what to feed a dwarf hamster

1. Feed your dwarf hamster commercial hamster food. Dwarf hamsters have a similar diet to other hamster varieties.
2. Give your hamster fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables add extra nutrition as well as variety to your hamster’s diet.
3. Include a good protein source in your dwarf hamster’s diet. Protein is an important nutrient for your dwarf hamster.
4. Add fiber to your dwarf hamster’s diet. Natural sources of fiber, such as timothy hay and alfalfa hay, are good sources of fiber.
Feed your dwarf hamster hard treats once a week. Hard treats help your dwarf hamster keep his incisors filed down, which is good for his overall dental hygiene.
Provide your dwarf hamster with fresh water. Water is just as important to your dwarf hamster’s diet as food.
Learn which foods you should not feed your dwarf hamster. ...

Full Answer

What vegetables are best for a dwarf hamster?

• Leafy vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, bok choy, and lettuce
• Kale, swiss chard, dandelion leaves, broccoli
• Cauliflower, cucumbers, zucchini, asparagus
• Celery, carrots, squash
• Radicchio, bell peppers, parsnips
• Sweet potatoes, cooked potatoes, hay, squash
• Melon, figs, parsley, turnip, green beans, etc.

What fresh food can you give dwarf hamsters?

Hamster’s love a fresh treat from time to time. Fruit and veg are part of a balanced diet and should always be provided. Natural foods like seeds and nuts are also very healthy and good food mixes will incorporate these into their recipe. List of the best fruits for a dwarf hamster: Apple (no seeds) Banana.

What is the best food for dwarf hamsters?

List of the best vegetables for a dwarf hamster:

• Asparagus
• Basil
• Bean sprouts
• Bell pepper
• Broccoli
• Carrot
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Choy sum
• Clover

More items...

How much should I Feed my dwarf hamster?

Part 2 Part 2 of 2: Feeding Your Dwarf Hamster Download Article

1. Select the proper food bowl for your dwarf hamster. The ideal food bowl for your dwarf hamster is small and ceramic.
2. Feed your dwarf hamster at the same time each day. There is some debate as to whether hamsters should be fed in the morning of evening.
3. Observe your dwarf hamster's eating habits. ...
4. Do not overfeed your dwarf hamster. ...

More items...

What is good food for dwarf hamsters?

Green leafy Romaine or other lettuces are ideal, as well as spinach leaves. Broccoli, cauliflower and kale are crunchy additions to his diet. Other examples of healthy vegetables include cucumbers, celery, red and green peppers, bok choy and sweet potatoes. Beans and legumes are also an acceptable treat.

How much should I feed my dwarf hamster?

He will only need about one tablespoon of hamster food each day, plus the occasional treat and fresh food. While a tablespoon of food might look like a lot compared to these tiny creatures, dwarf hamsters actually have very fast metabolisms and can eat the same amount as their larger cousins.

What fruits and vegetables can dwarf hamsters eat?

Fresh (rinsed with water) veggies are good, and examples include carrots, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, romaine lettuce, spinach and other greens. Fresh fruits (rinsed in water) are good too, such as apples, pears, bananas, grapes and most berries.

What fruit can a dwarf hamster eat?

Fruits ˇ Hamsters love apples, pears, strawberries, blueberries, grapes and bananas. Fruit should be offered in moderation, as a supplement to their regular pelleted diet. Remove any vegetables or fruits that are not eaten within 10-12 hours so they don't spoil.

Do dwarf hamsters get lonely?

It's tempting to bring home more than one hamster to keep just one from being lonely; but the reality is hamsters are solitary animals. Dwarf hamsters can be exceptions, but you have to monitor carefully. Having more than one hamster in a cage is often a recipe for trouble.

What is a hamsters favorite food?

Hamsters enjoy leafy greens such as dandelions and clover, and fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, carrots and cabbage.

What do dwarf hamsters like to play with?

What Do Hamsters Like to Play With?Exercise Wheel. Hamsters love to run on exercise wheels. ... Chew Toys. Chew toys serve dual purposes: they provide amusement, but they also provide a surface for your hamster to gnaw on. ... Tunnels. Tunnels are a great source of amusement and exercise for hamsters. ... Hamster Balls.

What do dwarf hamsters need in their cage?

Dwarf hamsters need a cage with plenty of space, appropriate bedding and fun toys. They need feeding with complete hamster mix once a day, as well as fresh water daily. They need handling with care and cleaning out at least once a week.

