Hamster Food

A balanced hamster food diet, full of variety and nutrition, can help to reduce illnesses in hamsters caused by nutritional deficiencies. Fruits and vegetables must be fed in moderation to avoid digestive upset, and certain types of foods should never be given to hamsters.

Commercial Hamster Mix

A commercial hamster mix should be the bulk of your hamster’s food diet. When you purchase the mix, make sure that it is formulated specifically for hamsters only. Before feeding your hamster any new mix bag, always check the bag for freshness, expiration date and any signs of mold or insect infestation.

Your hamster should be given a small amount of the mix every day in a hamster approved bowl. Sprinkle enough of the mix in the bowl to just cover the bottom of the bowl – and change the mix out daily to keep the hamster food fresh and healthy.

If your hamster seems to be eating just a few parts of the hamster mix, supplement the mix with hamster pellets to ensure your hamster is eating a balanced diet.

Approved Hamster Treats

Two to three times a week, (no more or your hamster can get diarrhea), add a small amount of fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts to your hamster’s mix. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be diced in small portions – with all seeds removed - and larger nuts should be crushed so they do not injure your hamster’s cheek pouches.

When you add these treats to your hamster’s diet, keep them to a minimum and only add a few varieties at a time. Remove any leftovers after 24 hours.

• Vegetables: spinach, carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, peas, corn

• Fruits: apple, banana, plum, grape, pear, blackberry, mango, papaya, peach

• Nuts and Seeds: sunflower seeds, millet seeds, safflower seeds, peanuts, walnuts

Foods to Avoid

The following foods should never be a part of a hamster food diet as they can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, allergic reactions and even death.

• Junk food, any foods with sugar and chocolates of all kinds

• Garlic

• Onions

• Rhubarb

• Raw kidney beans

• Fruits which contain citrus such as oranges and lemons

• Raw potato

• Foods which contain oils