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In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about hamster nutrition: what they can eat, what to avoid, how much to feed, and how diet differs between Syrian and dwarf hamsters. We’ll also share natural enrichment ideas using Happy Hay’s fresh, dust-free hay to keep your hamster active and happy.
Hamsters are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they forage for seeds, grains, grasses, roots, insects and even the occasional small creature. Pet hamsters need the same variety to thrive.
| Food Group | Description | Frequency |
| Base Food | High-quality hamster pellets or nuggets, designed for complete nutrition. | Daily |
| Fresh Hay | Timothy or meadow hay for nesting, nibbling and digestion. | Constant access |
| Vegetables & Herbs | Safe, fresh veg to add fibre and vitamins. | 2 – 3 times a week |
| Fruit | Small portions as treats. | Once or twice a week |
| Protein Sources | Tiny amounts of cooked egg, insects or chicken. | 1 – 2 times a week |
| Seeds & Nuts | For enrichment as high in fat, so occasional only. | Weekly |
Choose a pellet or nugget-based mix over loose “muesli” blends. Just like children picking sweets, hamsters will choose the tastiest, fattiest bits and ignore the healthy ones, leading to malnutrition.
| Safe Foods | Unsafe or Toxic Foods |
| Apples (no seeds) | Grapes, raisins |
| Carrots, broccoli, cucumber | Citrus fruits (orange, lemon, pineapple) |
| Courgette, peas, spinach | Onion, garlic, leek |
| Dandelion leaves, parsley | Rhubarb, tomato leaves |
| Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds | Almonds (bitter), salted nuts |
| Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries | Chocolate, crisps, sweets |
| Small pieces of chicken or egg | Processed meat, ham |
| Wholegrain bread, oats | White bread, sugary cereals |
| Timothy or meadow hay | Dusty or mouldy hay |
Happy Hay’s Meadow Hay Box or Three-Tie Timothy Hay make excellent additions to your hamster’s diet. Although hay isn’t their main food source, its soft, green texture is perfect for nesting and gentle chewing, which helps keep their ever-growing teeth in check.
Not all hamsters are the same. Syrian hamsters (the larger, solitary kind) and dwarf varieties (like Roborovski or Campbell’s) have slightly different needs.
Both types thrive on a combination of pellets, fresh vegetables and occasional treats. Avoid giving them too much fruit or seed-based food, as it can lead to weight gain.
Vegetables are a healthy, low-fat addition to your hamster’s diet, adding fibre, vitamins and hydration. However, not every vegetable is suitable.
Yes but choose the right kind. Romaine or curly lettuce are safe and hydrating, but iceberg lettuce should be avoided. It’s mostly water and can cause diarrhoea.
Yes and it’s a great source of fibre and vitamin C. Serve small florets raw or lightly steamed and cooled. Avoid feeding too much at once, as it can cause gas.
In moderation. Celery is fibrous and low in calories, but the stringy fibres can be a choking hazard. Always chop it into tiny pieces before serving.
Yes both are safe in small quantities, but they can be gassy, so limit to once a week. Red or Savoy cabbage is preferable to white cabbage.
Absolutely. Courgette is light and easy to digest, and peas add protein and fibre. Feed sparingly, as too much can soften stools.
Yes and in fact, they love them. Dandelion leaves, parsley and coriander make excellent natural greens. Pick clean, pesticide-free leaves and offer small sprigs occasionally.
Grass from untreated gardens can be safe in small amounts, but avoid lawn clippings or chemically treated grass.
Fruit for hamsters
Hamsters enjoy fruit as much as we do, but sugar can be a problem. Use fruit as an occasional treat, never as a main food source.
No grapes are unsafe for hamsters and other rodents. They can cause kidney failure, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Yes, a tiny cube of melon or watermelon is fine occasionally. Remove seeds and rind, and never overfeed, as it’s mostly water.
Yes, in small portions. Banana is soft and high in potassium but also high in sugar. Offer a fingernail-sized slice once a week.
Avoid pineapple (too acidic), and always remove stones or seeds from plums and pomegranates can be toxic.
Yes, these are some of the safest fruits. Offer one small berry per week. They’re rich in antioxidants and make a colourful, healthy treat.
Hamsters are natural foragers that eat insects and small amounts of meat in the wild, so they benefit from a little protein.
Yes, unseasoned, cooked chicken or small pieces of scrambled egg are safe once or twice a week. Never give raw meat.
No. Processed ham is salty and fatty, making it unsuitable for hamsters.
In very small amounts, yes. Mild, low-fat cheese can be an occasional treat, but dairy should be rare because hamsters can’t digest it well.
Only a tiny smear, and only rarely. Choose natural, unsalted peanut butter and never offer it sticky or thick, as it can block their cheek pouches.
Safe options include unsalted cashews, walnuts, almonds (sweet variety only), hazelnuts and pecans. Remove shells and serve half a nut as a weekly treat.
Yes, pumpkin and sunflower seeds are great for enrichment but high in fat. Scatter a few through their hay or substrate to encourage natural foraging.
Plain, wholegrain bread is safe in tiny amounts. Avoid flavoured, salted or buttered bread. Never give crisps or chips, which are far too oily and salty.
Oats, millet and barley make great additions to homemade treats. You can mix a few flakes into hay or a foraging box for added interest.
While hay isn’t a core nutritional requirement for hamsters like it is for rabbits, it still plays a crucial role in their well-being. It helps maintain dental health, encourages natural nesting and burrowing, and keeps their cage smelling fresher.
Choose soft, green, dust-free hay such as Happy Hay’s Meadow Hay Box or Three-Tie Timothy Hay. Both are perfect for small pets, providing a safe, natural texture for chewing and bedding.
They typically sleep for 6 – 8 hours, often in short bursts. Because of this, it’s best to feed your hamster in the evening when they naturally start to wake up and forage. Avoid waking them during the day for feeding, as a sleepy hamster may bite out of surprise.
Wild hamsters are opportunistic feeders. They eat seeds, grains, roots, insects and even small amphibians. Their diet changes with the seasons, meaning more seeds in summer, more roots in winter.
Every hamster has individual tastes, but most love pumpkin seeds, small berries, peas and bits of apple. Watch what your hamster stores in their cheek pouches, it’s often their favourite snack!