Hamster Feeding Chart
| Veggies and Green | Grains | Fruits | Proteins | Fats |
| Lettuce | Cooked brown rice | Apple (no seeds) | Hard-boiled eggs | Pumpkin seeds |
| Kale | Whole-grain cereal | Cantaloupe | Mealworm | Sunflower seeds |
| Dandelion green | Cooked whole-wheat pasta | Banana | Crickets | Pistachios |
| Spinach | Oats | Blueberries | Cooked chicken | Pecans |
- A compound pellet ration or mixture of different seeds formulated to meet their needs.
- Small quantities of greens, cleaned root vegetables and pieces of fruit such as apples. Don't give them grapes or rhubarb, as these can be poisonous to rodents.
What fruits and vegetables are safe to feed hamsters?
- Pear – Pears are thought to be healthy and digestible for hamsters. ...
- Although many hamsters don’t like to eat it, it is still healthy and safe for Syrian hamsters. ...
- Apple – Apart from the dry palettes, you can feed Apple to your Syrian hamster in a small quantity as a treat.
- Apricot – Dried Apricot and its stone/seed should be avoided. ...
What human foods are safe to feed hamsters?
and drinking water is just as important for them as it is for us humans. Aside from water being so good for them, hamsters have sensitive tummies, so any change to their food or fluids could cause them to become unwell. This means that even though ...
What are foods that hamsters Cant eat?
- Aubergine
- Acorns
- Buttercups
- Bluebells
- Bindweed
- Citrus fruits
- Elder
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Privet
What are all the things you feed to hamsters?
The ideal hamster diet will include:
- Commercial hamster pellets (not a muesli-style mix). You can buy these in pet shops.
- Small amounts of fresh fruit, vegetables or herbs
- Timothy hay. This is a special variety of hay that’s full of fibre and is ideal for small pets. ...
- Occasional treats, like nuts, boiled egg or mealworms.
- You hamster will also need constant access to clean, fresh water. ...
What is the best thing to feed a hamster?
The ideal hamster diet will include:Commercial hamster pellets (not a muesli-style mix). You can buy these in pet shops.Small amounts of fresh fruit, vegetables or herbs.Timothy hay. ... Occasional treats, like nuts, boiled egg or mealworms.You hamster will also need constant access to clean, fresh water.
What human food do hamsters eat?
What Human Foods Can Hamsters Eat?Sugarless breakfast cereals or grains.Greens.Seeds.Carrots.Apples.Raisins.Peas.Pepper.More items...•
What should you not feed hamsters?
Foods You Should Not Feed HamstersApple seeds.Raw beans.Raw potatoes.Almonds.Citrus fruit.Garlic.Onions.Rhubarb leaves or raw rhubarb.More items...•
What do hamsters love as a treat?
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.
What is poisonous to hamsters?
While fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of a hamster's diet, there are certain foods that are toxic to hamsters. These include tomato leaves, almonds, avocado, potatoes, onion, garlic, chocolate, and apple seeds.
What food kills hamsters instantly?
Beyond the high-fat content and choking hazard, many fruit seeds contain trace amounts of a lethal poison called cyanide. Although we can eat them, usually accidentally, these seeds often have enough to kill a hamster. These include apple, cherry, and pear seeds, among others.
How many carrots can you give a hamster?
Hamsters love feeding on carrots, but because they are high in sugar, the best amount of carrot to feed to your hamster is half to one teaspoon every one or two days. Feeding it half a teaspoon is sufficient to meet its requirements.
Can hamsters eat banana?
While bananas are not poisonous to hamsters and contain many useful vitamins, they do not contain everything a hamster needs to live. A hamster needs a complete, balanced diet in order to live a healthy life. Bananas alone do not provide that. Instead, bananas should only be given as a treat and in very small amounts.
Feeding Your Hamster: General Guidelines
The easiest and safest approach to feeding your hamster is to go with a complete meal that you can find at a pet or store. “I recommend one of the...
Can Hamsters Eat Carrots?
Carrots are safe for hamsters to eat, however, they should be given in moderation, said Dr. Carol Osborne, owner of Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center...
Can Hamsters Eat Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are members of the nightshade family and un-ripened tomatoes, along with the plant’s stems and leaves, contain tomatine, a solanum alkaloi...
What Other Fruits and Vegetables Can Hamsters Eat?
