How To Feed Dwarf Hamsters Everything They Can Eat

If you choose to buy commercial hamster food, read the nutrition facts and ingredients to determine if the food mix is high variety. If not, find a different food mix. Avoid mixes that have artificial dyes and/or artificial preservatives. [1] X Research source

This also applies to how much and how often you should feed your hamster. Different hamsters of different sizes will have different requirements. For instance, an incredibly overweight hamster should be fed a lot less than a hamster of a healthy weight. See a veterinarian if you are unsure of what your hamster needs.

Start by feeding your dwarf hamster one small piece of produce a week, then slowly move up to feeding them a small piece once a day. If your dwarf hamster develops diarrhea, stop feeding them produce. Wait for their diarrhea to resolve before trying again. Herbs, such as basil and coriander, are also great low-sugar treats for your dwarf hamster. [3] X Research source

Avoid fruits with an extremely high water content, like watermelon. Bell peppers are too acidic for your dwarf hamster’s digestive tract and can give them an upset stomach. [5] X Research source Almonds contain cyanic acid, which can make your dwarf hamster very sick. Fruit seeds can be harmful to your dwarf hamster. If you would like to feed your dwarf hamster fruits that have seeds, like apples, peaches, or plums, make sure to remove the seeds first. Chocolate is extremely dangerous and can kill your dwarf hamster. Avoid it at all costs.

Dwarf hamsters also enjoy insects like grasshoppers, earthworms, and crickets, which are high in protein. [7] X Research source Purchase insects from your local pet store since the ones you capture outside may have microorganisms that could make your dwarf hamster sick. Small amounts of dairy, like pea-sized amount of plain yogurt or cottage cheese, or a pinch of meat, like turkey or chicken, are also good protein sources. Grains like rice, nuts, and seeds provide a good amount of protein, too. Just give your pet 1 tsp (4. 9 g) of these sources once every 2-3 days since they’re high in calories. [8] X Research source

Your dwarf hamster can have soft treats, too. Examples of soft treats include 1/2 of a slice of whole wheat bread and scrambled eggs made out of 1/4 of an egg. [10] X Research source

If you’ve already given them their daily allotment of food, don’t refill their empty bowl. Hamsters have cheek pouches in which they will stuff their food to save for later. They also have a habit of storing their food under their cage bedding.

Ceramic bowls are also very sturdy, which makes them difficult to overturn, unlike plastic food bowls. Place the food bowl as far away as possible from your hamster’s designated ‘bathroom," the spot where they’ve designed to go potty. Clean the food bowl once a week when you clean your dwarf hamster’s cage.

Whichever time of day you choose to feed your dwarf hamster, remain consistent with feeding them at the same time. Remember that dwarf hamsters have a very high metabolism, so they will need access to food at all times.

For example, if you notice that your dwarf hamster doesn’t like one kind of fruit, like an apple, replace it with another fruit, like a banana. Keeping a variety of foods will allow you to easily switch out one food for another. Stop feeding them food that makes them sick ASAP. For example, avoid giving them even tiny amounts of watermelon if it gives them diarrhea.

Do not give your hamster a water bowl or dish since these usually lead to watery messes that grow mold. [17] X Research source Position the bottle inside the cage so that it’s out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause algae to form inside the bottle, which can make your hamster sick. [18] X Research source Secure the water bottle inside of the cage with two small clips. If these clips didn’t already come with the bottle, pick up a couple at your local pet store.