? Degu food ?

[Teddy001]

is it safe for hamsters?
( not sure what I did, but this posted 2tx)

[Teddy001]

Amazon.com : Sun Seed Company SSS30060 Sunscription Vita Degu Food, 28-Ounce : Pet Food : Pet Supplies

I received 2 bags of Degu pellets. Shipped in error, and they said to keep them, do not return. Is it safe for hamsters to eat?
Thank you, for your help. I'd hate to throw the bags away, and don't know anyone with Degu's.

[NiceCrocs]

Can you post the ingredients? The amazon page only lists a few of them >.<

[Teddy001]

Dehydreaded Timothy Meal, Dehydreaded Alfalfa Meal, Wheat middlings, Soybean Hulls, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Ground Whole Oats, Yeast Culture, Calcium Carbonate, Diacalcium phosphate, Salt, Choline chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Potassium Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Menadine Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfite, Biotin, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, L-ascorbyl 2-poly phosphate, Beta Carotene, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faccium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Bifidum Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzac Fermentation Product, Torula Dried Yeast, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Zinc Methionine Complex, DL methionine, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Maganese Sulfate, Cooper Sulfate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Cobalt Sulfate, Selenium Yeast, Sodium Selenite.
Crude protein : 16% ( min)
Crude fat: 1.5% ( min)
Crude fiber ( max) 20.0%
Moisture: 12.0% ( max)
Calcium ( min) 0.75%
Calcium: 1.25% (max)
Phosphorus: (min) 0.5%
Vitamin A ( min) 12,500 IU/lb
Vitamin D ( min) 1,000 IU/lb
Vitamin E ( min) 30 IU/lb
Ascorbic Acid ( min) 150 mg/lb
... It says, give 1 once per day, then throw away what's not eaten, each day..
I'm thinking its different from hamster food, so, it wouldn't be a good idea to let my hammies eat this?...
Thanks for anyone that can help.

[crazygal330]

Well degus are "fibrevores" similarly to guinea pigs in that they should mostly eat hay/grass and pellets contain high fibre and are kinda grassy. There is no particular reason a hamster couldn't have them as a treat but they are completely different nutritionally to hamster food so would be unsuitable as a replacement food.

[RedSky]

I would agree that a bit occasionally should be fine. I have some rabbit and guinea pig food samples and I after getting the okay on here I add a piece everyday for Rolo (Syrian) and alternate days for my dwarf hamsters and gerbils. Just so they aren't missing out on their proper food too much but so that it is getting used.

[BrainGirl]

What about asking at the local animal shelter? They might get degus occasionally or know of someone who has them. Sometimes I get food I don't need and I give it to the local rescue. Last time it was ferret food and when I dropped it off found out they'd just had a ferret surrendered to them

[Teddy001]

Originally Posted by crazygal330

Well degus are "fibrevores" similarly to guinea pigs in that they should mostly eat hay/grass and pellets contain high fibre and are kinda grassy. There is no particular reason a hamster couldn't have them as a treat but they are completely different nutritionally to hamster food so would be unsuitable as a replacement food.

crazygal, thanks so much.. I'll keep 1 bag for ham treats.

[Teddy001]

Originally Posted by RedSky

I would agree that a bit occasionally should be fine. I have some rabbit and guinea pig food samples and I after getting the okay on here I add a piece everyday for Rolo (Syrian) and alternate days for my dwarf hamsters and gerbils. Just so they aren't missing out on their proper food too much but so that it is getting used.

RedSky, do your hams eat the rabbit and guinea pig food samples? I think both my hams would like the Degu food as a treat. Both like to Timothy hay, which I do give them occasionally. (after I pick out all the hard sticks in it) . They only get the very softest pieces. Thanks so much, for your help.

[Teddy001]

Originally Posted by BrainGirl

What about asking at the local animal shelter? They might get degus occasionally or know of someone who has them. Sometimes I get food I don't need and I give it to the local rescue. Last time it was ferret food and when I dropped it off found out they'd just had a ferret surrendered to them

GOOD idea! I'll call around and see if I can donate 1 bag. I'm going to use the other bag, as treats for my hams. Looks like they can eat it, but as a treat. Thank you, Brain xx