and encouragement in this project. Specifically I would like to thank
(in no specific order) HoppingHammy, Azayles, SyrianPumpkin, Luci, and the
Taxonomist for your contributions. I would also like to thank "Squeeze", a
follower of my blog and a fellow blogger. I would also like to thank Ely
Vihavainen and Ingrid Haugland, both of whom made wonderful contributions to
this project.
References
Alongside the lovely people
noted above I found much of the information through these websites:
PetsMart
PetCo
Pets at Home
Hamster
Hideout
ratRations
by all of the choices available. There are not only many different companies,
but also many different recipes from each company. Yet which one is a good one?
Just like dog or cat food, they are not all made equally. Unless you plan to go
down the route of creating your own mix (which isn't as easy as it may seem)
than store bought mixes can be a good option too.
So let's look at common
brands of food and consider if they are good for a hamster. If there are any you
are wondering about that do not show up on this list than just ask and I will
look into it! Problem ingredients will be bolded in blue if they are a concern
for diabetes prone species (Winter White dwarfs, Russian Campbell dwarfs and
Chinese), and will be bolded in red if they are a problem for any species of
hamster.
Please keep in
mind that we are looking at each mix as if it were to be a possible staple for a
hamster, not as an additive alongside another food.
Considerations
When looking at a food it is best to look at three basic nutrition levels first,
protein, fibre, and fat; ignoring the ingredients and often colourful packaging
for a moment. Not enough research has gone into understanding the ideal
nutritional levels for a hamster, however based on the information we do have we
can make an educated guess. Based on research I have done myself alongside
conversations with other hamster enthusiasts the ideal levels for these are as
follows:
Protein: 17-22%
Fibre: 8-10%
Fat: 4-6%
Next we would look at the ingredients, careful to consider ingredients that may be harmful, ingredients that would not be beneficial for diabetic or diabetes prone species*, as well as an overall sense as to whether there is a good variety, there are not too many treats and the food is not missing any crucial ingredients. Don’t focus too much on the colourful packaging, which is designed to draw in the uneducated, especially children who will often want what looks like fun.
*Species prone to diabetes include Russian Campbell Dwarfs,
Chinese hamsters, Hybrids, and some lines of Winter White
Dwarfs.
Warning
Companies sometimes change
ingredients and composition with little or no warning. It is important to check
it every time you buy to be sure that it is still the food you expect it to be.
I will attempt to keep this page updated; however it is difficult to keep track
of so many foods. Also keep in mind that there will be variations in what some
people may consider a suitable food based on their own research. There is just
not enough conclusive information for everyone to fall with the same
opinion.
Quick Reference
List
Good for any species
-Supreme Pets Food Hazel Hamster (Note: Different
than Harry Hamster)*
-Supreme Pets Food Harry Hamster (Note: Different than
Hazel Hamster)*
-Supreme Science Selective Hamster*
Good for Syrians and/ or Roborovski Dwarfs
-Burgess Supahamster Hamster Harvest* [Thank you Ely
Vihavainen]
-Burgess Supahamster Dwarf Hamster Harvest* [Thank you Ely
Vihavainen]
-CareFRESH Complete Menu Hamster and Gerbil*
-Kaytee
Forti-Diet Pro Health Mouse, Rat and Hamster Food*
-Mazuri Hamster and
Gerbil
-ratRations Syrian mix - no fruits added (Europe Only)
-ratRations
Syrian mix - with Apple (Europe Only)
-ratRations Syrian mix - with Banana
(Europe Only)
Only suitable if foods from the above lists are unavailable.
Not recommended for hamsters with diabetes, or those prone to it.
-8 in 1 Ecotrition Organic Blend
Hamster and Gerbil Food
-Hamster Muesli by Pets at Home
-Premium Hamster
Muesli by Pets at Home [Thank you SyrianPumpkin]
-Purina Little
Wonders
-Purina Garden Recipe Hamster and Gerbil Diet
-Tesco Hamster Food
Peanut and Sunflower Seed
-Versele-Laga Hamster Nature Complete [Thank you
Ingrid Haugland, Ely Vihavainen]
-Vitakraft Vitasmart Hamster
Full Master List
8 in 1 Ecotrition
Essential Blend Hamster and Gerbil
Food
Ingredients:
Oat Groats, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal,
Whole Corn, Heat
Processed Soybeans, White Millet, Milo, Wheat, Pumpkin Seed, Spanish Peanuts,
Diced Papaya, Banana Chips, Ground
Corn, Soybean Meal, Wheat Middlings, Soybean Hulls, Ground Oats,
Feeding Oatmeal, Cane Molasses, Salt, Diced Carrots, Diced
Potatoes, Minced
Onions, Parsley Flakes, Celery Flakes, Diced Red Peppers, Diced
Green Peppers, Cabbage Flakes, Leek
Flakes, Diced Zucchini, Tomato Flakes, Spinach Flakes, Flaxseed,
Ground Limestone, Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin A Acetate,
Vitamin D3 Supplement, Whey Solids, Vitamin A Palmitate, Spirulina, dl-Alpha
Tocopheryl Acetate (source of Vitamin E), Ground Wheat,
Corn Gluten Meal, Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C),
Corn Distiller's Grains, Soybean Oil, Dried Whole Egg, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Molasses, Yeast
Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Product,
DriedLactobacillus bulgaricus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus
lactisFermentation Product, Lecithin, Natural Mixed Pantothenate, Vitamin
B12Suplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K), Folic
Acid, Biotin, Cobalt Chloride, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid
Complex, Iron Methionine, Magnesium Oxide, Ferrous Carbonate, Ferrous Sulfate,
Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate,
and Color Added (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1).
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein 16%
Crude Fat 7%
Crude Fibre 10%
max
This mix is certainly not the worst one out there when one first
looks at the guaranteed analysis; in fact it shows promise of being quite good.
When looking at the ingredients however it is first clear that this mix is not
ideal for diabetes prone species (ingredients bolded in blue). Yet they have
also included onions and leeks (part of the onion family) in this mix making the
entire mix unhealthy for any species of hamster (bolded in red). Onions contain
thiosulphate which can basically cause the abnormal break down of red blood
cells (the same reason dogs cannot have onions). Unfortunately due to these two
ingredients I cannot say that this mix is good for any
species.
8 in 1 Ecotrition
Organic Blend Hamster and Gerbil
Food
Ingredients:
Organic alfalfa forage, organic oat
groats, organic wheat, organic white millet, organic milo,
organic corn, organic soybeans, organic pumpkin seed, organic papaya, organic dehydrated
banana, organic flax seed, organic
ground corn, organic soybean meal, organic ground wheat,
dicalcium phosphate, organic soybean oil, calcium carbonate, organic spinach
powder, dl-methionine, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12
supplement, vitamin e supplement, calcium pantothenate, choline chloride,
menadione dimethylpyrimidinol bisulfate (source of vitamin K activity), niacin,
biotin, folic acid, riboflavin, ethylenediamine dihydriodide, cobalt carbonate,
iron (ferrous) sulfate, manganous oxide, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, zinc
oxide, sodium selenite, red cabbage extract, purple
carrot juice, annatto extract.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 16%
Fat 7%
Fibre 12%
This mix does
look decent upon first look at the guaranteed analysis, the protein and fibre
percentages are all quite reasonable. Although the protein could be a bit
higher. The fat content is also higher than one would like and the mix does not
even contain sunflower seeds. The ingredients bolded the ones
which are not beneficial as part of a diet for a diabetes prone species. Since
there are more than a couple along with the carrot juice, it is not a food
recommended for diabetes prone species or for diabetic hamsters. For Syrians or
roborovski dwarf hamsters, this mix would be ok if a better one could not be
found and only if 2-3 sunflower seeds were added to the hamster's diet
daily.