The following foods are safe for your hamster to eat: 1. Broccoli 2. Cauliflower 3. Kale 4. Cucumbers 5. Celery 6. Bok choy 7. Sweet potatoes (shou...
What Shouldn’T You Feed Your hamster?
While it may seem like you can give a hamster just about anything, there are some foods to steer clear of, including: 1. Apple seeds and skins 2. G...
What to feed hamsters?
The following foods are safe for your hamster to eat: 1 Broccoli 2 Cauliflower 3 Kale 4 Cucumbers 5 Celery 6 Bok choy 7 Sweet potatoes (should be removed of their skins before feeding, as molds can flourish in the skins and cause digestive tract upset and other ailments) 8 Apples 9 Cherries 10 Strawberries 11 Raspberries 12 Peaches 13 Mango 14 Cantaloupe
How to give hamster treats?
If you want to give your hamster a treat by hand, try petting them with one hand while giving them a treat with the other , according to Osborne. “Feeding your hamster by hand is good way to socialize your pet and to bond,” she said.
Do hamsters eat pellets?
These pellets are preferable to a hamster-formulated seed mixture because many hamsters will pick out what they like from these mixtures, missing some of the nutritional value in the seeds they don’t eat, McGeorge said. Cindy Cribbs, owners Haven for Hamsters Rescue and Sanctuary, feeds their hamsters about a tablespoon of food once a day.
Can hamsters bite?
Hamsters can be hand-fed, however, they can also bite. “With dwarfs, be careful not to put your hands by their bowls since they can be territorial,” Cribbs said. “I always use a dipper spoon so that I can safely reach their bowl wherever they have put it.”.
Can hamsters eat carrots?
Carrots are safe for hamsters to eat, however, they should be given in moderation, said Dr. Carol Osborne, owner of Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center & Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Because carrots have sugar in them, they may not be the ideal snack for dwarf hamsters, which are prone to diabetes. The problem, however, generally isn't ...
Can raisins hurt hamsters?
Similarly to grapes, raisins have an unknown toxic effect that has been documented to damage the kidneys of cats, dogs and ferrets. Raisins aren’t known to cause toxicity to hamsters, but it’s best to discuss if giving raisins to your hamster is appropriate with your veterinarian.
Can hamsters eat hard boiled eggs?
The following foods are safe for your hamster to eat: Sweet potatoes (should be removed of their skins before feeding, as molds can flourish in the skins and cause digestive tract upset and other ailments) There are additional foods you could feed a hamster, like a bit of a hard-boiled egg for protein, Osborne said.
What to feed hamsters?
[2] Leftovers can rot, contaminating the cage. Good vegetables to feed your hamster include: turnips, carrots, chicory, spinach, parsley, pumpkin, endive, cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, and asparagus.
How to keep hamsters from knocking over water?
Purchase a water bottle. Hamsters are liable to knock over a water dish, creating sanitary problems. At the pet store purchase a bottle that can hang on your hamster’s cage. Refill regularly with bottled water. Be sure to clean the water bottle at least once a week.
What does it mean when a hamster is feeding in the morning?
Feeding in the evening, when the hamster is awake and most active, means that she has access to food when it's freshest. Feeding in the morning means she has access to food for a snack when she wakes sporadically during the day.
How to keep hamsters from scratching plastic?
2. Purchase a small ceramic bowl. Hamsters can scratch up plastic bowls, creating crevices which foster the growth of bacteria. A small bowl is preferable to a large one, because it will leave space in the cage for your hamster to play.. Place the bowl at the opposite side of the cage from your hamster’s bathroom area.
How to tell if a hamster is obese?
Monitor your hamster's weight. Because they have so much extra skin, it can be difficult to tell when a hamster is becoming obese. A Syrian should weight approximately one ounce per inch of length. Also, if your hamster appears slow and sluggish, it is possible you should modify its diet.
Do hamsters need to be washed?
Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. No. Hamsters are fastidious creatures and keep themselves clean, so they usually don't need to be washed. There are also risks associated with bathing a hamster, such as his inhaling water, drowning, or catching a chill.
Can hamsters eat sunflower seeds?
After a few weeks, slowly transition it to a different food source, should you choose to. If you are feeding your hamster a seed mix, make sure that it does not only eat the sun flower seeds. Hamsters prefer these, but they will not satisfy all of your hamster’s nutritional needs. ...
What to feed a hamster?
