What Foods Do Hamsters Like to Eat?

Hamsters are small rodents usually kept as pets. They are also found in the wild, where their diets range from grasses and vegetables to underground insects. Commercial hamster foods are readily available in loose and pellet forms, but it's beneficial to supplement the diet with other foods. To avoid overfeeding, hamster owners must check the cage's corners and the hamster's cheeks for food. All uneaten perishables must be promptly removed.

  1. Grains &Seeds

    • Commercial hamster foods are mainly grains and seeds, the foods that make up the bulk of a hamster's diet. They enjoy barley, alfalfa and sugar-free cereals. Grains should be smooth with no sharp edges that could cut the hamster's cheek pouches. Hamsters also enjoy pumpkin and sunflower seeds, peanuts, corn kernels and cooked pasta.

    Fruits &Vegetables

    • Hamsters can eat fresh fruits and vegetables in small amounts. Fruits and vegetables have high water and sugar content, so they should not eat them more than once a week to avoid diabetes, obesity, diarrhea and other digestive issues. Any non-sour fruits are acceptable, particularly fleshy fruits and bananas. Hamsters enjoy broccoli, carrots and spinach, and they cannot eat garlic, onions or lettuce.

    Proteins

    • Proteins are an optional part of a hamster diet. They can handle a pinch of a thoroughly cooked hard-boiled egg, or a few unsalted nuts, no more than once a week. For meat, hamsters can eat cooked, unseasoned beef, chicken or fish once or twice a month. The pieces must be small enough for the hamster to put all of it in its mouth at one time. Wild hamsters eat insects, so pet hamsters can eat clean crickets or meal worms. Both are available at reptile supply shops.

    Dairy

    • Yogurt drops are a particularly common commercial treat, but the hamster can eat any unsweetened yogurt. Hamsters also enjoy soft, lightly flavored cheeses. Cheese should be a rare treat; the hamster should get it once a month at the most. Servings should be no more than two bites or the hamster will try to store the cheese to eat later. Hamsters should never store dairy products for any length of time.