Domestic hamsters are adorable and very affectionate. In order for them to always feel good, the animals need to be properly fed. These small animals have a high metabolism and need a balanced diet of cereals, vegetables and fruits.
Ready feed
The easiest way to feed your hamsters is a ready-made, balanced feed mixture. They can form the basis of the diet, which can be easily varied by offering your pets tasty and healthy treats. Ready-made feeds can be imported and domestic, and there are noteworthy brands in both categories.
The advantage of domestic feed mixtures is the low price. The downside is a rather monotonous composition, mainly consisting of cereals. But a lot also depends on the specific brand. Please read the label carefully before purchasing. The more varied the food, the more likely the pet will eat it to the end. You should not buy a mixture containing a large amount of oats - hamsters are reluctant to eat it, and poorly peeled grains can injure the cheek pouches. Choose a mixture based on popcorn, barley and wheat, with the addition of rolled grains of various grains, nuts and seeds.
Imported blends are usually more diverse in composition - in addition to cereals, they contain herbal granules, crushed leaves and stems that improve digestion, unsweetened berries, and freeze-dried vegetables. You can make your own mixes by adding nutritional and vitamin granules to your cereal base.
Do not feed hamsters with food intended for birds or other rodents. The needs of all animals are different, feed mixtures are compiled taking into account the characteristics of each species. If the necessary food is not on sale, it is better to temporarily transfer the pet to regular products, choosing those that will only benefit the animal.
Do not forget about clean water - rodents who eat dry food should drink a lot. If your hamster refuses to drink liquid, increase the amount of succulent food - for example, adding fresh vegetables and sprouted barley or oats to the pet's diet.
Supplements are tasty and healthy
Hamsters should receive fruits and vegetables, either dried or fresh, every day. Rodents love pumpkin, zucchini, ripe tomatoes, turnips, carrots, young peas in pods, green beans, bell peppers. Fruits are also useful - apricots, peaches, melons, apples, rose hips, bananas and grapes. Dried fruits are considered a very useful delicacy.
Twigs of fruit plants are useful for rodents, but conifers cannot be given. Cabbage, potatoes, early greenhouse vegetables are also contraindicated. Hamsters are very fond of a variety of seeds and nuts. Having decided to treat the animals, remember that almonds and Brazil nuts are contraindicated for them.
Experts recommend giving hamsters protein food once or twice a week - chicken cooked without salt, boiled chicken or quail eggs. If your hamster does not like dry prepared food, offer him cereal or cereal porridge. Do not add salt, butter or milk to it. Dairy products and sweets are strictly prohibited - they can cause irreparable harm to the body of animals.
