Dwarf Hamster food formula should be the staple of any dwarf hamsters diet – specially formulated dwarf hamster food contains the right amount of proteins and vitamins essential for a healthy hamster. Typically hamster mix contains nuts, seeds, pellets and grains. The pellet nature allows your pet to gnaw on the food making it beneficial to dental hygiene. It is advisable to choose a commercial hamster mix that meets all nutritional requirements.
Vitakraft Vita Prima Formula
Vitakraft Formula is a well-respected formula that will provide your hamsters with a nutritionally complete diet. Most foods are designed for the larger Syrian hamster, whereas they are acceptable, they are not ideal. Dwarfs and Syrians have different nutritional requirements and preferences. Dwarf hamster mix tends to contain a lot of small millet seeds that dwarf hamsters love, but Syrians tend to ignore. Dwarf hamster mix often includes mealworms that are a healthy protein source that Syrian hamsters will ignore.
Supplement your hamster’s diet with fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. It is important not to go overboard with the fresh foods because they can go rotten in the cage, and also hamsters like to store food away. Excess fruit and veg can also cause stomach upsets and diarrhea. Wash any fruit and Veg before giving to your hamster in case it contains any pesticides harmful to your pet. Fresh foods should never entirely replace your dedicated hamster formula.
Mealworm Treats – Dwarf Hamsters Love Them!
Dwarf Hamsters go crazy for mealworms! If your hamster mix does not already contain them, you can buy them separately and give them one a day as a treat. They contain protein and fat so they should sparingly be given.
Check out our best hamster treats page for more information on what is the best and safest hamster treat.
Feeding – The Best Way to Feed your Dwarf Hamster
There are two methods of feeding your Dwarf Hamsters – Scatter or Bowl. Bowl feeding is simply using a bowl to feed your Hamster. A ceramic heavy one is best suited for pet rodents as they are difficult to tip up. Some might scatter feed hamsters throughout the cage, this allows your pet to follow their nature instincts to forage for food and it helps to relieve boredom. Bear in mind hamsters like to take their food and store it in their nests, so it’s a good idea not to feed fresh every day. Rotting vegetables in the nest isn’t good for hamster hygiene and health.
What is the Best Food Bowl?
We recommend a heavy ceramic style food bowl to prevent your hamsters from tipping it up.
Nest Box | Features |
---|---|
Living World Ergonomic Bowl - Made of safe materials that meet FDA standards. 99% Dust Free. Odor Control. Safe and Cozy for Small Pets. Check Prices on Amazon |
|
Ceramic Hamster Bowl - Ceramic Hamster Bowl. A heavy and strong bowl that will not be up turned easily. Check Prices on Amazon |
How often should i feed my dwarf hamster?
- Feed the Hamster Formula mix twice a day in the morning and at night.
- Remove any uneaten food as it will go off fast.
- Once or twice a week you can give your hamster protein sources such as cooked meats, low-fat, no-salt cottage cheese or hard boiled egg.
Toxic and Harmful Food – Danger for your Hamster
Some foods are very harmful and toxic to hamsters. Prominent ones include chocolate, candy, and sweets. Avocados contain a dangerous substance that can cause animal heart failure.
Bitter Almonds and Apple Seeds contain a substance called glycoside amygdalin, that when eaten can turn into hydrogen cyanide. Find out more about hamster-safe food here.
See harmful foods list below.
Diabetes in Dwarf Hamsters
Unlike Syrian hamsters, dwarf hamsters are quite prone to diabetes, so they have a different dietary requirement to Syrians. Many commercially available hamster food formulas have ingredients that could upset the Dwarf Hamster blood sugar levels.
The Campbells Dwarf hamster is predisposed to this condition. For maximum safety, it is best to buy dedicated Dwarf Hamster Formula and avoid giving fruits and sugary foods.
Food Lists – What Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat
Fruit
- Apple
- Banana
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cherries
- Cranberries
- Grapes (seedless)
- Lychee
- Mango
- Melon
- Peaches
- Plums
- Raspberries
- Raspberry Leaves
- Strawberries
Vegetables
- Carrots
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Dandelion Leaves
- Cauliflower
- Clover
- Kale
- Bean Sprouts
- Asparagus
- Chickweed
- Chicory
- Cucumber
- Corn
- Spinach
- Watercress
- Radicchio
- Romaine Lettuce
- Turnip
- Peas
- Green Beans
- Chestnuts
- Squash
- Sweet Potatoes
- Water Cress
- Zucchini
Nuts, Seeds and Grains
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Peanuts
- Millet
- Flaxseed
- Cashew Nuts
- Sunflower Seeds
- Oats
- Barley
- Walnuts
- Lentils
- Soybeans
Others
- Grasshoppers (Pet food)
- Mealworms (Pet food)
- Boiled Egg
- Plain Grasshoppers (Pet Shop)
- Mealworms (Pet Shop)
- Tofu (Plain)
- Whole Grain Bread
- Cod Fish (Remove Bones)
- Low Fat Cottage Cheese
- Brown Pasta
- Peanut Butter (Unsalted)
Foods to Avoid!
- Almonds
- Avocado (Poisonous)
- Apple Seeds
- Chocolate
- Sweets
- Potato Chips
- Pork
- Raw Potatoes
- Grape Seeds
- Rhubarb
- Tomato Leaves
- Citrus Fruits
- Watermelon
- Jam
- Spices
- Garlic
- Onions
- Chives
- Leeks
Can they eat pomegranates?
Will it be ok to. feed the dwarf hamster the vegetable called Molokhia