Beaphar Care+ Hamster Food

[Bekki2308]

Personally i would not touch beaphar care + IMHO the seletive is a better pelleted diet but neither are what id call a good varied diet. I use selective with diabetes prone hams as a "base" to add seeds and other more natural foods to and give the odd biscuit to the syrians but the protein level is higher in both than id feed an adult hamster. I wouldnt worry about the fibre though on the german boards their mixes are much higher fibre and they dont die from it, they just have to be gradually moved over. Taking into account fresh food and hay mine are well over 10% fibre x

[Anthorn]

Originally Posted by HollyHamster

I dunno, Anthorn. The very high protein and fiber levels make me think twice about getting something like Beaphar. Too much protien, like in Beaphar, while maybe acceptable for a younger hamster, isn't great for an older hamster's kidneys and liver. They would shut down with such high levels. As for the fiber, I would worry that 10% is too high and would cause digestive issues.

Thankfully, I don't have to choose because I use Hazel Hamster food and that's the best in the US.

What we should consider is that the protein and fibre content in many feeds is not enough and the responsible owner will add more animal protein, for example mealworms, chicken and dog food and yet more fibre rich foods such as veggies. I'd say it's a lot better for the hamster's system to have a supply of nutrients every day rather than in short bursts twice a week. In that way the extras which hamsters so love can be fed more as treats rather than as an integral part of their feeding regime. That after all is what an all-in-one feed is or should be about!

[Anthorn]

Update on Beaphar Care+ for hamsters

My youngest 4 months old Syrian fed on Beaphar Care + developed constipation which I noticed due to the lack of poop and confirmed with a swelled belly area. It was easily fixed with extra veggies and rather a quick change to Pets At Home Nuggets.

At this time his poop is a bit moist but no diarhea and there is poop everywhere as before.

So I have to revise my recommendation to: It can cause constipation in some hamsters. I come to this conclusion because there is otherwise no difference in the feeding regime across all three of my Syrians and my better half's Syrian.