What do Hamsters Eat

Hamsters are rodents that are now very popular as pets. These small, furry critters are equally loved by kids as well as adults, for their funny activities. Apart from that, hamsters are not fussy like some other pets and are easy to take care of. This does not mean that you are free from your responsibilities towards your pet. As far as hamsters are concerned, you have to take special care of their home, food, diseases, handling, etc. But, many are found to be confused about hamster diet. Such doubts are mostly raised by beginners, who are confused about which food is good for hamsters.

Hamster Diet

Hamsters feed on a wide variety of food, like, grains, nut, fruits, vegetables, cereals, biscuits, etc. The list can be endless, as these critters like to stuff their mouth with anything and everything that come in their way. In their natural habitat, they feed on nuts, grains, bits of fruits and vegetables laying on the ground, etc. They may also consume small insects, like, crickets, fruit flies, etc. Even though, hamsters like to eat numerous food items, some of them can be harmful for these animals. Consumption of certain things may make the animal sick and in some cases, may even cause death. So, a basic idea about the diet of hamsters, will be beneficial if you plan to keep these animals as pets.

What to Feed a Hamster

Now you know that hamsters feed on a wide range of foods. Even though, they are omnivores, they tend to be more on the vegetarian side. However, you must give them foods rich in protein too. The following are some of the best foods that are safe for hamsters.

• As they need protein for a healthy growth, you can provide them with cheese (especially cottage cheese), boiled or scrambled eggs, meal worms, crickets, grasshoppers, cooked poultry or beef (without fat), muesli, seeds and nuts, cooked rice, bread soaked in milk, etc.
• Hamsters eat fruits, like, seedless apples, pitted peaches and plums, lychees, raspberries, seedless grapes, strawberries, bananas, cranberries, blackberries, raisins, etc.
• Vegetables are also among the safe and favorite foods for hamsters. You can give them vegetables, like, turnip, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers, celery, cauliflower, clover, spinach, sweet corn, green beans, cooked beans, sweet corn, water cress, zucchini, asparagus, etc.
• From the above mentioned hamster foods, the most favorite items are cheese, cooked beans, cucumbers, apples, carrots, leafy vegetables, toasted bread, dog biscuits, rice, etc.
• Favorite hamster foods may vary with different types of hamsters. While, Roborovskis love Chinese cabbage, birdseed, sweet corn, etc. Syrian hamsters like a wide range of fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.
• While, a healthy and well-balanced hamster mix can take care of most of the nutritional requirements of these animals, you can provide the other food items as occasional treats.
• Whenever you introduce a food to your hamster, you have to start with very small amounts. This applies to all fruits, vegetables and other items. Otherwise too, treats should not be given in large quantities. Read more on dwarf hamster's diet.

Now, you have a basic idea about what do hamsters eat. While, the above mentioned food items are safe for hamsters, there are certain foods that can make the animal sick. Hamsters should not be fed with almonds, rhubarb, raw potatoes, onion, garlic, chocolate, raw beans, raw kidney beans, foods with whole oats, eggplant, apple seeds, canned foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, watermelon, etc. As these animals are nocturnal, feed them in the evening and never use plastic bowls for feeding. Apart from food, make sure to provide them with fresh water and a spacious and clean home.