Review of popular brands of food for hamsters and the specifics of the diet of rodents

Hamsters are cute, fluffy animals that have firmly won the hearts of people as pets. These pets do not expect much attention, are not fussy about care and nutrition, and do not require walking or training. At the same time, they are affectionate and funny. If your choice fell on a hamster as a new family member, you are unlikely to be disappointed. And now, you have bought a house for your pet, all you have to do is take care of the hamster’s nutrition, and the charming little lump will delight you and your family. But how to choose the right food for hamsters? What advantages and disadvantages should be taken into account? What to look for when choosing food?

Nutritional features of hamsters

First of all, it is worth noting that hamsters are omnivores, so in addition to plant foods and grains, their diet may also contain meat. Many manufacturers in their range of food for hamsters have mixtures that contain semi-finished meat products, consisting of various small worms, bugs, midges, or produce additional snacks.

The presence of protein in the diet of an animal is mandatory.

Animals in cages, including hamsters, should never be overfed, as this is fraught with serious diseases. Unfortunately, no matter how hard people try, home conditions differ significantly from natural ones, and the pet’s activity is many times lower. Therefore, feed should be poured no more than the amount indicated by the manufacturer. At the same time, many experts recommend removing the bowl or feeder after feeding, rather than leaving it in the cage constantly. The food should be replaced rather than left in the bowl for a long time if the hamster has not finished it, since many ingredients, especially if the food is not of the best quality, can begin to deteriorate from moisture that gets into the bowl.

The type of diet for a pet must be selected depending on the hamster’s age, health status, taking into account the recommendations for a specific type of rodent.

The most popular types of hamsters today are dwarf hamsters, Djungarian and Syrian.

The popularity of these species is due to the friendliness of pets, non-aggression (not counting the breeding period of females), ease of care and nutrition. But there are also some peculiarities. For example, historically and genetically it has developed that for Syrian hamsters it is desirable to have a predominance of grains and a small amount of dried fruits in the food, but for Djungarian hamsters a greater amount of moisture and fruit is needed. And for dwarf hamsters, it is advisable to select food with smaller ingredients that can be conveniently stored in the cheek sinus.

Tips on how to properly introduce new food

You should not suddenly switch from one animal food to another. Many pet owners replace food at one time and at a time, which leads to digestive upset in hamsters. After which the first thing seems to be that the new food is not suitable. It is necessary to introduce a new type of food into the diet gradually over 7-10 days, first mixing the new food with the old one. Every day increasing the proportions in favor of new food.

What should you not give to hamsters?

For hamsters, just like for humans, there are a number of prohibited products that can cause significant harm to the health and even life of the pet.

• Any products containing spices, salt and sugar. These ingredients can lead to serious gastrointestinal diseases or diabetes. Even fruits and dried fruits that hamsters can eat should be given in limited quantities or according to individual needs;
• Flour products (yeast and yeast-free), breakfast cereals, cereals, muesli, etc., unless it is a specially designed product for rodents: the hamster’s body is not adapted to such food;
• Fruits and vegetables that are not in season or not typical for the region where they were bred. Firstly, such products are genetically alien to the hamster’s body. Secondly, it is no secret that out-of-season vegetables and fruits are often treated with special compounds for better storage, which are harmful to health;
• Any food prepared by frying, smoking, or very fatty foods should also not be present in a hamster’s diet;
• Products containing large amounts of starch should be in limited quantities;
• Dairy and fermented milk products.

What can hamsters eat?

1. Vegetables (starchy and exotic with caution);
2. Fruits (seasonal, not exotic);
3. Dried fruits (well washed, not sticky);
4. Greens (it’s better to buy special ones at a pet store, since hamsters can’t do much);
5. Yolk;
6. Bugs and midges;

Prohibited Products

An extensive list of approved foods may give the false impression that rodents can be fed scraps from your own table. In fact, hamsters should not be fed foods with added sugar or honey. This is due to the tendency to develop diabetes mellitus, which is especially characteristic of Djungarians.

Salt, spices, oil, watermelons, citrus fruits, smoked meats and sausages, pasta, and mint are also prohibited.

It is not necessary to purchase granules or mixtures from pet stores; you can make food for hamsters on your own. But it is important to monitor the balance of the composition, the freshness and naturalness of the ingredients offered. Only properly selected nutrition will ensure a long and healthy life for your hamster.