8 in 1 Wild Harvest Daily
Blend Nutrient Rich Food (Hamster and
Gerbil)
Ingredients:
Dehydrated alfalfa meal, white
millet, corn,
sunflower seed, wheat, milo, kibbled wheat, kibbled corn, flaked
wheat, flaked corn,
ground oats, soybean hulls, wheat middlings, soybean meal, dicalcium phosphate,
salt, ground limestone, Vitamin A acetate, Vitamin D3 supplement, choline
chloride, Vitamin E supplement, niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride,
thiamine mononitrate, D-calcium, pantothenate, menadione sodium bisulfite
complex (Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, Vitamin B12 supplement,
magnesium oxide, ferrous carbonate, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, manganous
oxide, copper oxide, calcium iodate, cobalt carbonate, red 40, yellow 5, yellow
6, blue 1.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 12%
Fat
4%
Fibre 10%
This mix is too low in protein to be a suitable mix for
any species of hamster. The fibre and fat content are alright and the
ingredients that are not suitable for diabetic or diabetes prone species are
able to be picked out. However, I cannot recommend this food for any species of
hamster due to the protein level.
All Living Things Hamster and Gerbil Daily
Diet
Ingredients:
Corn, wheat, milo,
ground corn, dehulled soybean meal, sun-cured alfalfa
meal, sunflower seeds, white millet, ground wheat, shelled peanuts, ground oats,
wheat middlings, pumpkin seed, green split peas, raisins, dehydrated
carrots, dried bananas, dried papaya, dehydrated sweet potatoes,
dehydrated apples,
fructooligosaccharide, dicalcium phosphate, soy oil, calcium carbonate, salt,
whole cell algae meal (source of omgega-3 and DHA), dried
cane molasses, ground flax seed, vitamin A supplement, choline
chloride, l-lysine, dl-methionine, wheat germ meal, brewers dried yeast,
riboflavin supplement, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), ferrous sulfate,
vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin E supplement, yucca schidigera extract,
l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), manganous oxide, zinc oxide,
niacin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity),
copper sulfate, rosemary extract, citric acid, cholecalciferol (source of
vitamin D3), calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine
mononitrate, folic acid, biotin, calcium iodate, cobalt carbonate, dried
bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried bacillus licheniformis
fermentation product, sodium selenite, FD&C red #40, FD&C yellow #5,
FD&C blue #1.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein
(not less than) 14%
Crude Fat (not less than) 6%
Crude Fibre (not more
than) 10%
This mix is low in protein, far too low for any species of
hamster. There are various ingredients that should not be provided to a diabetic
hamster, or even a hamster of a species that is prone to diabetes (Ingredients
bolded ). Overall the mix is not a good quality mix for any species of
hamster and I would not recommend it.
Best Friend
Festival
Ingredients:
Rodent pellets, wheat mix,
alfalfa mix, oats, dari, pea chips,
carrot pellets, carob, corn chips, sunflower
seeds, molasses,
wheat, beans,
carrot, peeled peanuts, saflor seeds, papaya,
mango, rose hips, banana,
sugar. Additives: Vitamin mix (Vitamins A, D, E and C),
minerals, E330, E320, E321, E324, E172, E131, E124.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 13%
Fat 6%
Fibre 8.5%
This mix is too
low in protein, though the fat and fibre content is alright. The mix is full of
ingredients that are unsuitable for diabetes prone/ diabetic hamster (bolded ) even, for some reason, adding sugar to the mix. Over all I would not
recommend this mix for any species of hamster.
Burgess
Supahamster Dwarf Hamster Harvest
Ingredients:
Canary
Seed, Millet, Grass Pellets, Maize,
Peas, Toasted Soya Flakes, Toasted Wheat Flakes, Sunflower
Seeds, Poultry Fat, Mealworms.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 17.5%
Fat (not listed)
Fibre 9%
This
mix is one of the best mixes found out there for any hamster really, though it
is aimed for dwarf hamsters (and likely Chinese hamsters too). It is UK based,
where it seems less common for fat content to be listed, but the fibre and
protein are both in good ranges. The only thing that would need to be picked out
for a diabetic hamster or for a species prone to diabetes is the maize (corn)
and the peas as they are high in natural sugar. I would recommend this mix for
Syrians and Roborovski dwarfs as is, or for any diabetic prone species so long
as the maize and peas were picked out.
Burgess
Supahamster Hamster Harvest
Ingredients:
Cooked cereal
biscuits, Toasted wheat flakes, Toasted maize flakes,
Toasted soya flakes, Toasted oat flakes, Grass pellets, Peas,
Maize, Pumpkin seeds,
peanuts, sunflower seeds, banana
flakes, Poultry fat, Mealworms,vitamins D3, E and A, copper,
E341, E102, E131, E306.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein
18%
Fat 8%
Fibre 6.5%
This mix is aimed for Syrian hamsters, though
Roborovski dwarf hamsters could this eat as well; they would likely prefer the
smaller seeds in Burgess' Dwarf mix though. The protein level is quite good and
the mix is quite well suited for a Syrian hamster or a Roborovski dwarf. The fat
content is rather high, though limiting the amount of pumpkin seeds and peanuts
would likely cut this down a great deal. The fibre content is a little bit low,
adding some timothy hay, broccoli, kale and other high fibre foods could help to
give your hamster more of the fibre it needs. I would not recommend this mix for
any species that is prone to diabetes however due to the presence of the
ingredients bolded in blue.
CareFRESH Complete Menu Hamster and Gerbil
Ingredients:
Whole
corn, soybean meal, oat groats, whole wheat, wheat mill run,
ground barley, split green
peas, sun-cured alfalfa hay, grass hay (timothy, orchard,
brome), whole safflower, dried
carrot, yeast culture,
dried cane molasses, salt, sodium bentonite, sodium
phosphate, lignin sulfonate, flaxseed (source of omega-3 fatty acids), soybean
oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), choline chloride,
calcium carbonate, L-lysine, DL-methionine, yucca schidigera extract, vitamin E
supplement, zinc sulfate, iron sulfate, zinc proteinate, niacin, selenium yeast,
copper sulfate, biotin, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, calcium
pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, sodium selenite, vitamin B2 riboflavin,
vitamin B1 thiamin mononitrate, magnesium sulfate, manganous oxide, vitamin B6
pyridoxine HCl, folic acid, cobalt carbonate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12
supplement, calcium iodate and ethylenediamine dihydroiodide (source of
iodine)
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min)
17%
Crude Fat (min) 3.5%
Crude Fibre (min) 5%. /Crude Fibre (max)
10%
This mix is one of the better ones on the market, they recently
changed the recipe, but it is still a rather good mix. The protein and fibre are
at good percentages, thought that fat content could be higher. This may be due
to the fact that this mix does not contain sunflower seeds which should be a
part of any hamster's diet. If you use this mix for your roborovski dwarf or
Syrian hamster, than adding 2-3 sunflower seeds daily would be ideal; organic
unseasoned sunflower seeds work best. This mix is still not ideal for
diabetes-prone species seeing as there are some ingredients that are not best to
have in their diet (bolded ). I would recommend this mix for roborovski
dwarfs or Syrians so long as sunflower seeds were
added.
FM Brown's Natural Hamster
Food with Vitamins and Minerals
Ingredients:
Corn,
alfalfa meal dehydrated, timothy hay, milo, millet, wheat flour by-product less
than 9.5% fibre, oats, wheat bran, split green peas, stripe
sunflower seed, wheat germ ground, soybean flour by-product, vitamin A
palmitate, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), vitamin E supplement, vitamin
B12 supplement, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, salt, manganese
proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, cobalt proteinate, calcium
proteinate and zinc proteinate.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min) 11.25%
Crude Fat (min)
4.25%
Crude Fibre (min) 5.3%. /Crude Fibre (max) 7.3%
This mix is very
bare-bones basic. The protein and fibre level are both rather low, we would
rather see the protein level between 17-22%. If the mix was better quality and
had a better variety than it could be ok for a diabetic hamster as one would
only need to pick out the corn and the peas. In the end I would not recommend
this mix for any species of hamster.
