Hamsters appreciate variety. And all hamsters should have access to an array of foods. In the wild they will forage for food and this same behavior takes root in domesticated hamsters. They enjoy trying new foods and eating an assortment of things. But there are a few basic staples that every hamster's diet should entail.
Photo credit to Hamster Haven Rescue.
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Seeds: In the wild hamsters would scavenge. Seeds are one of the most convenient foods for them to come by, so naturally seeds make up about half of their nutrition needs. Millet, safflower, oat groats, and barley are perfect seeds to mix and match to your hamster's liking. Sunflower seeds are quite fatty- so they should be fed in moderation (once or twice a week). All other seeds should be served up every day.
Greens: Greens such as alfalfa, leafy lettuce, spinach, and timothy hay are a necessary part of a hamster's diet. They help offer up a good variety of fresh fiber, which your hamster needs. You should feed your hamster fresh greens 3 to 4 times a week. You can also supplement fresh greens with dried greens (alfalfa and timothy hay).
Nuts: Nuts are high in protein and are a necessary part of a hamsters diet. Things like cashews, walnuts, and almonds should be fed 2 to 3 times a week. Peanuts, on the other hand, are fatty- so they should only be fed as treats- once a week. If you feed your hamster peanuts, make sure they are in small amounts- no more than two or three individual shelled nuts.
Vegetables: Along with seeds, in the wild hamsters will eat a diet that largely consists of vegetables. Dried vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn should be fed daily. Fresh vegetables like celery, broccoli, and cauliflower can be fed 2 to 3 times a week.
Fruits: As with most rodents, hamsters have a sweet tooth- and they love fruit. And fruits are a great thing to add to your hamster's diet! But they should be fed sparingly. Dried fruits like coconut, banana, and apple can be added to your hamster's food mix one or two times a week. And fresh fruits like berries, pears, and pineapple pieces can be fed once a week.
Photo credit to Hamster Haven Rescue.
Click their name to learn more about this awesome hamster rescue!
Seeds: In the wild hamsters would scavenge. Seeds are one of the most convenient foods for them to come by, so naturally seeds make up about half of their nutrition needs. Millet, safflower, oat groats, and barley are perfect seeds to mix and match to your hamster's liking. Sunflower seeds are quite fatty- so they should be fed in moderation (once or twice a week). All other seeds should be served up every day.
Greens: Greens such as alfalfa, leafy lettuce, spinach, and timothy hay are a necessary part of a hamster's diet. They help offer up a good variety of fresh fiber, which your hamster needs. You should feed your hamster fresh greens 3 to 4 times a week. You can also supplement fresh greens with dried greens (alfalfa and timothy hay).
Nuts: Nuts are high in protein and are a necessary part of a hamsters diet. Things like cashews, walnuts, and almonds should be fed 2 to 3 times a week. Peanuts, on the other hand, are fatty- so they should only be fed as treats- once a week. If you feed your hamster peanuts, make sure they are in small amounts- no more than two or three individual shelled nuts.
Vegetables: Along with seeds, in the wild hamsters will eat a diet that largely consists of vegetables. Dried vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn should be fed daily. Fresh vegetables like celery, broccoli, and cauliflower can be fed 2 to 3 times a week.
Fruits: As with most rodents, hamsters have a sweet tooth- and they love fruit. And fruits are a great thing to add to your hamster's diet! But they should be fed sparingly. Dried fruits like coconut, banana, and apple can be added to your hamster's food mix one or two times a week. And fresh fruits like berries, pears, and pineapple pieces can be fed once a week.