Like us, hamsters are omnivores. They can eat a wide variety of foods. There are many foods that will make great treats for your small pet. Below are some treats that your hamster is sure to love.
Seeds (Sunflowers and Pumpkin)
Your hamster will love seeds. In the wild they are a common source of food for our furry scavenging friends. Specifically, your hamster will love sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Just make sure they are unsalted; the salt will quickly dehydrate your small pet.
Peanuts
Peanuts are a delicious treat that’s rich in protein. Your hamster is sure to love them. However, it is best to avoid peanut butter. This sticky substance will act like glue and get stuck in your hamster’s cheek pouches. Like with seeds, make sure the peanuts are unsalted.
Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard Boiled Eggs are a healthy treat your hamster will go gaga for. The yolk is high in fat, so it’s better to stick to egg whites.
Baby Carrots
Fun fact, baby carrots are just regular carrots that have been whittled down. That means regular carrots make great treats for hamsters too! The pro with baby carrots is that they are the perfect size for your small pet.
Insects
In the wild, hamsters will eat insects whenever they can get their hands on them. When we keep them as pets, we often forgo this food, but your hamster will more than benefit from the occasional mealworm, cricket, or grasshopper.
Sweet Potatoes
Unlike they’re non sweet cousins, sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients your hamster will love. Specifically, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, and Calcium. The key, with anything, is moderation. Too much sweet potato can give your small pet high blood sugar.
Cucumber
Most people will agree, cucumber makes the perfect hamster treat. Cucumber’s rich in a wide variety of nutrients and full of water. Not only is it good for your small pet, it keeps them hydrated.
Plain Chicken
Though a wild hamster may never experience this tasty treat, everyone loves chicken. Heck, when we don’t know what something tastes like we say it tastes like chicken. Make sure the chicken isn’t seasoned or breaded and your hamster is sure to thank you for this treat.
Banana
Bananas are rich in potassium and sure to brighten your hamster’s day. Obviously, your hamster can’t finish a whole banana, the average banana is at least twice the size of the average hamster. But the occasional slice makes the perfect hamster treat.
Apples
If the adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away holds true for us humans, then a piece of apple a week will keep the vet away for hamsters. Apples are high in sugar so it’s best for your hamster to only have a piece once a week.
In Conclusion
Just like there are many things your hamster can’t eat, there are many things your hamster will benefit from eating. Give your small pet the life they deserve and go get them some tasty treats.