what to feed a russian dwarf hamster

Part 2 Part 2 of 4: Feeding Your Russian Dwarf Hamster Download Article

1. Select a commercial food for your dwarf hamster. Russian dwarf hamsters eat like other hamsters. ...
2. Add fresh vegetables to your dwarf hamster’s diet. Your dwarf hamster needs to eat more than just pellets and seed mixes.
3. Include a protein source in your dwarf hamster’s diet. ...
4. Feed your dwarf hamster grains. ...
5. Incorporate treats into your dwarf hamster’s diet. ...

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Full Answer

What is the best food for dwarf hamsters?

Vegetables Vegetables are probably the best complementary food for dwarf hamsters. If you’re going to feed them vegetables, go for the dark and leafy green ones because they contain most vitamins and minerals needed by your pet. You can feed your pet vegetables every day or every other day but only sparingly.

Can Russian dwarf hamsters eat vegetables?

Important note: Russian Dwarf Hamsters are prone to diabetes and because fruits are high in sugars, it’s better to give them vegetables. However some fruits and vegetables that should be avoided are:

What should I Feed my Syrian hamster mix?

A dwarf hamster mix will usually be healthier and less sugary than your standard Syrian mix. You’re also going to want to provide your hamster with treats, fresh fruit and other hamster-safe foods (maybe even insects). This keeps meal time interesting and creates a balanced diet for your pet.

What do you need for a Russian dwarf hamster?

Here is your Russian Dwarf Hamster Care shopping list: A good sized cage or Aquarium (bigger than 60×40. CareFresh Bedding is one of the best. For scattering and adding onto pellets use this. Oxbow will provide a healthy balanced diet. Accessories are very important. Cage cleaning products, we recommend Nature’s Miracle

What is the best food for dwarf hamsters?

The 9 Best Dwarf Hamster FoodsBrown's Tropical Carnival Hamster Food – Premium Choice. ... Tiny Friends Farm Hazel Hamster Food. ... Vitakraft VitaSmart Complete Nutrition Hamster Food. ... Hartz Bonanza Hamster Food. ... Sunseed Vita Prima Dwarf Hamster Food. ... Oxbow Animal Health Hamster Fortified Food. ... Henry's Hamster Food.More items...•

How often do you feed Russian Dwarf hamsters?

In general, you should feed your hamster once per day, ideally in the evening when it's waking up and becoming active. Discard any uneaten food after 24 hours. Look for a commercial hamster food blend that's specifically formulated for dwarf hamsters.

How much do you feed a Russian 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 fruit can Russian Dwarf hamsters 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.

Can Russian Dwarf hamsters eat carrots?

Can Hamsters Eat Carrots? Yes, but in moderation or just as an occasional treat because they are high in sugar.

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 vegetables can Russian Dwarf hamsters eat?

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.

Can dwarf hamsters eat banana?

Dwarf hamsters are also highly susceptible to diabetes, making fruits with especially high sugar content poor choices for offering often. Keep figs, grapes, mango, bananas, cherries and apples to a minimum.

What fruits and veggies 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.

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.

Can Russian Dwarf hamsters eat cheese?

Yes! Cheese for hamsters can be a safe and tasty treat.

What do Russian dwarfs need to live in their cage?

There are two types of materials that are needed for the home of your Russian Dwarf. These are sawdust, wood shavings or paper pellets (if you’re allergic to dust, paper pellets are best) for the bottom of your cage and suitable nesting materials like tissue paper and toilet paper.

Why is exercise important for dwarf hamsters?

Exercise is important for dwarf hamsters because it keeps them fit, healthy, happy, energized and entertained.

What does it mean when a dwarf hamster bites you?

This generally means that your dwarf hamster feels scared, stressed or not handled enough. Hamsters are forgetful and if not handled within a couple of days they can feel threatened and bite.

How to get a hamster to use your hand?

Handling your hamster once a day will help your hamster become used to your presence and touch. If you put your hands underneath they normally will climb onto your hand. See the video tutorial below of Russian Dwarf Hamsters faces. This can result in a nip or a bite from your hamster, because they think your hand could be food or a foe. Always pick Russian Dwarf Hamsters up from underneath like you would scoop water with 2 hands.

Why do hamsters nip?

This can result in a nip or a bite from your hamster, because they think your hand could be food or a foe. Always pick Russian Dwarf Hamsters up from underneath like you would scoop water with 2 hands. What To Do If Your Hamster Nibbles Or Bites – All types of hamsters nibble and bite.

How long can a hamster run on a ball?

They are a great way to let your hamster run around in a safe environment. However, for no longer than 30 minutes ball time. This is because Russian Dwarf Hamsters need regular water and the toilet. Also the airflow inside the ball becomes more restricted after longer periods of time.

How to keep a hamster happy?

A great easy way to keep your hamster happy and occupied in its surroundings is by changing (moving) their toys, bedding areas, food bowls and accessories around after cleaning out their environment.

What do dwarf hamsters eat?

Dwarf hamsters love their natural foods which is why sweet fruits are perfect for treat time. You can also provide safe insects, seeds and any other foods your hamster loves to eat!

