Specific Protein sources

Black_Inky_Eyes · 02-25-2019, 01:27 PM

So I've been looking at some products that are high in protein for my new Syrian (name reveal and pictures coming soon, he's super shy so I can't get at least one good shot in light) since he's under 6 months. I'm using mealworms in his diet but so far he doesn't seem fussed as most of my past Syrians hated them too. I don't have the option of frozen chicken because my family is vegetarian and I have no clue how to properly do anything with meats. I'm just looking for other treats/foods I can give to my hammy that adds some more protein for the little baby.

R.I.P Zylvan, so sorry Cypher. Best wishes

cypher · 02-25-2019, 10:24 PM

If you're feeding Harry Hamster than I wouldn't worry about extra protein too much, it should be enough really.
I'm a veggie too but do use dried chicken, no different from using dried mealworms really! You should be able to get Thrive chicken or something similar easily enough & most hams like that,

kristina_with_a_k · 02-26-2019, 03:20 PM

would also recommend bying dried/freeze dried chicken if your hamster doesn't enjoy the mealworms. you can order it online or buy it in most petshops in small bags. but you can also buy a huuuuuge back at your local supermarket

Pebbles82 · 02-26-2019, 04:02 PM

Nuts are high in protein. I give our hammy half a brazil nut once a week. It's high in protein and also has something in that boosts the immune system. He also gets half a walnut or half a pecan nut once a week

(Shelled nuts). You can also give him a bit of scrambled egg on a teaspoon - they usually like that. Are eggs ok if your family are vegetarian? It's a bit of a faff but not too difficult. Just whisk an egg in a mug and stick it in the microwave for about 15 seconds, whisk it again and give it a bit longer if it's not ready. The faffy bit is waiting for it to cool down! I put some on the teaspoon when it's cooked and leave it to cool on the teaspoon.

EmmaAndChester · 02-26-2019, 04:42 PM

Eggs are a fine occasional snack, but if you're looking to boost/want a high protein source, they're not going to do the job - because they're only 13% protein.

My Syrian hates freeze dried chicken, but some do love it so I would still agree with the recommendation that you try it. You can also try Applaws wet cat food - it's the only cat food that I would recommend feeding if you want to go down that route, because it's intended as a supplementary feed so has no added vitamins or minerals dosed at levels for cats that would make it potentially dangerous for a hamster. Our hamsters love it, and madly sniff the air whenever they smell the hedgehog getting fed haha. It's literally just shredded meat, some rice (and veggies, if you choose that variety) in a broth unlike other wet cat foods which are unidentifiable meat chunks in gravy. I know you mentioned being a vegetarian, but I think they're a nice option for those who arent comfortable or don't want to have to buy and cook chicken at home. The only downside is the portion; there's gonna be some degree of waste if you just have the one hamster - but they're still an option worth considering, IMO.

cypher · 02-26-2019, 10:26 PM

Nuts are good as an extra with lots of good nutrients but they aren't a complete protein so if you're looking to raise the protein level it's probably better to stick to complete protein sources like chicken.
I have used the Applaws tinned chicken & the hams love it but hams eat such a tiny amount & unless you have a cat to feed it to it can be hard for a veggie to know what to do with all the leftovers!

EmmaAndChester · 02-27-2019, 02:21 AM

I also just noticed that Cosma have new products (unless they've been out for a while I just never realised haha). Theyre labelled as "soups", but from pictures of the actual food itself they look exactly like their tinned variety of foods (which are the same as applaws; just shredded meat in broth with no additives/vitamins/minerals etc). They're also exceptionally cheap - 12 pouches for less than 4 quid. I honestly might try them for my own crew to see how they compare to the tins.

Theyre only 40g too (compared to the 70g tins) so will have significantly less waste - unless you have an animal who will eat the leftovers.