Hamsters are small animals, and determining how much to feed them can be challenging, especially if you are a first-time hamster owner. The amount of food you give your hamster is mostly determined by its weight and age, but on average, a hamster will consume about 2 teaspoons of food mix per day. Dwarf hamsters, how many mealworms to feed a hamster for example, will only require about 1 tablespoon each day.
You are obviously feeding your hamster too much if you find that they are not eating their meal or are rapidly gaining weight. You may need to raise their quantities somewhat if they finish their food quickly.
Hamsters have huge cheeks that can carry a lot of food. Some people claim to be able to store the equivalent of their own weights in their cheeks! Although hamsters are fully capable of hoarding food, if you find them doing so in significant quantities, you are definitely feeding them too much.
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What Do Hamsters Eat When They’re Not Playing?
A hamster’s diet should contain approximately 15% protein and no more than 5% fat. Commercial hamster pellets are the ideal diet to feed your hamster in order to provide them with all of the important vitamins and minerals they require.
Commercial pellets provide a nutritious, balanced diet for your hamster with each bite and prevent them from picking and choosing what they want. When given loose seed mixes, hamsters are how many mealworms to feed a hamster prone to eating only their favorites and leaving the others, resulting in an imbalanced diet.
However, they should be of the highest possible quality and free of any extraneous substances. Still, this can get boring for your hamster, so you should mix in some seeds, nuts, veggies, and fruits every now and then.
Commercial pelleted food coupled with a range of fresh fruits, seeds, and vegetables is the ideal hamster diet.
How Often Should Hamsters Be Fed?
Every 24 hours, most hamsters will only require 2 tablespoons of pelleted food. Dwarf hamsters will require a little less, about 1 tablespoon, whilst larger hamsters, such as Syrians, will require a little more. how many mealworms to feed a hamster You may need to lower the amount of food if your hamster is gaining weight and storing a lot of it. You’ll need to slightly increase your hamster’s daily amount if they’re finishing all of their food and not saving much.
Do Stashes in a Hamster’s Cage Have to Be Removed?
You should not remove your hamster’s cache in general. When they discover that their stockpiled food has mysteriously vanished, this will cause them concern! Dry, pelleted food and seeds can keep for a long time, so after cleaning their cage, put their stockpile back precisely where you found it.
The only exception is if the food contains urine or excrement, or if they have fresh food, such as vegetables and fruit, stowed.
Is it necessary for hamsters to take supplements?
There is usually no need for supplements if your hamster’s diet is healthy, balanced, and consists of pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables, and he or she lives in a clean environment and receives plenty of activity. Some hamster owners supplement their hamster’s diet with vitamins, although they won’t assist much if the hamster has a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, determining how much they require is quite difficult, and they may wind up taking too many vitamins.
Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C, are safe in healthy hamsters but may be unnecessary.
Supplements are only useful if your hamster is suffering from a specific health problem and a veterinarian recommends them.
If Your Hamster Isn’t Eating, What Should You Do?
If your hamster has stopped eating, it’s usually a sign that they’re not feeling well. They could, however, simply be hoarding their food! Check their bedding for any food they could be saving for a late-night snack, but don’t take it away.
If your hamster isn’t hoarding food and isn’t eating, they’re probably sick and should see a veterinarian. Other symptoms, such as weight loss and tiredness, are commonly present. If they don’t have any other symptoms and appear to be healthy, they could simply be bored with their diet! Mix up your hamster’s diet by adding in some healthy snacks every now and then.
Conclusion
Depending on their size, feeding your hamster 1-2 tablespoons of food per day is a good general rule of thumb to follow. To avoid obesity, keep an eye on your hamster's food cache before increasing their daily food intake.
If their hoard appears to be quite large, you may wish to skip a feeding day or two to encourage them to finish what they have. While fresh fruits and veggies are necessary on occasion, make sure to remove any leftovers from your hamster’s cage so they don’t have anything to add to their hoard!
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