Alfalfa (pellet)

Alfalfa pellets are naturally rich in fibre, protein, b-carotene (pro-vitamin A) and vitamin E, calcium and linoleic acid. Alfalfa also contains some fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), reported to promote numbers of beneficial bacteria within the gut.

Extrusions

The orange crescents are wheat extrusions. Wheat is rich in starch, phosphorus and contains moderate levels of protein. These extrusions contain oat feed (rich in fibre) and linseed oil (valuable source of linolenic acid - see linseed). The orange discs are also wheat extrusions, but contain wheat feed (rich in fibre and short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)) as well as oat feed. These contain soya oil (see soya), a source of linoleic acid and vitamin and mineral supplement tailor-made to suit the hamster. The third and final extrusion appearing in Harry is a green cylindrical extrusion. These contain essentially the same ingredients as the orange discs, apart from the soya oil and vitamin supplement. Their appearance differs from the others as the process is different – expansion extrusion.

Field Beans (flaked)

Beans are a good source of protein (high in lysine, but relatively low in methionine, cysteine), starch and phosphorus. flaking improves their digestibility.

Linseed (lozenges)

Linseed is grown for its oil. Once the oil is extracted from the seed the remaining meal is pressed to form a cake or lozenge. Linseed lozenges have quite high oil levels, which is rich in linolenic acid (C18:3; w-3), reported to give bloom in coats. Linseed is also relatively rich in phosphorus.

Maize (whole, flaked)

Maize has the highest energy content of most cereals. It is rich in oil and starch but relatively low in minerals and poor in protein quality. The digestibility of maize is improved by the flaking process.

Oats (naked)