FM
Brown's Tropical Carnival Gourmet Food for Hamsters and
Gerbils
Ingredients:
Oat groats, millet, alfalfa meal,
milo, safflower seed, sunflower seed, corn, kibbled corn,
pineapple, buckwheat, wheat, peanuts, banana,
raisins, lentils, squash, pumpkin seeds, almonds, brazil nuts,
green peas,
cantaloupe seeds, navy beans, carrot, potatoes, apples, papaya, wheat
flour, cheese meal, semolina flour, soybean meal, gluten meal, soy oil,
di-calcium phosphate, dried brewer’s yeast fermentation product, yucca shidegra
extract, salt, vitamin A palmitate, cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3),
alpha tocopherol (source of vitamin E), ascorbic acid (source of vitamin C),
thiamine mononitrate, menadione sodium bisulfate (source of vitamin K), choline
chloride, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, niacin supplement, pyridoxine
hydrochloride, copper amino acid complex, calcium iodate, cobalt chloride,
manganese amino acid complex, iron methionine, zinc amino acid complex, dried
bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried aspergillus oryzae fermentation
product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus product, dried lactobacillus bulgaricus
fermentation product, sulphur dioxide (a preservative), FD&C color,
artificial flavors.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude
Protein (min) 12.5%
Crude Fat (min) 7.5%
Crude Fibre (max)
8.5%
This mix is far from healthy for any hamster, it is often dubbed as
a junk food mix. Nearly all of the ingredients would make better treats rather
than part of a staple diet. There are various foods (bolded ) that are no
good in a diabetic hamster's diet making it unsuitable for any species of
hamster that is prone to diabetes. The protein and fibre content are too low and
the fat content is too high. I would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
Grreat Choice
Hamster/Gerbil
Ingredients:
Corn,
milo, white millet, wheat, sunflower, toasted corn flakes, oat groats,
dehydrated alfalfa meal, dehulled soybean meal,
ground corn, wrinkled peas, ground oats, ground wheat, calcium
carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, dried cane molasses,
salt, corn oil,
vitamin a supplement, dl-methionine, l-lysine, choline chloride, ferrous
carbonate, manganous oxide, riboflavin supplement, ethoxyquin
(a preservative), zinc oxide, vitamin b12 supplement, vitamin e supplement,
niacin, copper oxide, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin k
activity), cholecalciferol (source of vitamin d3), calcium pantothenate,
pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, calcium iodate, biotin, folic
acid, cobalt carbonate, sodium selenite, artificial color, natural
flavors.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min)
12%
Crude Fat (min) 4%
Crude Fibre (max) 10%
This mix is low in
protein thus making it unsuitable as a staple diet for any species of hamster.
On top of that they use the preservative ethoxyquin, which is debated to cause
cancer. The mix is also not suitable for a hamster that is prone to diabetes, or
that actually has diabetes. Over all I would not recommend this mix for any
species of hamster.
Hamster
Muesli by Pets at Home
Ingredients:
Toasted
pea flakes, grass pellets, extruded nuggets ( Wheat, sunflower,
linseed, oat bran), toasted maize
flakes, toasted soya flakes, wheat, sunflower seeds, peanut,
carob bean meal, glucose
syrup, dried banana flakes (min 1%), yeasts,
dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 17%
Fat 7%
Fibre 7%
This mix does
have a good protein level, though the fat content is a bit high. There are
various ingredients (bolded ) that are not suitable for a hamster with
diabetes or a species that is prone to it. I would consider giving this to
Syrian hamsters or Roborovski dwarf hamsters if a better food was not available,
though for a diabetic hamster I would not recommend this
food.
Hartz Bonanza Hamster and
Gerbil Diet
Ingredients:
Wheat Middlings, Whole
Corn, Whole Wheat, Red Milo, Ground
Corn, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Kibbled
Corn, Green Split Peas, White Millet, Oat Groats, Pumpkin Seeds,
Dehulled Soybean Meal, Striped Sunflower Seeds, Toasted
Corn Flakes, Black Oil Sunflower Seeds, Shelled Peanuts, Soybean
Hulls, Roasted Soybeans, Dried
Bananas, Dried Papaya, Raisins, Beet Molasses, Soybean Oil,
Rolled Oats, Dried
Carrots, Navy Beans, Calcium Carbonate, Corn
Gluten Meal, Vegetable Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline
Chloride, Lignin Sulfonate, Natural Orange Flavor, Salt,
L-Ascorbly-2-Polyphosphate, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, Brewers
Dried Yeast, Cane
Molasses, Vitamin E Supplement, Mineral Oil, Saccharomyces
Cerevisiae Yeast Culture, Sodium Selenite, Color Added (Yellow #5, Blue #1,
Yellow #6, Titanium Dioxide, Red #40, Red #3), Calcium Propionate (a
Preservative), Corn Distillers Dried Grains, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A
Supplement, Natural & Artificial Apple Flavor, Niacin Supplement, Calcium
Pantothenate, Condensed When Fermentation Solubles, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B 12
Supplement, Magnesium Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin D 3 Supplement, Yucca
Schidigera Extract, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid,
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Mixed
Tocopherols ( a Preservative), Silicon Dioxide, Cobalt Carbonate, Pyridoxine
Hydrochloride, Citric Acid ( a Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Sodium
Selenate.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (Max.)
15%
Crude Fat (Min.) 4%
Crude Fibre (Max.) 8%
This mix has just too
low of a protein percentage, rather than the 17-22% that it should be, it sits
at 15%. The fat content and fibre content are at reasonable levels however.
Looking at the ingredients bolded we can see that this mix is not an
ideal one for a hamster with diabetes nor for a species that is prone to it.
Over all I would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health
Mouse, Rat and Hamster Food
Ingredients:
Ground
Yellow Corn, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Ground Wheat, Ground Oats,
Ground Peanuts, Sun-cured Alfalfa Meal, Ground Flax Seed, Dried
Cane Molasses, Lignin Sulfonate, Corn
Sugar, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Ground Rice,
Salt, Soy Oil, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Beet Pulp, Whole Cell Algae Meal
(source of Omega-3 DHA), Fructooligosaccharide, DL-Methionine, Yeast Extract,
Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Lysine, Vitamin A Supplement, Choline Chloride,
Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Ferrous Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement,
Manganous Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement,
Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K activity),
Copper Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid, Cholecalciferol
(source of vitamin D3), Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine
Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Dried Bacillus licheniformis
Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Cobalt
Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Natural Flavoring.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 21%
Crude Fat (min.) 4.5%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 7%
So the first thing about this food is that it is intended
not only for hamsters, but also for mice and rats. All of which have different
nutritional needs. Looking at the nutrition information, the protein and fat
percentages are both quite within good range of a hamster's needs. The higher
protein level is especially beneficial to a species like the roborovski dwarf
who do better with a higher protein level. The fibre is a bit on the low end,
however with foods such as timothy hay, kale, bok choy, broccoli and similar
high-fibre fresh foods it could be balanced out. So this mix could be ok for
Syrian hamsters as well as Roborovski dwarf hamsters upon looking at this
information. However for the other three species, it would not be the best
choice seeing as there are ingredients (bolded ) that are not beneficial
to have in the diet of a diabetic hamster. Also note that this food is not a
seed mix, but a lab block (compressed pellet), which is debated between seed
mixes as to whether they are better or not. If this lab block is selected than
the owner would also need to add sunflower seeds to the diet (just 2-3 daily).
They are very beneficial to their overall health (especially their heart!), so
organic, unseasoned sunflower seeds would be highly recommended to add in. So
long as the sunflower seeds were added in I would recommend this mix for Syrians
and roborovski dwarfs.
Kaytee
Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster and Gerbil
Food
Ingredients:
Corn, Wheat, Milo, Sunflower,
Millet, Oat Groats, Sun-cured Alfalfa Meal, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Ground
Corn, Toasted Corn Flakes, Shelled Peanuts, Toasted Wheat
Flakes, Ground Flax Seed, Canadian
Field Peas, Green Split Peas, Ground Oats, Ground Wheat, Ground
Rice, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried
Cane Molasses, Salt, Soy Oil, Whole Cell Algae Meal (source of
Omega-3 DHA), Fructooligosaccharide, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Yeast Extract,
Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin A Supplement, Choline Chloride, Mixed
Tocopherols (a preservative), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Riboflavin
Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin,
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K activity), L-Carnitine,
Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid, Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Copper
Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate,
Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation
Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium
Selenite, Artificial Color.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 13.5%
Crude Fat (min.) 6%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 10%
Not to be mixed up with Kaytee's Forti-Diet Pro Health
Rat, Mouse and Hamster Food; this one is not recommended. The protein percentage
is far too low for a hamster, needing upwards of 17%-22%. The fat content is a
tad high as well. The ingredients bolded are not beneficial to diabetes
prone species and while most of them could be picked out, the cane molasses
cannot. I would not recommend this for any species of
hamster.
Kaytee Forti-Diet Crunch
Hamster and Gerbil
Ingredients:
Corn,
Wheat, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Milo, Sunflower, Oat Hulls, Millet, Sun-cured
Alfalfa Meal, Oat Groats, Ground
Corn, Shelled Peanuts, Ground Oats, Canadian
Peas, Ground Wheat, Ground Flax Seed, Green
Split Peas, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate,
Dried Cane Molasses, Tetra
Sodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bisulfate, Salt, Soy Oil, Vitamin A Supplement,
DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Titanium Dioxide, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate,
Manganous Oxide, Riboflavin Supplement, Ethoxyquin (a
preservative), Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin,
Copper Sulfate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K
activity), Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate
(source of vitamin C), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Pantothenate,
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Folic
Acid, Dried A. oryzae Fermentation Extract (source of protease), Dried Bacillus
coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation
Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium
Selenite, Artificial Colour.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 15%
Crude Fat (min.) 5.5%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 12%
This mix is low protein, contains various foods (bolded)
that are not diabetes friendly, and on top of that, this mix contains
ethoxyquin, a preservative that is highly debated to cause cancer. No matter
what side of the ethoxyquin debate you may fall on, this mix is not one that I
would recommend for hamsters.
Kaytee Supreme Hamster and
Gerbil
Ingredients:
Rolled
Corn, Rolled Oat Groats, Rolled Barley, Sunflower, Soybean Meal,
Peanuts, Ground
Corn, Ground Wheat, Ground Oats, Wheat Middlings, Sun-cured
Alfalfa Meal, Cane
Molasses, Calcium Carbonate, Fish Meal, Salt, Brewers Dried
Yeast, Lignin Sulfonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, DL-Methionine, Iron Oxide, Vitamin
A Supplement, Choline Chloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement,
Vitamin E Supplement, Soy Oil, Copper Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide,
Zinc Oxide, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K
activity), Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Calcium Pantothenate,
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Folic
Acid, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 14%
Crude Fat (min.) 4%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 10%
With this mixture the protein and fat content are again
too low for a hamster of any species, this already is not a mix that any hamster
should be fed. Hamsters with diabetes are at an extra risk due to the corn
ingredients and the cane molasses added to this mix. I would not recommend this
mix for any species.
Kaytee
Forti-Diet Hamster/Gerbil
Ingredients:
White Millet,
Corn, Milo,
Sunflower, Oat Groats, Toasted Corn
Flakes, Sun-cured Alfalfa Meal, Wheat, Toasted Wheat Flakes,
Dehulled Soybean Meal, Ground Corn,
Canadian Field Peas, Ground Oats, Ground Wheat, Calcium
Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Cane Molasses,
Salt, Vegetable Oil, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin A Supplement,
DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide,
Riboflavin Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement,
Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K
activity), Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Calcium Pantothenate,
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Folic
Acid, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Artificial
Color.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.)
12%
Crude Fat (min.) 4%
Crude Fibre (max.) 11%
This mix is not an
ideal one for hamsters. Again we see that the protein is too low, that most of
the ingredients are not even actual pieces of food, and that of the food in
there, several ingredients are not friendly for diabetes prone species (bolded )
This is not a mix that I would recommend for any species of
hamster.
Kaytee Chunky
Hamster and Gerbil
Ingredients:
Rolled Barley, Oats,
Corn, Green Split
Peas, Oat Groats, Shelled Peanuts, Wheat, Sun-cured Alfalfa
Meal, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Ground
Corn, Dried Bananas, Millet, Dehydrated
Carrots, Sunflower, Pumpkin Seed, Flax Seed, Buckwheat, Maple Peas, White
Northern Beans, Whole Peanuts, Pinto Beans, Kidney Beans, Ground Oats, Ground
Wheat, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Salt,
Cane Molasses, Soy Oil, Yucca Schidigera Extract,
Vitamin A Supplement, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Ferrous
Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Mixed Tocopherols
(a preservative), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Copper
Sulfate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K activity),
Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid, Calcium
Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Iodate,
Biotin, Folic Acid, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 13.5%
Crude Fat (min.) 7%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 10%
The common trend with lower quality foods is that the
protein percentage is too low, and following suit with that idea another of
Kaytee's foods with too low of a protein percentage. The fat content is also
higher than one would want to see for a hamster as well. While the variety in
the mix is interesting, several of the ingredients would make better treats and
several others are not a good idea for diabetes prone species (bolded ).
I would not recommend this mix for any species of hamster.
Kaytee Nature's Benefits Hamster and Gerbil Daily
Diet
Ingredients:
Sun-cured Timothy Grass Hay, Corn, Sunflower, Rolled
Oats, Wheat, Soybean Meal, Ground Wheat, Sun-cured Alfalfa Meal, Ground
Corn, Wheat Middlings, Dried Bananas, Oat
Hulls, Dried Papaya,
Raisins, Peanut Pieces, Hulled Sunflower, Cracked
Corn, Gelatin, Cane
Molasses, Dried Cane Molasses, Ground Oats, Calcium Carbonate,
Dicalcium Phosphate, Dehydrated
Carrots, Pistachio Pieces, Salt, Honey,
Corn Sugar, Soy Oil, Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes, Pepitas, Pecan
Pieces, Almond Pieces, Walnut Pieces, Corn Gluten Meal,
DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Vitamin A Supplement, Choline Chloride, Mixed
Tocopherols (a preservative), Brewers Dried Yeast, Wheat Germ Meal,
L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin
B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Ferrous
Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
(source of vitamin K activity), Copper Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Rosemary
Extract, Citric Acid, Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Thiamine
Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Biotin,
Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Dried A. oryzae Fermentation Extract (source
of protease), Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus
subtilis Fermentation Product, Natural Flavours.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 13%
Crude Fat (min.) 7%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 16%
The variety in this mix is quite impressive for a
pre-made mix, and many of the ingredients would not just be considered treats,
though several would be. However looking at the nutritional information we see
that the fat content is too high and that the protein content is too low for a
hamster. On top of that this mix seems to be the least friendly of Kaytee's line
in terms of a diabetic diet (note the bolded blue ingredients). I would not
recommend this mix for a staple diet for any species of
hamster.
Kaytee Fiesta Max
Hamster/Gerbil
Ingredients:
Corn,
Oats, Wheat, Milo, Sunflower, Millet, Green Split Peas, Oat
Groats, Shelled Peanuts, Ground Wheat, Ground Corn, Sun-cured
Alfalfa Meal, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Pumpkin Seed, Barley, Raisins,
Dehydrated Carrots, Dried Bananas, Safflower, Canadian Field Peas,
Ground Flax Seed, Ground Oats, Dried Papaya, Ground
Rice, Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes, Dehydrated Apples, Rice
Flour, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Soy Oil, Algae Meal (source
of Omega-3 DHA), Fructooligosaccharide, Cracked Corn, Hulled
Millet, Dried Cane
Molasses, Yeast Extract, Sesame Seed, Yucca Schidigera Extract,
Vitamin A Supplement, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Mixed
Tocopherols (a preservative), Gelatin, Honey, Dextrose, Ferrous
Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Riboflavin Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B12
Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Menadione Sodium
Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K activity), Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid,
Cholecalciferol, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine
Mononitrate, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Dried Bacillus licheniformis
Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Cobalt
Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Artificial Colour.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 13%
Crude Fat (min.) 6%
Crude
Fibre (max.) 10%
This mix is low in protein, which is of no good for any
species of hamster. Alongside that any diabetes prone species are only going to
find trouble with mix as various ingredients are too high in sugar; some of the
ingredients cannot even be picked out such as the dried cane molasses and the
honey. Picking out too many ingredients can throw off the balance of a food
anyway. I would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
Kaytee Supreme Daily
Blend Hamster and Gerbil Mix
Ingredients:
Rolled
Corn, Rolled Oat Groats, Rolled Barley, Sunflower, Soybean Meal,
Peanuts, Ground
Corn, Ground Wheat, Ground Oats, Wheat Middlings, Sun-cured
Alfalfa Meal, Cane
Molasses, Calcium Carbonate, Fish Meal, Salt, Brewers Dried
Yeast, Lignin Sulfonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, DL-Methionine, Iron Oxide, Vitamin
A Supplement, Choline Chloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement,
Vitamin E Supplement, Soy Oil, Copper Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide,
Zinc Oxide, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of vitamin K
activity), Cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), Calcium Pantothenate,
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Folic
Acid, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude protein (min.) 14%
Crude fat (min.) 14%
Crude
fibre (max.) 10%
This mix is not suitable for diabetic hamsters or for
diabetes prone species due to various ingredients that are not suitable for a
low sugar diet (bolded in blue). The fat content is way too much for a hamster
where 4-5% is far more suitable. The protein is too low in this mix where it
would be better between 17%-22%. I would not recommend this mix for any species
of hamster.
