How to Feed a Hamster

Hamsters eat seeds, grains, vegetables, fruits and insects in the wild. These nocturnal animals live up to three years. Feed the hamster a good diet to maintain health and good appearance. Keeping toys and a running wheel in the cage help reduce fat. They enjoy human interaction and make nice pets. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

  • Water bottle
  • Large bowl
  • Hamster mix
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Fresh fruits
  • Knife
  • Treat sticks
  • Crunchy chews
  • Cooked chicken
  • Crickets
  • Mealworms
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a hamster water bottle and heavy feeding bowl--preferably ceramic or plastic--and food supplies from a local pet store or outlet.

    • 2

      Feed dried hamster mix daily, fill 3/4 of the bowl. A quality mix contains basic vitamins and minerals.

    • 3

      Provide one teaspoon of chopped fresh vegetables daily. Carrots and dark greens like collard, mustard greens and kale provide good nutrition; switch with peas, broccoli, spinach and celery but always in small amounts to prevent diarrhea.

    • 4

      Give a hamster fresh fruits in moderation, typically one teaspoon twice a week. Wash then with a knife slice and chop apples, bananas, raisins, melons or grapes for variety.

    • 5

      Keep treat sticks and hard crunchy chews available in the hamsters housing at all times. Hamsters enjoy these and they help trim its teeth when gnawed on.

    • 6

      Place a small cut piece of cooked chicken in the bowl when convenient.

    • 7

      Consider feeding live crickets or mealworms purchased from a pet store if the hamster lives in an aquarium or other enclosed area. These provide protein.