Food for my syrian

Dina02 · 08-21-2016, 08:47 AM

Hi there

There are still a few weeks until Kalsoy arrives, but typical me I always prepare myself ages before my pet actually arrives

I've been doing a lot of research on hamster care in general, and also when it comes to their diet, but I still have a few questions, as I'm a bit in doubt when it comes to certain things.

Kalsoy's main diet will be a mix between Mr. Johnson's Supreme Hamster & Gerbil mix and the Versele-Laga Complete Hamster & Gerbil. Now I've heard that young hamsters need some extra protein, and even though there are mealworms in his main diet, I am going to give some extra of them. But I'm in doubt when it comes to cat/dog treats and dag/cat wet food. Can they have any treat as long as there isn't any pork, onion or garlic in? And does that also count for wet food, or are there other types of meat they can't have?

cypher · 08-21-2016, 09:11 AM

Young hams may need some extra protein but it will depend on the protein content of the two foods combined, do you know how much that would be? Around 18-19% is fine for most hams, you can give a few extra mealworms although some syrians don't like them but they are quite high in fat too.
With wet cat or dog food try to find something that is just meat without anything added, some have a little rice which is ok but your ham shouldn't really need cat or dog food & wet food of any kind should only be given rarely as a treat unless a ham is old, ill or has problems with it's teeth.
Just plain cooked chicken is the best option really.
Some dry cat/dog food or treats are ok but it really does depend on the ingredients.

AmityvilleHams · 08-21-2016, 09:39 AM

It is more than just pork,onion,and garlic you need to watch out for!Any artificial preservatives(especially BHT/BHA/ethoxyquin),meat derivatives(aka biproducts but also labelled as digest),added sugars especially unnatural sugars,any ingredients which are toxic to hamsters,etc.

Avoid the bigger low quality brands such as Purina,Pedigree,etc.Actually I wouldn't even recommend Mr. Johnson's foods or Versele Laga.Versele Laga is kind of shady and doesn't have full ingredient disclosure,and Mr. Johnson's just isn't good quality plus they don't even list their ingredients for some products on their website.

https://www.viovet.co.uk/Supreme_Har...sty_Mix/c1104/ This is actually a fairly good mix

Dina02 · 08-21-2016, 09:44 AM

The Mr. Johnson's has 18% protein and the Versele-Laga has 17%

If they aren't as keen on mealworks, what about crickets or some wild bird mixes where there's different kind of insects in?

Ah okay thank you

it is also only as treats that I would give a bit of cat or dog food.

cypher · 08-21-2016, 11:16 AM

The protein in those mixes isn't bad at all, just a little chicken or boiled egg white a couple of times a week would be enough to top it up.
Most insects are quite high in fats so beat that in mind, they all differ in what they like so you don't know till yoy try really.
I wouldn't give bird mixes.
Have you asked his breeder what foods he's used to or likes?

Dina02 · 08-21-2016, 11:19 AM

Okay great, thank you

Yes, he is on Mr. Johnson's and is also given Altromin, Complete hamster & gerbil and other pellets