10 Vet-Approved Homemade Hamster Food Recipes (Easy & Tasty)
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Hamsters are adorable little creatures that make wonderful pets. But they have specific dietary needs that must be met to ensure their health and happiness. While commercial hamster food is readily available and should make up your hamster’s primary diet, homemade food can be a great way to supplement their diet and provide them with variety and a tasty treat. We’ve gathered ten terrific homemade food recipes for hamsters.
Hamster Feeding Tips
Hamsters should be fed once a day, usually in the evening, when they are most active. The amount of food will depend on the size and age of your hamster, but generally, a tablespoon of food per day is sufficient.
While these homemade recipes can add variety to your hamster’s diet, they should not replace a balanced commercial hamster food which is specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs. Always remember that fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, and cooked meats should be given in moderation alongside their main diet. Many of these can be offered once a day, others less frequently.
The 10 Homemade Hamster Food Recipes
1. Veggie Delight
Veggie Delight
Equipment
- 1 Chopping Knife
Ingredients Â
- 1 Small carrot
- 1 Broccoli floret
- 1 Slice of cucumber
InstructionsÂ
- Wash and finely chop the vegetables.
- Mix them together and serve in your hamster’s dish.
Notes
2. Protein Power
Despite what many people believe, hamsters enjoy eating chicken occasionally, and it is a good source of lean protein. Always ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and does not contain any seasoning or oil. Quinoa provides essential amino acids and the plant matter that your hamster needs.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon cooked chicken (boiled or pan-fried without oil)
- 1 teaspoon cooked quinoa
Preparation:
Chop the cooked chicken into tiny pieces suitable for your hamster. Mix with the cooked quinoa and serve once cooled. This would be good as a weekly treat.
3. Fruity Treat
Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C, low in fat and high in fiber. Bananas are a great source of dietary fiber and various nutrients, including vitamins B6 and C, as well as potassium. Remember, fruit should be given to your hamster sparingly due to its high sugar content.
Ingredients:
- 1 small apple
- 1 small banana
Preparation:
Remove the seeds from the apple and finely chop it along with the banana. Mix them together and serve one teaspoon up to 3 times a week.
4. Sweet Potato Feast
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber and vitamins, while peas provide protein and vitamins. Make sure that the sweet potatoes and peas are cooked, and remove any uneaten portion after a few hours to prevent spoilage.
Ingredients:
- 1 small sweet potato
- 1 teaspoon of cooked peas
Preparation:
Boil the sweet potato until it’s soft enough to mash. Mix in the cooked peas. Let it cool before serving 1-2 teaspoons to your hamster.
5. Apple Oat Porridge
We’ve already mentioned that apples are rich in fiber and vitamins. But oats can also provide essential nutrients and fiber for your hamster. However, as with fruits, oats shouldn’t be fed in large amounts either, but this treat is okay as an occasional snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 small apple
- 2 teaspoons of oats
- 1 tablespoon of boiling water
Preparation:
Remove the seeds from the apple and finely chop it. Mix with the oats and water and allow to cool thoroughly. Offer one teaspoon up to 3 times a week.
6. Green Goodness
Both kale and bell peppers are great foods for hamsters when they are fed in moderation. Kale is packed with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, manganese, and others, as well as being low in calories. Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C.
Ingredients:
- 1 small piece of kale
- 1 small piece of bell pepper
Preparation:
Wash and finely chop the kale and bell pepper. Mix them together and serve.
7. Berry and Nut Mix
Berries and nuts are great choices for your hamster in moderation, and this mix uses strawberries and walnuts. Strawberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, while walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. Like other fruits, strawberries should be given sparingly due to their sugar content.
Ingredients:
- 1 small strawberry
- 1 unsalted walnut
Preparation:
Finely chop the strawberry and walnut. Mix them together and serve once a week.
8. Banana & Pumpkin Seed Mix
We’ve already discussed the benefits of bananas for hamsters (as long as they’re fed in moderation). But seeds are a staple of a hamster’s diet in the wild and can offer fat and protein. Just remember to feed fruits and seeds sparingly due to their high sugar and fat content respectively.
Ingredients:
- 1 small slice of banana
- 1 teaspoon of unsalted pumpkin seeds
Preparation:
Mash the banana and mix it with the pumpkin seeds, and roll into little treat balls.
9. Seedy Crunch
Since seeds are a dietary staple for a hamster, this recipe uses only seeds, specifically pumpkin and sunflower seeds, both of which hamsters are known to enjoy. Seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. It’s important to use unsalted seeds, however, as too much salt is harmful to hamsters.
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon unsalted sunflower seeds
- ½ teaspoon unsalted pumpkin seeds
- ½ teaspoon of flax seeds
- ½ teaspoon of sesame seeds
Preparation:
Simply mix the seeds together and serve.
10. Berry Blast
Strawberries and blueberries are both fruits that hamsters are known to enjoy. So why not mix the two together? Berries are packed full of antioxidants and various vitamins. Like other fruits, berries should be given sparingly due to their sugar content.
Ingredients:
- 1 small strawberry
- 2 blueberries
Preparation:
Wash the fruit, cut into halves, and enjoy watching your hamster munch.
Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Hamster
A balanced diet is crucial for the health and well-being of your hamster. While it’s important to know what to feed them, it’s equally crucial to know which foods to avoid. Here are some foods that should not be included in your hamster’s diet.
Sugary Foods
While hamsters enjoy sweet treats, foods high in sugar can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes. This includes candies, cookies, and cakes. Fruits with high sugar content, like grapes or bananas, should only be given sparingly.
Salty Snacks
Hamsters require only a tiny amount of salt in their diet. Excessive salt intake can lead to a range of health issues, including kidney problems and high blood pressure. Therefore, snacks like pretzels, chips, or salted nuts should be avoided.
Chocolates
Chocolate is a definite no-no for hamsters. It contains caffeine and theobromine, which are toxic to hamsters. Ingestion can lead to digestive issues, restlessness, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, can be fatal.
Acidic Fruits
Acidic fruits like oranges and lemons can cause stomach upset in hamsters due to their high acidity level and citrus content. If you want to give your hamster fruit, opt for less acidic ones like apples or pears, and remember to remove any seeds first.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are toxic to hamsters. They contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia. Signs include weakness, breathlessness, and lethargy.
Avocado
Although nutritious for humans, avocado is harmful to hamsters. The high-fat content can lead to obesity and other health issues. Additionally, the pit and skin of the avocado are toxic and can cause choking hazards.
Conclusion
Remember, every hamster is unique and may have different dietary preferences and needs. Always introduce new foods gradually and monitor your hamster for any signs of allergies or upset stomach. If you notice any adverse reactions, discontinue the new food, and consult with a vet. Enjoy exploring these recipes and making mealtime exciting for your furry friend!
Featured Image Credit: Ultraskrip, Shutterstock