What can hamsters drink?

Hamsters should only drink water. Water provides them with all they need to survive and stay hydrated, and there really is no other substitute. Whether you give your hamster tap water or filtered bottled water depends on the quality of the tap water where you live.

Do dwarf hamsters get their period?

Hamsters don't have a menstrual period in the same way women do, but you may notice a discharge during your pet's predictable, four-day reproductive cycle.

Can I give my hamster banana?

Bananas are not toxic for hamsters, and they can have bananas in moderation. However, the key word here is definitely “moderation.” Hamsters are very small animals, and they shouldn't be gorging themselves on any food. For a healthy hamster diet, they should only have good foods in small amounts.

Can I feed my hamster cheese?

Many hamsters love the taste of cheese, but its high fat and sodium content is not especially healthy for hamsters. If your hamster enjoys cheese and seems to tolerate it well, you can offer it occasionally in small amounts. Hamsters should get no more than a pea-sized amount of cheese just once or twice a week.

How much should I feed my hamster a day?

The amount that you feed your hamster largely depends on their weight and age, but in general, a hamster will eat around 2 tablespoons of food mix per day. Smaller hamsters, such as Dwarf varieties, will only need around 1 tablespoon per day.

How much food should a hamster eat?

Good quality food and fresh, clean water must be readily available at all times. Hamsters eat 12 grams (about 1 tablespoon) of food daily mostly at night. Be observant of your hamster food intake they often hoard food in a corner. Carefully select commercial pellets that contain 15-20% protein.

Can you overfeed a hamster?

In the wild, a hamster can be quite a pest, hiding up to 60 pounds of grain in underground stores for winter. While a hamster with his cheeks full may be hard to resist, try to avoid overfeeding your hamster. The food he stores may soon become moldy if he urinates on it to mark it as his own.

How many times should a hamster eat a day?

Feeding Your Hamster. Feed your hamster once per day in either the morning or evening. Specialists differ as to whether it is better to feed your hamster in the morning or evening. It is important, however, that hamsters eat regularly.

What is the best food for a dwarf hamster?

Here are some of the best options when it comes to hamster food that’s best for dwarf hamsters: Kaytee Fiesta Hamster Food – this food mix is actually great for both dwarf hamsters and larger Syrian hamsters. It has natural veggies and fruits to add some variety and improve the nutrient content of the mix.

What to feed a hamster?

Provide your hamster with different types of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds on a daily basis. Don’t fear to reduce the sizes of your hamster’s meals if you notice that it’s gaining a lot of weight, as you don’t want it to become too fat. When you’re feeding your hamster, it’s best to use a food bowl.

What do hamsters eat?

It’s also important to add fiber to your hamster’s diet. Natural sources of fiber, such as timothy hay and alfalfa hay, are good sources of fiber. Another thing that you should know is that Syrian hamsters and dwarf hamsters absolutely love insects, and you should feed them (not all insects) if you can.

How long can a hamster live without food?

Know that hamsters can only live three to four days without food and/or water. You should feed your hamster twice a day, once in the morning, and once again in the evening. Your hamster should get a full tablespoon of hamster food mixture daily – so give your hamster half a tablespoon of mixture each time you feed it.

How long does it take for a dwarf hamster to get out of the house?

Fruits and vegetables can become spoiled and moldy very quickly, and it’s especially important to take them out after 24 hours. Something that you should keep in mind is that dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes. Their bodies are very small and it’s difficult for them to deal with high levels of sugar in their bodies.

What is the most popular hamster?

Dwarf hamsters definitely top the group for the most popular hamsters in the world. They’re immensely popular all around the world, and their numbers only grow by the day. If you’re an owner of this furry species, then you have to know their dietary requirements, how much they need to eat, and what they’re eating.

Why does my hamster sneeze?

If you’ve noticed your hamster sneezing, they may be allergic to their bedding or something in their food. It could also be microscopic dust in the air. Try switching beddings, foods, to an unscented fabric softener, and use an air filter by your hamster’s cage to eliminate all allergens in that environment.

What is the best food for a dwarf hamster?

Protein is an important nutrient for your dwarf hamster. Fortunately, there are several great protein sources from which you can choose. For example, raw and unsalted seeds, such as sunflower, flax, and sesame, are high in protein. Lentils are another good protein source.

What to feed hamsters?

Give your hamster fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables add extra nutrition as well as variety to your hamster’s diet. Make sure to wash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly with fresh water to remove any pesticides or other chemicals.

