Dog biscuits

[Larrymom]

Hi,

I read on here somewhere, probably on a reply from my own post I've posted that many, about feeding hamsters dog biscuits as a treat but I can't remember where I saw it.

Going to buy some for my hammies tomorrow but can't remember what brands/types and how often to feed them.

Can someone remind me please.

[TheFluffyHammies]

I had a thread on milk bones for hamsters, and there was a bit of a mixed opinion so I just decided to not get any.

I do believe that some dog biscuits are suitable and can help wear their teeth down, as well as provide protein.

[cypher]

I just use bonio dog biscuits, either the puppy milk bones or the ordinary adult ones, then I just break off a small piece for them to chew on & it lasts quite a while.

[racinghamster]

Dog biscuits/bonios are not something I feed but the pedigree milk bones are said to be okay. You would be better buying a bag of Science Selective hamster food as these are heart shaped biscuits that are made for hamsters and do much the same thing but are less likely to cause issues. I bought a bag as a supplement for my dwarf hamster and break one up into his food every couple of days. x

[cypher]

I think that's kind of missing the point a bit though RH, dog biscuits are more of an occasional treat/chew which are hard & good for their teeth, mine enjoy them but don't eat them in any quantity whereas science selective is meant as a main or supplementary food.

[racinghamster]

I understand the teeth thing but hamsters on a good maintenance diet wear their teeth normally anyway, so as long as they are using their teeth on various hard pieces in the mix, I imagine chews and snacks shouldn`t really be necessary. Wooden cage items provide a good chewing opportunity! My dwarf Russian has a go at cardboard, his wooden wheel stand and eats fine without adding dog biscuits. Although there are a few dog biscuits that will be okay as a treat like the ones mentioned, I also fear that some could cause allergies or compromise the diet if the hamster chooses to prefer the dog biscuit to it`s mix. One given once in a while though shouldn`t do any harm as long as the ingredients are known. x

[cypher]

I imagine a lot depends on the individual hamster, none of mine have ever shown any interest in chewing on wood, they'll chew cardboard if it has some food hidden inside somewhere, they all love their antos chews & have a diet full of seeds & the odd nut with husks/shells to chew through but I still think a little extra like a small piece of dog biscuit is a good addition, not sure about the allergy side of things, I know lots of people use them but can't remember anyone mentioning a problem.
If you had a rare ham that would actually rather live off dog biscuit than hamster food then the logical thing would be to stop giving it but I'd have thought it a bit unlikely tbh.

[racinghamster]

True. I do remember offering a small bonio type biscuit to my Syrian Boris when I had him and he wouldn`t touch it! x

[Larrymom]

Originally Posted by cypher

I think that's kind of missing the point a bit though RH, dog biscuits are more of an occasional treat/chew which are hard & good for their teeth, mine enjoy them but don't eat them in any quantity whereas science selective is meant as a main or supplementary food.

I bought them some pedigree milk biscuits and broke off the tiniest bit, Mindy (or ? new name needed) nibbled and then walked off but Larry bit it for a while and then got bored. We'll see how they get on

[cypher]

It's not something you expect them to eat there & then really, if they just have a nibble that's fine, leave it in the cage & they'll just have a bit of a go at it when they're in the mood.