Hamster Diet Guide: Balanced Food, Fresh Extras and Foods to Limit

A hamster’s diet should not be built from a list of twelve “superfoods.” The foundation is a balanced hamster ration, with small fresh foods used for variety and foraging.

Base diet

The RSPCA recommends a good-quality balanced hamster ration, which may be a compound pellet or suitable formulated mixture.

Fresh vegetables

Tiny portions of suitable vegetables such as carrot, cucumber or leafy greens can add variety. Introduce new items gradually.

Fruit

Fruit should be occasional and very small because it adds sugar and moisture. Banana, strawberry and blueberry can fit as tiny extras for many healthy hamsters.

Protein extras

Hamsters are omnivorous. Small amounts of appropriate protein foods can be used depending on the base ration and species.

Foods to avoid or treat cautiously

Do not feed rhubarb, grapes, heavily seasoned human food, sugary sweets, alcohol, chocolate or foods containing unsafe additives.

Fresh food can spoil in the hoard

Check later for uneaten fruit and vegetables and remove them before they rot.

Water

Fresh clean water should always be available even when watery vegetables are offered.

For individual food questions, see our guides to carrots, cucumber and banana. For overall care, use our hamster care hub.