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Old 03-29-2017, 01:58 AM   #1
Lavender2311
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Question Hamster Care/Diet Plan?

Would it be worth making a chart of what I feed my hamster daily, would anyone be able to tell me some really good food for a Syrian? I used to use Harry Hamster before my hamster Betty died but it wasn't that nutritious and have much protein. I want something that gives a balanced diet to my hamster and also, what should I do to make sure Lavender will always be healthy.
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Old 03-29-2017, 03:31 AM   #2
cypher
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Default Re: Hamster Care/Diet Plan?

The majority of syrian owners use Harry Hamster, it is a good mix, balanced nutrition, everything they need for their basic diet & protein levels are plenty high enough if not a little too high for elderly hams so I would continue to use that.
Try to give a good variety of fresh veg, small piece daily once your ham is used to it.
Don't give too many commercial treats as they are often sugary or don't contain quality ingredients & if you like give the occasional sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, hemp seeds (all in the shell) monkey nut or walnut & maybe a few flax seeds as treats & you can't go far wrong.
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Old 03-30-2017, 02:47 AM   #3
Lavender2311
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Thumbs up Re: Hamster Care/Diet Plan?

Quote:
Originally Posted by cypher View Post
The majority of syrian owners use Harry Hamster, it is a good mix, balanced nutrition, everything they need for their basic diet & protein levels are plenty high enough if not a little too high for elderly hams so I would continue to use that.
Try to give a good variety of fresh veg, small piece daily once your ham is used to it.
Don't give too many commercial treats as they are often sugary or don't contain quality ingredients & if you like give the occasional sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, hemp seeds (all in the shell) monkey nut or walnut & maybe a few flax seeds as treats & you can't go far wrong.
Okay, where should I get them from online?
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Old 03-30-2017, 03:05 AM   #4
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Default Re: Hamster Care/Diet Plan?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lavender2311 View Post
Okay, where should I get them from online?
Hazel/Harry hamster can be ordered off of just about any general website! I personally have used Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01BH...8nL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01...qEL&ref=plSrch
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Old 03-30-2017, 10:19 AM   #5
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Default Re: Hamster Care/Diet Plan?

Where to get Harry Hamster(Hazel in the US)depends on where you live in the world!In the UK it's an extremely common food that a lot of pet shops sell,while in some places you may only be able to get it through Amazon.However in the US you can get it from Petco,Amazon yet again,Viovet(definitely good if you're ordering several things at once,not so great for very small orders),and some other international pet supply websites which are UK based.
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Old 03-30-2017, 11:26 AM   #6
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Default Re: Hamster Care/Diet Plan?

This is a good link for a starter diet plan for a young Syrian:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2bvX2vn5tw
Sort of vague, but it'll give you some good ideas.

In the end, your hamster should have around 5-10 grams and should weigh 140-180 grams.

Titania (she's a hybrid, this is just to give you some ideas) is on a very strict diet of 1 tbsp of Harry/Hazel, and 1 tsp of high-protein food (mealworms/tofu), 1 tsp of high-fiber food (oats/chia seeds, usually), and 1 tsp of veggies (she likes bell pepper) throughout the week. This is just an idea.

I think it's a good idea to have a diet plan because my last hamster was very stressed out from a sudden change in the diet. It also helps them maintain a healthy weight.
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Last edited by JLPrairie; 03-30-2017 at 12:30 PM.
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Old 03-30-2017, 11:38 AM   #7
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Default Re: Hamster Care/Diet Plan?

Tofu is a food that shouldn't be fed often.It's high protein,but in terms of bioavailability it isn't that great,and it has other health risks associated with it that are especially concerning when it is consumed frequently.It could also potentially affect how well other nutrients from different foods are absorbed(can't think of a better way to explain).

Animal based protein boosts are an essential part of the diet though.This can be freeze dried chicken,dried mealworms,dried freshwater shrimp(high protein low fat,so they can be superior at times to mealworms),etc.The best part of freeze dried chicken is that is the second most natural(compared to raw)and preserves the nutritional value of raw chicken in this case.While raw may sound disgusting or some may assume it would make an animal sick,it isn't like animals go around cooking their prey anyways nor would it harm a healthy immune system to have a bit of exposure Cooked meats,however,have less nutritional value.

For extras you want to keep it minimal.Hamsters don't have a massive requirement for fiber,so just adding a pinch of certain extras is fine rather than a full teaspoon which could easily cause an imbalance with the diet Keep extras to less than 20% of the diet,rather than feeding equal amounts of extras and the main foods.
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Old 03-30-2017, 12:28 PM   #8
JLPrairie
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Default Re: Hamster Care/Diet Plan?

I usually don't feed her tofu, mostly mealworms. That was just an example.

Hehe, just realized how strangely it was worded. I feed her one tbsp not tsp, grrr, autocorrect, of the mix, and the veggies, fiber, and protein is throughout the week.
I need to proofread more, my english teacher would be disappointed. XD
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Old 03-30-2017, 11:41 PM   #9
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Default Re: Hamster Care/Diet Plan?

Lavender2311 if you would like to know where to buy things it really helps if you give your location.

JLPrairie I wasn't sure if you meant weekly or daily? A teaspoon of mix a day is about right for a hybrid.

Amity Tofu is fine fed in small amounts as an extra, no problem with the protein, I suspect you were thinking about phytates/phytic acid which can reduce the uptake of minerals? If you're not sure about something or can't explain it maybe helpful to link to your sources.
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Old 03-31-2017, 12:24 AM   #10
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Default Re: Hamster Care/Diet Plan?

That just about covers it!I did see mention of enzymes as well though,so definitely as mentioned small amounts as an extra since it can be a healthy food if fed appropriately.

Comparison of Meat, Soy, Whey, Dairy, and Vegan Types of Protein

However,it does seem to lean towards fermented soy protein better with the issue of enzyme inhibition.It isn't the most nutritious of all though,and there are protein sources which would be better utilized,so I don't think it's the best to rely on for boosting protein when there are some better choices.
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