Hamster Diet Chart – The easiest way to make sure your hamster’s diet provides everything he needs is to buy the best prepared food you can find. Then supplement its diet with pieces of fresh fruits and veggies, throwing in an occasional mealworm or cricket. A varied diet is as important to hamsters as it is to people.
To ensure your hamster’s safety, you need to know what foods your hamster can eat, what foods they should not eat. Now HamsterPetCare.com has helped you create a hamster food list, and we call it:
Hamster Diet Chart
Fruits List
Food | Syrian | Robo | Winter White | Campbell's | Chinese | Serving size |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apples(no seeds) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon |
Bananas | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon |
Blackberries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 berry |
Blueberries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1-3 berries |
Cantaloupe | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon |
Cherries(sweet,no pits) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 cherry |
Grapes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/2 small grape |
Honeydew | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon |
Lychee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon |
Mango | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon |
Oranges | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | a fraction of a single piece |
Papaya | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon |
Peaches(no pits) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon |
Pears | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon |
Plums(no pits) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon |
Raspberries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 raspberry |
Strawberries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon |
Watermelon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon |
Source: PhotoBucket
Note: Feeding recommendation for all the fruits mentioned above should be only once or maybe twice a week and not more.
The serving sizes displayed are given assuming that it is the only fruit being given in the diet. If multiple fruits are to be added into the diet, then appropriate adjustments are to be made in the serving sizes. For example: If apple and grapes are to be fed then it should be so adjusted that the total quantity of apple and grapes being given to the hamster is 1/4 teaspoon.
Seeds List
Food | Syrian | Robo | Winter White | Campbell’s | Chinese | Serving Size | Feeding recommendatio |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barley | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/2 tablespoon | Daily |
Buckwheat groats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/2 tablespoon | Daily |
Canary grass seed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/2 tablespoon | Daily |
Millet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/2 tablespoon | Daily |
Milo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/2 tablespoon | Daily |
Oat groats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/2 tablespoon | Daily |
Quinoa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/2 tablespoon | Daily |
Rye berries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/2 tablespoon | Daily |
Spelt | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/2 tablespoon | Daily |
Wheat berries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7-10 seeds | Daily |
Flax seeds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1-2 seeds | Daily |
Safflower seeds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7-10 seeds | Daily |
Sesame seeds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7-10 seeds | Daily |
Sunflower seeds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2-5 seeds | Daily |
Almonds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 nut | Once a month |
Cashew | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 nut | 2-4 times a month |
Brazil Nuts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 nut | 2-4 times a month |
Hazelnuts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 nut | 2-4 times a month |
Peanuts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 nut | 2-4 times a month |
Pecans | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 nut | 2-4 times a month |
Pistachios | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 nut | 2-4 times a month |
Pumpkin seeds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 seed | 2 times a week |
Soynuts/Soybeans | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 seed | 3 times a week |
Squash seeds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 seed | 2-3 times a week |
Walnuts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 nut | 2-4 times a month |
Source: Hamster Hideout
Note: The first 10 seeds of the list can be either fed dry or can be mixed into the daily diet of the hamster. It is always advisable to feed 2-3 types of seeds in a combination for holistic nutritional growth. A total of 2-4 nuts can be fed per month and the servings are given after assuming that, that is the only seed being given in that particular month. And another important fact is that all seeds should be unflavoured and unsalted.
Fruits List 02
Fruits | Syrian | Robo | Winter White | Campbell’s | Chinese |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Asparagus | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Basil | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bean Sprouts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bell Pepper | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bok Choy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Brocolli | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Brussels Sprouts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Carrots | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Cauliflower | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Chard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Chickweed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Chicory | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Clover | Yes | ||||
Corn | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Dandelion flower/leaves | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Endive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Green Beans | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kale | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Parsnips | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Peas | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Potatoes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Radicchio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Spinach | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Squash | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Sweet Potatoes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Swiss Chard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tomatoes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Turnip | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Water chestnut | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Watercress | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Zucchini | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Source: Hamster Hideout
Note: One may serve any of the above vegetables every other day but the serving size should not exceed 2 nickel-sized pieces.
The serving sizes that have been provided are under the presumption that it is the only item that is being fed to the hamster. If multiple items are to be fed and added into the diet of the hamster then appropriate reductions and modifications in the serving sizes need to be made. For example, if broccoli and bell peppers are to be fed together, then, instead of 2 pieces of each 1 piece of bell pepper and 1 piece of broccoli is to be given.
Other Foods
Food | Syrian | Robo | Winter White | Campbell’s | Chinese |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cheese | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Peanut Butter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sweet Almonds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Breads | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Popcorn (without Salt) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Celery | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
In addition to what is listed in the “Hamster Diet Chart” list, you should refer to each hamster food item here.
Hamster Diet Chart: FAQs
Providing your hamster with a balanced and varied diet is essential for their health and well-being. Here are some frequently asked questions about creating a hamster diet chart:
What should a hamster diet chart include?
A good hamster diet chart should outline the types and quantities of food to offer daily and weekly, including:
Staple Food (75-85%): High-quality commercial hamster mix (pellets or seed mix).
Fresh Vegetables (10-15%): Offered daily or every other day.
Fresh Fruits (5-10%): Offered 2-3 times per week as treats.
Protein Sources (5-10%): Offered 2-3 times per week.
Occasional Treats: Healthy options given sparingly.
Can you provide a sample hamster diet chart?
Here’s a sample chart for a Syrian hamster. Adjust portions slightly for dwarf hamsters:
Day
Staple Food
Vegetables
Fruits
Protein
Treats
Monday
1-2 tbsp hamster mix
1 tsp broccoli florets
–
–
–
Tuesday
1-2 tbsp hamster mix
1 small slice cucumber
–
1/2 tsp cooked chicken
–
Wednesday
1-2 tbsp hamster mix
1-2 spinach leaves
1/2 blueberry
–
–
Thursday
1-2 tbsp hamster mix
1 thin slice zucchini
–
2-3 mealworms
–
Friday
1-2 tbsp hamster mix
1/2 baby carrot
1/4 strawberry
–
A few sunflower seeds
Saturday
1-2 tbsp hamster mix
–
–
1/4 hard-boiled egg
–
Sunday
1-2 tbsp hamster mix
Mixed greens
–
–
A small piece of cooked pasta
Important Notes:
This is just a sample chart, variety is key! Rotate different safe fruits, vegetables, and protein sources.
Observe your hamster’s preferences and adjust portions accordingly.
Always wash and chop food into small, manageable pieces.
Remove any uneaten fresh food after a few hours to prevent spoilage.
How often should I update my hamster’s diet chart?
You can generally stick to a consistent weekly schedule. However, be sure to:
Monitor your hamster’s weight and adjust portions as needed.
Introduce new foods gradually and one at a time to monitor for allergies or digestive issues.
Consult your veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations.
Are there any online resources for hamster diet charts?
Yes, many websites offer hamster diet information and sample charts. However, always cross-reference information with reputable sources like:
Veterinary websites
Hamster-specific organizations
Experienced hamster breeders
What are the signs of an unbalanced diet in hamsters?
Watch for:
Weight loss or gain
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Hair loss
Dull coat
If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian.
By creating a well-rounded diet chart and monitoring your hamster’s health, you can help them thrive!