Food and Water for Hamsters

Good quality food and fresh, clean water must be readily available at all times. The exact nutritional requirements are not known. In the wild, they are omnivorous, feeding on plants, seeds, fruits and insects. Pet hamsters are best fed commercial rat or mouse diets containing at least 16% crude protein. These foods are usually available as dry blocks or pellets.

These commercial diets can be supplemented with small amounts of dry, sugar-free breakfast cereals, whole-wheat bread, uncooked pasta, cooked chicken, tuna fish, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables. The last 2 items must be thoroughly washed to avoid exposing pet hamsters to pesticide residues and possible bacterial contamination. Pet stores sell prepared hamster diets available in boxes or bags. They contain large quantities of seeds and items rich in oils.

Consequently, if improperly stored, they become rancid and lose their nutritive value. Further, these oil-rich items promote obesity. These types of foods can be offered as a supplement to the commercial rat or mouse diets mentioned above. All food should be provided in heavy ceramic crocks that resists tipping. The sides of the crocks should be high enough to keep bedding and fecal material out of the food, or the crocks should be elevated slightly above the bedding.

Water is most easily available and kept free from contamination be providing it in one or more water bottles equipped with "sipper" tubes. Make certain the ends of the tubes are positioned low enough to allow all residents within the enclosure (especially juvenile hamsters over 1 week old) easy access to them. Also make certain that very young hamsters are strong enough to obtain water from these sipper tubes.

Hamsters The Essential Guide - The essential care and feeding of your pet hamster.