What to do if my dwarf hamster is not eating?

If you notice that he's consistently not eating a certain food, switch it out for something else . For example, if you notice that he doesn't like one kind of fruit (e.g., apple), replace with it another fruit (e.g., banana).

How big are dwarf hamsters?

This article has been viewed 295,939 times. Dwarf hamsters are cute and very tiny animals that measure only about two to four inches in length. They are relatively low maintenance, which makes them great to keep as pets.

What is the best fiber for hamsters?

Natural sources of fiber, such as timothy hay and alfalfa hay, are good sources of fiber. Your dwarf hamster may not be a fan of hay, but you can give him a small amount to see if he will like it. ...

Can you feed a dwarf hamster pellets?

Commercial hamster food has a high nutritional value, but should not be the only type of food you feed your dwarf hamster. The pellet formulation allows your dwarf hamster to gnaw on his food, which can be good for his dental hygiene. Choose a commercial food that has about 15 to 20% protein.

Can a dwarf hamster eat watermelon?

A watermelon’s water content is too high for him. Almonds contain cyanic acid, which can make your dwarf hamster very sick. Fruit seeds can be harmful to your dwarf hamster. If you would like to feed your dwarf hamster fruits that have seeds (apples, peaches, plums), make sure to remove the seeds first.

What to feed a hamster?

Supplement your hamster’s diet with fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. It is important not to go overboard with the fresh foods because they can go rotten in the cage, and also hamsters like to store food away. Excess fruit and veg can also cause stomach upsets and diarrhea. Wash any fruit and Veg before giving to your hamster in case it contains ...

How much protein does a dwarf hamster need?

Resealable Bag to keep Fresh. A balanced diet for a Dwarf Hamsters consists of 16-24% protein, 60-65% carbohydrates, and 5–7% fat, with access to fresh water at all times.

What is Vitakraft for hamsters?

Vitakraft Formula is a well-respected formula that will provide your hamsters with a nutritionally complete diet. Most foods are designed for the larger Syrian hamster, whereas they are acceptable, they are not ideal. Dwarfs and Syrians have different nutritional requirements and preferences. Dwarf hamster mix tends to contain a lot of small millet seeds that dwarf hamsters love, but Syrians tend to ignore. Dwarf hamster mix often includes mealworms that are a healthy protein source that Syrian hamsters will ignore.

What is hamster mix?

Typically hamster mix contains nuts, seeds, pellets and grains. The pellet nature allows your pet to gnaw on the food making it beneficial to dental hygiene. It is advisable to choose a commercial hamster mix that meets all nutritional requirements. Food. Features.

What are some foods that are toxic to hamsters?

Some foods are very harmful and toxic to hamsters. Prominent ones include chocolate, candy, and sweets. Avocados contain a dangerous substance that can cause animal heart failure. Bitter Almonds and Apple Seeds contain a substance called glycoside amygdalin, that when eaten can turn into hydrogen cyanide.

Do dwarf hamsters have diabetes?

Unlike Syrian hamsters, dwarf hamsters are quite prone to diabetes, so they have a different dietary requirement to Syrians. Many commercially available hamster food formulas have ingredients that could upset the Dwarf Hamster blood sugar levels.

Can hamsters eat vegetables?

Bear in mind hamsters like to take their food and store it in their nests, so it’s a good idea not to feed fresh every day. Rotting vegetables in the nest isn’t good for hamster hygiene ...

What to feed a dwarf hamster?

Grains, Seeds, & Nuts. Whole grains make for a great healthy snack for dwarf hamsters. When it comes to cooked pasta, whole-grain rice, and wheat toast, make sure that they are cooled before you serve them to your pet.

Is eating almonds bad for hamsters?

Almonds, for example, contain cyanide which is poisonous to hamsters. Garlic, onion, and chocolate are also toxic to hamsters just as they are to cats and dogs.

Do dwarf hamsters have diabetes?

Roborovski dwarf hamsters, however, are less likely to develop diabetes.

Can you feed a dwarf hamster pellets?

Hamster mixes and pellets should make up the bulk of your hamster’s food as they come with more or less the complete nutritional requirements needed by your pet. Fresh food is also a viable source of nutrients for your dwarf hamster but you should be careful when it comes to feeding your pet fresh food because not all of them are safe to eat. ...

Can hamsters eat fruit?

