Russian Hamster Diet
Two kinds of Russian dwarf hamsters are available in the pet trade: the Campbell's Russian dwarf (Phodopus sungoris campbelli) and the winter white Russian dwarf (Phodopus sungoris sungoris.) They are smaller than their more common Syrian counterparts, and unlike most hamsters, can be kept in same-sex pairs or groups. Feeding these omnivorous rodents is easy, using a combination of commercial hamster food, fresh foods, protein, hay and healthy treats.
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Commercial Pellet
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A dwarf hamster's stomach is designed to consume about a tablespoon of food per day. Hamsters require a staple diet of seeds, pellets and grains. You can use any number of commercial hamster mixtures sold in pet stores and supermarkets. Nancy Ferris of the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA) suggests a lab-block type of pelleted food instead of a mix, to ensure that your hamster gets all the nutrients it needs without picking out only its favorite treats to eat.
Fresh Foods
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In addition to the dry commercial feed, occasionally offer your hamster small amounts of fresh food . Acceptable fresh foods, according to Hamsterific.com, include small amounts of kale, spinach, broccoli, sweet potato, cucumber, grapes, raisins and berries.
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Protein
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In the wild, hamsters eat small insects, so an occasional small cricket or mealworm, a bit of dry cat or dog food, or a small piece of hard-boiled egg adds protein to the hamster's diet. You also can give your hamster a small amount of cooked beef or chicken.
Hay
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A bit of timothy hay or fresh-cut grass adds roughage to the Russian hamster's diet and helps to wear down the rodent's constantly growing teeth.
Treats
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Hamster treats sold in pet stores often have no nutritional value and contain preservatives, artificial sweeteners and coloring. A hamster will be just as happy with treats such as an unsalted nut, a bit of unsweetened cereal or a bite of cheese.
Forbidden Foods
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Some foods are dangerous for hamsters, including chocolate, sugar and any sweets or candy. Iceberg lettuce is very watery and can cause stomach upset, as can citrus, onions and garlic. Uncooked meat contains harmful bacteria and should not be fed to your pets. A hamster should not be given alcohol or caffeine.
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References
- Photo Credit hamster image by claudiameyer from Fotolia.com
