Quality Hamster Pellet Mix?

[CavyLuver516]

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a hamster pellet mix brand that is
top-notch quality? I am currently feeding Vitakraft Premium Menu for Hamsters - it has lot's of variety, though I'm realizing it doesn't seem very healthy. Vitakraft Hamster Menu - Food - Small Pet - PetSmart
Also, this Hazel Hamster Food seems like a great quality hamster food - should I switch? Supreme Pet Foods Hazel Hamster Food - Food - Small Pet - PetSmart

Thanks! (PS: sorry if this is posted in the wrong section!)

[Skeetersmom]

I think Mazuri Hamster Blocks and fresh veggies are better to feed my hamster.

[Paula]

Oxbow Animal Health | Healthy Handfuls

[rabbitsncavyluv]

The Hazel one is supposed to be the best commercial one but making your own plus lab blocks are usually best.

The hamster people don't like oxbow's formula for some reason, even prefering Kaytee.

[CavyLuver516]

Paula.m.moore: Do you know where I can get Healthy Handfuls?

I'll look into making my own hamster diet, Rabbitsncavyluv. Thanks!

[Paula]

I know a lot of the local pet stores in my area that carry the Oxbow formula for guinea pigs and rabbits also have this formula too, so you'd have to check around.

If there's something better, like the Hazel brand or even mixing your own like rncl suggests, I'd go with that. Especially if what's better is also easier to find.

[CavyLuver516]

I was looking at the ingridients in Mazuri blocks and they contain salt and cane molasses - are these healthy? I was thinking they were thing to stay away from...

[CavyLuver516]

Our petstores do not carry Oxbow Healthy Handfuls, so that's not an option...

[fieryone]

I've also heard that the Oxbow hamster food isn't all that great. Their description alone on their site makes me a little leary as I was under the impression that hamsters aren't supposed to have hay (???). I'm not sure if it's good or bad to have as a pellet ingredient, but a hamster shouldn't be served hay for enrichment or anything else. It could get stuck in their cheek pouches. Also hamsters need seeds and such. It's part of their natural diet.

Healthy Handfuls
Hamsters and gerbils love this blend of timothy hay, oats and barley. Healthy Handfuls is a complete, stabilized feed with optimally balanced nutrients that help maintain proper nutrition, weight, digestive function, dental health and quality of life for active pocket pets. It includes a high level of fiber for digestive mobility. It does not include seeds, high-sugar fruits, or artificial preservatives, colors and flavors. Healthy Handfuls is not intended for gestating or lactating females. Serve with Oxbow hays to encourage foraging and provide enrichment.

My dwarf hamster died a little over a year ago, but I have also heard that Hazel is good and I believe that Harry Hamster is one of the best as well. Someone can correct me if I've heard incorrectly, obviously.

[CavyLuver516]

Hamsters can eat hay as long as it's soft, like the leaf part instead of the stem. They don't need it though.

[fieryone]

Originally Posted by CavyLuver516

Hamsters can eat hay as long as it's soft, like the leaf part instead of the stem. They don't need it though.

In my reading last night to see if I remembered wrong about hay I did see that. I think it would worry me to give them actual hay, but I guess that means that hay as a pellet ingredient is okay. But I would still stick to a quality mix that has seeds, etc.

[Ly&Pigs]

Harry/Hazel hamster food is what I've used and recommend.

Hammies don't need hay as any small pokey bits of hay can cause abscesses in the cheek pouches.