Hamster Nutrition

Hamsters are omnivorous pets who love to hoard food.  The best feeding time is in the evening when they start to wake up. Complete foods specifically for hamsters are available but here are some nutrition tips to bear in mind:

• In their natural habitat hamsters eat grasses, seeds and grain. Although they are often mistaken as herbivores, they are omnivores and need protein in their diet to keep them healthy.
• Hamsters need feeding every day and as they are nocturnal creatures, an evening feed is ideal.
• A heavy, earthenware bowl is best to keep the food dry – it will need to be cleaned daily.
• Hamsters have delicate cheek pouches so be careful how you feed them.  Do not give foods that contain whole oats as these can puncture pouches.  Also avoid sticky foods, as these stick to their pouches. The list is not exhaustive, and if in doubt as to whether something is safe to feed it is best to avoid it.
• Hamsters have teeth which grow continually. If fed unsuitable foods, they fail to wear their teeth sufficiently and this can lead to painful dental conditions. Plenty of hay and safe twigs to chew are a good idea.  Failure to feed them with the right diet can result in serious dental disease.
• Your hamster may like an occasional treat, such as a small piece of fruit or vegetable – but too much green food can cause diarrhoea. Don't feed too many treats as even hamsters can eat too much and become overweight, which can lead to many other health problems.
• Fresh, clean water must be always available. There are drinking bottles designed for hamsters on the market, just make sure you check the bottle frequently to see that it always has water in it, and change the water daily to ensure that it is always fresh and that the bottle is clean. You should also check that your guinea pig can reach and drink from the bottle with ease

There are a number of nutritionally balanced diets for hamsters on the market. Manufacturers have experts available to provide you with advice on what you should buy for your pet and how to feed, so contact them directly for further advice on specific products.