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Good-quality food and fresh, clean water must be readily
available at all times. The exact nutritional requirements of the
hamster are not known. In the wild, they are omnivorous, feeding
on plants, seeds, fruits and insects. Pet hamsters are best fed
commercial rat or mouse diets containing at least 16% crude protein.
These foods are usually available as dry blocks or pellets. These
commercial diets can be supplemented with small amounts of dry,
sugar-free breakfast cereals, whole-wheat bread, uncooked pasta,
cooked chicken, tuna fish, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables. The
last 2 items must be thoroughly washed to avoid exposing pet hamsters
to pesticide residues and possible bacterial contamination.
Pet stores sell prepared hamster diets available in boxes or
bags. These diets contain large quantities of seeds and items rich
in oils. Consequently, if improperly stored, they become rancid and
lose their nutritive value. Furthermore, these oil-rich items
promote obesity. These types of foods can be offered as a supplement
to the commercial rat or mouse diets mentioned above.
All food should be provided in heavy ceramic crocks that resist
tipping. The sides of the crocks should be high enough to keep
bedding and fecal material out of the food, or the crocks should be
elevated slightly above the bedding.
Water is most easily made available and kept free from
contamination by providing it in one or more water bottles equipped
with "sipper" tubes. Make certain the end of the tubes are
positioned low enough to allow all residents within the enclosure
(especially juvenile hamsters over 1 week old) easy access to them.
Also make certain that very young hamsters are strong enough to
obtain water from these sipper tubes.
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