As hamsters are caged animals, their food is the only real diversion and therefore a good variety of foodstuffs is recommended for hamsters to eat to keep them healthy. Pelleted food available from pet shops, is the most convenient and this is a good basis for hamster food, but they also derive great benefit from a variety of grains, sunflower seeds and nuts and these should be given regularly to your pet. Also hamsters eat more succulent items such as raisins, carrots and apples as well as the occasional small amount of green stuff. However, hamsters are well known for storing their food and whilst they will not appreciate you raiding their larder too much, it is important to check regularly for any decaying food and remove it. Take care not to give too much of the succulent food as this can cause a form of diarrhoea called Wet Tail.
The amount of food hamsters eat varies from animal to animal, but as a guideline, adult hamsters will eat the equivalent of 10-15g of pelleted food in a day.
Your hamster will also appreciate some sort of gnawing food item. This can be in the form of dog biscuits or a small piece of deciduous wood. This is essential to prevent a hamster’s front teeth from becoming dangerously overgrown. Because hamsters love to gnaw, it is also essential that gnaw proof containers are used.