It’s important to help your dwarf hamster maintain a balanced diet. Why? Just like humans, dwarf hamsters need a well-rounded diet to ensure that they are able to enjoy a healthy, long lifespan. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, dwarf hamsters in the wild enjoy a range of foods, including seeds, insect larva and even crickets. It’s important to feed pet dwarf hamsters an equally varied, appropriate diet with the essential nutrients and minerals that will help them stay in good health throughout the duration of their lives.
Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Regular Hamster Food?
The short answer is yes, but many kibble formulas have ingredients that can upset the delicate diet of the dwarf hamster. It’s important to research before purchasing.
The best dwarf hamster food options include healthy pellets, veggies, nuts/seeds, protein, dairy and grains. It’s often best to choose dwarf hamster food that is formulated for your pet, as certain foods will put your furry friend at risk. Some hamster foods that are not specific to dwarf hamsters may have more sugar than is healthy for a dwarf variety. According to Dwarf Hamster Guide, avoiding too much sugar can help prevent diabetes.
Best Food for Your Dwarf Hamster
The best dwarf hamster pellets should be as natural as possible, with little to no additives. Carefully read labels for sugars that will affect your hamster’s health. Look for mixes that come complete with grains, protein, veggies, nuts, eggs, vitamins and minerals.
Vita Prima dwarf hamster food is a great natural alternative to some mixes on the market. The pellets are made up of sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, peas and barley. A daily portion of this food is sure to keep your hamster healthy and vitamin-rich. Beaphar Care Plus dwarf hamster food is another good option that is meant specifically for dwarf hamsters.
The best food for a Robo dwarf hamster is any mix that is formulated for dwarf hamsters. Robos enjoy pellets along with special treats, just like any other dwarf hamster.
How Much Food and Water Does a Dwarf Hamster Need?
You should always feed your pet appropriately throughout the day because dwarf hamsters expend a lot of energy. Here’s what a dwarf hamster needs:
- One tablespoon (15 grams) of nutritionally-balanced food, such as commercial hamster pellets. Not all commercial pellets are good for the sensitive sugar levels of dwarf hamsters. Check out the healthiest choices for your little ball of fur above.
- A daily portion of one tablespoon (15 grams) of protein. You’ll find some healthy choices below.
- Fresh food as treats is always a good option that can help provide necessary vitamins. Below you’ll find a quick guide for introducing your pet to fresh food as well as options for a diverse and healthy diet.
- Lastly, a hamster water bottle to avoid dehydration and overfeeding. Having fresh, clean water on hand for your dwarf hamster is essential for optimal health. Remember to change the water daily!
Factors To Consider When Feeding Your Dwarf Hamster
To maintain a healthy hamster, you should consider the time of day you feed your pet and their likes and dislikes; always promptly discard uneaten food to prevent illness.
Dwarf hamsters are nocturnal animals, so it might be best to feed them in the evening. This way, they can burn off their food and maintain a healthy metabolism throughout the night. However, according to Dwarf Hamster Guide, dwarf hamsters do wake and eat during the day, so a morning feeding schedule is appropriate as well.
Knowing your hamster’s preferences is vital to keeping them healthy and happy. Pay attention to what food your pet likes and avoids when experimenting with their diet.
What Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Besides Hamster Food?
Aside from pellets, your dwarf hamster can enjoy fresh produce and certain treats that are listed below. However, it is important to introduce these foods to your pet slowly to avoid any gastric distress.
Start by feeding them a small slice or piece of food once a week, then you can adjust accordingly to include that specific food daily as a snack. It’s good to test out different foods because not all products may agree with your hamster. If you notice diarrhea from your dwarf hamster, stop feeding them that food.
Dwarf Hamster Treats
- Veggies: Veggies and seeds are the safest foods to give your pet for a healthy variety. Darker and more colorful veggies contain more vitamins and nutrients. Some simple veggies include green leafy romaine lettuce or spinach leaves. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cucumbers, celery, red and green bell peppers, Bok choy and sweet potatoes can add crunch to your pet’s diet. Other treats include beans and legumes.
- Nuts/Seeds: Always monitor your pet’s intake of nuts and seeds. This snack contains high-fat content that can be dangerous in large portions.
- Protein: Protein is a necessary and important part of a dwarf hamster’s diet. Meat-based protein options include fish, boiled chicken/turkey, canned and drained tuna, cooked egg whites with small amounts of egg yolk and unseasoned poultry baby food. Beans and legumes are also good protein sources.
- Dairy: Dairy may be an option for your dwarf hamster but remember that portioning is important. You can try feeding your hamster low-fat plain yogurt and unprocessed cheeses in very small amounts to start with, to ensure that it agrees with your pet’s stomach.
- Grains: Grains can be a great alternative as a snack or side for your hamster’s meals. Whole grains are the best option when incorporating grains. Some favorite hamster snacks include cooked whole grain pasta, whole wheat toast and cooked whole grain rice. If you’d like to add a crunchy grain to your hamster’s diet, opt for whole grain unsweetened cereals.
What Foods Should You Avoid?
You should avoid any foods that are high in sugar. Look for different sugars like maltose, fructose and dextrose when reading food labels.
Not all veggies, fruits or grains are safe, either. Avoid feeding your dwarf hamster carrots, corn, fruit, white rice and white bread. Again, these foods are all high in sugar and carbohydrates that can deteriorate your pet’s health.
Also on the no-no list are potatoes, almonds, raisins, sprouts, garlic, pork and onions. Avoid these foods because they are toxic to your loving companion’s health. Avoid chocolate completely because it can be harmful to your pet.
Balanced Is Best
When deciding what to feed your dwarf hamster, remember that a balanced diet is best. Regular dwarf hamster pellets should make up the base of your pet’s diet, with additional veggies, grains, nuts, seeds, etc., that provide essential minerals and nutrients. Caring for your dwarf hamster should be fun, not stressful. Enjoy watching your pet nibble on healthy, delicious foods made just for them!
