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 |
How much should I Feed my hamster a day?
What is in Hamster Food
- Check the expiration dates and get the freshest bag you can get
- Most feed won’t last more than three months before it goes bad
- A Syrian hamster will only eat one to two tablespoons of food per day
- Dwarf hamsters have higher metabolisms so they will consume the same amount
- Expired bags of hamster food might have moth eggs hatch inside
How often should I Feed my hamster?
In general, a captive hamster’s diet consists of:
- Timothy hay
- Commercial hamster pellets
- Seeds
- Grains
- Nuts
- Corn
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Mealworms
- Crickets
What foods are hamsters the most attracted to?
- Apple seeds and skins
- Grape seeds
- Fruit pits
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Garlic
- Onions
- Eggplant
- Chocolate (or any other sugary sweet)
What people food can you feed your hamster?
The following foods are safe for your hamster to eat:
- Broccoli.
- Cauliflower.
- Kale.
- Cucumbers.
- Celery.
- Bok choy.
- 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)
- Apples.
What human foods can hamsters eat?
What Human Foods Can Hamsters Eat?Sugarless breakfast cereals or grains.Greens.Seeds.Carrots.Apples.Raisins.Peas.Pepper.More items...•
What can I feed my hamster if I run out of food?
Proteins and Grains Cooked eggs, tofu, flax or pumpkin seeds will be welcomed protein sources. Whole-wheat toast, millet sprays and whole oats are a good diet replacement for a day or two. Alfalfa and timothy hay are acceptable as a treat and to substitute for kibble for a day or so.
What should I feed my hamster every day?
A hamster should have fresh, unspoiled food offered every day. Hamsters do hoard food, so an empty bowl does not have to be topped up. However, be sure she has food offered daily in the form of a commercial food, fresh fruit and vegetables, and an occasional treat.
What fruit and veg can hamsters eat?
Speaking of fruits and vegetables – hamsters need them too! 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.
Are bananas OK for hamsters?
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.
What is a hamster's favorite treat?
Hamsters love apples, pears, strawberries, blueberries, grapes and bananas. Fruit should be offered in moderation, as a supplement to their regular pelleted diet.
Do hamsters need baths?
Hamsters are fastidious groomers and do a good job keeping themselves clean, baths, as we tend to think of them, are not necessary. However, it is possible to spot-clean them, if they truly need it. It is especially important to check their bottom as sometimes bedding can stick after going to the bathroom.
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.
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.
How can I make my hamster happy?
If you're looking to make your hamster a bit happier, here is a list of things you can try.Provide a Bigger Cage. ... Provide a Complete Diet. ... Fresh Water is Always Better. ... Use an Exercise Wheel. ... Add a Tunneling System. ... Consider Treats – in Moderation. ... Provide Deep Bedding. ... Enrichment is Essential.More items...•
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.
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 foods are risk-free for my hamster to consume?
What should I feed my hamster? There are a whole host of fruits, vegetables as well as herbs that are suitable for your hamster as well as which they will certainly find genuinely scrumptious when washed in advance as well as given up small amounts. These consist of:
What foods my hamster should not eat?
Whilst your hamster may be happy to chomp or anything, particular foods can be unsafe, as well as you need to stay away from using them. These consist of:
How usually should I feed my hamster?
Hamsters are not such as human beings and also do not call for three meals a day. In the wild hamsters forage and also shop food in their cheek pouches and near to their nest, as a survival impulse for when food is limited.
How much should I feed my hamster?
Some hamsters are a lot more active than others, as well as for that reason you need to observe your hamster to get a good understanding of their feeding behaviors. Ideally, a regular sized Syrian hamster will consume around 1-2 tbsps of food a day.
When is the best time to feed my hamster?
There is still much debate over the very best time to feed a hamster. Personally, I would say pick a time, either morning or evening, that fits you finest and adhere to it to ensure that your hamster ends up being utilized to the very same routine.
What do dwarf hamsters consume besides hamster food?
Surprisingly a dwarf hamster can consume the very same quantity of food as a Syrian hamster, regardless of the dimension difference as their metabolism is a lot quicker! Dwarf hamsters can eat the same diet regimen as a Syrian hamster, nevertheless, their dimension puts them more in jeopardy of diabetic issues.
What does a hamster eat?
Hamsters will eat anything given half a chance (including jumpers as we recently found out) and we should be mindful of giving them foods which can lead to dietary deficiencies, weight gain and other health problems.
What foods are safe for my hamster to eat?
There are a whole host of fruits, vegetables and herbs that are suitable for your hamster and which they will find truly scrumptious when washed beforehand and given in small amounts. These include:
What do hamsters eat?
Round out the diet with greens in the forms of lettuces, grasses, fruits, and vegetables.
What do hamsters need to keep going?
Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates in your food mix is a must. Carbohydrates are what an active hamster needs to keep going. If your lab blocks or seed mixes don’t have them or not enough, you can provide additional carbs of the following in small amounts.
How do hamsters drink water?
