Basic Hamster Nutrition

[WorldofHamsters]

I read this post about GA and while some of it doesn’t really apply to hamsters such as wet/dry matter, I found it interesting how they said that for fat the pet food companies list the minimum amount. Since many people get concerned about too much fat, but in reality if you’re feeding a commercial food with like 7-9% it could be a bit higher. https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2020/12/ ... mN37TMJq14

[Hammie]

Nutrition breakdown:
Pet food in most countries is given in macronutrients of Protein content, Fat content, and Fiber content. This is because most commercial pet foods use leftover ingredients from human foods, and they do not calculate micronutrients and nothing else is required by law. No one knows the exact perfect nutritional breakdown for a hamster or even if there is one. Currently, the generally accepted range is between 16%-20% protein, 6%-12% fat, and 10%-15% fiber in adult hamsters. With hamsters that have higher growth needs, such as young hamsters (under 6 months) or pregnant or nursing hamsters, the protein needs increase to a range of 18%-24%.

I have a question regarding the overlap protein numbers 18 - 20 percent protein that is shared between the young hamsters and the adult hamsters.

It would certainly be easier to figure one way for both young and adult hamsters especially if one doesn't know the exact age of the hamster so I wanted to make sure that it would be okay to use the overlap protein numbers?

[Kikya]

Nutrition breakdown:
Pet food in most countries is given in macronutrients of Protein content, Fat content, and Fiber content. This is because most commercial pet foods use leftover ingredients from human foods, and they do not calculate micronutrients and nothing else is required by law. No one knows the exact perfect nutritional breakdown for a hamster or even if there is one. Currently, the generally accepted range is between 16%-20% protein, 6%-12% fat, and 10%-15% fiber in adult hamsters. With hamsters that have higher growth needs, such as young hamsters (under 6 months) or pregnant or nursing hamsters, the protein needs increase to a range of 18%-24%.

I have a question regarding the overlap protein numbers 18 - 20 percent protein that is shared between the young hamsters and the adult hamsters.

It would certainly be easier to figure one way for both young and adult hamsters especially if one doesn't know the exact age of the hamster so I wanted to make sure that it would be okay to use the overlap protein numbers?

It's fine to give a hamster around 20% protein. The main reason young hamsters have a slightly higher rate is because of rapid growth, but they aren't going to be stunted if you give them 20 vs 22%. If you see them being ravenously hungry, I would say up the protein a little and see if that helps.