When it comes to fresh food, experts advise hamster owners to feed their pets fruits with high water content. However, this doesn’t mean you should go overboard with feeding your hamster high-water containing fruits because doing so might result in diarrhea – a disease which is all too common in the hamster world.

Can dwarf hamsters eat?

Dwarf hamsters can eat a variety of food but some are safer than most. Here is a comprehensive list of food that your dwarf hamsters would be able to eat without any risks to their health. This should be the main food group that you feed your dwarf hamster because it contains the essential nutrients your pet needs.

What is the best food for hamsters?

Feeding your hamster something healthy and natural is always win for you and your pet. The Sunseed food is fortified with omega-3 and probiotics to help support digestion. The Sunseed food is quite crunchy, which will help keep your hamster’s teeth in great shape.

What are some good insects for hamsters?

Some of the best insects for dwarf hamsters are grasshoppers and crickets. When it comes to safe and healthy fruits and vegetables, there is a large variety of options that dwarf hamsters will likely enjoy. Some of the best fruits to share are pears, blueberries, and raspberries.

What is Vitakraft hamster food?

The Vitakraft VitaSmart Complete Nutrition Hamster food is another great option if your hamster loves variety in their meals. The VitaSmart is made up of a mix of things like soybeans, alfalfa, flaxseeds, timothy hay, and beets. From a nutritional standpoint, the Vitakraft food contains DHA and omega-3 fatty acids.

What is browns tropical hamster food?

Brown’s Tropical has a variety of shapes and textures made up of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and grains. The Tropical Carnival hamster food is a great choice when it comes to getting all the necessary vitamins and nutrients into your dwarf hamster’s diet.

What is Hartz Bonanza Hamster food?

The Hartz Bonanza Hamster and Gerbil food comes in at the number six spot on our list. This is a high fiber mix filled with grains. Some of the ingredients include nuts and fortified pellets.

Do dwarf hamsters go bad?

If you are new to having a dwarf hamster, you may be unsure of how much food you need. If you end up buying food in bulk , some of it may go bad before you have a chance to use it.

Can hamsters eat dwarf food?

There are lots of different hamster foods on the market , but not all of them are formulated for a dwarf hamster. This miniature hamster needs a bit more of a healthier diet than a standard hamster mix. Conventional hamster food is going to be more sugary than dwarf hamsters need.

Where do dwarf hamsters live?

Dwarf hamsters are actually several tiny species of hamsters that are native primarily to desert regions around the world. These social little creatures differ from their larger, more territorial cousins, thriving in pairs or small groups as opposed to living alone. As pets, they are generally docile and easy to handle, ...

What are the health problems of dwarf hamsters?

Dwarf hamsters are prone to a variety of health problems, and before acquiring one you must make sure there's a veterinarian near you who will treat this animal. Hair loss and skin lesions can result from several different issues.

What is the personality of a dwarf hamster?

Dwarf Hamster Behavior and Temperament. Dwarf hamsters comprise many species, and each has some specific personality traits. 1  For instance, the Campbell hamster is a curious little creature that's notably easy to handle. The Robo (or Roborovski) hamster —a particularly tiny dwarf hamster that weighs in at just over 3/4 ounce—stays awake ...

How to keep hamsters from chewing on bedding?

Avoid cedar-based bedding, as it can be toxic to small animals. Include an exercise wheel in the enclosure that has a solid surface, not bars, for your hamster to run on. Also provide plenty of wooden chew sticks or mineral chews in the enclosure. Chewing maintains a hamster's incisor teeth, which grow continuously.

How big should a dwarf hamster cage be?

A dwarf hamster's habitat should be as large as possible, allowing for maximum exercise and play. A cage that's roughly 1 foot by 2 feet with a height of around a foot is the bare minimum that some animal groups recommend.

How long does it take for a hamster to die from a wet tail?

Hamsters with wet tail should be treated immediately by a vet, as this condition can lead to death within 48 to 72 hours.

How to keep hamsters safe?

Calm, gentle handling from a young age can help them to feel safe when held. 3  It's best to sit on the ground in a secured space (such as a small bedroom with the door shut) when holding your hamster, as these animals can move quite quickly and might break free of your hold if you're not paying attention.

Foods You Should Avoid Feeding Chinese Dwarf Hamster?

There are different types of foods that can be dangerous for Chinese Dwarf hamsters. Following are the list of food that you should avoid feeding Chinese Dwarf hamsters:

How Much Food Should I Give My Dwarf Hamster?

