How to feed hamsters? Things to watch out for
Hamsters are adorable and playful pets and are often seen in our homes. However, they need proper eating habits to live a healthy life. Proper nutrition improves your hamsters’ quality of life and ensures that they live a healthy life.
It is important to know about hamster nutrition so that they can live a happy and healthy life. Hamsters can have different nutritional needs based on different breeds and ages. The right amount of food, frequency of feeding and choice of food are the most important points to pay attention to when feeding your hamsters. In this article you can read how you can best care for hamsters.
What food should be given to a hamster?
A healthy diet for hamsters should consist of a balanced diet of dry food, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein sources, hardened corn or carrots, and breakfast cereals. It is also important to always provide fresh and clean water. Choosing the right food is essential to ensuring that your hamster lives a healthy and happy life.
1. Dry food
Dry food specially developed for hamsters provides a healthy and balanced diet. The content of dry food should contain all nutrients, such as protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is very important that you choose a dry food that meets all of your hamster’s nutritional needs.
2. Fresh fruits and vegetables
Hamsters love to get fresh fruits and vegetables. Leafy green vegetables, fruits such as carrots, zucchini, broccoli, peas, tomatoes and strawberries are great choices for hamsters. It is important to wash fruit and vegetables and cut them into small pieces.
3. Protein sources
Hamsters can benefit from protein sources such as poultry, beef, fish or eggs. However, before serving these foods, cook them thoroughly and remove the bones.
4. Cured corn or carrot
Foods such as hardened corn or carrots can help wear down hamsters’ teeth and keep their teeth healthy.
5. Cereals
Hamsters can also benefit from grains such as oats, barley, corn and wheat. These foods can help hamsters meet their fiber needs and keep their digestive system working properly.
What food should not be given to hamsters?
Choosing the right food is essential to ensuring that your hamster lives a healthy and happy life. If you experience any problems with your hamster’s eating or digestion, remember to consult a vet immediately.
1. Sugary foods
Hamsters should avoid sugary foods. Sugar can cause cavities in hamsters’ teeth and lead to health problems such as obesity.
2. Salty foods
Hamsters should avoid salty foods. Salt can damage hamsters’ kidneys and the consumption of particularly high-salt foods can cause bloating and diarrhea.
3. Chocolate and cocoa
Hamsters cannot eat foods such as chocolate or cocoa. These foods can increase hamsters’ heart rate and cause seizures.
4. Onions and garlic
Onions and garlic are harmful to hamsters. These foods can cause hamsters’ red blood cells to break down and even lead to death.
5. Avocado
Avocado is a poisonous food for hamsters and can cause hamster death.
6. Potatoes
Potatoes are not suitable food for hamsters. Hamsters can eat potatoes, but due to the potato’s high starch content, it can cause digestive problems such as bloating and indigestion.
Vitamins and minerals in hamster food
Hamsters need the right vitamins and minerals for healthy growth and development.
- Vitamin A: Vitamin A is very important for the immune system, eyes and skin of hamsters. Hamsters can get vitamin A from vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, spinach, broccoli and sweet potatoes.
- C Vitamin: Vitamin C helps boost hamsters’ immune systems and aids in wound healing. Oranges, strawberries, broccoli and green peppers are good sources of vitamin C for hamsters.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for bone health. Hamsters can get vitamin D naturally from sunlight. They can also get vitamin D from foods such as oatmeal and chicken egg yolks.
- Calcium: Calcium is very important for bone health. Hamsters can get calcium from foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, almonds and walnuts.
- Phosphorus: Phosphorus is important for bone health and is found in many hamster foods. Phosphorus foods include meat, dairy products, fish and chicken.
- Iron: Iron is very important for blood health. Foods such as green leafy vegetables, red meat, chicken and eggs are good sources of iron for hamsters.
Water requirements of hamsters
Hamsters, like animals in general, need water. Their body absorbs water and ensures that it is transported to organs that regulate metabolism. Therefore, hamsters must have access to water.
Hamsters are mostly nocturnal animals in the wild. Therefore, they often have to move to get to fresh water. Pet hamsters should always have access to fresh water.
Hamsters consume a lot of water in relation to their body weight. That is why it is important that the water tank is always full and fresh. Regular cleaning of the water bowl is also important to maintain a hygienic environment.
Hamsters can sometimes eat fruits, vegetables, or foods that contain water instead of water. However, the liquid content of these foods is not enough and can cause hamsters to become dehydrated. That is why it is important that water is always available.
Correct food amount and frequency for hamsters
Hamsters need proper eating habits to live a healthy life. Therefore, the right amount of feed and the frequency of feeding are very important.
Hamsters’ diets can vary depending on their age, breed, activity level and metabolism. In general, the right amount of food for hamsters is about 1-2 tablespoons per day. However, this amount may vary depending on the hamster’s age and activity level.
Hamsters consume their food at night because they are mostly nocturnal. However, the bait bowl should always be full. Hamsters’ food bowls should be accessible at all times in their cages.
Another important point to consider when feeding hamsters is creating a balanced diet. Hamsters should be fed varied. Dry food, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein sources (e.g. dried beef), etc. can be included in the diet of hamsters.
Hamsters’ feeding frequency can vary depending on their age and activity level. Usually an adult hamster is fed once a day. However, because some types of hamsters are more active, they may need to be fed more often.
What is the best food for hamsters?
The best food for hamsters can be chosen from many options, including dry foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein sources (e.g., poultry, eggs), hardened corn or grains such as carrots, oats, and barley, and specially designed hamster foods.
How often should hamsters be fed?
Hamsters should be fed once a day. About 1-2 tablespoons of food as a morning or evening meal is sufficient. Hard food should also be offered during feeding, as hamsters need constant chewing, especially on their teeth.
How Much Water Should Hamsters Get?
Water for hamsters should always be available in a fresh, clean water dish. The water should be changed daily and the water bowl should be cleaned regularly. Also whether the water is boiled or boiled is a good idea to destroy germs and other harmful substances.
What foods should hamsters avoid?
Hamsters should be kept away from human foods such as chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onions, garlic, potatoes, citrus fruits, dairy products and sweets. These foods can be harmful to hamster health and even fatal.