Living World Classic
Hamster Food
Ingredients:
Wheat, white millet, corn, red milo, wheat
shorts, oat groats, dehydrated alfalfa meal, wheat middlings, black oil
sunflower seed, dried green split
peas, ground wheat, dried banana, soybean
meal, safflower seed, dried
papaya, dehulled peanuts, dried carrot flakes, dried
carrot, calcium carbonate,
corn gluten meal, dried beet pulp, orange oil (preserved
with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), salt, cane
molasses, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin B12
supplement, folic acid, niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement,
riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, biotin, menadione
sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), vitamin D3 supplement),
minerals (cobalt sulfate, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, sodium selenite, copper
sulfate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate), magnesium oxide, lignin sulfonate,
dicalcium phosphate, DL-methionine, calcium propionate (preservative), sorbic
acid (preservative), choline chloride, artificial colors (Green 3, Red 40,
Yellow 6, Titanium Dioxide).
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 12%
Fat 5.5%
Fibre 8%
This mix is too
low in protein to be suitable for any species of hamsters. The fat and fibre
contents are within reason though. The mix also contains various ingredients
that are not favourable for a diabetes prone/ diabetic hamster. I would not
recommend this mix for any species of hamster.
Living
World Extrusion Pellets
Ingredients:
Ground corn,
soybean meal, ground wheat, wheat middlings, calcium carbonate, dicalcium
phosphate, dehydrated alfalfa meal, dried beet pulp, corn
gluten meal, ground dehulled peanuts, yeast culture, salt,
lecithin, sugar,
choline chloride, DL-methionine, L-lysine, yeast extract, manganous oxide, zinc
oxide, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, niacin, yucca schidigera extract,
d-calcium pantothenate, copper sulfate, vitamin A supplement, vitamin B12
supplement, riboflavin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K
activity), pyridoxine hydrochloride, calcium iodate, thiamine mononitrate, folic
acid, cobalt carbonate, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 15%
Fat 3.5%
Fibre 4.5%
This lab
block is low in protein, fibre and even the fat content falls short. The
ingredients are not friendly for a diabetes prone/ diabetic hamster, they even
include sugar. I would not recommend this food for any species of
hamster.
LM Farms Hamster and
Gerbil
Ingredients:
Wheat middlings, soybean hulls,
dehydrated alfalfa meal, whole
corn, whole wheat, red milo, cane
molasses, dehulled soybean meal, flaxseed meal, corn
flakes, oat groats, ground corn, salt, lignin sulfonate, black
oil sunflower seeds, ground limestone, choline chloride, DL-methionine, soybean
oil, rolled oats, vitamin E supplement, sodium selenite, ferrous sulfate,
magnesium oxide, niacin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, manganese sulfate,
calcium pantothenate, zinc oxide, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine
hydrochloride, copper sulfate, biotin, vitamin A acetate, cobalt carbonate, zinc
sulfate, riboflavin supplement, ethylenediamine dihydriodide, menadione sodium
bisulfite complex, calcium propionate (a perservative), color added (yellow #5),
blue #1, yellow #6 lake, titanium dioxide, red #40), vitamin D3 supplement,
folic acid.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.)
11%
Crude Fat (min.) 4%
Crude Fibre (max.) 7%
The protein content
is rather low in this mix, already knocking down this food to an undesirable
position. This mix is also not suitable for any species that is prone to
diabetes or for any diabetic hamster due to the ingredients bolded in blue. Over
all I would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
LM Animal Farms Bonanza
Gourmet Diet Hamster and Gerbil
Ingredients:
Whole
corn, wheat middlings, oat groats, red milo, whole wheat, ground corn, dehydrated
alfalfa meal, green split
peas, white millet, dehulled soybean meal, corn
flakes, striped sunflower seeds, black oil sunflower seeds,
toasted wheat flakes, pumpkin seed, navy beans, shelled peanuts, Canadian
trapper peas, soybean hulls, raisins, dried
carrots, corn gluten meal, cane molasses, ground limestone,
soybean oil, dicalcium phosphate, safflower seeds, vegetable oil, dried
bananas, dried papaya, shelled almonds, rolled oats, salt,
choline chloride, lignin sulfonate, brewers dried yeast, mineral oil, artificial
orange flavor, potassium chloride, l-lysine, corn distillers, dried grains,
l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, dl-methionine, vitamin E supplement, vitamin E
supplement, condensed whey fermentation solubles, propionic acid, ferrous
sulfate, sodium selenate, vitamin A acetate, rice hulls, magnesium oxide, color
added (yellow #5, yellow #6 lake, blue #1, titanium dioxide, red #40, yellow
#6), artificial apple flavor, niacin supplement, calcium pantothenate, yucca
schidigera extract, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, vitamin D3
supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, zinc sulfate, calcium propionate, manganous
oxide, thiamine mononitrate, biotin, mixed tocopherols, silicone dioxide, citric
acid, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, menadione sodium bisulfite complex,
rosemary extract, ethylendiamine dihydriodidie, pyridoxine hydrochloride, sodium
selenate, cobalt carbonate, vitamine A supplement.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude protein (min.) 15%
Crude fat (min.) 6%
Crude
fibre (max.) 7%
This mix has a host of ingredients (bolded in blue) that
are not suitable for a diabetic hamster's diet, making it a poor choice for a
diabetic hamster or for a species that is prone to diabetes. Even for Syrian
hamsters or for Roborovski dwarf hamsters this mix would still not work due to
the low protein and higher fat percentages. I would not recommend this mix for
any species of hamster.
Mazuri
Hamster and Gerbil
Ingredients:
Dehulled soybean meal,
ground corn,
soybean oil, ground wheat, wheat middlings, dehydrated alfalfa meal, dried beet
pulp, ground oats, cane
molasses, ground soybean hulls, lignin sulfonate, dicalcium
phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, wheat germ, calcium carbonate, brewers dried
yeast, salt, calcium propionate, DL-methionine, choline chloride, menadione
dimethylpyrimidinol bisulfite (vitamin K), dried yucca shidigera extract,
pyridoxine hydrochloride, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), vitamin A acetate, folic
acid, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate (natural source vitamin E), thiamin
mononitrate, calcium pantothenate, nicotinic acid, riboflavin, vitamin B12
supplement, manganous oxide, zinc oxide, ferrous carbonate, copper sulfate, zinc
sulfate, calcium iodate, cobalt carbonate, sodium
selenite.
Guaranteed analysis:
Crude protein (min.)
22%
Crude fat (min.) 6%
Crude fibre (max.) 6%
This is a lab block,
which is basically a compressed pellet. It is debated whether lab blocks or seed
mixes are better. The benefit of the lab block is that a hamster cannot throw
off the balance of the food by being picky as they cannot leave anything behind.
This block is not suitable for diabetes prone species as the corn nor can the
molasses be picked out. However for Syrians or roborovski dwarf hamsters this
lab block would be suitable.
