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Hamsters are popular household pets that tend to get lumped together with other rodent pets, like guinea pigs. While these critters do have similarities, there are also many differences between them. But what about the food that they eat? Can hamsters eat guinea pig food? Is it healthy for them? The short answer is no, hamsters should not eat guinea pig food.
One guinea pig meal will not make your hamster ill or harm them in any way. But pet hamsters should not be eating guinea pig food regularly. In this article, we break down the reasons and offer advice about what your hamster should be eating instead.
Why Can’t Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food?
Hamsters are omnivores, which means they eat grasses, fruit, veggies, grains, animal-derived proteins, and fiber. Guinea pigs are strict herbivores, so they do not need animal-derived proteins in their diets to thrive. Hamsters need much more protein in their daily diets than guinea pigs. Therefore, commercial food made for guinea pigs is not formulated the same as hamster food.
If your hamster is regularly fed guinea pig food for an extended period, they could become nutrient deficient and their health could suffer. Signs of nutrient deficiencies include dry and frail fur, lethargy, dehydration, and disinterest in playing with toys or interacting with family members. A veterinarian visit should take place at the first sign of deficiencies. A vet can help you plan and execute a proper diet for your little furry family member and get them back on the road to health.
What Hamsters Should Be Eating
Hamsters do eat some of the same things as guinea pigs, but they require fewer plant foods and more protein sources, so their food should be formulated accordingly. Here is what your hamster should be eating.
Species-Appropriate Pelleted Food
Hamsters should receive quality commercial food as their main source of nutrients. Species-appropriate commercial foods contain the right ratios of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary for a hamster to maintain a strong immune system and a healthy body. Some foods even contain dehydrated fruits and veggies for added nutrition, flavor, and texture.
However, these are not recommended if you have a Dwarf hamster species, as they are higher in sugar. Many of these foods are made for both hamsters and gerbils because they have the same basic dietary needs as omnivore rodents. However, gerbils generally need less fat in their diets. However, there are many different foods on the market that are made specifically for hamsters. We recommend avoiding the muesli variety and sticking to complete and balanced pelleted foods.
Fruits and Vegetables
Your hamster should also receive fresh fruits and vegetables every day as treats for nutrition and stimulation. Hamsters love eating small chunks of carrot, cucumber, celery, tomato, melon, and berries. But it is important to remember that a little goes a long way! Only feed your hamster a paw-sized piece of fruit or a similar portion of veggies per day to minimize the risk of digestion problems. Remember that the Dwarf hamster species is prone to obesity and may be sensitive to sugar, so sugary fruits should be avoided or rigorously controlled.
Animal-Derived Proteins
Although hamsters do not have to eat meat if they are getting enough protein from quality hamster pellets. However, protein sources can be offered as a treat. Your hamster may enjoy a sterile silkworm or cricket, even a small piece of plain boiled chicken, fish, or lean beef as a special treat once or twice a week. Any meat that your hamster eats must be fully cooked, as they are prone to the same foodborne illnesses, such as E. coli, as we humans are. Make sure the meat is also completely cool before offering it to your hamster so they do not burn their feet or mouth.
Buyer Beware: Multi-Species Pet Foods
If you come across a commercially available small pet food that claims to be for hamsters and guinea pigs, avoid it. After reading this article, you know why that’s a serious red flag!
Summary
Feeding a hamster is serious business. Without a proper diet, they cannot be expected to thrive and enjoy a high quality of life. This means they should not be fed the food of guinea pigs or any other animals. They deserve a diet that is tailored specifically to their biological needs. Fortunately, it is not hard to keep a hamster well-fed!
What kinds of foods does your hamster enjoy eating the most?
- See also: Can Hamsters Eat Pineapple?
Featured Image Credit: Frenjamin Benklin, Unsplash
