Mix Comparison

[Silver]

I did make a very long post about how to search for information but it got taken off

Research, Research, Research some more

Collate all the info & come up with what you believe is the best % for hams from all the info you can find.

Is the very short answer

Silver xxx

[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!

[oddlyoblivious]

Originally Posted by 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!

It is probably worth mentioning, in relation to the surprise at the variance between manufacturers, that even human dietary needs have been an ever-evolving subject filled with conflicting studies. Take breakfast cereal, for example. You can have about ten different versions of some sort of corn flake concoction that will vary by manufacturer; sure, the key ingredients may be the same, but the amounts will vary (and typically thanks to patients and copyright laws has to) but legally they all have to list nutritional information that tends to be skewed by things like serving size. (Seriously, who eats just four potato chips?)

It makes the task of attempting to provide the best diet with the most positive health benefit for your animal more than a little daunting. I like being able to see the comparisons though, especially for sugar content. Probably worth noting some treats use honey as a binder as well, but I do not think I have seen studies on alternative sugars like stevia or Agave. (Not that many would pay the expense for these ingredients in pet food)

[RachK]

The Quiko Sunny Greens Premium Hamster food is
16% Protein
5.7% Crude Oil
8.6% Crude Fibre
8% Crude Ash

[Teddy001]

I really wish hamster foods would list the amount of Valerie's per a specific serving.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.