Native Earth Rodent / Harland

[strawberrysmom]

Native Earth 18% Protein 4018 Rodent Diet 40-lbs | Free Shipping - Pet360 Pet Parenting Simplified


This used to just be called Harland Techland. There is an ingredient info tab.

Anyone feed this to their hamsters? Is it healthy like Hazel Hamster and do your hamsters enjoy it?

Thanks in advance

[Biscotti]

I've not tried the HT 4018 yet but I'm considering adding it to my hams' diet to supplement the seed mix. I've talked to a few people who are using it and there are a some pros and cons, as with all food options. The biggest pro is that it is a primarily wheat-based block as opposed to corn or soy, and that there are no molasses in the ingredients. The con is that it is low in fiber (3.5%) and is not as compressed as other brands, so it's not a good substitute as chews. The low fiber is my initial concern, but I was advised that if you are also feeding a good seed mix and fresh veggies daily, then it is easy to make up the fiber requirement.

A 40 lb bag is huge! If you want to try it out in smaller portions, try thecraftyrat.com for sampler or 2 lb bags. They're on vacation until March 5th, so I won't be able to make an order until them.

[strawberrysmom]

Thank you!!! This was such a helpful reply and yes I was afraid of the 40lbs! If it was a good choice and I find that my hams enjoy it then that would be a good deal but I would rather try sample size. I wish we could get Hazel in bulk though. I would use this WITH Hazel like I was Mazuri. But I hear Mazuri is a bad choice due to. The cane molasses and I think another questionable ingredient.

Anyway thank you very much!

[Biscotti]

You're welcome, very glad to pass on information I've learned. I was also looking to switch away from Mazuri as I read more about phytoestrogen in soy, which is Mazuri's primary ingredient.

I don't know if you already know this, but PetMountain sells Hazel for only $5 each with free shipping at $75. Now that they got rid of the stupid handling fees, buying 15x bags for free shipping is kind of like buying bulk.

[strawberrysmom]

I have ordered there before and their prices for certain things like Hazel is great! I will do a "bulk" order soon. I did get 4 bags of Gerri Gerbil (super hard to find) from Roxie's Pet Den and Hazel was cheap there too. The shipping is higher but when you buy a lot it turns out a deal!

[HollyHamster]

Its really a personal preference whether or not to feed them an all in one pelleted food. I tend to stay away from anything that is said to be a complete nutrition for multiple rodent species as each individual species has different nutritional requirements.