What can hamsters eat? What can’t hamsters eat? You may be surprised to learn that some foods generally considered healthy and beneficial to your nutrition, like almonds, can be harmful to your hamster.
Small rodents, including hamsters, live very short lifespans. As such, it is vital to feed them properly to keep them with us as long as possible.
Feeding your hamster an unhealthy diet—even unintentionally—can increase the chance of her experiencing an early death from an illness like heart disease, diabetes or other nutritional-related ailments.
The first step to keep your furry friend in tip-top shape is to knowing what to feed—and what not to feed! Just because you can eat a food safely does not mean your hamster can as well.
What Can I Feed My Hamster?
Hamster foodrequires a diet with specific nutrients. A quality, pelleted diet, also called rodent block, is a good start. Oxbow and other brands offer quality foods for hamsters.
Other safe foods to share with your hamster in very small amounts—less than a fingernail-size portion and only a few times per week—include:
- Well-washed fruits and vegetables, such as blackberries, peaches and mango.
- Cereals and grains, such as whole wheat crackers, healthy breads and rolls, oats and cereals.
- Proteins, such as tofu, hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, and small amounts of lean chicken.
Always monitor your hamster closely. If she isn’t eating her healthy rodent block well or is developing soft stool, discontinue the extras and consult your veterinarian for advice.
Hamsters are wonderful small family members, but they must be fed properly to help them live long, healthy lives.
What Can’t Hamsters Eat?
Here is a list of foods to watch out for. Though you may be able to feed some of these foods in moderation to your hamster, follow the precautionary steps to ensure it won’t be hazardous or deadly for your pet.