Criteria for choosing quality feed, and how to distinguish good feed from cheap grain mixture

1. Degree of purification. The more stages of cleaning, the more effective it is, the safer it is for health, and the food does not generate dust when poured into a bowl;
2. Ingredients. The ingredients must be of high quality, whole, and varied. But there should not be a lot of nuts or starchy vegetables; good food does not contain foreign inclusions;
3. Percentage ratio of BZHU, fiber. It is advisable that the percentage of BJU be indicated on the food packaging. So, for example, the percentage of proteins should not exceed 14%, and fats - 7%;
4. The presence or absence of dyes, artificial flavors, preservatives;
5. Package. The packaging must be absolutely sealed, undamaged, and ideally equipped with special seals to prevent moisture from entering.

Types of feed

Depending on the method of production, there are several types of feed:

1. Pellets or pelleted food. This type of food is made from a flour mixture. Feed in granules is a kind of stage before extruded feed. The granules will not turn into mush when exposed to moisture, will not contaminate the feeder, they fully retain their functionality;
2. Extrudates. With this production method, the quality characteristics of the feed are significantly improved, the amount of toxic and harmful substances and the amount of starchy food are reduced, which is beneficial for the rodent’s digestion. The substances are easier to digest, and the animal’s risk of getting intestinal infections is significantly reduced.

By composition:

1. Cereals: consists of a variety of cereal crops;
2. Combined: in addition to cereals, the composition may include fruits, vegetables, meat, vegetation, nuts, dried fruits.

It is up to the pet owner to decide which food is best to buy, but it must be remembered that if you use cereal food, you will also have to buy additional fruit, vegetable or plant snacks for the rodent. According to buyers, the most convenient type of food is the combined type.

What vitamins are needed

Cheap dry food contains no vitamins. And hamsters need a whole complex of them: E – to improve blood circulation and muscle functioning; D – for growth and bone formation; A – to fight viruses and microbes; C – to strengthen the immune system; group B – to improve the body’s resistance to stress, the digestive system, and reduce blood sugar levels. It is advisable to use them comprehensively so that there is no shortage of any of them.

They can be used for all types of hamsters.

The most popular feed manufacturers

This list contains the most popular and common foods in the CIS countries, which are available in almost every pet store. However, many buyers and their pets remain dissatisfied with the quality of these products, since they contain dyes or a low degree of purification (the food is dusty).

• PADOVAN;
• FIORY;
• CHICA;
• LITTLE ONE;
• HAPPY JUNGLE;
• NATIVE FOOD;
• WACA;
• VITAKRAFT;
• TRIOL.

Among them there are both inexpensive economy class food and more expensive premium mixtures. Customer reviews of these food manufacturers are very varied: some praise them and say that their pets eat them with pleasure, others express dissatisfaction and disappointment. The CHIKA brands (especially the new line of CHIKA BIO food) and VITAKRAFT received more positive reviews than others. Some manufacturers, for example FIORY, include preservatives in their dyes, which is one of the criteria for low-quality food. PADOVAN contains a large number of seeds and dyes, which customers also noted in their reviews.

Vitamin dosage

Before you start introducing vitamins into your diet, read the instructions included in each package. It details the amount and frequency of daily intake. If it says to give five drops, that means that’s what you should give, and in no case more. If there are no instructions, read the label carefully or you can ask the veterinary pharmacy where you buy them. It is not worthwhile to independently prescribe the amount and frequency of taking even useful supplements. Remember that an overdose not only does not improve the condition, it is very dangerous for the health of the rodent.

Vitamins that people consume should absolutely not be given to hamsters. What is useful for humans is very dangerous for the life of the animal. Their composition and dosage differ significantly.

Rating of the best hamster food manufacturers 2022

This rating is based on what ingredients and quality the food is made from, whether the material and ingredients for mixtures and care and hygiene products are cleaned effectively and efficiently, whether or not they contain dyes and other dangerous ingredients. Below is a brief overview and description of the best manufacturers of food for hamsters.

KAYTEE

This is one of the most advanced feed production companies.

