Homemade blocks with oat bran?

[ScrappyDo]

Rose doesn't like wheat. I got desperate when she had a uti and made a boo ball type block with Henry's vitamins, Henry's protein, and instead of wheat, I used oat bran and formed it with a little water. She will only eat it raw, however, I probably can cook the oat bran then mix with the rest. Since she eats mostly vegetables, it seems to keep her ph balanced. She will be getting different sprouts added to her diet soon. Thoughts on oat bran vs wheat?

[Diggie's Friend]

According to the USDA, wheat bran is a very high source of oxalates, oats bran is medium high, and hulled oats are low. Hulled oats also are gluten free.

Oats both kernel and bran contain a healthy compound known as beta-glucans, which coats the lining of the intestines and slow the absorption of sugars in the gut.

Beta-glucans supports the immune system, and lowers cholesterol, and supports keeping blood sugar level, provides fiber, and gives a feeling of fullness.

In the wild squirrels also consume fungi, which also contains Beta-glucans; in this we know this is a natural source of health for tree squirrels.

Beta-glucan is also sticky, which is why when moistened hulled oats can work with a boo ball recipe. There is a glue that is made from this source also.

https://www.breadbeckers.com/blog/the-beta-glucans-of-barley-and-oats/

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/beta-glucans-uses-and-risks#1

https://fiberfacts.org/oat-beta-glucan-soluble-fiber/

[astra]

oat bran is fine and, as far as I remember, was even suggested as a substitute for wheat bran in a homemade HHB recipe. Many squirrels also like oats (but you want the good, least-processed old fashioned ones, not the highly processed quick-cooking stuff). You can give them raw - in a little dish ( a couple of tbs, maybe - depending on her volume) as a treat/separate meal AFTER HHBs have been eaten, of course (HHBs are priority always). Cooking is optional. If the she likes her oats raw - all the better.

[astra]

oat bran is fine and, as far as I remember, was even suggested as a substitute for wheat bran in a homemade HHB recipe. Many squirrels also like oats (but you want the good, least-processed old fashioned ones, not the highly processed quick-cooking stuff). You can give them raw - in a little dish ( a couple of tbs, maybe - depending on her volume) as a treat/separate meal AFTER HHBs have been eaten, of course (HHBs are priority always). Cooking is optional. If the she likes her oats raw - all the better.

to make it clear: when I talk about some raw oats in a dish, that's dry oats (no need to moisten them or cook).

[dr3am]

My Deisel loves to be handed regular oatmeal :grin as a treat...if I place them in his cage he has no interest, but if I hand him them, one at a time...he will eat every one.