What to feed your hamster

What fruit and vegetables can hamsters eat?

Hamsters can enjoy a small variety of fresh fruit and vegetables alongside their main dry food mix. Safe vegetables include broccoli, carrot, cabbage, curly kale, cucumber, peas, spinach, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, asparagus, coriander and green beans.

Safe fruits include small pieces of apple (with no seeds), pear, strawberries, blueberries and banana. Keep treat portions to roughly the size of your hamster’s ear and offer them once or twice a week.

Always introduce new foods gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Can hamsters eat grapes?

Yes. Grapes are fine to give as an occasional treat in small amounts.

Can hamsters eat nuts?

Yes, in very small amounts. Plain, unsalted nuts such as a small piece of walnut or hazelnut are fine occasionally, but nuts are high in fat and should not be given regularly.

Can hamsters eat green beans?

Yes. Both raw and lightly cooked green beans are safe for hamsters and should be fed in small amounts in moderation.

Can hamsters eat parsnips?

Yes. Parsnip is safe raw or cooked, and should be fed in small amounts in moderation.

Can hamsters eat asparagus?

Yes. Asparagus is safe for hamsters and can be offered raw or cooked in small amounts in moderation.

Can hamsters eat cauliflower?

Yes. The florets and stalk are both safe, cooked or raw, in small amounts. Avoid feeding them the leaves.

Can hamsters eat coriander?

Yes. Coriander is safe, but should only be fed occasionally in moderation.

Can hamsters eat meat? Do they need protein?

Yes. Hamsters are omnivores and need protein as part of a balanced diet.

A quality dry mix should already contain a protein source such as dried mealworms.

Small amounts of plain cooked chicken or boiled egg can also be offered occasionally as a protein-rich treat.

Avoid processed meats, seasoned foods and raw meat.

Choosing the right dried food

Finding the right dried food for your hamster can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are some great options out there. Some brands have mixes designed for different life stages, so you can choose one that provides the right nutrition as they grow from a young hamster to an adult and into their senior years.  

Here’s what to look for: 

• Syrian hamsters need a mix that includes protein (like dried mealworms), along with vegetables, fruits, grains and cereals (such as wheat or corn).  

• Chinese, Dwarf and Roborovski hamsters do best on a more seed-based mix, with lots of smaller seeds, some protein (like dried mealworms), and fewer grains and cereals.

Recommended food brands for hamsters 

There are lots of hamster food mixes available, but some are better suited to your hamster’s needs than others. Choosing the right one can make a big difference to their health.   

When picking a mix, always check it’s suitable for your hamster’s species and life stage, as their nutritional needs can vary.  

• Little One – available in “hamster” for Syrians, or “Dwarf” for all other species. You’ll need to add dried mealworms, around 30g per bag for hamsters under 12 months, or 20g if they’re older. 

• Hamster Mixologists – available for Syrian and Dwarf hamsters, with options for all life stages. 

• Bunny nature – available in “hamster” for Syrians, or “Dwarf” for all other species. As with ‘Little One’, you’ll need to add dried mealworms (30g per bag for under 12 months, 20g for over 12 months)  

• Hammykins – available for both Syrian and Dwarf hamsters. 

• Getzoo  – available for Syrian hamsters (sometimes labelled as ‘Golden’) and Dwarf hamsters. 

Food storage tips 

Once you’ve chosen your hamster’s food, storing it properly will help keep it fresh and safe to eat.  

Keep dried food in an airtight container to protect it from pests like grain weevils and moths.  

It’s also a good idea to write the use-by date from the packet on the container with a permanent marker, so you know when it needs replacing. After this date, the food can lose its nutritional value, so it’s best to throw away anything that hasn’t been used.

How much to feed your hamster 

Feeding the right amount each day helps keep your hamster healthy and at a good weight.

Syrian hamsters need around 10g (about 1 tablespoon) of dried food per day. 

Chinese, Dwarf and Roborovski need around 5-8g (about 1 teaspoon) of dried food per day.  

Hamsters love to forage and will naturally spend hours digging and searching for food.  

To keep them active and prevent boredom and weight gain, try scattering their daily allowance around their enclosure instead of feeding from a bowl. This encourages natural behaviour and gives them something to do. 

Providing fresh water

Fresh water should always be available for your hamster, and it’s important to change it every day. Many hamsters prefer to drink from a bowl. You can also provide a bottle, but these can sometimes leak and may be harder to keep clean.  

If you’re using a bottle, make sure your hamster can easily reach the spout. Keep it close to the base of the enclosure, or place something sturdy underneath so they can climb up safely.  

Healthy treats for hamsters (in moderation)

Hamsters naturally eat a varied diet, so there’s no need to introduce new treats slowly. A small amount a few times a week is plenty. 

As a guide, keep treats to about the size of your hamster’s ear, once or twice a week. 

Try to avoid colourful chew sticks, mineral and salt blocks as these can be more harmful. Instead, stick to healthy, natural options alongside their usual diet.  

Some good choices include: 

• Pasta (cooked or raw) 

• Fresh fruit (in small pieces) – such as strawberries, banana, blueberries, grapes, apple, pear 

• Fresh vegetables (in small pieces) such as broccoli, carrot, cabbage, curly kale, cucumber, peas, spinach, brussels sprout 

• A small amount of boiled egg 

• Pulses and cereals 

• Fresh mealworms – one or two at a time (unless already included in their dry food) 

• Apple wood or other fruit tree wood – for safe gnawing  

• Herbs (fresh or dried) – such as basil, parsley, mint, oregano, lavender or dill 

• Dog biscuits (like gravy bones), broken into smaller pieces 

• Millet seed spray for birds 

• Seed sprays such as sorghum, flax, amaranth, pagima and delicia

Foods to avoid feeding your hamster

• Apple seeds
• Aubergine
• Bitter almonds
• Chillies
• Chives
• Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits Garlic
• Leeks
• Onions
• Potato (including raw/green potato)
• Processed meats
• Rhubarb or rhubarb leaves
• Tomato

You should also avoid any salty, sugary or seasoned human foods. Honey-based treats, colourful chew sticks and mineral or salt blocks are unnecessary and can be harmful. Stick to natural, unseasoned treats.