This is a company that produces everything necessary for pets, from food to accessories. This manufacturer has about 150 years of experience in this field, a lot of research and innovation.

food for hamsters KAYTEE

Advantages:

• contain probiotics and prebiotics;
• varied (corn, wheat, crushed corn, flax seeds, alfalfa, sunflower seeds, peanuts, ground peas, millet, ground rice, wheat cereal, soybeans, other vegetables and fruits) and well-thought-out composition of feed, which also includes vitamins and minerals (vitamin A, omega-3, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, iodine, etc.);
• does not contain dyes or flavors;
• There are several types of food for rodents, suitable for different types of hamsters: with less or more content of vegetables and fruits or with a predominance of grain mixture.

Flaws:

• Their food is stored for no more than one and a half months, subject to storage conditions (after opening, close the packaging tightly, first releasing excess air from it).

There is no need to buy any additional additives for this food to maintain immunity; you just need to occasionally pamper your pet with fresh vegetables and fruits. The norm for adult hamsters is 20 grams per day. The average price of such food is 400-500 rubles.

OXBOW

This company is a family business based on love and care for small pets. It is famous for the fact that in addition to high-quality food, in addition to it, it produces the best biologically active additives in the form of original crispy crackers for hamsters, which allows you to regulate and replenish the need for individual elements, taking into account the individual characteristics of the animal (for example, in case of illness and stress, additional amounts are needed vitamin C) or for gastrointestinal diseases, against skin diseases, etc. In addition, they have separate treats for rodents in the form of dried fruits and vegetables. The feed itself has high characteristics, a well-calculated balance of composition (proteins, fats, fiber, etc.).

food for hamsters OXBOW

Advantages:

• no dyes, preservatives or unnatural flavors;
• they produce special dietary supplements for rodents;
• correct ratio of BZHU in feed;
• a wide range of.

Flaws:

• Can be purchased in the CIS only on order.

VITAKRAFT

This is not only one of the most experienced companies producing hamster food, but also one of the most widespread and popular. This German company has more than 50,000 partners around the world, and has almost 200 years of experience and research in this field. The series of food products for rodents includes more than 100 items: from high-quality food (for hamsters of all ages and different breeds) to fruit and vegetable mixtures, special natural crackers, chips, biscuits, fruit and vegetable sticks and other healthy treats. The compositions do not contain GMOs, dyes or flavors. In addition, products of this brand can be easily found in most pet stores. How much does this company's food cost? Depending on the weight and type of food, prices vary from 3 to 7 euros.

hamster food VITAKRAFT

Advantages:

• wide range of products for hamsters;
• I do not use dyes, GMOs, or flavors;
• only natural and well processed raw materials.

Flaws:

• the price is above average.

SUNSEED

A contented young company, created in the 80s, but famous for actively introducing research results and innovations into production, improving the shelf life of feed. They also have special diets designed, for example, to support immunity or for a healthy, beautiful coat. At the moment, this company is actively cooperating with VITAKRAFT.

food for hamsters SUNSEED

Advantages:

• widely introduce the results of scientific research into production;
• I do not use dyes, GMOs, flavors, preservatives;
• effective cleaning system.

Flaws:

• small assortment.

HENRY'S

This brand of food is not as widespread and popular as others, but it has a huge advantage: they use only natural, pure products, and have also developed a special food with a low glycemic index. This is not the most budget-friendly food option. How much does it cost? 7-10$.

HENRY'S hamster food

Advantages:

• suitable for rodents with diabetes;
• natural, high-quality raw materials without preservatives and dyes.

Flaws:

• price is above average;
• in the CIS can only be purchased upon order.

VERSELE LAGA

One of the largest manufacturers of food, hygiene and care products for pets. This Belgian company was founded almost a hundred years ago as a small private enterprise producing feed for livestock. Gradually, the company expanded and won the trust of customers thanks to its first-class products. Today, food for hamsters from this company is available in almost any store. We have food for hamsters of different ages and the most popular types. The compositions contain no dyes, no flavors, no foreign impurities. Only natural, fresh, perfectly processed and purified ingredients. Both combined mixtures and granules and extrudates are produced. In terms of price-quality ratio, this is one of the best options for the family budget.

hamster food VERSELE LAGA

Advantages:

• wide range of products;
• I do not use dyes, GMOs, flavors, or foreign impurities;
• high degree of purification of raw materials;
• easy accessibility

Flaws:

• Some types of food contain a large amount of honey.

