What Type of Treat Is Best for Your Hamster?

Most hamster owners generally feed their pets commercial pellets as their main source of food. However, it is important to give your hamster additional treats to supplement its diet. Remove any uneaten treats from your hamster's cage, as they will begin to rot quickly and may make your hamster sick.

  1. Fruits and Vegetables

    • Sliced apples, strawberries and bananas are all healthy fruit treats for your hamster, as are raisins. Hamsters also enjoy fresh vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower and broccoli. Try fresh cabbage as a tasty treat for your pet, or offer cucumber. Too much fresh fruit may cause diarrhea, so offer fresh foods in moderation. Do not feed sweet fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots or bananas to dwarf hamsters, as these foods may increase their risk of diabetes, according to the website Small Animal Channel.

    Protein

    • Hamsters are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. While most hamsters prefer fruits, vegetables and grains to meat, some hamsters do enjoy meat or eggs as occasional treats. Offer a small amount plain cooked chicken or unseasoned hard boiled egg as a treat. Mealworms or crickets are also tasty treats for your hamster. A small amount of unsalted peanut butter spread on wheat bread is also a good protein option.

    Grains and Seeds

    • Hamsters enjoy sunflower seeds and bird seed blends. Cereal that is sugar free is also a popular treat for hamsters. Soak the cereal in a small amount of milk if the cereal has a sharp or rough texture, as this may damage the cheek pouches where your hamster stores food. (Ref.2)

    Dairy

    • Try giving your hamster dairy foods as occasional treats. Your hamster may enjoy drinking plain milk from a small dish. Try a very small piece of cheese for a healthy snack. Plain yogurt may also be fed to your hamster occasionally. Avoid dairy products with added sugar.

    Foods to Avoid

    • Hamsters store food inside their cheeks, so avoid giving your pet foods that might scratch or injure, such as cereals with sharp edges. Chocolate is fatal to hamsters, and should be avoided. Likewise, avoid giving your hamster any candies or junk food, as these provide no nutritional value and may cause it to become overweight or sick. Certain vegetables should be avoided, including potatoes, onions, garlic, parsley and green tomatoes. Never give your hamster apple seeds or uncooked beans, recommends the website Small Animal Channel.