Feeding hamsters the right way
How much should you be feeding your hamster?
If you feed your hamster commercial food, about one tablespoon of pellets or seed mix once a day, supplemented by treats as described below, will be enough. A small amount of greens plus a floret of cauliflower, a slice of apple, or several raisins (or an equivalent amount of other appropriate treats) once a day is plenty to supplement your hamster’s commercial chow. Give treats in small quantities to reduce waste and decrease the amount of time you spend looking for spoiled produce in your hamster's cage. Hard treats like small dog biscuits, branches from fruit-bearing trees, or commercial snacks that help wear down your hamster’s teeth can be offered once a week, ensuring that your hamster mouth remains active without feeding it too much. Remember to take note that hamsters instinctively hoard food in "secret" stashes in their cage, so don’t feel compelled to refill an empty bowl as hamsters can get fat. Adapted from: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/hamsters/tips/hamster_feeding.html What should you not feed your hamster?
Hamsters require a certain diet and need specific nutrients in their food. Feed your hamster safely and know which foods to not give to your hamster. Just because can eat a food safely does not necessarily mean your hamster can. Hamsters cannot tolerate some foods that are toxic to them such as uncooked kidney beans, peanuts, potatoes,tomato leaves and rhubarbs. Don't give your hamster citrus fruits or onions as these foods are very acidic and will give your pet an upset stomach. As with us, foods containing lots of artificial colours and additives won't do your hamster any good. Hamsters cannot eat the following foods due to their respective reasons.
Adapted from: http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/hamsters/hamster-diet/what-hamsters-should-not-eat.aspx |
What should you be feeding your hamster?
In the wild all of the hamster species eat a variety of seeds, plants and insects. We can give our pet hamsters all of the nutrients they need by giving them a varied and balanced diet. The main part of your hamster's diet should consist of a good quality hamster mix. Your hamster can be fed a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Give your hamster a small piece of fruit or vegetable daily. You can feed your hamster foods such as grapes, melon, kale and cucumber. All of the fruit and vegetables offered to your hamster should be well washed to remove any residue of dirt or pesticides. Drain off the water and present the goodies to your pet. In the wild your hamster would also eat insects. You can provide the protein that your hamster needs by giving your pet foods such as cooked white chicken meat and boiled egg.
Adapted from: http://www.southernhamsterclub.co.uk/new/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=71 |