A hamster's diet is important to maintain its health and well-being. It is important to provide your hamster with a balanced and varied diet to help it grow and stay healthy. There are many foods available for hamsters, including pellets, jelly foods, flakes, jelly foods and paste foods.
What does a hamster eat?
Hamsters are omnivorous animalswhich means that they feed on both meat and vegetables. Adult hamsters need a balanced and varied diet to stay healthy. The essential foods in their diet are :
- whole foods
- fresh vegetables
- fruit
Whole foods
They contain all the nutrients hamsters need to stay healthy and are sold in pet shops . It is important to choose a quality complete food to ensure a good nutritional balance. Whole foods for hamsters should be rich in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They should be kept in a cool, dry place.
Fresh vegetables
Fresh vegetables should be present at every meal. They should be cut into small pieces so that hamsters can eat them easily.
Hamsters are particularly fond of :
- carrots
- zucchini
- spinach
- peppers
- tomatoes
Fresh fruit
Fruits should be cut into small pieces or crushed. These small rodents are particularly fond of :
- apples
- bananas
- strawberries
- blueberries
Fresh vegetables and fruit provide hamsters with the vitamins and minerals they need. They should be kept refrigerated but not served too cold.
And the seeds?
In addition to the main diet, hamsters also need a source of calcium. Dry bones, nuts and seeds are all excellent for hamsters. Dry bones and nuts should be fed in small amounts, as they are high in calories. Seeds can be given more frequently, but should be limited as they can easily cause weight problems.
What not to feed to a hamster
Hamsters can eat most fruits, but there are some exceptions. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits, are toxic to hamsters, so they should not be given them.
Also avoid giving him potato sprouts or beans, chocolate (of course!) or even bread. The avocado, too fatty is also to be proscribed.
As for fruit, sweet fruits, such as grapes, bananas and apples, should be given in small quantities as they can cause health problems.
My hamster is sick: what should he eat?
It's not always easy to know what to feed a sick hamster. Here are some tips to help you care for your hamster when it is sick.
First of all, it is important to know that hamsters are very sensitive to changes in diet. It's important not to change their diet abruptly, but to do so gradually. If your hamster needs a special diet, talk to your vet first.
In case of illness, it is important to give your hamster a high-calorie, high-protein diet. Foods high in calories and protein will help your hamster recover faster. Foods you can give your sick hamster include greens, fruits, grains, nuts and seeds.
It is also important to ensure that your hamster has enough to drink. They need a lot of water, especially if they are sick. Make sure your hamster always has fresh, clean water available.
Finally, don't forget that hamsters are nocturnal animals. This means that they sleep during the day and are active at night. It is important to leave them alone during the day so that they can rest and recover.
Practical advice on feeding hamsters
Feeding your hamster correctly is crucial for its health and well-being. Here are some practical tips for feeding your hamster. It is important to respect the following proportions when feeding your hamster:
- 60% of cereals
- 30% of vegetables
- 10% of fruit
Cereals must be whole and unprocessed. Vegetables should be fresh and uncooked and fruits should be fresh and eaten in moderation.
Foods to avoid are ;
- fatty foods
- sweet foods
- salty foods
- processed foods
To make the food available, it is recommended to present it in a bowl or jar. It is important to clean regularly the bowl or jar to avoid the proliferation of bacteria.
For a hamster, a balanced diet is crucial. It is important to provide your hamster with a variety of foods to give it the vitamins and minerals it needs.