The hamster’s diet is important for maintaining its health and well-being. Your hamster needs a balanced and varied diet to allow it to develop and stay healthy. There are many foods available for hamsters, including pellets, jelly foods, flaked foods, gel foods, and paste foods.
What does a hamster eat?
Hamsters are omnivorous animals, which means they eat both meat and plants. Adult hamsters need a balanced and varied diet to remain healthy. The essential foods for their diet are:
- complete foods
- fresh vegetables
- fruits
Complete foods
They contain all the nutrients that hamsters need to stay healthy and are sold in pet stores. Provide your hamster with quality complete foods to ensure a good nutritional balance. Complete foods for hamsters should be rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Fresh vegetables
Fresh vegetables should be included in every meal for your pet. They should be cut into small pieces so that hamsters can easily eat them.
Hamsters particularly enjoy:
- carrots
- zucchini
- spinach
- bell peppers
- tomatoes
Fresh fruits
Fruits should be cut into small pieces or mashed. The following are particularly enjoyed by these small rodents:
- apples
- bananas
- strawberries
- blueberries
Fresh vegetables and fruits provide hamsters with the vitamins and minerals they need. They should be stored in the refrigerator but not served too cold.
And the seeds?
In addition to the main diet, hamsters also need a source of calcium. Cuttlefish bones, nuts, and seeds are all great for hamsters. Cuttlefish bones and nuts should be given 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 a hamster
Hamsters can eat most fruits, but there are a few exceptions. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are toxic to hamsters, so they should not be given to them.
Avoid giving them potato sprouts or beans, chocolate (of course!), or bread. Avocado, which is too fatty, should also be avoided.
Regarding fruits, sweet fruits like grapes, bananas, and apples should be given in small quantities as they can cause health problems.
My hamster is sick: what should it eat?
It’s not always easy to know what foods to give a sick hamster. Here are some tips to help you take care of your hamster when it is ill.
First, be aware that hamsters are very sensitive to changes in diet. Therefore, it is important not to abruptly change their diet, but to do so gradually. If your hamster needs a special diet, talk to your veterinarian first.
In case of illness, give your hamster a diet rich in calories and protein. Foods high in calories and protein will help your hamster recover more quickly. Foods you can give to your sick hamster include green vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds.
It is also important to ensure that your hamster has sufficient water. Indeed, they need a significant water intake, especially if they are sick. Make sure your hamster always has fresh, clean water available.
Finally, remember that hamsters are nocturnal animals. This means they sleep during the day and are active at night. Therefore, it is important to let them rest during the day so they can recuperate.
Practical tips on hamster feeding
Properly feeding your hamster is crucial for its health and well-being. Here are some practical tips for hamster feeding. Observe the following proportions in your hamster’s diet:
- 60% grains
- 30% vegetables
- 10% fruits
The grains should be whole and unprocessed. The vegetables should be fresh and uncooked, and the fruits should be fresh and given in moderation.
Foods to avoid include:
- fatty foods
- sweet foods
- salty foods
- processed foods
To provide the food, it is recommended to present it in a bowl or jar. Regularly clean the bowl or jar to prevent the proliferation of bacteria.
For a hamster, a balanced diet is crucial. Give them a variety of food to provide the vitamins and minerals they need.