10 best foods for hamsters

Update date: 01/08/2021 14:51:27 1167 Share:

Author: Angelina Fishelevich

In terms of nutrition, hamsters are considered quite finicky animals. They need a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Store-bought mixtures of cereals, fruits and vegetables are developed taking into account all the characteristics of the animal. To select a safe and healthy composition, we have prepared a rating that includes the best mixtures for hamsters of various breeds.

Dry food for hamsters

The basis of nutrition for domestic hamsters is dry granulated food produced at specialized enterprises and purchased in the store. Only a balanced factory-produced product meets the requirements for the selection and processing of raw materials and carries out careful quality control. Ready-made grain mixtures contain everything your pets need for a healthy diet; they should always be in the feeder. You should only buy food for hamsters; concentrates for other rodents and birds are contraindicated for them!

How to choose food for hamsters

When purchasing food for hamsters, you should consider the following parameters:

1. Mixture type

   . There are universal and special foods on sale. Djungarians need to buy separate products taking into account the needs of the animal. Combination formulations combining fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat and grains are popular. If the animal does not have allergies, you can purchase food that contains over 50% oats, barley, wheat and millet.

2. Hamster age.

   For young and adult animals, food with a high protein content is suitable. A universal mixture with a lower amount of carbohydrates and fats is intended for hamsters with excess weight problems.

3. Compound.

   It is important to pay attention to the presence of allergenic components, dyes and other harmful substances. If an animal has health problems, it is worth buying food aimed at solving them. In any case, the basis should be grain crops and dry herbs (60-65%). It is good if the product contains additional additives in the form of berries, medicinal plants, fatty acids and vitamins and minerals.

4. Package

   . It is important to check the expiration date of the food on the pack, as well as its tightness.

If the hamster eats the food completely, then the diet is composed correctly. The product should not cause digestive problems. Particular attention should be paid to the aroma of the mixture.

The hamster's menu needs to be changed periodically. It would be logical to note several products presented in our rating.

Wet food for hamsters

What else can and should be put in the feeder? First of all, fresh vegetables and fruits every day, always washed. Recommended garden plants include zucchini, pumpkin, carrots, beets, corn kernels and some others. Cabbage, potatoes, onions, garlic, and watermelons are prohibited. Among fruits and berries, apples from 2 months of age, grapes, currants, blueberries, dried fruits, except prunes, are allowed. Occasionally and little by little, as a treat - bananas, pears, peaches, apricots. In no case - citrus fruits, persimmons, kiwi, pomegranate, avocado and other exotics.

We recommend adding herbs in small portions - parsley, dill, celery, lettuce, beet tops. Leaves of yellow clover, plantain and dandelion collected from nature are also suitable. Or grow your own grass at home from grains not eaten by the hamster. Do not provide hay at all or short stems - in a long one the animal’s paw can get tangled and die.

1-2 times a week, your pet can be pampered with nuts (except almonds), sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Nuts in shells, fruit seeds, pine and spruce cones are strictly prohibited. Rodents can injure themselves on them or break teeth, and stone fruit kernels are bitter and poisonous to hamsters.

Every day there should be a protein supplement on the menu. For this purpose, we recommend a boiled egg, low-fat kefir and cottage cheese, chicken breast cooked without salt and spices, sprouted mung bean or oats. These products should be given alternating every 2 days.

Do not believe the advice to feed hamsters with milk, cheese and bread - all this is very harmful to their digestive tract and can even lead to the death of the animal.

For more detailed information, we recommend that you refer to the list of approved products. It should be remembered that the main part of the daily menu should be given in the evening, when hamsters are especially active.

So that your pets can grind down their long teeth as needed, they need a chewing stick. It can be made from a branch of an apple, birch, or hazel tree growing outside the city limits. Before putting it in the cage, the stick must be boiled and dried.

Vitamins for hamsters

Expensive imported food from the store already contains the vitamin supplements your pet needs. Cheaper and, unfortunately, lower quality domestic food must be sprinkled with a special vitamin-calcium supplement 3-4 times a week; it is also sold in pet stores. Crackers and drops should not be used as a replacement; they do not contain the necessary microelements, but they contain “chemistry”. Vitamins for humans are not suitable for the rodent body, moreover, they are deadly for them.

Rating of the best food for hamsters

Beaphar Care+ Нamste

Rating: 4.9

The rating opens with premium class food, which is perfect for dwarf hamsters. It is made from quality ingredients that are high in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. The composition contains echinacea extract, which has a beneficial effect on the animal’s immunity. Spirulina improves metabolism, vitamin E makes the coat softer and silkier, yucca restores digestion. The granules do not have sharp edges and cannot damage the cheek pouches.

The product of the Israeli company is economical. A 250 g pack is enough for about 2 months. All pellets are eaten by hamsters without leaving a trace. Reviews about the food are only positive. For 250 g you will have to pay about 500 rubles. Some hamster owners are not willing to pay that amount for a quality product for their pet.