When your hamster deserves a little treat, consider some of the following: 1 Grains. This is the primary food for hamsters. You should provide approximately a tablespoonful daily. Grains offer protein and carbohydrates and can come from prepared hamster mixtures. Do not over feed fatty nuts (peanuts and sunflower seeds) as they promote obesity. These should be only a small part of the mixture. 2 Vegetables. Fresh, organically grown greens are the best. Romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, carrot tops, broccoli spears, spinach, artichokes and any other dark green veggies are great choices. Avoid iceberg lettuce and other veggies or fruits (like watermelon) that are high in water content as they can cause diarrhea. Remember to wash the vegetables thoroughly to remove traces of harmful pesticides. 3 Fruits. Hamsters love apples, pears, strawberries and bananas. They should be given in moderation, as a supplement to the regular diet. Be sure to remove any vegetables or fruits that are not eaten within 24 hours. 4 Timothy hay. Hay is a great gnawing food that can help keep your hamster's teeth in good condition. 5 Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water, changed daily. 6 Treats! Yes, you can reward your hamster with her favorite hamster treats, just keep them in moderation.
What is a good diet for hamsters?
A well-balanced hamster diet consists of a high-quality hamster food that is specially formulated to provide the proper balanced nutrition with the ideal daily dosage of vitamins and minerals, plus all the other essential nutrients . When your hamster deserves a little treat, consider some of the following: Grains.
How to keep hamster teeth in good condition?
Timothy hay. Hay is a great gnawing food that can help keep your hamster's teeth in good condition. Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water , changed daily.
What are the best foods for hamsters?
These should be only a small part of the mixture. Vegetables. Fresh, organically grown greens are the best.
Can you give hamsters treats?
Treats! Yes, you can reward your hamster with her favorite hamster treats, just keep them in moderation. Just as important as what is safe to feed your pet, do not feed your hamster the following, as they are harmful to their health and can cause serious medical conditions: Chocolate. Caffeine.
Is hamster food safe?
Just like human beings, there are foods that you can feed on while others are not safe.
Can hamsters eat too much food?
Besides, your body may not need too much of a particular food, ending up reacting negatively. In short, hamsters can only feed on some foods if you give them enough quantity. Count yourself lucky if you read this article because it features 29 Hamster safe foods you need to know.
Can hamsters eat pumpkin seeds?
So, if you can get these seeds, go on and feed your hamsters. You should know that these animals are seed munchers naturally. Furthermore, pumpkins seeds contain large kernels and rigid shells. Besides, the seed will also equip your pet hamster with enough nutrients. Feed your animal pumpkins sparingly.
Can hamsters eat peanut butter?
Hamsters can only enjoy peanut butter in small quantities. Peanut butter is always sticky and fattening if the pet tries to store in their stomach. More so, you should be careful with the brand and type of peanut butter you plan to give to your hamster. Organic peanut butter is the perfect meal for hamsters.
Can I feed my hamster broccoli?
YES, you can go on and give broccoli to your hamster. It can make an excellent diet again if you provide pets with small or enough quantity. This meal will equip your little friend with vitamin A, K, B, C, and D and enough fiber. More so, this plant’s stems are nutritious but, make sure to chop them into small pieces.
Can hamsters eat watermelon?
Hamster can eat watermelon but, it is not advisable. These fruits contain a lot of water that may expose your pet to gastrointestinal complications and diarrhea. Therefore, feed them small portions of the fruit. Watermelon can also be a useful diet component if you give the hamster a moderate amount.
Can you give hamsters apples?
If you own Hamsters, then you are ok to give them apples. They will love the diet as long as you feed them with a small quantity. Remember, too much of anything is harmful to hamster’s health so, if you give them too many grapes, it may lead to diarrhea and stomach upset.
What to feed hamsters to keep them healthy?
Still, this can get monotonous for your hamster, and you should supplement this with seeds, nuts, vegetables, and fruits occasionally.
How much food do hamsters need?
Dwarf hamsters will need a bit less, roughly 1 tablespoon, while larger hamsters like Syrians will likely need a bit more. If your hamster is gaining weight and storing loads of food, you may need to reduce the amount. If your hamster is finishing all their food and not storing much, you’ll need to slightly increase their daily amount.
What to do if your hamster is not eating?
However, they could also simply be hoarding their food! Check their bedding for food that they may be keeping for a late-night snack, but do not remove it.
Can you remove hamster food from a cage?
In general, you should not remove your hamster’s stash. This will cause them stress when they find that their stored food has suddenly vanished! Dry, pelleted food and seeds can last for quite some time, and it’s advisable to put their stash back exactly where you found it after cleaning their cage.