Though they’re usually smaller than the average hamster, these furry rodents still require a substantial amount of food to survive. Therefore, it is important to provide your pet with a constant supply of high-quality food containing proper nutrients. However, the amount of food you should give your hamster depends on its age and size.

What Are The Best Food Options For My Chinese Dwarf Hamster To Eat In Winter?

Replace your Chinese dwarf hamster’s regular diet with a protein-based diet and fresh vegetables during winter. A protein-based diet is a priority.

Is It Okay If My Hamsters Eat Dry Dog Food?

Dry dog food contains a lot of fillers and carbs that are not good for Chinese Dwarf hamsters, just like many other rodents. If you want your pet dwarfs to eat something different than their standard diet, try switching them over from one type of rodent food (like rat pellets) to another (like mouse block).

What Should I Feed My Chinese Dwarf Hamster When It Gets Sick?

If your hamster gets sick and cannot eat independently, you feed them liquid food using a syringe. You should blend protein-based food with added water such as – hardboiled egg, cooked chicken, nuts, etc.

How To Feed A Baby Chinese Dwarf Hamsters?

You should know several things about when it comes to feeding a baby Chinese Dwarf hamster, so I will cover those points in this section:

Did I Answer Everything You Wanted To Know About What Can I Feed My Chinese Dwarf Hamster?

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to feeding your Chinese Dwarf Hamster. It’s not as simple as opening up the fridge and grabbing whatever food is handy. There are many foods you can feed your Chinese Dwarf Hamster, but Not all types of food are good for them.

How do dwarf hamsters stay healthy?

Dwarf hamsters are playful creatures and they need exercise to stay healthy, just like us! The best way you can do this is by providing plenty of opportunities for exercise such as hamster wheels, climbing frames and a large cage for exploration.

What do you need to bring a hamster home?

Before bringing your hamster home, it’s important to make sure you have all the supplies you need to provide a safe and healthy environment. Here’s a handy checklist: 1 Suitable hamster cage 2 Suitable bedding and substrate material 3 Hamster nesting area (hamster homes) 4 Food bowl 5 Water bottle 6 Toys for enrichment (climbing frames, tunnels, wheels, etc.) 7 Hamster ball (s) 8 Dwarf hamster foods and treats 9 Non-toxic cleaning products

How to get a dwarf hamster to explore?

Place your hand flat of the surface of the hamster cage and allow your pet to explore – place a treat in the middle of your hand to encourage this. Once familiar with your hand, gently scoop the dwarf hamster from underneath and lightly stroke him/her.

How do I set up a dwarf hamster cage?

Most cages will require some level of assembly but once put together, you’re good to go. Add hamster substrate/bedding first, be sure to use a safe and comfortable hamster bedding in your cage.

How long do dwarf hamsters live?

Check for clear eyes, good colouration, a happy temperament and no hair loss. Dwarf hamsters only live for around 2 years, finding a hamster that’s healthy will allow you to enjoy your pet for longer and create a true bond.

What is the most common dwarf hamster?

Campbell’s hamsters are probably the most common dwarf species that you’ll find in the pet store. These animals are now available in a wide range of colors thanks to selective breeding and are usually very sociable.

What is the substrate of a hamster?

Substrate = The material used on the bottom surface of your hamster enclosure to absorb waste. Bedding = The material used for warmth and comfort in your hamster’s nesting area. (these words of sometimes used interchangeably but this is the true meaning) Some hamster owners still use sawdust in their cages.

What Species is My Hamster?

Hamsters are of two species, probably in consideration of their size—the dwarf hamsters and the Syrian hamsters.

How Does My Dwarf Hamster Feed?

It would be helpful for you to know that your dwarf hamster will eat just about any food item it encounters.

What Fruits Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat?

Your dwarf hamster wants fruits as much you. Fruits give it the same nutrients it gives your body.

How Should I Serve Fruits to My Dwarf Hamster?

We have discussed certain fruits that are healthy and safe for your dwarf hamsters.

What Fruits Are Harmful To My Dwarf Hamsters?

It is important you know certain fruits you can avoid for your dwarf hamster for some reasons.

How Often Should I Feed My Dwarf Hamster?

The gist is that hamsters need fresh food every single day. Thus, one square meal per day will be absolutely perfect to keep your pet hamster healthy.

How Much Should I Feed My Dwarf Hamster?

A tablespoon per hamster per day is the rule of thumb when it comes to feeding your dwarf hamster.