Dwarf Hamsters' Diet

Though, dwarf hamsters are smaller than the normal hamsters, there is no considerable difference between their diets. However, one needs to be very careful when treating the dwarf hamsters with any sugar treats, as the dwarf hamsters are sugar sensitive and can get diabetes easily. Diabetes is a common problem, among the Campbell's hamsters, and owners of these hamsters especially need to monitor the amount of sugary food the hamsters eat.

Diet for Dwarf Hamsters

A balanced diet should contain all the primary ingredients, which are proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fats and water. Proteins are necessary for their growth, and especially are required by the younger hamsters and the pregnant mothers. Pet food which contains carbs and fats give energy and warmth, but should be given in proper amount as, over consumption can lead to bleeding problems and other health problems. A little amount of vitamins and minerals, which are found in vegetables, milk, fruits and grains are appropriate for them. Last, but not the least water should be regularly given to the dwarf hamsters. Providing your hamster the right amount of these nutrients, will keep your pet dwarf hamster healthy. Here, are the different kinds of foods which you can feed your pet hamster.

Pellets
These provide a balanced diet to your pet hamster, and are generally recommended for the pet hamsters. But, can hamsters eat besides hamster food? Yes, providing them regularly with pellets and not t feeding your hamster any fresh food or treats, can get monotonous and some hamsters might start refusing the pellets. Hence, other foodstuffs along with pellets can not just add variety to their diet, but also your pet will be enjoying a well-balanced diet. When buying the pelleted foods, make sure to tell the pet shop guy the breed of dwarf hamster you have. The diet difference between Chinese dwarf hamster or Russian dwarf hamsters or teddy bear hamsters, is not much and they will eat the normal hamster food. Except, for the amount of sugary food needs to be monitored in the Campbell's dwarf hamsters.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your hamsters diet, will help to provide the essential vitamins and minerals required by the hamsters, and thus enrich their diet and ensure good pet health. Make sure you give fresh fruits and vegetables in moderation, or there is a possibility of diarrhea. Some of the recommended fruits and veggies for pet hamsters are apples without the seeds, broccoli, bananas, potatoes which are cooked, squash, kale, peas, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, blueberries, grapes, romaine lettuce, cucumber and dandelions greens.

Mixed Seeds
A loose mix diet consisting of grains and dried vegetables along with some types of seeds, can be given to your dwarf hamsters. However, sometimes the hamster will pick the grains which they like the most, and leave the rest of the mix. So, make sure your hamster eats the complete loose mix, and doesn't leave any leftovers in the bowl.

Treats
Now, that you know about the sugar-sensitivity about dwarf hamsters, try to avoid the sugary treats. Instead give your pet hamster store bought treats like yogurt drops. Hamsters are omnivorous by nature. So, you can give them bits of meal worms, meat, dog biscuits, boiled eggs, yeast tablets, low sugar cereals and mixed bird seeds. Feeding them with treats once a week is sufficient.

Make sure you provide them all the nutrients, and don't just keep a pelleted monotonous diet. A balanced and mixed diet, will maintain a healthy, active and happy hamster pet. Do not feed your pet dwarf hamster any junk food, and avoid foodstuffs like garlic, chocolate, apple seeds and raw potatoes.