Advantages

1. excellent quality;
2. nice smell;
3. strengthens the immune system;
4. provides energy needs;
5. high content of nutrients;
6. granules without sharp edges.

Flaws

1. expensive food

Versele-Laga Complete Hamster & Gerbil

Rating: 4.8

Second place in the ranking belongs to food from a Belgian manufacturer. The mixture includes extruded pellets that bring maximum benefits to your hamster. They are easily digestible, prevent dental problems and normalize digestion. The composition consists of 40% cereals, 15% vegetables, 4% fruits. Contains vegetable protein extract, nuts, rosemary, calendula.

The crushed components of the granules ensure better grinding of teeth, thereby maintaining oral health. The increased fiber content does not allow the hamster to gain weight.

Judging by the reviews, the animals eat Versele-Laga Complete Hamster & Gerbil with great pleasure. It’s a pity that the product is not always available in stores and you have to look for it in online markets. The pack lasts for a long time. Price for 500 g is about 500 rubles.

Advantages

1. balanced composition;
2. does not cause allergies;
3. identical granules;
4. verified manufacturer.

Flaws

1. difficult to find on sale.

Cliffi Selection Ferdi Fruity

Rating: 4.8

The next participant in the rating is famous for its high content of vitamins and minerals. The food from the Italian company is more expensive than other brands, but it is also of good quality. It contains vitamins A, D3, C, E, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, potassium iodide, sodium selenite. The basis of the mixture is fruits, seeds and grains. Added chopped hay, baked goods, walnuts, vegetables, and meat. Raw materials are manufactured in a modern plant with the highest quality control.

The mixture looks the same as shown on the product package. The aroma of the food is very pleasant. After a snack the hamster feels great. The only thing that confuses me is the presence of dyes in the composition. The product comes in packaging that can be resealed to prolong freshness and preserve beneficial qualities. Price – 440-500 rubles per 700 g.

Advantages

1. smells good;
2. hamsters eat food with pleasure;
3. enriched with vitamins;
4. balanced composition;
5. tightly sealed packaging.

Flaws

1. dyes included.

Beaphar Care+ Dwarf Нamster

Rating: 4.7

Beaphar Care granular food, which has become the leader in our rating, is produced specifically for Djungarian hamsters under the name Beaphar Care+ Dwarf Hamster. It is developed by veterinarians and leading experts. Granules provide a complete diet and eliminate selective nutrition. The mixture satisfies natural nutritional needs and ensures teeth grinding.

The composition is well absorbed by the hamster's stomach. It contains polyunsaturated acids Omega-3, Omega-6, aromatic herbs and vitamin E. The formula includes spirulina and echinacea, which strengthen the animal’s immunity and increase resistance to diseases. Yucca reduces the odor of urine and excrement. The food is produced in a protective atmosphere that prevents the appearance of insects. 250 g cost 495 rubles. About 10g per day is enough for one hamster.

Advantages

1. suitable for all ages;
2. reliable packaging;
3. strengthens immune forces;
4. protects against diseases;
5. many positive reviews.

Flaws

1. Not everyone can afford it.

Vitakraft Premium Menu Vital

Rating: 4.6

The next participant in the rating is the optimal choice for Siberian hamsters. The mixture contains selected grains and granules enriched with beneficial minerals. The components of the food improve the pet’s well-being and prevent the development of various diseases. The basis was corn, oats and wheat. The auxiliary ingredients are legume and sunflower seeds.

Vitakraft Premium Menu Vital food is sold in convenient, tightly sealed packages weighing 400 g. They reliably protect the product from the negative effects of the sun. Buyers note the economical consumption of feed, a good ratio of vitamins and minerals. They recommend buying a mixture for young individuals, since the grains are very small. Price for 600 g – 320 rubles.

Advantages

1. diverse composition;
2. contains a lot of calcium and fiber;
3. convenient sealed packaging;
4. easy to find on sale;
5. It is used sparingly.

Flaws

1. grains too small.

Fiory Superpremium Criceti

Rating: 4.6

The main advantage of the next participant in the rating is the optimal ratio of quality and price. The composition of food for hamsters includes peas, puffed rice, corn flakes, nuts, and plant seeds. The components are rich in vitamins, micro- and macroelements. Additionally, the mixture includes capsules with fatty acids, which are beneficial for the pet’s immunity. Vitakraft Premium Menu Vital is recommended by many experienced veterinarians.

Multigrain food is sold in vacuum packaging weighing 400 g. It retains the freshness and aroma of the grains well. According to reviews, with constant use of the mixture, the condition of the hamster's fur improves and its loss is prevented. Pets really like the product, they eat it with pleasure. For our part, we recommend additionally feeding the animal with mixtures with sufficient protein content, since Vitakraft Premium Menu Vital contains little of this substance. The average price is 200 rubles.

Advantages

1. reasonable cost;
2. recommended by many veterinarians;
3. hamsters like it;
4. easy to digest;
5. useful composition.

