The Food That You Can Give a Hamster

Hamsters should be fed a diet of quality hamster food, plus small portions of many foods found in most refrigerators or cupboards. Like humans, hamsters do best with a varied, healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables.

  1. Bagged Food

    • The website Hammy's World, which sells and promotes hamsters, recommends giving hamsters a diet based on bagged commercial food made for the animals. The food is low in, or free from, preservatives that can potentially harm the hamster. A good bagged mix will contain ingredients like corn, sunflower seeds, peanuts, locust beans, dried fruit, barley and alfalfa.

    Nuts and Seeds

    • Unsalted nuts and seeds can be fed to a hamster in moderation, usually with the shell. The Hammy's World site says almond shells and skins must be removed because they can irritate the animal's intestinal tract. Hamsters love sunflower seeds, but because they are high in fat, hamsters should only eat them once a week.

    Fruits and Vegetables

    • Most fruits and vegetables are safe for hamsters, although any pits and seeds should be removed first. Hamsters enjoy greens like broccoli, cucumber or kale, but should not be fed cabbage, celery, parsley, lettuce, onions, potatoes or rhubarb because they contain toxins that can harm the rodents. Grapes and raisins should be avoided, but apples, pears, oranges and cantaloupe give the hamsters much-needed vitamins.

    Proteins

    • Hamsters can handle protein in the form of tofu or tuna fish. Hamsters in the wild occasionally eat insects, so lean meats are a good substitute. Do not feed hamsters red meat, however, because it can be toxic to the animal. Also, the Hammy's World site says to avoid commercially-packaged hamster "treats." Most contain preservatives and an over-abundance of vitamins. Hamsters can also handle unsweetened milk products once a week, like plain yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese.