[Pebbles82]

As the others say - just use a good mix (the Vita Garden seems recommended in the US). Hammies do tend to pick bits out and leave quite a bit, so don't worry about that. They don't eat very large amounts and most of what they take is hoarded - and they then eat from their hoards usually. Our syrian is the same but has been healthy. Supplementing with fresh food (ie a piece of daily veg and extra protein treats like half a walnut or half a brazil nut - shelled) will help ensure the nutrients.

But sometimes they just don't like a mix. Personally I think Harry or Hazel Hamster (both are identical contents even though labelled differently - Harry is Uk labelling, Hazel is US labelling) - are an option for a hybrid dwarf hamster - if the hamster likes it - and many do. It is one of the few sugar free mixes. The pieces are more syrian sized but dwarf hamsters can enjoy it too. It contains all the protein and vitamins needed. So it's a simple option if your hammy likes it and you can give fresh veg daily too (just a tiny piece - thumbnail sized). And pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, the odd nut etc, as treats - they love those too.

Although your hammy is a winter white, she will almost certainly be a hybrid and not pure winter white (unless you got her from a breeder who knew the genetics). Hybrid dwarf hamsters are part Winter White and part Russian campbell and these two species have been interbred for a very long time. The hamster may look like a winter white but will be a hybrid of both species.

They are lovely little pets - but do have a predisposition to getting diabetes. So diet is important and it is best to avoid sugar in the diet - to try and help prevent any diabetes. That includes fruit really and no yoghurt drops or honey sticks either.

Very occasionally, maybe once every couple of months eg, a blueberry as a special treat is probably ok. But there are plenty of non sugary treats, and as you say, they love any fresh food.

So you'd be looking at

1) A good basic hamster mix/muesli - for variety and to give the nutrients and vitamins.
2) A tiny piece of fresh veg daily - broccoli, cucumber, carrot are all fine - they also all keep well in the fridge so you don't have to buy too often or waste too much. Cabbage and lettuce aren't really recommended. Some people think they're ok occasionally - I just don't give them as there are plenty of other veg.
3) If the mix is low on protein (they need about 18%) then you can supplement that with fresh food too - nuts have protein or you can get freeze dried chicken. You can give them leftovers from your dinner (eg a tiny bit of roast chicken or beef) but only plain cooked meat - no gravies or sauces. Or a tiny bit of scrambled egg on a teaspoon.

If you get the Harry Hamster you don't need to supplement the protein so can just give that, a bit of fresh veg each day and the occasional healthy treat.

As mentioned by others, whimzees are good chews - also sugar free and vegetable based. The mini toothbrushes are popular here. You can stick sunflower seeds in the bristles so they have fun getting the seeds out.

I've yet to meet a hamster who likes chewing wood chews! Although they will sometimes chew at wood that isn't intended for chewing! eg a wheel or their house.