Flaws

1. minimum protein in the composition.

Lolo Pets Complete

Rating: 4.5

Next in the ranking is premium food, which has a unique composition. The mixture contains dried carrots, potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, rowan, plant flowers, dill and parsley. Added corn flour, pumpkin seeds, black sunflower, pressed beans, and cereal turf. The number and variety of ingredients present is truly surprising.

Buyers note whole and large grains and an appetizing smell from them. There is no dust or debris in the mixture. Hamsters are noticeably more cheerful after this food.

The beautiful packaging of the product is made of thick material and is equipped with a clip for easy opening and closing. Buyers are outraged by the large number of granules painted in unnatural colors. 1.9 kg cost 830 rubles.

Advantages

1. rich composition;
2. contains natural vitamins;
3. free from dust and debris;
4. high-quality packaging;
5. packaging protects against moths;
6. smells delicious.

Flaws

1. not always available;
2. a lot of colored granules.

Padovan GrandMix Сriceti

Rating: 4.4

The rating continues with food for hamsters, which is enriched with fruits, grains and vitamins. It contains vitamins A, D3, E, ash, zinc, manganese, iodine, and crude protein. The mixture is completely safe for the animal, it is also suitable for mice and gerbils.

The food is produced in 400 g cardboard boxes. Inside the product is protected by an insect repellent bag. It is very convenient to store the mixture. They praise the affordable price of the product and the favorable reaction of hamsters to the food. The animals' fur becomes silky and shiny.

The presence of dye in the composition is upsetting, but the safest substance is used for dyeing. It is worth considering that the food is quite high in calories. Overeating can cause your hamster to gain weight. The price is 170-200 rubles.

Advantages

1. affordable price;
2. decent quality;
3. no empty seeds;
4. lots of vitamins and minerals.

Flaws

1. too high in calories.

Versele-Laga Crispy Muesli Hamsters & Co

Rating: 4.3

The next line in the rating is a combination food suitable for hamsters of all ages. It promotes dental care and proper digestion. The animals happily eat crunchy muesli added to the mixture. The developed formula allows animals to receive all the necessary nutrients and be active during the day.

Consumers believe that too many nuts have been added to the food, which can have a negative impact on the pet’s weight. According to their reviews, there are a lot of uneaten pellets left. In our opinion, the food is not suitable as the main food. You need to add protein.

It is better to order the product from trusted online stores, otherwise there is a risk of stumbling upon a defective batch. A package weighing 400 g costs 183 rubles. Thus, Versele-Laga Crispy Muesli Hamsters & Co is one of the most budget-friendly representatives of our rating.

Advantages

1. convenient zip fastener;
2. little trash;
3. reasonable price.

Flaws

1. hamsters choose what they like;
2. there are defective batches;
3. a lot of nuts.

Little One Hamsters

Rating: 4.2

We gave the final place in the rating to food for hamsters, which is a mixture of herbs, fruits and cereals. Nutritional supplements include zinc sulfate, biotin, potassium iodide, vitamins A, D3, E. Main components: wheat, millet, barley, sorghum, buckwheat, oatmeal, corn, peanuts. And this is not the entire list of ingredients. The composition of the feed is high in calories. There is too much red millet in it. Therefore, the product is not recommended for Djungarian hamsters, as they are more susceptible to obesity and diabetes.

The food intake by animals is good. Rarely do you find rotten peanuts in the mixture. Sunflower seeds are empty. The contents of the package are a little dusty. Price for 400 g – from 111 rubles.

Advantages

1. nice packaging design;
2. diverse composition;
3. availability in stores;
4. acceptable price.

Food for elderly, weakened and sick hamsters

Have you noticed: as they get older, these cute rodents do not chew their food as vigorously as before? This is not because they have lost their appetite, the point is different - their teeth are weakening. In this case, along with the basic grain food, offer your pet ground granules and nuts, and pureed vegetables. Your old man will willingly eat porridge cooked in water (but not rice) without salt and sugar, puree, and baby food. By the way, it is very convenient to mix in the vitamins and medicines needed by sick and weakened animals. At the same time, you should remember that certain foods are prohibited and that a jar of puree after opening cannot be stored in the refrigerator for more than 2 days.

Weak and sick animals should be given warm chamomile infusion twice a day. The brew must be fresh every time. Milk and honey are contraindicated.

Just like people and other animals, sick hamsters may suffer from a lack of appetite and refuse to eat. Since they will not understand the word “need”, they will have to be force-fed and the more often the better. In this case, the crushed granules are diluted with water to the consistency of sour cream and, while warm, are fed to the hamster using a syringe without a needle. In this case, the animal must be held in your hand, slightly tilted. Baby cereals and liquids are given in the same way. These procedures must be performed with caution, in small portions, otherwise your pet may choke or choke.

Don't forget these recommendations, and your pet will be well-fed, healthy and cheerful.