What do Hamsters Eat? These are the Top Foods for Your Hamster

Hamsters are a popular pet in America. They’re small and easy to care for. They are also unbelievably cute.

But that doesn’t mean they aren’t as cared for as cats and dogs. For example, many people don’t know what hamsters eat.

The guide below will help you decide what to feed your hamster.

An overview of The Hamster Diet

Contrary to popular belief hamsters don’t eat vegetarians. They are omnivores which means they eat meat occasionally. They should still eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, but that’s only a small part of their diet.

You don’t want too much of any one food. Balance is key. It is not good for hamsters to be restricted to one food.

Hamsters aren’t likely to overeat so they don’t need to be fed. Although it may seem that food is disappearing faster than it can eat, there’s a reason.

Let’s talk about hoarding

Hoarding may seem like bad behavior. After all, they are getting plenty of food. So why would they need to store emergency rations in their cage?

This behavior is a part of their DNA and it is not something you can change. You should pretend you don’t know what their secret stash is under the bed. Hamsters can get very stressed if they aren’t allowed to hoard.

You don’t have to discourage your hamster from hoarding. Instead, make feeding fun! You can hide food in their cage or in paper boxes to give them something to eat. They will be more likely to hoard, but this will only increase their sense of security.

If you have several hamsters it is a good idea to scatter food around so they don’t become territorial.

Pellets

Hamster pellets can be described as small chunks of compressed hay or barley, oats, and other grains with a few other ingredients.

Because they are rich in fiber and other nutrients, pellets should be the main part of your hamster’s diet. You should not feed your hamster pellets as they need to be fed a variety of foods.

You should buy a pellet that looks natural. Your hamster will love it if it doesn’t look natural to you. Some pellets contain dyes or other additives that make them brighter. But remember, these chemicals are for you and not your pet.

Your hamster can have a bowl of pellets all the time, but you can add other food every once in a while.

Muesli

In your pet food shop, you’ll see muesli-style mixtures next to the hamster pellets. You might be tempted to purchase them as they look better than the pellets.

Muesli mix can be a mixture of sugary treats and healthy food. Most hamsters will eat sugary treats to satisfy their sugar cravings. This can cause them to lose healthy nutrients as well as damage their teeth.

Although you can give your hamster some muesli every once in a while, don’t feed it exclusively. There are many other treats that you can offer your pet that will be better for them, and they’ll probably enjoy more.

Timothy Hay

Timothy hay, a grassy-style hay, is extremely fibrous. This is important as hamster teeth don’t stop growing. Hamsters need to chew on something that will help them file their teeth. You can also place wooden blocks or other accessories in their cage.

Timothy hay is rich in fiber so your hamster can eat it regularly. Your hamster will be more satisfied eating high-fiber foods, as they are fuller than if they’re starving.

It can also be used as bedding and should be kept in a cage. It’s important to change it every day as it can become moldy if it gets too wet.

Fresh Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are a favorite of hamsters, especially leafy greens. Because it is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Romaine lettuce is a great choice. The iceberg is a bad choice, as it can cause hamsters diarrhea.

Your hamster can also be given broccoli, spinach artichokes, and carrots.

You should wash your vegetables thoroughly before you give them to your pet. This will ensure that there are no lingering pesticides or herbicides. Although it is unlikely that the veggies would contain enough chemicals to cause harm, it is possible for your hamster to be more sensitive.

Fresh Fruits

Although fruits are healthy, they can also be high in sugar so you should only give them sparingly. You can use them as treats, not as dietary staples.

Hamsters love bananas, strawberries, bananas, and pears (without seeds or skin). You should avoid giving them anything too sour, as this can cause diarrhea. Avoid citrus fruits, which can cause digestive problems.

As with vegetables, fruit should be washed well before being served. You should also pick up food that hasn’t been eaten in 24 hours.

Meat

Yes, it is important that your hamster eat meat. They need it for protein, and they can also eat it in the wild. Hamsters can even hunt frogs and lizards together!

However, you don’t have to sacrifice a bullfrog. Hard-boiled eggs and mealworms are the most common food for hamsters. However, you can also feed them cooked meat, turkey, or chicken. You can also use grasshoppers, crickets, or other small insects.

You should avoid giving your hamster any insects that could harm them and make sure they don’t eat anything that has been in contact with pesticides. Don’t season any meat you give to your hamsters.

What to Avoid Feeding Your Hamster

It is just as important to know what foods you should avoid giving your pet as what foods you should give them.

The most toxic foods for hamsters are pretty obvious. Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and even spring break are all bad ideas. Others might not be as obvious.

Avoid giving them raw meats (except insects), and keep them away from raw beans and potatoes. Peanuts, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and garlic are also no-nos.

Sharp edges are another danger. Keep in mind that hamsters can keep food in their mouths for hours, so don’t give them anything that could cause them pain.

The Perfect Hamster Diet

Although hamsters require a variety of food, it doesn’t mean that they are difficult to feed. You only need to find high-quality pellets, and then go from there.

Hamsters don’t have to be picky so it shouldn’t be difficult for you to find foods that your pet will eat. If only your children could be as adventurous as you!