What is the best food for a picky dwarf hamster?

The Tiny Friends food mix is perfect for a picky dwarf hamster. It’s a great tasting mix of seeds, mealworms and other healthy treats. Having mealworms incorporated into the food mix really packs some extra protein and it’s the perfect way to get a dwarf hamster eating healthy without any fuss – all hammies love their mealworms!

How often do hamsters wake up?

The truth is, dwarf hamsters are active during the day, waking up every few hours for a stretch, drink and a bite to eat. In the wild, hamsters will forage for food during the night and wake up throughout the day to enjoy their findings. Morning feeds or evening feeds are perfectly fine, just keep each feed around 24 hours apart.

How to keep hamsters interested in food?

Mix it up! Keep food time interesting for your pet by providing different types of fruit veg and nuts on a regular basis. It’s always fun watching a hamster chow down on its favorite foods. Also, don’t be scared to reduce portion sizes if your hamster is on the larger size, or increase portions to fatten him up!

Why are dwarf hamsters so vulnerable?

Dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes. Their small bodies struggle to cope with high sugar levels which is why they’re so vulnerable. The main cause of diabetes is poor feeding habits and high-sugar treats that are provided by the owner.

How to keep dwarf hamster healthy?

The best thing you can do to keep your dwarf hamster healthy is provide a balanced diet. Use a mixture of the food suggestions listed above to create a nutrient-rich diet that’s packed with energy.

Why do hamsters hide food?

Hamsters like to fill their cheek pouches with food and build secret food store s close to their bed. This is to keep their food safe and hidden from other animals who may steal it. You may even find dwarf hamsters hiding food from each other when kept in the same cage!

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 Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat?

Firstly, we’ll let you take a look at a list of literally all things that dwarf hamsters are allowed to eat, and following that, we’ll explain things you should focus on.

How Often Should I Feed My Dwarf Hamster?

You should feed your hamster daily, they require fresh food every day. However, this depends on what you’re feeding it.

How Long Can Dwarf Hamsters Go Without Food?

So, you’re going to stay at work until late and you’re wondering whether your hamster will feel hungry? Don’t worry, hamsters can go three to four days without food, depending on when have they eaten last and how much have they eaten.

Why is my dwarf hamster diabetic?

The main cause of diabetes is poor feeding habits and high-sugar treats that are provided by the owner. This means that the responsibility of keeping your hamster diabetes-free befalls exclusively on your shoulders. Provide your hamster with a healthy and balanced diet, and avoid too much sugar in the pet’s food.

Why do hamsters hide food?

Hamsters also have the habit of filling their cheek pouches with secret stashes of food to build secret food stores near their bed. This is a natural instinct to keep food hidden away from other animals who may try to steal it. If you have more than a single hamster in the same cage, you may even find hamsters hiding food from one another.

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.

What are the accessories for a dwarf hamster?

Accessories – These are the toys, extra mineral licks/blocks and chewable sticks within the cage. Dwarf hamster accessories will help prevent biting of the bars, wanting to escape and unhappiness. The more accessories i.e. tubes, chewable flavored items and toys (Wheels, platforms or seesaws) the happier your hamster will be. Check out our Top 10 Accessories They LOVE Here

Why is it important to tame a dwarf hamster?

Taming a dwarf hamster at a younger age is very important and will help build a strong long lasting relationship with your Russian.

What is hamster bedding?

Bedding – Bedding is the material that goes generally on the floor around the cage or tank. It provides protection, helps encourage natural foraging and borrowing. Bedding also will help keep their environment cleaner whilst soaking up hamster waste. A good bedding brand is Carefresh, see the shopping list below for best places to buy.

How long do Russian hamsters live?

The lifespan of a dwarf hamster depends on diet, their environment and breed. But most live from 1-2 years, in some cases 3 years. Campbell’s dwarf hamster s were first discovered in Mongolia on July 1st, 1902.

Why are dwarf hamsters so popular?

Russian dwarf hamsters are becoming more popular as pets around the world because they are easy to maintain, care for and inexpensive to keep. They are very popular with young adults, children from 7 onwards and adults.

What is a Campbell's White dwarf hamster?

Campbell’s & Winter White dwarf hamsters are also known as Russian dwarf hamsters. In fact RDH’s is the broad name for both these and hybrids between the two.

Where did Campbell's dwarf hamsters come from?

Campbell’s dwarf hamster s were first discovered in Mongolia on July 1st, 1902. Winter Whites, also know as Russian Winter White Dwarf Hamsters or Siberian Dwarf Hamsters, come from multiple areas of Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Sibera (According to Wikipedia) Russian dwarf hamsters are available at most local pet shops.

How to feed a dwarf hamster?

This is especially important for fruits and vegetables, since they can quickly become spoiled and moldy. Feed only the amount of fruit that your dwarf hamster can eat in a day. This may take some trial and error before you determine what that amount is.

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 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).

What to do if hamster eats muesli?

Try pellets! Pellets prevent the hamster from selectively eating the tasty, but less nutritious, part of their food. The muesli-type hamster foods are a balanced diet only if the hamster eats all of it, rather than leaving the less tasty bits in the bowl.

