If you’ve just brought a hamster home, feeding can feel confusing — how much is too much? This simple guide covers the basics of feeding hamsters, gerbils and other small rodents.
A balanced daily diet
Most pet hamsters do well on a good-quality base mix, topped up with small amounts of fresh and dried plant foods for variety and enrichment. As a rough guide, an adult Syrian hamster needs about a tablespoon of food a day; dwarf hamsters and gerbils need less. They’re natural hoarders, so a full bowl doesn’t always mean they’ve eaten it all.
The role of forage & treats
Scattering dried veg, herbs or flowers around the enclosure turns dinner into enrichment, encouraging the foraging behaviour these clever little animals love. Keep treats to around 10% of the diet to avoid weight gain. Our Root & Veg Crunch Mix is ideal for scatter-feeding.
Don’t forget chews
A rodent’s teeth never stop growing, so a safe, untreated gnaw stick is essential. It keeps teeth trim and busy minds occupied.
Fresh water, always
Whatever you feed, clean water should always be available. If you’re ever unsure about your pet’s diet or weight, check in with your vet.
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