Don`t feed corn/maize to dwarf hamsters

[racinghamster]

I know this has been debated before and some members will still continue to feed corn in their dwarf hamsters` diets regardless, but thought you might like to know what I learned last night while watching TV. I watched a TV show last night called " Bang Goes The Theory" on BBC2. They were discussing how popcorn is made from a kernel of corn. I sat and listened to this because corn was mentioned. The person explaining how corn works said that the yellow part of the corn was actually starch, which is basically GLUCOSE strands. The very mention of this reminded me why I remove all corn from my Chinese hamsters mix.

Corn is always added to hamster food because it`s a carbohydrate/a filler. But no real thought or consideration is given to the fact that some dwarf species are very prone to diabetes, moreso the Campbells dwarf, hybrid russians and chinese hamsters.

Given this information, I would urge anyone who still feeds corn kernels or flaked maize to these particular species of hamster, to stop and replace the corn with something more appropriate. Here are some alternative complex carbohydrates you can use instead that are easily bought from supermarkets or health food shops:

Buckwheat (Tesco or healthfood shops)
Kallo organic wholegrain puffed rice (Tesco or health food shops)
Dry oats/jumbo oats (Tesco/other supermarkets/health food shops)
Millet

All can be fed raw and just sprinkled over a daily feed. This is what I do. Syrians and pure bred winter whites are not prone to this condition, but anyone with a winter white might want to make sure they are pure bred and not hybrid.

Hope this helps. x

[MzWiz0915]

I do not object to your stance on corn, and I agree that simple carbohydrates should be limited in the diets of hams prone to certain health problems such as diabetes. However, I personally find that corn fed in moderation is okay for my hams.

Yes, corn is mostly starch. These simple carbohydrates are meant to nourish the seed as it grows. However, corn is also a source of fiber and fatty acids. Plus, corn kernels are fun for hams to chew on and promote healthy tooth grinding for hams who aren't so attracted to chew toys. It's not a perfect food (for hams or humans) but in moderation it can be a healthy component of a balanced diet.

I want to be sure I say that I respect your view and I am not trying to argue any point, merely sharing my own opinion.

Also, I think you offer some great advice on alternative carbohydrate sources, I had not considered giving my hams wholegrain puffed rice or buckwheat- I will def have some reading to do this weekend about them I have read some of your other posts related to hamster nutrition too, you seem quite knowledgeable

[racinghamster]

Thankyou. Maybe I should have titled my post better and suggested that corn should be fed sparingly rather than not at all. But my main objective was mainly to get across that corn as a foodstuff can be replaced by alternatives. Especially for those with diabetes prone species like campbells and chinese. I still include corn in my syrian hamsters diet, but not my chinese for the reasons I gave above. I don`t see the point in feeding corn and taking the risk that she`s consuming a recognised starchy glucose when I can feed her a better, safer alternative.

Just wanted to share my thoughts and let others make up their own minds really.

[thelittleteacup]

well done racing hamster information on proper diet is very much needed as pet stores and hamster mixes that come across as safe are so misleading! x

[Silver]

When I read threads like this I so wish I could find a way to market mine. Im waiting on a break down of nutrients now.

[racinghamster]

Thankyou guys. Silver, your doing a great job with your own mix and anyone who buys it from you will know that they are not feeding their hamsters anything that might be questionable. It all comes down to looking at the species of hamster you actually keep and making sure that you are feeding the best ingredients available. Even if that is just a commercial mix. Some mixes are better than others, so comparing their ingredients and analysis is key. Most commercial mixes contain corn/maize and banana/fruit pieces for example. So if these need to be removed, you just need to say to yourself okay, if I remove the corn, what do I replace it with? If I remove the raisins or apricot pieces, I don`t need to replace those because they are merely sugar and are not required. Same goes for banana pieces. These are mainly added for taste and not caloric benefit.

It`s just common sense really, but rather than just removing things, you need to sometimes add-back what you remove with something more appropriate, that will give the same benefits, but not include natural sugars.

[MzWiz0915]

I couldn't agree more

[fluffymunchkins]

Very interesting to read and its good to know the alternatives for those that do want to change the diet
However I do think that it would be best to word it better, so that members can decide for themselves, rather than feel it is a must.

[SnickersTheFirst]

I agree with FM, maybe the title could be ammended?

Bailey still gets corn in moderation as I'd rather not cut it out completely as I've heard it's nutritional in some ways.

[racinghamster]

I can`t re-set the title now ( can`t seem to find the edit button on my original post?) but I did say in a follow up that it`s down to the individual to decide, so I hope that`s as good as changing the title.