Mucki Menü
Plus
Ingredients:
Barley, wheat, maize,
peas, pea flakes, carob, wheat flakes, bean flakes, sorghum,
sweet peas, wheat
emolina bran, carrot
chunks, striped sunflower seeds, white sunflower seeds, peanut
kernels, turnip rape, sunflower seeds, oats, greaves meal, bruised soya grain
(GM-free), safflower seeds, parsnip, dari, paddy rice, puffed wheat, leeks, hemp seed,
parsley, poultry protein hydrolysate, sodium chloride.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 16%
Fat 5.9%
Fibre 7.7%
This mix is a
bit low in protein, a bit low in fibre and is alright for fat content, though it
is at the higher end of the spectrum of what we want. The ingredients
highlighted in blue are indicative that this mix would not be ideal for diabetes
prone/ diabetic hamsters. The leeks are not safe for nay species of hamster
seeing as they belong to the onion family. I would not recommend this mix for
and species of hamster.
Oxbow
Essentials for Hamsters and
Gerbils
Ingredients:
Timothy Meal, Pearled Barley
(Rolled), Oat Groats, Linseed (Flax) Meal, Canola Meal, Wheat Gluten, Millet,
Ground Flax Seed, Canola Oil, Limestone, Salt, Dried Yeast Culture
(Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Zinc
Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Selenium
Yeast, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper
Proteinate, Riboflavin Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Biotin, Manganous
Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium
Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Cobalt Carbonate, Vitamin D3 Supplement,
Calcium Iodate, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min) 15%
Crude Fat (min) 4.50%
Crude
Fibre (min) 11%
This is another lab block (compressed pellet) that
while lacking in variety, was once nutritionally sound. It was a lab block that
was suitable for all species. However recently the protein level was dropped
from 17% to 15% rendering this food no longer suitable for any species of
hamster.
Premium Hamster Muesli
by Pets at Home
Ingredients:
Flaked peas, rabbit
pellets (oat feed, Wheat feed, Sunflower, Grass, molasses,
Vegetable fat), extruded biscuits (Wheat, Oat feed, Non GM Soya),
Flaked maze, toasted wheat flakes, wheat, Sunflower
seeds, Peanuts, Poultry fat, Banana
Flakes (min 1%), Minerals &
vitamins.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 16%
Fat
7%
Fibre 8%
This mix is a bit low in protein, and the fat content is
higher than should be desired. The fibre content is within reason at any rate.
There are some ingredients that are not suitable for diabetes prone/diabetic
hamsters. This mix could be alright if no better food was available, but I would
only use it for Syrians or Roborovskis.
Purina
Little Wonders
Ingredients:
Wheat Middlings, Whole Corn, Striped
Sunflower Seeds, Whole Red Wheat, Whole Barley, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal,
Dehulled Soybean Meal, Green Split
Peas, Corn Distillers Dried Grains, Cane Molasses, Ground Corn,
Calcium Carbonate, Safflower Seeds, Ground Rice Hulls, Pumpkin Seeds, Dried Banana, Salt,
L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, Soybean Oil, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Oxide,
Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Menadione
Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K), DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate
(Source of Vitamin E), Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Sulfate,
Folic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Vitamin A Acetate, Active Dried
Yeast, Brewers Dried Yeast, Biotin, Betaine Anhydrous, Niacin Supplement,
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Propionic Acid (a preservative), Dried Aspergillus
Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation
Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Yucca Shidigera
Extract, Ground
Papaya, Cobalt Carbonate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate,
Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Copper Chloride, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate,
Ferrous Sulfate, Cobalt Sulfate.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein: 16%
Crude Fat: 5%
Crude Fibre:
10%
This is mix has good fat and fibre levels. The protein really could
be a bit higher, but this mix would do just fine if no others were available. I
would not recommend this mix for hamsters that have or are prone to diabetes due
to certain ingredients (bolded in blue), but for Syrian and Roborovski dwarf
hamsters it would be ok to use if better foods were
unavailable.
Purina Garden Recipe
Hamster and Gerbil Diet
Ingredients:
Wheat middlings,
whole corn, striped
sunflower seeds, whole red wheat, whole barley, dehydrated alfalfa meal,
dehulled soybean meal, green split
peas, corn distiller's dried grains, cane
molasses, ground corn, oat groats, calcium carbonate, safflower
seeds, ground rice hulls, pumpkin seeds, dried banana, dried carrot
flakes, salt, L-lysine, DL-methionine, soybean oil, choline
chloride, magnesium oxide, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride,
vitamin D3 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K),
Dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate (source of vitamin E), zinc sulfate, vitamin B12
supplement, copper sulfate, folic acid, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin,
vitamin A acetate, active dried yeast, brewer's dried yeast, biotin, betaine
anhydrous, niacin supplement, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), propionic acid, dried
aspergillus niger fermentation extract, dried lactobacillus acidophilus
fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried
yucca schidigera extract, ground
papaya, cobalt carbonate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate,
ethylenediamine dihydriodide, copper chloride, sodium selenite, calcium iodate,
ferrous sulfate and cobalt sulfate.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min) 16%
Crude Fat (min) 5%
Crude
Fibre (max) 10%
This mix has good fibre and fat percentages, and while
the protein content could be higher it is ok if no better food is available. Due
to certain ingredients (bolded in blue) which would not be good for a diabetic
hamster, I would not recommend this mix for a species that is prone to diabetes,
nor for a diabetic hamster. For Syrians or roborovski dwarf hamsters it is an ok
mix to use if a better alternative is unavailable.
ratRations Syrian mix - no fruits
added
Ingredients:
Flaked soya, buckwheat, egg
biscuit, flaked
peas, lentils, flaked wheat, flaked buckwheat, burns kibble,
flaked rye, whole
maize, wheat, puffed spelt, safflower, bran sticks, flaked
barley, flaked
maize, flaked millet, dry roast peanuts, small sunflower,
groats, paddy rice, pearl barley, puffed millet, pumpkin
seed.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 19.1%
Fat
6.1%
Fibre 7.9%
This mix has great protein, fat, and fibre levels and
the ingredients are just fine for Syrian and Roborovski dwarfs. For those that
are prone to diabetes or are diabetic there are a few ingredients that would not
make this mix ideal. I would recommend this mix for Syrians and roborovski
dwarfs.
ratRations Syrian mix - with
Apple
Ingredients:
Flaked soya, buckwheat, egg
biscuit, flaked
peas, lentils, flaked wheat, flaked buckwheat, burns kibble,
flaked rye, whole
maize, wheat, puffed spelt, safflower, bran sticks, flaked
barley, flaked
maize, flaked millet, dry roast peanuts, small sunflower, chopped dried apple
slices, groats, paddy rice, pearl barley, puffed millet, pumpkin
seed.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 19.1%
Fat
6.1%
Fibre 7.9%
The protein, fat, and fibre content in this mix are
all at good levels for a hamster, and while there are ingredients that would be
best avoided in a diabetic/diabetes prone hamster's diet, this mix is one that
I would recommend for Syrians and roborovski dwarfs.
ratRations Syrian mix - with
Banana
Ingredients:
Flaked soya, buckwheat, egg
biscuit, flaked
peas, lentils, flaked wheat, flaked buckwheat, burns kibble,
flaked rye, whole
maize, wheat, puffed spelt, safflower, bran sticks, flaked
barley, flaked
maize, flaked millet, dry roast peanuts, small sunflower, crushed dried banana
chips, groats, paddy rice, pearl barley, puffed millet, pumpkin
seed.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 19.1%
Fat
6.1%
Fibre 7.9%
This mix has good fibre, fat and protein percentages
and the ingredients are suitable for Syrians and/ or Roborovski dwarfs. Due to
certain ingredients (highlighted in blue) this mix would not be best for
diabetic or diabetes prone hamsters. I would recommend this mix for Roborovski
dwarfs and Syrians.
