Hamster care & nutrition
Caring for pet Hamsters
Providing hamsters with a balanced and nutritious diet is essential to prevent various health issues and ensure their longevity.
Hamsters are adventurous and energetic creatures – making popular pets. There are over 20 breeds of hamster but the most common pets are Syrian (Golden) hamsters and Dwarf breeds.
If they are well cared for by following the correct hamster nutrition and home guidelines, they will live for around two years.
Nutrition & diet
In their natural habitat, hamsters can eat grass, hay, seeds and grain. As pets, complete foods specifically for hamsters are available, but some foods can have a significant impact on their daily dietary needs:
- Although they are often mistaken as herbivores, hamsters are omnivores and need protein in their diet to keep them healthy.
- Too much green food can cause diarrhoea.
- And due to their continually growing teeth, hamsters need the correct diet to wear down their teeth sufficiently to avoid painful dental conditions.
What to feed your pet hamster
There are a number of nutritionally balanced diets for hamsters on the market, but here are some nutrition tips to bear in mind:
Plenty of hay and safe twigs to chew on
Small pieces of fruit or vegetable
Unlimited supply of fresh drinking water
Always provide fresh, clean water. Insufficient water intake can lead to dehydration and various health complications.
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.
Dangerous foods for hamsters
Hamsters have delicate cheek pouches, so you need to be careful how you feed them. Foods that contain whole oats can puncture their cheek pouches, so should be avoided
You should also avoid sticky foods, as these stick to their pouches.
If in doubt as to whether something is safe to feed your hamster, it is best to avoid it.
Can I give my hamster treats?
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.
How often should you feed hamsters?
Hamsters should be fed daily, however, as they are nocturnal, the best feeding time for them is in the evening when they start to wake up. Use a heavy earthenware bowl so that their food is kept dry, but make sure it's cleaned daily.
Bottle refilling & cleaning
Fresh, clean water must always be available for your hamster. Make sure you check their water bottle frequently to make sure it always has water, and change the water daily to ensure that it is always fresh. You should also clean their water bottle regularly and check that your hamster can reach and drink from the bottle with ease.
Providing an interesting and stimulating living space
Otherwise known as Behavioural Enrichment, the way you feed your hamster and the environment in which they live is essential to your pet's wellbeing by helping to prevent boredom and stress.