Can hamsters hold food?
Hamsters can hold a large amount of food inside their cheeks. Some people estimate that they can hold as much as the equivalent of their own bodyweight in cheek storage! Stashing food away is perfectly normal behavior for hamsters, but if you notice them storing large amounts of their food away, you are probably giving them too much. ...
Do hamsters need vitamins?
Some hamster owners give their hamster extra vitamin supplements, but with a healthy lifestyle, these won’t help much. Also, it’s exceedingly difficult to judge how much they need, and they could end up having too many certain vitamins.
Is vitamin C safe for hamsters?
Water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin C, are safe, though arguably unnecessary in healthy hamsters. The only time when supplements are potentially helpful is when your hamster is having certain health issues and they are recommended by a vet. YouTube. Victoria Raechel.
What do hamsters eat?
Hamsters can eat a lot of different fruits and vegetables, as well as a number of seeds and grains . We’ve made a list of some great foods that hamsters can enjoy safely, on the following page. Prev Next.
Can hamsters eat seeds?
Other Foods Not Suitable For Hamsters. Hamsters can eat a lot of different fruits and vegetables, as well as a number of seeds and grains. We’ve made a list of some great foods that hamsters can enjoy safely, on the following page.
Can you feed hamsters?
What Not To Feed A Hamster. When it comes to feeding hamsters, it might be best to stick to a list of what hamsters can eat rather than what they can’t. If you’re not sure whether or not your hamster can eat a certain food, it’s better to be safe than sorry and to not offer it to them.
What vegetables should I feed my hamster?
Even if they’re the veggies your hamster should be eating, like cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, or chicory, if they’re not clean, your hamster shouldn’t have them.
What to do if hamster is dehydrated?
The best thing you can do is take your hamster to an exotic animal vet if you notice your hamster is showing signs of dehydration, as by the time it is clinically apparent, it is very severe and your hamster likely needs fluid support. Read more about dehydration in hamsters in our health guide here.
What does almond do to hamsters?
These almonds contain emulsin, an enzyme, that produces essential oils, cyanide, and glucose. Compared to sweet almonds, bitter almonds have 42x the cyanide. If your hamster eats too much cyanide, it will kill them.
Can hamsters have diarrhea?
Instead, the hamster will come down with diarrhea. When severe enough, all that diarrhea can cause dehydration. In hamsters, excessive dehydration can kill. Your hamster’s eyes will look sunken, they’ll be weak and slow, and they won’t want to eat if they’re dangerously dehydrated.
Do hamsters like candy?
We hope this goes without saying, but your hamster does not want chips, candy, cakes, cookies, or any other junk food. The same goes for your cats, dogs, and other household pets. The high sugar and/or salt content in these foods can lead to upset stomachs, diarrhea, and dehydration.
Can hamsters eat tomatoes?
If your hamster were to munch on too much of one, they’d end up with diarrhea. Now, tomatoes , when fed in very small amounts , are permissible.
Can hamsters eat bell peppers?
This can affect the red blood cells of a hamster. As for actual peppers – some types have varying degrees of spiciness. Avoid those at all costs. As for sweet peppers, such as bell peppers, they’re best consumed in moderation. They are acidic and can upset a hamster’s delicate system if consumed in high amounts.
How fast do hamsters beat?
Hamsters regulate their heart rates just fine by themselves. Their hearts already beat very quickly, at 10-15 beats per second. Any amount of caffeine ends up making their heart rate skyrocket further and can cause a cardiac arrest or other cardiovascular issues.
Can hamsters eat kidney beans?
Most beans are a good idea to avoid when feeding a special treat to your hamster. They give them gas and tend to lead to bloating because they are hard for them to digest. However, kidney beans are dangerous because they are toxic when uncooked. Even cooked, they present issues to hamsters, who should never eat anything that has been processed or cooked.
Can hamsters eat tomatoes?
Although tomatoes can be a treat that is okay for hamsters to eat, they should be a rare treat. The leaves and the stems cannot be included, even though they are dark green. They are toxic to a hamster, and too much of them can end up killing them.
Do hamsters eat plants?
Hamsters are omnivores. This means that they should only eat plants. What’s more, their digestive systems do not contain the appropriate enzymes to break down the proteins found in meats. Any amount of meat will be arduous to digest and can end up creating severe health conditions.
