Click to Skip Ahead
Hamsters are one of the most common pets in the United States, as they’re small, low-maintenance, and fairly inexpensive. They’re also unbelievably adorable. However, that doesn’t mean that the proper way to care for them is as well-known as it is for cats or dogs. Many people don’t have the first clue what hamsters eat, for example.
Before bringing a hamster home, it’s essential to research their dietary needs to ensure they receive proper nutrition. Here is a detailed guide to what these small companions require to stay healthy and thrive.
The Hamster Diet: An Overview
Contrary to popular belief, hamsters aren’t vegetarians. They’re actually omnivores, which means that they enjoy the occasional bite of meat. However, the bulk of their diet should still come in the form of grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Balance is the key, as you don’t want to overdo it with any one food. Hamsters are known for eating anything they can get their grubby little paws on, so restricting them to one particular food is a recipe for disaster.
One good thing about hamsters is that they won’t overeat, so you can leave food out at all times (note: this does not mean that they can’t become overweight, just that they won’t gorge themselves). It may seem like the food’s disappearing faster than they could be eating it, though, and there’s a good reason for that—they’re hoarding.
Let’s Talk About Hoarding
You may think that hoarding is a negative behavior; after all, you’re providing your hamster with plenty of food, so why do they feel the need to stash emergency rations all over their cage?
The fact is that this behavior is baked into their DNA, and you can’t change it, no matter how much you argue with them. Hamsters actually get extremely stressed if they’re not allowed to hoard, so you should act like you don’t know about their secret stash under the bed. However, it’s important to monitor their stash for spoiled or moldy food, as this can lead to health problems.
Instead of discouraging your hamster from hoarding, you can try to make feeding fun for them. Hide food around their cage and in paper boxes so they’ll have something to forage for. This is an excellent way to provide enrichment and may contribute to their feeling of security, like saving away more money for retirement. However, it is crucial to closely monitor their food. It’s better to provide measured portions of fresh food daily and regularly check their habitat for hidden food caches.
What Hamsters Eat
1. Pellets
Hamster pellets are little chunks of compressed hay, barley, oats, and other grains, with possibly a few other ingredients mixed in. They should serve as the bulk of your hamster’s diet, as they’re full of fiber and other essential nutrients. Pellets should make up the majority of a hamster’s diet, typically around 75-80%, as they provide a nutritionally balanced and complete food source. it is recommended to supplement their diet with small amounts of fresh vegetables, fruits, and occasional protein sources like cooked egg or mealworms for variety and enrichment.
Look for pellets specifically labeled for hamsters, as those for other rodents (like guinea pigs or rabbits) may lack the necessary nutrients or contain ingredients harmful to hamsters. You must also be careful to avoid pellets that have dyes and other additives that give them bright colors; just remember that those chemicals are added to make the food look better to you, not your pet.
Offer only the recommended daily portion size based on your hamster’s species and weight. Most hamsters eat between 1-2 tablespoons of pellets per day. And remember to regularly check for hoarded pellets in the cage to prevent spoilage or contamination.
2. Fresh Vegetables
Hamsters love fresh veggies, especially leafy green ones. Romaine lettuce is one of the best options, as it’s full of vitamins and antioxidants. Avoid the iceberg, though, as too much water can give hamsters diarrhea. You can also give your hamster broccoli, spinach, artichokes, carrots, cabbage, asparagus, zucchini, and bok choy. Keep in mind that certain vegetables are toxic to hamsters. Never feed them onion, garlic, leek, chives, rhubarb, raw potatoes, tomato leaves or stems, or unripe tomatoes.
It’s important to wash the veggies thoroughly before giving them to your pet, as you want to remove any lingering traces of pesticide or herbicide. While it’s extremely unlikely that there’d be enough chemicals on them to hurt you, your hamster is much more delicate.
Keep in mind that vegetables should be fed in small amounts (a thumbnail-sized portion per day is usually enough) to avoid overloading their digestive system and causing loose stools. It is also important to remember that any uneaten vegetables should be removed from the cage within a few hours to prevent spoilage and mold, which can make your hamster sick.
3. Fresh Fruits
Fruits are nutritious, but they’re also full of sugar, so they should be given sparingly. Use them as treats more than dietary staples.
Hamsters love apples (without skin or seeds), strawberries, bananas, and pears. Be careful not to give them anything too juicy, as again, excess water can lead to diarrhea. It’s a good idea to avoid citrus fruits as well, as their high acidity can cause digestive issues.
