What should I be feeding my hamster?

Ricky · 01-07-2019, 03:38 PM

Hi I have male long haired Syrian hamster and I’m not sure what I should be feeding on top of his oxbow hamster pellet it’s to make non-selection eating. I’m just wondering what I should be feeding for a balanced diet (protein, grains)

hisnameispip · 01-08-2019, 07:45 AM

I feed my hamster a few kinds, I use Higgin's Sunburst mix and I also use Tiny Friend's Farm Hazel Hamster mix as well. I sprinkle in Oxbow with this too. Just make sure that your hammy is getting a good percentage of all of the necessary nutrients and proteins and such

mangoandmimi · 01-08-2019, 07:53 AM

An all pellet diet isn’t ideal, in fact they’re best avoided if you can help it. A correct balance is important but so is good variety since they are foraging animals, which can only be obtained through using a seed mix. What country are you in? So we can try and recommend some foods.

cypher · 01-08-2019, 08:59 AM

I agree that a pellet diet isn't suitable for hamsters, they're foragers & need a variety in their mix.
Selective feeding problems often aren't that much of an issue & can be avoided by only feeding every few days (giving enough food for that time) & not refilling the bowl or scattering more food until at least most of it has been eaten.
Oxbow is far from ideal as the protein is too low (for a younger hamster) & the fibre is actually a little on the high side.
If you're in the US you may be able to get Hazel Hamster which is the same as Harry Hamster used by many UK owners.

Pebbles82 · 01-08-2019, 10:44 AM

Some American sites are a bit negative about Hazel Hamster but it's quite good - it is sugar free, has variety, whole peanuts in and hasall the required nutrients and vitamins. The discussion is usually about the protein as in the US it says 16% whereas in the Uk it says 18% - when the mix is identical - it is to do with different countries requirements as to how to express the content. So the protein level is fine - but doesn't do any harm to supplement with the odd fresh protein treat (eg mealworms, a shelled brazil nut etc). Also they need a little bit of fresh veg every day - just a piece the size of your thumbnail - broccoli, carrot and cucumber are all fine but there are many more safe veg.

Oxbow isn't really a good diet for a hamster - various reasons.

Ricky · 01-09-2019, 08:29 AM

he gets dried fruit and veggies but also gets fresh fruit and veggies we are also in canada

Ricky · 01-09-2019, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mangoandmimi

An all pellet diet isn’t ideal, in fact they’re best avoided if you can help it. A correct balance is important but so is good variety since they are foraging animals, which can only be obtained through using a seed mix. What country are you in? So we can try and recommend some foods.

we are in canada