Differences Between Hamster & Guinea Pig Food

Hamsters and guinea pigs, both rodents common as pets, share plenty of characteristics, but their diets are not interchangeable. Never feed hamsters and guinea pigs the same ration. Differences in diet requirements exist even among types of hamsters, as some types are prone to diabetes. Learn the nutritional requirements of your pet to lengthen and improve his quality of life.

  1. Natural Diets

    • In the wild, hamsters and guinea pigs have different diets. Guinea pigs are strictly herbivorous grazers who feed primarily on grasses and hays. Long hays stimulate the guinea pigs' intestinal muscles and help keep their ever-growing teeth in check. Hamsters, on the other hand, are opportunistic hoarders, caching large amounts of seeds and grains when they find them. Hamsters are omnivorous, meaning they eat a bit of meat -- insects -- in their natural diet.

    Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C is the main difference between hamster and guinea pig nutritional needs. Guinea pigs are among the few creatures who can't manufacture their own vitamin C, meaning they need it supplemented in their diets. Hamsters don't need the supplement because they make vitamin C in their bodies. A high-quality guinea pig kibble has added vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to several health problems, including scurvy and even death.

    Ingredients

    • Most often, guinea pig kibble is made up of compressed pellets. Some forms have a smattering of colorful, geometric bits mixed in, which some guinea pigs will reject. Hamster food, on the other hand, is much more diverse in its ingredients list. Seeds, nuts and grains are part of the hamster's natural diet; many commercially available hamster diets contain all of these. Meanwhile, block and kibble formulas can provide benefits to hamsters but are sometimes harder to find than seed-and-grain mixes. Seeds and nuts, particularly, are generally high in fat, which is good for active hamsters but bad for cavies.

    Supplements and Additions

    • Both guinea pigs and hamsters should eat some veggies and fruits, but take caution. Dwarf hamsters, not Syrian hamsters, are prone to diabetes and, as such, shouldn't eat sugary fruits or starchy vegetables. They should also not eat hamster kibbles made with additional sugars or molasses, common ingredients in commercially available hamster mixes. Vitamin-C-rich leafy vegetables are ideal for guinea pigs, as is nearly any fruit that isn't acidic. Dandelion greens, spinach, apples and carrots are fine additions for both creatures. Guinea pigs, meanwhile, also need an endless supply of fresh timothy hay to help their digestion and their teeth.