What Do Russian Hamsters Eat?

Like humans, hamsters enjoy a varied diet that consists of several different food groups. And like many humans, most hamster love to eat. Russian hamsters are part of the dwarf variety and categorized by their diminutive size and a dark stripe running down their backs. Feed them a mixture of pelleted and fresh foods on a daily basis.

  1. Basic Hamster Medley

    • The basis for any hamster diet is a commercial medley found in pet stores that contains a mixture of seeds, pellets and grains. These mixes mimic the types of foods that a hamster would eat in the wild and are typically well-balanced in terms of nutrients. Russian hamsters will eat the items found in these mixtures at their will, sometimes after storing the various seeds and pieces throughout their habitat.

    Vegetables

    • Certain vegetables consumed in small quantities once or twice a week will help keep a Russian hamster in optimal health. According to Pet Web Site, vegetables that are safe for all hamster breeds including the Russian dwarf variety include carrots, broccoli, celery, cucumber, peas and green beans, to name a few. Observe the hamster closely after introducing vegetables into the diet, as an overabundance of certain vegetables, particularly leafy greens, may cause diarrhea.

    Fruits

    • As with vegetables, Russian hamsters love many different types of fruits, but they must be fed in moderation so as not to cause gastric upset. Safe fruits include apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, pears and watermelon. Remove fruits that are not consumed within 24 hours, as they will begin to form mold.

    Treats

    • Give your hamster special treats on occasion that offer additional nutritional benefits. According to Hamsterific, these types of treats can be part of a balanced diet in special conditions. For example, extra protein in the form of a piece of a hard-boiled egg or a dog biscuit can be beneficial to a pregnant Russian hamster, while a hamster that is under the weather and in need of extra energy and warmth can benefit from extra carbohydrates and fats in the form of oats.