Oxbow Animal Health Healthy Handfuls Dry Hamster And Gerbil Fortified Small Animal Feeds 454gm

Oxbow Animal Health Healthy Handfuls Dry Hamster & Gerbil Fortified Small Animal Feed, 454 g (approximately 1 lb) — based on available product information and standard formulations:

Product Overview

• Brand: Oxbow Animal Health

• Product line: Healthy Handfuls / Fortified Small Animal Feeds

• Intended for: Hamsters and gerbils (small rodents)

• Net weight: 454 g (1 lb) 

• Form: Uniform pellet / kibble (i.e., not a mixed seed “muesli”)

• “Fortified” (i.e. enriched with vitamins & minerals) 

Purpose & Benefits

• Delivers a complete, balanced diet in each bite / pellet — reducing selective feeding (i.e., animals picking only favorite bits and ignoring other nutrients) 

• No seeds, high‑sugar fruits, or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors included (as per Oxbow’s “fortified feeds” philosophy) 

• Helps support digestive function, dental health, and overall nutrition with fiber, vitamins, and minerals (as typical for Oxbow’s small animal formulations) 

• Provides essential macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates) to support energy needs 

Ingredients & Guaranteed Analysis

Sample Ingredients

(Some variation may occur depending on batch or regional formulation, but here is a commonly cited formulation.) 

Typical ingredients include:

• Timothy meal / hay

• Rolled barley

• Oat groats

• Canola meal

• Millet

• Canola oil

• Wheat gluten

• Calcium carbonate

• Salt

• Brewer’s dried yeast

• Mixed tocopherols (as a preservative)

• Choline chloride

• Chelated minerals (zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, etc.)

• Vitamin and mineral premix (vitamin A, D3, E, B-complex, folic acid, etc.)

• Rosemary extract (natural antioxidant)

Analytical / Guaranteed Nutrient Values

Here is a representative guaranteed analysis (values are “minimum” or “maximum” as specified):

Note: “EveryBite” style formulations aim to maintain uniform nutrient distribution so that each pellet provides a balanced mix. 

Feeding Instructions & Use

• Young / Pregnant / Nursing animals (under ~6 months): feed unlimited (i.e. ad libitum) during growth or nursing periods. 

• Adult hamsters / gerbils (over ~6 months):
   - Small hamsters: ~ ⅛ cup per day 
   - Larger hamsters / gerbils: ~ ⅓ cup per day

• Offer occasional small amounts of fresh vegetables or fruits (safe types) as treats (not large amounts, to avoid digestive upset)  

• Provide fresh hay (timothy or orchard grass) for foraging, nesting, and enrichment (even though this feed is “complete,” hay still offers behavioral and physical benefits.

• Transitioning from another feed: gradually mix increasing ratios of the new feed over ~3–4 weeks (e.g. week 1: ¼ new + ¾ old, week 2: ½ + ½, etc.)

Cautions / Considerations

• Although the label states “fortified” and “complete,” some owners and experts argue that no single pellet feed is perfect for all animals; variety (with safe supplements) can help ensure wide nutritional coverage.

• As with all feeds, store in a cool, dry place, seal the bag to maintain freshness, and avoid exposure to moisture or pests.

• If your hamster or gerbil has a special health condition or dietary need, check with an exotic-animal veterinarian to confirm that this feed is suitable or whether modifications are necessary.

• Monitor body condition: if the animal seems to gain too much weight or lose weight, adjust portions accordingly.