Food

Feeding Habits

Hamsters like to remove their food from the bowls or feeders and filled their cheek pouches to the maximum amount. They will then hid their food in a corner of the cage. Hamsters are small animals, but they are also eager eaters. It is recommended to feed them once a day only. 

  Feeders or bowls should be made of nontoxic and non-chewable materials

  Feeders or bowls should be cleaned everyday

  Remove old food so that it does not become contaminated or spoiled

Types Of Food To Feed

  Commercial hamster food

  Birdseed and insects (such as small crickets and mealworms)

  Fruits and vegetables (in small quantities)

  Vitamins and minerals (optional)

It is recommended that commercial hamster food and insects be bought from a pet store. Moreover, hamsters enjoy fruits and vegetables (especially carrots). However, fruits and vegetables should not be fed as their daily diet as they can cause intestinal upset and diarrhea. In addition, they will ignore their nutritionally balanced commercial diet.

Water

Water is the most important element required by all living things. It is especially important to hamsters due to their dry diet (seeds and commercial food). However, there are certain points to take note when you give water to your pet hamster.

  Do not give distilled, demineralised, deionised or carbonated water

  Water bottle should be cleaned, rinsed well and refilled daily.

Food To Avoid

  Sharp, dry, stiff or sticky food (candy, raisins and prunes)

  Cooked or processed foods

  Chocolate or other junk foods

This page was last updated on 31 October 2000.