Hamsters in nature rarely drink water but instead get their water from the things they eat (This does NOT mean you don’t need a water bottle though). Fresh greens, fruits, and vegetables not only provide your hamsters with the water they need, but they also provide extra vitamins and minerals they need. With that said, you need to be careful how much greens you add into the hamster food; too many greens and they can get a case of diarrhea. A rough guide calls for only feeding it about one square inch (2.54cm) of greens per day. There are greens, fruits, and vegetables that are great for hamsters and there are also ones that should be avoided. The following are some of the greens that are acceptable and some of the greens to avoid (If you collect these from outdoors, make sure there are no pesticides or toxic chemicals that could be on them. Always thoroughly wash them before placing them in your hamster’s cage.)
How much food does a Syrian hamster eat?
A Syrian hamster will only eat one to two tablespoons of food per day . Dwarf hamsters have higher metabolisms so they will consume the same amount. Expired bags of hamster food might have moth eggs hatch inside. Store the feed in a cool dry location to ensure freshness.
What is lab block for hamsters?
A lab block usually contains a mixture of seed and grains and vitamins and minerals. These are a preferred type of hamster food if you want to make sure your little guys or girls are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. If you could only get one type of dry food, these would be them.
How long does hamster food last?
Most feed won’t last more than three months before it goes bad. A Syrian hamster will only eat one to two tablespoons of food per day.
Why do hamsters lick rocks?
In the wild you could observe a hamster licking different rocks or minerals that contain salt. They need salt to help retain water and stay healthy. You can provide your hamster with a salt lick or a mineral salts. These come in various forms and are sometimes added to their accessories as a form of play.
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 to feed hamsters without seeds?
Some fresh veggies such as cucumbers (avoid tomatoes and anything spicy) A few pieces of fruit such as apples and pears – without the seeds. Quality commercial hamster treats. Nuts and seeds – in very small amounts. Grasshoppers, crickets, and mealworms. Boiled eggs.
What are some good snacks for hamsters?
Vegetables. Hamsters can enjoy many kinds of fresh veggies, such as spinach, carrots, cucumbers, squash, and pumpkin. Seeds, nuts and grains. While nuts and seeds are perhaps the most popular hamster snacks, they should be given in moderation—this owing to their fatty content. Hay.
How to stop hamsters from overtreating?
If your hamster’s eyes are begging for a treat, give him/her a toy instead. Clean their cages. To ensure that your hamster is not hoarding treats, clean their cages on a regular basis. Do not treat mindlessly.
Why do hammies treat?
Well, a few of the reasons include…. A treat is a surefire key to ultimate hammie happiness. A treat is a sign of affection and appreciation for your precious hammie; a small token that, much like a toy, can deliver big happiness to your furry little friend.
What is a hamster's reward?
A treat is a reward for a job well done. If your hamster is an affectionate, well-behaved pet, then a sumptuous treat is an excellent way to say thank you. The right treat can be an essential part of a well-balanced diet.
Do hamsters eat pellets?
Much like human beings, hamsters should restrict the number of between-meal treats that they consume. They should be given their veterinarian-allotted diets of pellets and nutritional supplements, and of course water, to sustain their health and energy.
Can owners trust their hammies?
In general, though, owners can trust in and depend on the value and nutritional content of those good ol’ reliable snacking standbys; those treasured treats just bound to ensure immediate and absolute hammie happiness .
How much food should a dwarf hamster eat?
Dwarf hamsters will need a little less, and Robo or Chinese hamsters may only need a single tablespoon of food once per day due to their tiny size.
When do hamsters snack?
And your hamster will be ‘snacking’ at intervals during the night, and sometimes during the day, whenever he feels hungry. But you may be wondering whether or not to fill up the bowl again, or whether to wait until the hamster has eaten what is in his store.
Why do hamsters have cheek pouches?
Hamster cheek pouches. Those hamster cheek pouches don’t just add to the cute appeal of a hamster, in wild hamsters they serve a very useful purpose. Every hamster likes to keep a store of food in a safe place. Usually close to his or her nest. This helps wild hamsters survive during times when there are food shortages.
How do you know if a hamster is emptying his food bowl?
You’ll probably notice your hamster emptying his food bowl quite soon after you fill it up. He’ll stuff the contents into his cheeks and then return to his nest to empty the food into his store.
How to stop hamsters from getting fat?
How to stop your hamster getting fat. In addition to providing him with an exercise wheel, you need to make sure he doesn’t eat too much as this can lead to obesity too. It’s important that your hamster doesn’t get fat, as this can make him sick. So don’t be tempted to fill the food bowl every time it is empty.
Why is my hamster's food stale?
This is because if the food is stored in his nest for long, it may go ‘stale’. You’ll need to check your hamster’s store from time to time and if it is getting much bigger, it means you are putting too much food in his bowl, or filling it too often.
Can you take hamster food out of a cage?
It’s okay to remove your hamster’s food store and throw it away when you clean out the cage. At least once a week. He won’t approve, but he doesn’t need it in the same way that wild hamsters do, and he’ll soon make another. If you leave the store in his bed, then the food will go mouldy and potentially make him unwell.