Just like with vegetables, you should wash the fruit thoroughly before serving it. Also, pick up any food that hasn’t been eaten within 24 hours. A pea-sized piece of fruit, once or twice a week, is plenty to satisfy their nutritional needs and keep them happy.
4. Meat
Including meat in your hamster’s diet is important, as they are omnivores and require protein; they would consume small insects or animal matter in the wild. Safe protein options include hard-boiled eggs, mealworms, crickets, and small amounts of cooked, unseasoned chicken, turkey, or beef. These can be offered in moderation to support their dietary needs. Protein should make up about 15-20% of their overall diet, and these foods can be offered in moderation, typically once or twice a week.
Be cautious about the source of insects, ensuring they are pesticide-free and safe for your hamster. Avoid feeding anything that could harm them, such as aggressive bugs, and always cook meat thoroughly without seasoning or additives. A small portion, like a pea-sized piece of meat or a single insect, once or twice a week is sufficient. By providing safe and appropriate protein sources, you can help ensure your hamster’s health and happiness.
5. Timothy Hay
Timothy hay is a grassy hay that is rich in fiber and can be a beneficial supplement to your hamster’s environment and diet. While it can help with dental health by providing something for your hamster to gnaw on, wooden blocks and chew toys are generally more effective for wearing down their continuously growing teeth.
Although some hamsters may enjoy nibbling on hay, it’s not a dietary necessity for them like it is for herbivores such as rabbits. Hay can also be used as part of their bedding for enrichment, but it should not replace soft, absorbent materials designed for burrowing and nesting. Always ensure the hay stays dry and remove any wet or soiled portions daily to prevent mold growth
6. Seeds
Seeds can be a beneficial addition to your hamster’s diet when offered in moderation. They are a natural part of a hamster’s diet in the wild and provide essential nutrients like healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. However, it’s important to ensure that seeds are given appropriately to avoid health issues such as obesity.
Seeds like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and omega fatty acids, which contribute to a hamster’s skin, coat, and overall health. Remember that seeds are calorie-dense and should make up only a small part of the diet, typically less than 10%.
Stick to unsalted, raw, and unseasoned seeds. Avoid seeds from fruits like apples and cherries, as they are toxic to hamsters. Try to incorporate a variety of seed types, as it is important to provide different nutrients to your hamster.
Please Be Aware of Muesli Mixes
Muesli-style mixes are a popular option found alongside hamster pellets in pet stores. They look appealing and often seem more exciting than plain pellets, which might tempt you to choose them as the main food source. However, muesli mixes come with potential downsides. Many include sugary treats alongside healthier ingredients, and hamsters often selectively eat the sugary bits while ignoring the healthier grains and vegetables. This behavior, known as selective feeding, deprives them of essential nutrients and can lead to obesity, dental problems, and other health issues.
If you choose to include muesli in your hamster’s diet, it’s important to use it as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. Look for high-quality mixes with healthy ingredients such as whole grains, seeds, and dried vegetables while avoiding those with added sugars, artificial colors, or candy-like treats. A good muesli mix should have a protein content of 15-20%, fiber at 5-10%, and fat content below 7-9%. Even with a balanced mix, muesli should never make up more than a small part of your hamster’s overall diet, which should primarily consist of pellets (75-80%).
Offering muesli sparingly can add variety and enrichment to your hamster’s meals while avoiding the risks of over-reliance on these mixes. Always monitor your hamster’s eating habits to ensure they aren’t selectively feeding, and remove uneaten portions to prevent spoilage. Combining careful use of muesli with a balanced diet of pellets, fresh vegetables, occasional fruits, and protein ensures your hamster stays healthy and happy.
What You Should Never Feed Your Hamster
Knowing what foods to avoid giving your pet is almost as important as knowing what foods they should eat. Most toxic hamster foods are fairly obvious: Chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol are all bad ideas (yes, even if the hamster is on spring break). However, others might not be quite as self-evident.
Don’t give them any raw meat (except insects), and avoid raw beans and potatoes. Acorns, peanuts, onions, tomatoes, and garlic are all no-nos as well.
Another hazard to be aware of is any food with sharp edges. Remember that hamsters will often store food in their cheek pouches for hours at a time, so you don’t want to give them anything that could poke them.
The Perfect Hamster Diet
Hamsters need a varied diet, but that doesn’t mean feeding them is hard. All you have to do is find high-quality pellets and go from there.
Luckily, hamsters aren’t picky, so you should be able to find a variety of foods your pet will happily gobble down. Now, if you could only get your kids to be so adventurous!
See also:
Featured Image Credit: Peakpx
