Pollen as treat

[RescuedOne]

Hi All,

Zelda wanted me to share that one of her favorite things is a few grains of bee pollen in her food dish (we keep pellets there and let her forage for fresh, millet and mealworms). If I have just stocked her enclosure with foods, she will go and eat the pollen before she looks for anything else. A few grains 1-2 times/week may be a nutritious addition to a hammie diet?
This science article reviews the nutritional breakdown of pollen https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ar...rding to the latest National,%, β-carotene, 0

 

[Maz]

Thank you Zelda That is really interesting. I think @elusive used to give bee pollen to her last Chinese Hamster, Zak There's another article here that says it's thought to reduce neuro inflammation, so could be helpful possibly for hamsters with neurological issues.

Bee pollen and propolis improve neuroinflammation and dysbiosis induced by propionic acid, a short chain fatty acid in a rodent model of autism

Neuroinflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of autism because the cytokine levels are typically disturbed in the brain in autistic patients. Prebiotics-rich diet maintains the healthy gut microbiota and hence can regulate the neuroinflammation ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[elusive]

Bee pollen has so many benefits, it’s great that Zelda enjoys it, I’ve found some hams like it & others aren’t so keen but it’s definitely a healthy treat for them.

 

[Daisy]

I haven't come across bee pollen as a food before, so this is good to know. Where do you buy it from?

 

[elusive]

You may be able to buy it in health food shops but I’m not sure as I always bought mine online.
It comes in granular form which is it’s natural form or a powdered form which is generally better absorbed but both are fine.
If you google it you’ll find quite a few places selling it, rat rations usually have it if you’re buying from there.
I buy mine from buzzard reptiles mainly because I use a lot & they sell larger amounts at a good price & the quality is good too.

Bee Pollen Powder - Buzzard Reptile & Aquatics

Bee Pollen Powder is an ideal natural supplement for reptiles, offering a wide range of health benefits as well as being packed with vitamins and minerals

buzzardreptile.co.uk