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. ...

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.

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.

How to keep a Russian dwarf hamster healthy?

Put your Russian Dwarf Hamster’s home in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. In addition to the sawdust, it introduces a feeder and drinker and a wheel (better without slits to avoid injuries to the legs) so that he exercises.

How big is a Russian dwarf hamster?

The Russian Dwarf Hamster is tiny, measuring between 7 and 11 centimetres in length and weighing between 35 and 50 grams. It has a plump body and a short tail. It usually has a black line on the back and spots of the same tone on the shoulders. The gut is generally white.

How much does a dwarf hamster weigh?

During the day, he will spend many hours sleeping, do not bother him; he needs that rest that he has not had at night! The Russian, Siberian, or Djungarian dwarf hamster measures from 7 to 11 cm and reaches 35-50 grams in weight.

Why does my Russian dwarf hamster lose hair?

If your Russian Dwarf Hamster begins to lose its hair (it can lose everything), it may be because it is weak or lacks vitamins. In pet stores, they sell vitamins for them that are given mixed with water.

What is the cage of a dwarf hamster?

The cage will be the Russian Dwarf Hamster’s house, so it must be large enough for the animal to be comfortable, with the bars slightly separated and made of a material that does not break.

How to keep hamsters from getting sick?

A good measure so that your hamster does not get sick is to keep his cage clean. Clean it by using a mild disinfectant or a mild soap and water mixture, no harsh chemicals. Then dry the pen well and add the sawdust. Do not forget to remove the remains of fruits and vegetables that have not been eaten since if you eat them later, it could get worse.

What can you give hamsters as a complement?

As a complement, you can give the hamster corn, apple and seeds

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.

What is the bulk of hamster food?

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.

Do dwarf hamsters have diabetes?

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

Can dwarf hamsters eat hamster seed?

While hamster seed mixes are appropriate for dwarfs, oftentimes they would pick only the ones they like and this could also lead to malnourishment as they would miss some of the nutrients in the seed mix.

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.

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.

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.

How to keep a Russian dwarf hamster clean?

You can also put a sort of pool inside the cage so that it can bathe and keep itself clean.

How to tell if a hamster is a hamster?

Running around, having their ears pulled backwards back or forward, or exposing their belly while showing their teeth, are clear signs of hamsters'...

What are litter trays made of?

Therefore, the use of litter trays made from recycled plant matter, corn and even hay is much more recommended. These alternatives are much more natural and environmentally friendly.

Do hamsters sleep?

This type of hamster is very sleepy, and not only does it by necessity, but by taste. So, if you see it sleeping, don’t bother it, because that will only sour its character. If there are children at home, make sure they are aware of this too, as they could reach into the cage and get bitten.

Is a Russian dwarf hamster common?

These aren’t very common and we don’t know too much about them. Although hamsters have always been part of our lives, and we’re sure that many of you have had one as a pet, the Russian dwarf hamster is different and not very well known. So today we want to talk about their care.

Can hamsters eat fruit?

Although it’s true that the Russian hamster can eat fruit and vegetables, their diet should be based on specialized feed for them. Just look in the shops and ask for advice on what would be best for your pet.

Can you adopt a Russian hamster?

These are the most basic tips you should keep in mind if you decide to adopt a Russian hamster. You can see that, even though it isn’t a very common pet, their care doesn’t differ too much from many others. This animal will be ideal for the whole family.

What do dwarf hamsters eat?

Other common behaviour for dwarf hamsters – Eating only the ‘fattier’ foods like sunflower seeds, nuts and other types of seeds is common behaviour. These types of foods are similar to fast food to humans. They taste great for dwarf hamsters but are not suitable unless supplied with a balanced diet.

What is a Russian dwarf hamster?

The name “Russian Dwarf Hamster” encompasses three different breeds of dwarf hamsters. Campbell’s Russian Dwarfs. Winter White Russian Dwarfs. Hybrids (Mix Between Both) Russian hamsters are one of the most popular dwarf hamsters kept as pets worldwide and come in many colours and patterns.

How much room do Russian hamsters need?

The recommended floor space for Russian hamsters is 90x60x50. Space is very important for these creatures as in the wild they will travel many miles every day. To avoid your hamster biting the bars, becoming overweight or chewing through its accessories it is advised to give them plenty of room.

How long do dwarf hamsters live?

The lifespan of a dwarf hamster depends on diet, their environment and breed. But most live from 1-2 years, in some cases 3 years. Campbell’s dwarf hamster s were first discovered in Mongolia on July 1st, 1902.

How much does a dwarf hamster cost?

How much do they cost? – To buy a dwarf hamster they cost anything from $8-20 or £8-12 however it is half price or sometimes free to adopt.

Why is it important to tame a dwarf hamster?

Taming a dwarf hamster at a younger age is very important and will help build a strong long lasting relationship with your Russian.

What are some accessories that hamsters use?

1. Tubes – In the wild they spend most of their time underground burrowing. Hamster tubes are great accessories to have because tubes are similar to underground tunnels.