Sun Seed
Sunscrition Vita Prima Hamster and Gerbil
Formula
Ingredients:
White Millet, Wheat, Milo, Whole Corn, Sunflower
Seed, Oats, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Wheat Middlings, Soybean Hulls, Peanuts,
Kibbled Corn,
Flaked Wheat, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Dried Egg Product, Corn
Gluten Meal, Split Green Peas, Ground Corn, Calcium Carbonate,
Ground Flax Seed, Corn Distillers
Dried Grain, Ground Oat Groats, Ground Wheat, Dicalcium
Phosphate, Salt, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Lysine, Vegetable Oil, Niger Seed,
Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Potassium Sulfate,
Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin D3
Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement,
Calcium Pantothenate, Menadione Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfite (Source of Vitamin
K Activity), Potassium Iodide, Biotin, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate,
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Ethylenediamine
Dihydriodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Cobalt Sulfate, DL-Methionine,
L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Sodium Selenite, Sugar,
Honey, Dried Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Product,
Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium
Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried
Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation
Product, Torula Dried Yeast, Dried Trichoderma Viride Fermentation Product,
Color Added.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein
(min): 12%
Crude Fat (min) 4%
Crude Fibre (max) 14%
Looking at the
protein we can see that this mix is already not a good choice as it is far too
low in protein. Beyond that there are several ingredients (bolded in blue) that
make it unsuitable for diabetic hamsters, even sugar has been added to this mix.
I would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
Supreme Pets Food Hazel
Hamster (Note: Different than Harry
Hamster)
Ingredients:
Flaked whole wheat, ground whole
wheat, pelleted soybean meal, dehydrated alfalfa pellets, whole
corn, flaked peas, flaked whole corn, sunflower seeds, flaked
soybeans, peanut kernels, kibbled locust beans, soybean oil (preserved
with BHT), peanuts in shell, pumpkin seeds, wheat middlings,
salt, calcium carbonate, sodium sulfate, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, choline
chloride, niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin b6],
vitamin a supplement, riboflavin [vitamin b2], thiamine hydrochloride [vitamin
b1], folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin d3 supplement),
minerals (zinc oxide, manganese oxide, iron sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium
iodate, cobalt carbonate, sodium selenite), added fd&c colors (yellow 6,
yellow 5, blue 1).
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein
(min) 18%
Crude Fat (min) 5%
Crude Fibre (max) 9%
This is one of
the more recommended mixes available. The protein, fat and fibre levels are all
at good percentages and the ingredients are not full of treats. The foods that
are not suitable for diabetic hamsters (bolded in blue) can be easily picked
out, and there is not an overabundance of them so picking them out does not
throw off the balance of the mix. I would recommend this mix as is for
Roborovski dwarfs as well as Syrian hamsters. For diabetes-prone species I would
recommend this mix so long as the corn (whole and flaked) and the peas were
picked out. The ingredient BHT (bolded in red) is debated to be unsafe for
hamsters, I myself do not personally subscribe to that, however it is widely
debated and I recommend that anyone wishing to feed this food do some of their
own reading so as to make their own educated guess.
Supreme
Pets Food Harry Hamster (Note: Different than Hazel
Hamster)
Ingredients:
Lucerne meal (alfalfa), flaked maize, soya, wheat
flour, maize, flaked wheat, flaked
peas, oats, sunflower seeds (min 4%), locust bean, peanuts (min
2%), flaked soybeans, banana, fenugreek oil,
soy oil, minerals. Additives: Colourants.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 19%
Fat 5%
Fibre 8%
This mix is
different than the Hazel Hamster one, it is usually found in the UK or
throughout Europe. It is still a good mix, though more so for Syrians and
Roborovski dwarf hamsters than the other species. The ingredients bolded in blue
are not suitable for diabetic hamsters nor for hamsters that are prone to
diabetes, they can be picked out however just as they can in Hazel Hamster mix,
but the banana must also be removed. Over all I would recommend this mix for
Syrians and Roborovski dwarfs and for diabetes-prone species so long as the
maize (corn) ingredients, the peas and the banana were picked
out.
Supreme Science Selective
Hamster
Ingredients:
Whole meal wheat flour, soybean
meal, barley, oats, linseed, soya oil, dicalcium phosphate, limestone flour,
salt, Vitamin A 15000 IU, Vitamin D3 1500 IU
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 19%
Fat Content 5%
Crude fibre
5%
This is a lab block (compressed pellet), while lab blocks are debated
to not be suitable due to the lack of variety, this one would be suitable for
any species of hamster. The fibre content could be higher but adding higher
fibre foods in their diet alongside this such as broccoli, kale, bok choy and/or
timothy hay could help to balance that.
Tesco
Everyday Value Gerbil and Hamster
Food
Ingredients:
Wheat, Peas,
Wheatfeed, Oatfeed, Oats, Maize, Sunflower Meal,
Peanuts, Sunflower Seeds, Vegetable Oil, Grass, Minerals, Apple,
Grape, Carob Meal, Linseed, Additives (Per Kg), Nutritional
Additives, Vitamin A 8000iu/kg, Vitamin D3 1000iu/kg, Vitamin E 40mg/kg, Trace
Elements, Iron 480mg/kg, Iodine 0.7mg/kg, Copper 3mg/kg, Managanese 14mg/kg,
Zinc 11mg/kg, Sodium 0.004mg/kg, Antioxidants.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 14%
Fat 7%
Crude Fibre 8%
This mix is
low in protein and so is unsuitable for any species of hamster; along with that,
the fat content is a bit too high too. There are a few ingredients present that
are also not suitable for diabetic hamsters, all bolded in blue. Over all I
would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
Tesco Hamster Food
Peanut and Sunflower Seed
Ingredients:
Maize,
Wheat, Peas, Soya,
Wheatfeed, Oatfeed, Peanuts (min 4%), Sunflower Seeds (min 4%), Grass,
Sunflower Ext, Vitamins & Minerals, Apple, Grape, Vegetable
Oil, Carob Meal, Linseed, Additives (per Kg), Nutritional Additives, TempText3
12000 iu/kg, TempText4 1000 iu/kg, TempText5 40 mg/kg. Trace Elements, TempText6
300 mg/kg, TempText7 0.6mg/kg, TempText8 2.5 mg/kg, TempText9 12 mg/kg,
TempText10 10 mg/kg, TempText11 10 mg/kg. Antioxidant.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 16%
Fat 9%
Crude Fibre 7%
This mix is
high in fat content, as suggested by its name. While sunflower seeds are
beneficial and peanuts are alright as a treat they should not be the main
component of a food. It is also not suitable for diabetic hamsters due to the
presence of the ingredients listed above that are bolded in blue. Over all this
mix could be ok for a Syrian or a Roborovski dwarf, but only if something better
was not available and even then I would recommend to keep
looking.
Versele-Laga Hamster
Nature Complete
Ingredients:
Grains (9% corn flakes,
oat flakes, and popcorn), vegetables (18.5% of which 1.5% carrots
and 5% beetroot), derivatives of vegetable origin, seeds (11%), fruit (7.5% of
which 9.5% apricot,
9.5% pineapple,
12.5% banana, 12.5%
papaya, 12.5% raisins and 38% carob.),
vegetable protein extracts, nuts (5%), minerals, yeast, FOS, herbs, calendula.,
vitamins A, E and D3, copper, E320, E321, E102, E132, E110,
E124.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 17%
Fat
8.5%
Crude Fibre 7%
This mix is rather high in fat content and is a
tad low in fibre content. The protein is on the lower end as well. The
ingredients highlighted in blue indicate that this mix would not be ideal for
hamsters prone to diabetes or for those that have diabetes. The packaging of
this brand only provides limited information on ingredients as well, which is
not altogether helpful for analysing the quality of the mix. Overall I would not
recommend this mix mostly due to the high fat content. It could be alright for
Syrian or Roborovski hamsters if no other more suitable mix was
available.
