Nutrional needs for hamsters

He may be a little guy, but your hamster's big on food. With their high metabolisms, these animal companions require about 10 percent of their body weight in food every day. In the wild, hamsters scarf down seeds, plants, fruit, and the occasional insect or earthworm. Your pet will do just fine on specially formulated hamster mix, supplemented every couple of days with fresh foods like fruits and vegetables.

Hamster food

Commercial hamster mix should make up the bulk of your hammy's diet. Nutritionally complete, it's readily available at pet supply stores, and consists of a variety of seeds, grains, dried veggies and nuts. Feed your pet every evening, when he's most active and ready to start his routine. A sturdy ceramic food bowl will work well, and as you get to know your pet's habits, you'll learn how much he eats every day.

Hamster diet includes fresh food

Every two or three days, you'll need to supplement your pet's diet with fresh foods. He'll love veggies and fruits, such as carrots, broccoli, corn, bananas, grapes and apples. It's best to gradually introduce fresh foods, as too many, too soon can cause diarrhea. Your omnivorous pet will also appreciate a bite of whole wheat bread, a nibble or two of cooked chicken, egg or tuna, or a few cashews, peanuts or other nuts. Never offer him raw kidney beans, onions, raw potato, rhubarb, or anything sugary. Be sure to wash all produce well--and remember, the name of the game is moderation. Half a handful of fresh foods is plenty.

Fresh, clean water should be available to your pet at all times. We recommend an upside-down bottle with a sipper tube that attaches to the side of the cage. You'll need to rinse and refill it every day. Regularly check that the tube isn't clogged, and be sure the bottle is easily accessible.

All types of hamster food can be found in those pouches

In getting to know your pet, you'll soon find he has some unusual eating habits. If you notice he's literally stuffing his face, don't panic. Hamsters are known to carry food in their cheeks, which are actually roomy pouches. Once your pet has packed away his booty, he'll unload his stash in a corner of the cage to save for a late-night snack. Unfortunately, these buried treasures can quickly spoil and become moldy (or smelly, for that matter!), so you'll need to remove any uneaten food from your pet's bedding on a daily basis.

And finally, do not become alarmed if you notice your pet eating his droppings. This is perfectly normal, and allows your hamster to obtain essential nutrients from the food that he wasn't able to get on the first pass.