SUPREME PETFOODS

A small company producing premium food, which highly values ​​its reputation, sets serious goals for itself and meets the standards chosen for these goals. Feed production is organized in such a way that it has minimal negative impact on the environment. This is the policy of this company. In their products they do not use palm oil, artificial colors, or various impurities; they use a high degree of purification. The only drawback of this company's hamster food is its modest range. If your pet has any special features or diseases, you should take a closer look at other companies.

hamster food SUPREME PETFOODS

Advantages:

• Suitable for environmentally conscious hamster owners;
• I do not use dyes, GMOs, flavors or preservatives;
• only natural and well processed raw materials.

Flaws:

• small assortment;
• In the CIS countries you can only purchase it on order.

HIGGINS

This company once started with its owner's strong love for small pets (birds). This love, care, knowledge and extensive experience grew into something more: he so skillfully prepared diets, selected products, and organized care that people began to turn to Mr. Higgins more and more often. Today it is a huge, thriving company, but with the same love for small pets. The company pays special attention to the cleaning of components, which consists of 4 stages, with the function of disinfection from various bacteria and toxins. The food is supplied with probiotics and prebiotics, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, healthy and varied grains.

food for hamsters HIGGINS

Advantages:

• high degree of purification;
• contains probiotics and prebiotics, vitamins and minerals;

Flaws:

• the price is above average.

JR FARM

Another German company that produces budget food for animals, including hamsters, of quite high quality, and the assortment is pleasing: food designed for different types, ages of hamsters, breeds. The company also produces various additional goodies, natural snacks, minerals, and herbs. The downside of this company's food is its inconvenient packaging.

hamster food JR FARM

Advantages:

• wide range of products for hamsters;
• affordable price;

Flaws:

• inconvenient packaging.

What to feed sick and weakened rodents

The menu for sick and weakened pets depends on the nature of the pathology. For example, if an animal has lost its incisors, solid food is contraindicated until new teeth grow. For diarrhea, before visiting the veterinarian, give boiled rice, rice water and chamomile infusion. For pain, offer soft, tasty and easy to eat food. For example, meat purees and porridges.

Exhausted and weakened pets must first be forced to eat. In critical condition, the animal begins to prepare for hibernation. This is the last attempt to survive.

To prevent your pet from falling asleep, pour a lot of grain food into the cage. This will create the appearance of large reserves and relieve stress. Peeled oats and wheat are suitable for feeding; you can add some peas and corn.

After getting out of a stressful state, the hamster stops intensively stocking up. He needs to be given high-calorie, tasty food for 2-3 weeks. Softened porridges and purees are suitable. There should always be food in the tray.

The fact that the hamster is not feeling well can be indicated by its lethargic state and refusal to eat.

The best food for hamsters

The best food for Djungarian hamsters

1. CHIKA BIO for Djungarian hamsters;
2. Kaytee Fiesta Hamster and Gerbal Food;
3. JR Farm Classic Feast.

The best food for Syrian hamsters

1. Vitakraft Premium Menu Vital (two types - grain mixture and combined);
2. OXBOW Garden Select Hamster and gerbil good;
3. HIGGINS Suburst Gourmet Blend;
4. SUNBURST GOURMET BLEND.

The best food for dwarf hamsters

1. Versele Laga Mini hamster nature;
2. JR Farm 13680 Classic Feast.

The most important thing to remember is that the health and longevity of your pet depends on how your pet’s nutrition and hygiene are organized. A well-chosen diet, good food, favorable conditions - and your pet will delight you for a long time with its activity, positive energy and affection. Considering that the amount of food for the daily diet is quite small, it sometimes makes sense to give preference to more expensive but better food than to then spend money at the veterinary hospital.

Cooking food for hamsters at home

Buying special food is not the only way to feed your furry pet. What to feed hamsters at home? You can make mixtures of grains and dried fruits, feed them with cereals and fresh fruits. There are many recipes for feeding Syrian and Djungarian hamsters.

Mixture of grains “Hamster happiness”. A simple recipe where you need to calculate the ingredients and mix everything. It is very important to monitor the dosage:

• 250 gr. chopped dried apricots.
• 250 gr. dried apples.
• 250 gr. raisins
• 200 gr. pumpkin seeds.
• 100 gr. sunflower seeds.
• 400 grams of barley.
• 300 gr. buckwheat
• 400 g millet.
• 800 gr. wheat.