Do Hamsters Need a Seed Mix and a Pelleted Diet??

[Creampuff]

Hi! Do hamsters need a seed mix AND a pelleted diet? If so, do you just mix it together in their food bowl? Thanks!

[mangoandmimi]

No they don’t. In the worst case that there aren’t any good seed mixes available to you then I suppose it could be an idea to add good quality pellets in to help balance it. Or it’s also common to add high protein pellets to raise the protein % in the seed mix for example. But that is something that can generally be fixed by adding animal protein (mealworms, shrimp..) so the addition of pellets is unlikely to be necessary. The best hamster diets are pellet free with a good variety so aim for that if it’s possible - if you’re in Europe there are a number of good mix options.

[alpacassei]

A lot of Americans use both seed and pellet/block mixes because their mixes arent as nutritionally balanced as European mixes. Personally if I was in the US, I’d stick to Harry/Hazel Hamster and supplement with dried insects/chicken, herb mixes, and fresh veg.

[Creampuff]

Okay, thank you! I don't feed mine a seed mix (I feed her a pelleted diet), I was just wondering if you needed both.

[mangoandmimi]

I see, so you planning to put your ham on a seed mix? As it is essential that they have variety and not just pellets.

[souffle]

I think for their mental health and to allow them to display natural behaviors in foraging, selecting and shelling seeds and nuts I would always choose a mix that allows and encourages this.

[Creampuff]

Okay, thank you! I wasn't planning on feeding mine a seed mix; I was just asking. Do you think I should in addition to the pellets? I do feed her seeds as treats.

[mangoandmimi]

Yes I would try and cut out the pellets if possible. Or if you really want to feed them then only a small amount compared to the seed mix. Seed treats aren’t going to be enough. What country are you in, should then be able to recommend a good mix for you.

[Creampuff]

Sorry it took me so long to respond!! I live in US, any good seed mixes there?

[Pebbles82]

Is it for a Syrian or a dwarf hamster? There aren't any good seed mixes for dwarf hamsters in the US really so if it's for a dwarf hamster it would be better to use Harry or Hazel hamster, which is sugar free and contains everything needed. And supplement a bit. You could give linseeds and hemp seeds separately on a little dish - I use a baby food jar lid Just a pinch of each. Hamsters tend to like them. Also supplement with a tiny bit of fresh veg each day (broccoli, cucumber and carrot are staples people can keep in the fridge easily - there is a list of safe veg on here). Plus some protein extras as mentioned above - the occasional mealworm or half a plain shelled nut eg, although the protein in Harry Hamster doesn't need supplementing much.

Pumpkin seeds are also good for treats and extras and have some protein too.