Vitamins for fur?

[Whitehologram]

I've just seen this product and wondered if it's something that is really needed?

I always thought a balanced diet was enough but is it really?

It says it's for shiny fur and quicker moulting in the seasons.

[Stockannette]

I have heard the same about a balanced diet.

I did read somewhere that a salt lick thing is good for IF they are losing hair, like going bald in patches.

[shazzy]

hmmm I dont think it is really necessary. Sometimes, as hams get older they can start to lose fur over their hips. Then you can give them 'debittered Brewers yeast' to help with this

[Vectis Hamstery]

I have found debittered brewers yeast, hemp seed and flax seed useful for fur, but prefer to avoid supplements as I'd rather know what I'm giving them.

[StarlightSerenity]

I bought Debittered brewers yeast for Luna (fur loss on her hips) but she wouldn't eat it

I don't/won't use supplements unless they are needed - a healthy hamster being fed a balanced, good quality mix (like Silvers) really doesn't need it in my opinion.

[Kissa]

Originally Posted by StarlightSerenity

I don't/won't use supplements unless they are needed - a healthy hamster being fed a balanced, good quality mix (like Silvers) really doesn't need it in my opinion.

Basically this. And even if I did want/need to supplement the mix, I'd most likely do it with seeds/other tasties rather than with mineral chews or vitamin drops or something. Darla had a mineral chew once. He completely ignored it

[Whitehologram]

I figured as much....a gimmick item.

But I suppose if you had a really finicky pet it could be helpful.

[p_anda]

Yeah, a balanced diet is enough. I would personally never give a salt lick or any kind of vitamin supplement to any animal, unless a vet deemed it was necessary that they receive supplements. I think that a salt lick has the potential to be harmful if the hamster excessively chews it, as they'd be ingesting a LOT of salt. I just believe in feeding pets the most natural diet possible, with as little processed junk as possible...yes, I consider those licks to be processed junk.

But I don't believe in taking vitamins either, myself.

[racinghamster]

I agree with everyone on this. Many of these `suppliments` advertised for small pets are just gimmicks and not that beneficial. I`ve never had or felt the need to add any suppliments to my hamsters diet and instead, keep my options open as regards adding new things into the diet that may be of some benefit. But I wouldn`t consider shop bought or online vitamin/mineral/salt additions. My advice would be, keep looking at what you feed and much like out own diet, look at adding something new every so often to keep the immune system good and the overal health in check.

[kyrilliondaemon]

We give ours linseed as an occasional treat, thats good for fur but we feed a good diet so don't really see it as needed.