Protein for hamsters

jojono7 · 09-02-2015, 02:04 PM

What is a good source of protein for hamsters i feel like my hamster needs more protein besides neilworms because thoses are very expensive.

Please help?

Thin Lizzy · 09-03-2015, 07:48 PM

Hi Jojono, Welcome to HC. You could try roast chicken or turkey.

cypher · 09-03-2015, 10:23 PM

What main food mix are you using? Hams do often need a little extra protein to top up their diet but not too much, if you use a good mix they really do only need a little extra. One or two freeze dried mealworms a day is plenty so that shouldn't cost too much, you can also give a little scrambled or boiled egg, chicken or turkey is fine as long as it's cooked without any seasoning or anything that may not be safe for your ham, you can also give a little bit of cat kibble too, very occasionally a tiny piece of cheese.
Check out the list of safe foods here for more ideas.

barley · 09-05-2015, 12:48 AM

Where are you buying your mealworms? I got a packet of ones for wildbirds from B&M and they were £1 for a bag that I haven't even really made a dent in after several months with two hams eating them.

I also give them a bit of dog kibble and very occasionally a little piece of cooked chicken.

Don't forget you can give extra protein in the way of nuts and seeds too.

jojono7 · 10-18-2015, 01:25 PM

Ok thanks you guys!!! this helped alot!

EmmaAndChester · 10-25-2015, 03:19 AM

PLEASE don't feed dog kibble. Dog kibble is fortified with vitamins and minerals - to suit a *dogs* requirements, not a hamsters. Remember that just as much as too little of certain vitamins/minerals can be dangerous, too much can be too. You also don't want to overdo the protein either, as this can seriosuly stress their kidneys and not end well. A diet of around 18%-20% protein is perfect and depending on the species and age of the hamster, a 22% protein diet can be too but anything over this can put you in hot water.

Egg is also NOT a good protein boost - egg has a 13% protein content, so while yes it's a SOURCE of protein much like most things, it's NOT enough for a boost and cannot be used as one.

For protein boosts other than mealworms, freeze dried turkey, freeze dried chicken, crickets, grasshoppers, silkworms, etc. You can also use lab blocks like Harland Teklad, kaytee, mazuri, etc

Just no cat and no dog kibble. These aren't good for your hamster :no:

jojono7 · 10-25-2015, 05:30 PM

THEY CAN EAT CRICKETS?!?!!?
If they can how do you prepare it for them because i have a bunch of crickets! (Outside)

EmmaAndChester · 10-25-2015, 06:13 PM

They can eat crickets, yes BUT - I would not advise you feed crickets that you catch outside because you have no idea what they could be carrying. The only crickets I'd feed are ones that are dried, or the live ones sold as reptile feed in pet stores.

Just remember - crickets can be nippy, so never leave them in the cage with your hamster. Always feed them to your hamster in a separate area outside the cage, so that the cricket can be removed easily if it's uneaten and that you know for certain where it is. It wouldn't be uncommon for uneaten crickets that are left with reptiles for a few days to start biting at geckos, so I wouldn't put it past them to have a snack on your hamster.

My hamsters love the chasing game with live crickets, just don't leave them unattended with your hamster and you won't have any problems :thumbsup: