Treats?

[Scargirl]

Besides the yogies (I get them at our local pet store) what else can I give my Syrian? I have tried asking if they had dried crickets (which I heard they like from a book) but they only have mealworms. Is it okay to give her that?

[Wisper]

Mealworms are fine for hamsters in small amounts. Other treats I can think of off the top of my head can be things like small pieces of pasta (uncooked) dog biscuits/kibble, boiled egg, vegetable based baby food, nuts such as walnuts. Fruit and veg can be given although steer clear of fruit for dwarf hams. Everything in small amounts

[Scargirl]

I heard somewhere that you can give the chicken? What about that? Is cherios okay too?

[candycakes75]

Originally Posted by Scargirl

I heard somewhere that you can give the chicken? What about that? Is cherios okay too?

chicken must be completely plain, and plain cherios are okay

[Scargirl]

I thought they were vegetarians??

[Artisans_uk]

Originally Posted by Scargirl

I thought they were vegetarians??

As you have mentioned, you have read that hamsters eat crickets, they are not a vegetarian option, neither are the mealworms.

You're likely to find only live crickets and I have heard of a hamster having a live cricket to catch and munch but it's not something I could do. You can get live mealworms and freeze dried. Live is fine but the head has to be removed as mealworms can give our fluffs a nasty bite, especially if pouched.
I give mine freeze dried, you can find them in the garden bird food section.
Dwarf hammies love mealworms but I gather that for some Syrians, they are an acquired taste.

As candycakes mentioned, chicken is fine but plain cooked and watch out for any added salt if buying prepared chicken.

I often give my girls cooked pasta and rice. I keep baby food back so there is something to give them if they are poorly (especially good for adding medication) and when they are getting older.

Porridge is another suggestion (cold) and not too sticky so they can eat it without it getting stuck in pouches.

[Scargirl]

I mean to give her the freeze dried mealworms.

[cypher]

I'd avoid the yogurt drops or just give very occasionally as they are full of sugar & stick to more natural foods.
Mealworms (you may find crickets dried or canned sold for reptiles if you hunt around) & as the others have said a little plain cooked chicken are good for a bit of a protein boost along with a little boiled, scrambled or poached egg.
Sunflower or pumpkin seeds in the shell are a good treat & good for teeth, a monkey nut is also good & keeps them busy for a while.
Small pieces of veg or occasionally fruit make a good daily treat.
Have you tried whimzees for a long lasting treat/chew? They generally love those.

[Scargirl]

Are they for dogs?

[Artisans_uk]

Yes, Whimzees are made and marketed for dogs but they are perfectly safe for hamsters. My local pet stores actually put boxes of Whimzees among the hamster food now.

None of mine have been keen on the green coloured ones, just for information.