Nutrient-dense herbs, are they good for hamsters?

Rirdan · 06-10-2017, 10:29 AM

I was wondering whether some dry highly-nutritional herbs, such as red raspberry leaf, nettle, oat straw, or milk thistle seed, for instance) be beneficial for them? Also, what about calendula? Does anybody knows?

Also, what is your favorite hamster pellet brand? I was unable to find anything organic/non-GMO, so I guess I will have to go with the best conventional pellet kind.

chesca_27 · 06-10-2017, 04:01 PM

I can't comment on the herbs, but I can on the pellets. I strongly advise against a pellet diet. None of the ones on the market have a good nutrient balance. A diet needs 19% protein, 6-8% fat and 8-10% fibre. Harry/Hazel Hamstsr is the best food for Syrians.

cypher · 06-10-2017, 11:36 PM

All of those herbs are fine but only in very small amounts & not everyday, as you say they are nutrient dense & also many have medicinal properties so do use only in moderation, I give mine a selection of herbs, leaves & flowers scattered around the cage from time to time which they enjoy.

I don't use pellets but we need to know your country before we can suggest anything.

Rirdan · 06-11-2017, 05:09 PM

Thank you, Cypher! It is good to know about the herbs.

I did end up ordering this brand of pellets: Harlan Teklad Global Rat Food Pellets 2018 ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) because I was told that this is the best one on the market.
I also plan to supplement with mealworms, egg, chicken, fresh greenaries, dry herbs, seeds (sesame (for high calcium content), flax) and grain (buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth). I also have timothy hay and plan to include it in the diet.

Does this sound pretty balanced? Also, are chia and hemp seeds safe for hamsters? Also, if I buy raw sunflower seeds, is it best to buy them in-shell or shell-free?