Versele-Laga Mini
Hamster Nature Complete
Ingredients:
Barley, wheat,
maize, oatmeal
flakes, maize
flakes, rice, puffed maize, puffed
wheat, puffed rice, peas, beetroot, carrot, tick bean flakes,
pea flakes, wheat
bran, soy meal non-gmo, sunflower seed meal, sunflower, pumpkin seed, linseed,
safflower, carob, bananas, papaya,
raisins, apricot, pineapple, cranberry, elderberry, apple, soy
protein non-gmo, peanuts, calcium carbonate, monocalcium phosphate, salt,
brewers’ yeast, fructo-oligosaccharides, marjoram, oregano, thyme, mint, garlic, calendula,
vitamins A, E and D3, copper, E320, E321, E102, E132, E110,
E124.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 14%
Fat
7.5%
Fibre 6%
This mix is too low in protein, too high in fat content
and too low in protein. It is not suitable for diabetes prone/ diabetic hamsters
either due to some of the ingredients present (bolded in blue). The addition of
garlic in the mix renders it unsafe for any species of hamster too as garlic is
hard on their kidneys. I would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
Versele-Laga Hamster
Crispy
Ingredients:
Wheat bran, soy meal non-gmo,
sunflower seed meal, wheat, barley, buckwheat, maize,
puffed wheat, puffed
maize, puffed rice, peas, pea flakes, carrot,
calcium carbonate, monocalcium phosphate, salt, sunflower, safflower, pumpkin
seed, linseed, carob, peanuts, vitamins A, E and D3, Copper, E320, E321, E102,
E132, E110, E124.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein
15%
Fat 10%
Fibre 7%
This mix is low in protein content as well as
fibre content. The fat content is a bit too high as well. The mix itself is
rather basic, with several ingredients that are not beneficial to diabetes
prone/ diabetic hamsters. Overall I would not recommend this food for any
species.
Vitakraft Emotion Beauty
Hamster Food
Ingredients:
Cereals (12% corn
flakes, 5% oat), derivatives of vegetable origin, vegetables
(5.6% bean flakes, 5.6% pea
flakes), fruits, nuts (4% peanuts), molluscs
and crustaceans (2% shrimps), milk and milk derivatives, sugar
cane molasses, minerals, oils and fats, alloe vera
concentrate.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein 15%
Fat
[not listed]
Fibre 9%
This mix is low in protein, and the fat content
is not available. The fibre content is suitable however. The ingredient
information is limited though with what is available, this mix does not seem
suitable for diabetes prone/ diabetic hamsters. Based on the lack of information
available alongside the low protein levels, I would not recommend this mix for
any species.
Vitakraft Menu
Hamster
Ingredients:
Milo, dehydrated alfalfa meal,
ground corn, wheat,
wheat middlings, soybean hulls, flaked corn, sunflower
seed, steel-cut
corn, steam-rolled oats, carob pods, oats, whole
corn, dehulled soybean meal, steam-rolled
peas, split green peas, heat-processed soybean flakes, puffed
wheat, heat processed wheat flakes, shelled peanuts, corn
gluten meal, calcium carbonate, corn distiller's dried grains
with solubles, ground flax seed, ground wheat, dicalcium phosphate, monocalcium
phosphate, ground oat groats, salt, dehydrated carrots,
l-lysine, vegetable oil, potassium chloride, magnesium oxide, vitamin A
supplement, choline chloride, algae meal, yeast culture, ground steam-rolled
oats, dl-methionine, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried
lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium
fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium bifidum fermentation product, dried
aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, torula dried yeast, yucca schidigera
extract, fructooligosaccharide, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement,
niacin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin supplement, d-calcium
pantothenate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, biotin, folic acid, thiamine
mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, zinc sulfate,
ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, manganous oxide, copper sulfate, potassium
iodide, cobalt sulfate, sodium selenite, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1 and titanium
dioxide.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min)
13%
Crude Fat (min) 4%
Crude Fibre (max) 12%
Starting off by
looking at the guaranteed analysis we can see that this mix is not good to start
with due to the low protein percentage. Then looking to the ingredients we see
that there are various ingredients that are not suitable for diabetic hamsters
(bolded in blue). So this mix is not recommended for any species of
hamster.
Vitakraft Vitasmart
Hamster
Ingredients:
Soybean hulls, wheat,
flaked corn, oats, dehulled soybean meal, carob pods,
puffed wheat, flaked soybeans,
flaked peas, wheat middlings, dehydrated alfalfa meal,
ground wheat, ground
corn, timothy grass hay, peanuts, chopped timothy grass hay,
corn gluten meal,
dried plain beet pulp, calcium carbonate, ground flaxseed, corn distillers dried
grains with solubles, dicalcium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, salt, cane
molasses, L-lysine, vegetable oil, wheat germ meal,
apple juice concentrate, potassium chloride, magnesium oxide,
vitamin A supplement, choline chloride, ground steam-rolled oats, DL-methionine,
dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei
fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried
bifidobacterium bifidum fermentation product, dried aspergillus oryzae
fermentation product, torula dried yeast, yucca schidigera extract,
fructooligosaccharide, algae meal, yeast culture, dehydrated parsley, vitamin D3
supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement,
riboflavin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, menadione sodium bisulfite
complex, biotin, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride,
L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate,
manganous oxide, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, manganese methionine complex,
copper lysine complex, zinc methionine complex, cobalt glucoheptonate, cobalt
sulfate, sodium selenite, color added (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1 titanium
dioxide) and aloe vera gel concentrate.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Crude Protein (min) 16%
Crude Fat (min) 3%
Crude
Fibre (max) 10%
This mix is not suitable for diabetic hamsters or
diabetes prone species due to the various ingredients (bolded in blue) that are
not suitable for them. For Syrians or Roborovski dwarf hamsters this mix could
be ok if there was nothing better available as the protein percentage is a bit
lower than it should be and even then only if 2-3 sunflower seeds were added to
your hamster's diet daily.
Wagg
Hamster Gerbil Mouse Munch
Ingredients:
Wheat,
Wheatfeed, Oatfeed, Toasted Soya, Peas, Sunflower Ext.,
Flaked Maize, Whole
Maize, Peanuts (4%), Sunflower Seeds (4%), Vegetable Oil,
Lucerne, Apple, Grape,
Syrup, Grass, Minerals, Linseed (0.4%), Carob Meal, Yeast
(0.05%), Vitamin A 8,000 iu, Vitamin D3 1,200 iu, Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol
acetate) 40 iu. Trace Elements: Iron (iron lll ferric oxide) 450 mg, Iron (iron
sulphate) 2.5 mg, Iodine (calcium iodate) 0.8 mg, Copper (cupric sulphate
pentahydrate) 3 mg, Manganese (manganous oxide) 15 mg, Zinc (zinc oxide) 12 mg,
Zinc (zinc chelate) 12 mg, *Colourants, Antioxidant.
*Colourants - from a
mineral source found in nature.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 16%
Fat 10%
Crude Fibre 9%
Looking
first at the protein we see that it is just a bit below what is recommended, the
fibre is at a decent level, but when we look at the fat content it is double
what it should be. Looking at this food for diabetic hamsters or those prone to
it, there are various ingredients (bolded in blue) that would not do for a low
sugar diet. Over all I would not recommend this mix for any species as the fat
content is too high.
Wilko
Original Hamster Mix
Ingredients:
Pellets, flaked
barley, flaked
maize, flaked wheat,
flaked peas, sunflower seeds, peanuts, soya oil,
vitamins & minerals, EC permitted colourants.
Guaranteed
Analysis:
Protein 12%
Fat 6%
Fibre 8.5%
This mix is very
basic, with the protein percentage being too low for any species of hamster. If
the mix was better quality than it could have been ok for diabetes prone species
as only the maize (corn) and the peas would need to be picked out. As it is, I
would not recommend this mix for any species of
hamster.
A Thank You
I would like to thank everyone on Hamster Hideout for
their help and encouragement in this project. Specifically I would like to thank
(in no specific order) HoppingHammy, Azayles, SyrianPumpkin, Luci, and the
Taxonomist for your contributions. I would also like to thank "Squeeze", a
follower of my blog and a fellow blogger. I would also like to thank Ely
Vihavainen and Ingrid Haugland, both of whom made wonderful contributions to
this project.
References
Alongside the lovely people
noted above I found much of the information through these websites:
PetsMart
PetCo
Pets at Home
Hamster
Hideout
ratRations