Mix Comparison

[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?

[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

[Lougarry]

I've read a few papers now on protein intake for hamsters, but they are all quite old and I have yet to find anything specifically focusing on fat and fibre.

I think the fact that all manufacturers have such different balances of nutrients speaks to the fact that there is no consensus/evidence-based guidelines.

I am sticking to Silver's mixes because my hamsters like them and seem healthy on them, which in the absence of any evidence is enough for me. I don't want a mix with lots of processed ingredients or lots of things that get left.

[Dandelion07]

Originally Posted by Lougarry

I've read a few papers now on protein intake for hamsters, but they are all quite old and I have yet to find anything specifically focusing on fat and fibre.

I think the fact that all manufacturers have such different balances of nutrients speaks to the fact that there is no consensus/evidence-based guidelines.

I am sticking to Silver's mixes because my hamsters like them and seem healthy on them, which is the absence of any evidence is enough for me. I don't want a mix with lots of processed ingredients or lots of things that get left.

Absolutely, and that is another factor: when they leave stuff they aren't getting what it says on the packet anyway!

I must say, I enjoy providing 'extras' like leaves and other seeds (even mung beans), and it's thanks to HC that i know the kinds of things to give. I've been studying starlight's list and there really is no pattern to what is manufactured. It is the compilation and sharing of this sort of information that enables us to make more informed choices about what to offer.

So thank you Starlight, it is very helpful (and great ticks lol)

[racinghamster]

It`s mind boggling that the gap in levels is clear to compare thanks to Starlight`s list. And I agree, Silver has probably done more work on this than many of the `big` brands have in terms of nutrition of each grain. And because Silver`s mixes have far more variety within them, I would be inclined to say they are better than the others on that list just because her mixes have such varied seeds, grains and puffs within them. While comparing those to the blandness of some commercial mixes, (alfalfa/grass pellets, corn/maize, peas as hard as concrete and extruded coloured biscuits which have raising agents within them) it`s no wonder Silver`s mixes go down well with hamsters because it`s what they would normally go for in a natural diet. Small seeds.

Hamsters too will always be a bit choosy with their food, so allowing them a large variety is necessary to keep their interest in what they consume and if they are only fed a few extruded biscuits and corn, I doubt they would live very long.

[Dandelion07]

Originally Posted by racinghamster

It`s mind boggling that the gap in levels is clear to compare thanks to Starlight`s list. And I agree, Silver has probably done more work on this than many of the `big` brands have in terms of nutrition of each grain. And because Silver`s mixes have far more variety within them, I would be inclined to say they are better than the others on that list just because her mixes have such varied seeds, grains and puffs within them. While comparing those to the blandness of some commercial mixes, (alfalfa/grass pellets, corn/maize, peas as hard as concrete and extruded coloured biscuits which have raising agents within them) it`s no wonder Silver`s mixes go down well with hamsters because it`s what they would normally go for in a natural diet. Small seeds.

Hamsters too will always be a bit choosy with their food, so allowing them a large variety is necessary to keep their interest in what they consume and if they are only fed a few extruded biscuits and corn, I doubt they would live very long.

Yep - I've heard many good things about the Silver mixes, and that the hamsters don't seem to be ignoring any parts, hence getting what it says on the tin (bag!). My hamster is picky: he doesn't like the green long things in Harry Hamster mix, nor does he like meal worms [I am still getting to know him...]

There is an idea for some anecdotal research: diet v life length. Mind you, I doubt people stick to the same foods for the whole of the hamster's life or can remember, but it would be interesting.

[StarlightSerenity]

My previous Syrian, Luna, lost some fur on her hips after being on JR Farm Hamster Feast (different recipe now) for most of her life, switched her to Silvers mix which has a higher protein level and her fur grew back within a couple of weeks. I think I read in Hamsterlopaedia that a deficiency in protein can cause fur loss. The new food certainly made a difference, it was the only thing that changed.

[Dandelion07]

Originally Posted by StarlightSerenity

My previous Syrian, Luna, lost some fur on her hips after being on JR Farm Hamster Feast (different recipe now) for most of her life, switched her to Silvers mix which has a higher protein level and her fur grew back within a couple of weeks. I think I read in Hamsterlopaedia that a deficiency in protein can cause fur loss. The new food certainly made a difference, it was the only thing that changed.

That's amazing. Bet Luna's happier too. (Also I read that as Luna lost some fur on her lips the first time I read it). It just shows that the balance of components is really important, and it is surprising to see such inconsistency between brands. The cynic in me says it all comes down to profit.