Mix Comparison

[racinghamster]

Great job Starlight, that takes up time to research all the brands but it`s worth it for the comparisons. Strange too though that the highest protein is 19.1 and the lowest protein is 12. 9?!!! Perhaps that comes down to the individual content within each mix and the manufacturers own research, but I`m a bit baffled that there is such a wide gap between protein percentages when it`s supposed to be `set` amount? I`m not too convinced that the scientific research statements on levels of protein for hamsters is that accurate, or perhaps the percentages science comes up with are more in line with the tests they are studying at the time and the hamsters are all being fed on different diets anyway depending on the trials being undertaken, which is often the case.

Hamsters and other small animals require higher protein levels while young, but not so much as they grow older, so I wonder too how the protein levels can be reduced if the whole mix is still being fed into old age?

They don`t seem to cater for that niggling thought!

[StarlightSerenity]

I saw a lot of rabbit food that was for young rabbits but it's the only species of small animal I've seen where they cater for different ages. Wonder why and what the difference between them are? Like you say, nutritional needs do vary between young and adult hamsters, at least protein wise. Same with pregnant hamsters.

I wonder if baby hamsters need more of other stuff too? Calcium maybe, healthy bones and all that.

The large difference shows a lot where the ingredients are concerned. Most mixes have a lot of the same ingredients so it must be quantities and whatever they add in the form of those biscuit/kibble things.

Does anyone know of any organic food?

[Dandelion07]

On a German forum they recommend different levels of protein for different stages of life for hamsters, but as with many things, we seem to do it differently here? (My cat even has OAP cat food lol). This, combined with the huge variation in levels between brands, leaves me uncertain about what is actually the optimum nutrition for a hamster, and where the authority for that lies. I would love to read the research that supports the levels used in hamster foods.

So, in the absence of concrete, peer reviewed research, do we go on what hamsters like to eat the best, or ones that contain the fewest additives or fillers, or supplement with additional items and hope for the best? Organic would be a fab step forward.

[Silver]

A few of the ingredients in my mix's are organic but sadly not all.

Not sure if the last comment was for me or not, but I can honestly say I read through so many reserach papers, forums, other hamster food company's, experianced breeders & hamster owners, 12 months worth both in the U.K & others country's opinions on all of the above.

I would never of made the food if I thought it was anything but the best, I would not feed it to my own hams or anyone else's hams if I felt it was not correct.

But the decision is all of yours, I only want to make sure everyone knows the amount of reserach & dedication to making the mix's was not rushed, quick, or not thought out.

I also agree with RH,

the difference in % is astounding & very worrying really.

Silver xxx

[StarlightSerenity]

I don't think any of the comments have been directed at you Silver, it's just general questions about all mixes, not another thread pumping you for information about the mixes you have created Although I would like to know the protein, fat and fibre contents of the RR dwarf mixes, think you missed my question

[Silver]

That's ok SS

I sometimes get confused

Yes the % amounts are coming onto the forum soon as I cab get a response from RR. I had a computer melt down & I lost a lot of the information on the mix's but I know RR has this. I have asked twice now for them to be put up since the new year & have decided on a new tacktic of emailing them every week until I get a answer now.

Silver xxx

[StarlightSerenity]

Hope you get an answer soon! I'll keep an eye on for the figures

Does anyone know if Beaphar put the info on their packets?

[racinghamster]

Well observed Dandelion. It kind of `debunks` the so called knowledge that hamsters should be fed `this` amount of protein or `that` amount of `fat`. I personally use the Burgess Supahamster Harvest syrian mix (removing the corn/peas if I happen to have a diabetic prone species) as a `base` and throw in natural seeds, grains and dry herbs for variety, not knowing where that leaves the levels contained within the original mix, but I totaly believe that feeding a good variety of seeds, grains and small amounts of raw vegetables and dry herbs/grasses is more beneficial to a hamster than sticking with a worked out phenomenon that may or not be correct.

I read an article on the Hamster Association website that these formulations are worked out as `balanced diets`, but not by nutritionists who are so called experts in hamster nutrition, but rather as a generalisation.

If people want to follow that advice and believe their hamster is getting all it needs from a commercially prepared mix, there`s nothing wrong with that. I just don`t personally think these mixes are great on their own and many lack content and are full of `fillers` because they are cheap to produce. Grass pellets are one example. I`ve never had a rodent yet that eats these, but soft grasses and dry herbs along with flaked oats can provide the same fibre goodness, yet are enjoyed by the hamster. So while the pellets are ignored, the herbs and oats get consumed.

So yes, I`m all for cutting out the bad ingredients and replacing them with something far better and healthier.

[Dandelion07]

Originally Posted by Silver

A few of the ingredients in my mix's are organic but sadly not all.

Not sure if the last comment was for me or not, but I can honestly say I read through so many reserach papers, forums, other hamster food company's, experianced breeders & hamster owners, 12 months worth both in the U.K & others country's opinions on all of the above.

I would never of made the food if I thought it was anything but the best, I would not feed it to my own hams or anyone else's hams if I felt it was not correct.

But the decision is all of yours, I only want to make sure everyone knows the amount of reserach & dedication to making the mix's was not rushed, quick, or not thought out.

I also agree with RH,

the difference in % is astounding & very worrying really.

Silver xxx

I think you've worked very hard on it all Silver. I was deliberately keeping away from mentioning any brands and definitely not questioning your research or dedication. I think that goes without saying but sorry if it seemed it was questioning you in any way. <<hugs>>

It is confusing how the 'big brands' differ so much so I do wonder about the rationale for their a) ingredient choice and b) ingredient combinations.

[Silver]

It's ok Dandelion

It is a huge difference between them all & like you I would love to know how they base there % on, I.E how much time effort went into it

Silver xxx