Ranking of the best food for hamsters in 2024

Hamsters are cute, fluffy animals that have firmly won the hearts of people as pets. These pets do not expect much attention to themselves, are not whimsical in care and nutrition, do not require walking or training. At the same time, they are affectionate and amusing. If your choice fell on a hamster as a new family member, you are unlikely to be disappointed. And now, the house for the pet has been bought, it remains to take care of the hamster's nutrition, and a charming lump will delight you and your family. But how to choose the right food for your hamsters? What are the advantages and disadvantages to consider? What to look for when choosing a feed?

Features of hamster nutrition

First of all, it is worth noting that hamsters are omnivores, therefore, in addition to plant foods and grains, meat may also be present in their diet. Many manufacturers in the range of hamster food have such mixtures that contain semi-finished meat products, consisting of various small worms, bugs, gnats, or produce additional snacks.

The presence of protein for the animal in the diet is required.

Animals in cages, including hamsters, should never be overfed, as this is fraught with serious illnesses. Unfortunately, no matter how hard people try, home conditions differ significantly from natural ones, and the pet's activity is many times lower. Therefore, feed should be poured no more than the rate specified by the manufacturer. At the same time, many experts recommend removing the bowl or feeder after feeding, and not leaving it in the cage all the time. The food should be replaced rather than left in the bowl for a long time if the hamster has not finished eating it, as many ingredients, especially if the food is not of the best quality, can start to deteriorate from moisture in the bowl.

The type of pet diet must be selected depending on the age of the hamster, the state of health, taking into account the recommendations for a particular type of rodent.

The most popular types of hamsters today are dwarf hamsters, Dzungarian and Syrian.

The popularity of these species is due to the friendliness of pets, non-aggressiveness (not counting the period of breeding in females), ease of care and nutrition. But there are also some peculiarities. So, for example, historically and genetically, it has developed that for Syrian hamsters it is desirable to have a predominance of cereals and a small amount of dried fruits in the feed, but for Dzungarian hamsters, more moisture and fruit are needed.And for dwarf hamsters, it is advisable to select food with smaller ingredients that will be conveniently stored in the cheek sinus.

Tips on how to properly feed new feed

Do not switch abruptly from one animal feed to another. Many pet owners replace food at a time and one time, which leads to indigestion in hamsters. After that, it seems first as if the new food did not fit. It is necessary to introduce a new type of feed into the diet gradually over 7-10 days, first mixing the new feed with the old one. Increasing the proportions every day in favor of a new feed.

What should not be given to hamsters?

For hamsters, as well as for humans, there are a number of prohibited foods that can cause significant harm to the health and even life of a pet.

• Any food containing spices, salt and sugar. These ingredients can lead to serious gastrointestinal disease or diabetes. Even fruits and dried fruits that can be eaten by hamsters should be given in limited quantities or according to individual needs;
• Flour products (yeast and yeast-free), breakfast cereals, cereals, muesli, etc., unless it is a specially designed product for rodents: the hamster's body is not adapted to such food;
• Not seasonal fruits and vegetables or not typical for the region of its breeding. First, such foods are genetically foreign to the hamster's body. Secondly, it is no secret that non-seasonal vegetables and fruits are often processed with special compositions for better storage, which are harmful to health;
• Any food prepared by the methods of frying, smoking, very fatty should also not be present in the hamster's diet;
• Foods containing a large amount of starch should be in limited quantities;
• Dairy and fermented milk products.

What can hamsters do?

1. Vegetables (starchy and exotic with care);
2. Fruit (seasonal, non-exotic);
3. Dried fruits (well washed, not viscous);
4. Greens (it is better to purchase a special one at a pet store, since hamsters cannot do much);
5. Yolk;
6. Bugs and midges;

Criteria for choosing a quality feed, and how to distinguish good feed from cheap grain mixture

1. Purification degree. The more stages of cleaning, the more effective it is, the safer for health, and the food does not get dusty when poured into a bowl;
2. Ingredients. Ingredients should be of high quality, whole, varied. But at the same time there should not be a lot of nuts or starchy vegetables, there are no foreign inclusions in a good feed;
3. The percentage of BZHU, fiber. It is desirable that the percentage of BZHU be indicated on the food packaging. So, for example, the percentage of proteins should not exceed 14%, and fats - 7%;
4. The presence or absence of dyes, artificial flavors, preservatives;
5. Packaging. The packaging must be absolutely sealed, not damaged, ideally equipped with special pins that prevent moisture from entering.

Types of feed

There are several types of feed depending on the method of production:

1. In pellets or granular feed. This type of feed is made from a flour mixture. Pellet feed is a kind of stage before extruded feed. The granules will not turn into slurry when moisture gets in, they will not contaminate the feeder, they fully retain their functionality;
2. Extrudates. With this method of production, the quality characteristics of the feed are significantly improved, the amount of toxic and harmful substances, the amount of starchiness of the products are reduced, which is beneficial for the digestion of the rodent. Substances are easier to digest, and the animal's risk of contracting intestinal infections is significantly reduced.

By composition:

1. Cereals: consists of a variety of cereals;
2. Combined: in addition to cereals, the composition may include fruits, vegetables, meat, vegetation, nuts, dried fruits.

What food is better for the pet owner to decide, but it must be remembered that if you use cereal food, you will have to buy additional fruit, vegetable or vegetable snacks for the rodent. According to buyers, the most convenient is the combined type of feed.

Most popular feed manufacturers

This list contains the most popular and common food in the CIS countries, which are available in almost every pet store. However, many buyers and their pets remain dissatisfied with the quality of these products, as they contain dyes, or a low degree of purification (the food is dusty).

• PADOVAN;
• FIORY;
• CHIKA;
• LITTLE ONE;
• HAPPY JUNGLE;
• NATIVE FOOD;
• WAKA;
• VITAKRAFT;
• TRIOL.

Among them there are both inexpensive economy class feeds and more expensive premium mixtures. Customer reviews of these feed manufacturers are very diverse: some praise them and say that their pets eat them with pleasure, others express dissatisfaction and disappointment. Most of the rest, positive reviews were received by the brands CHIKA (especially the new line of feed CHICA BIO), VITAKRAFT. Some manufacturers, for example FIORY, include preservatives in their dyes, which is one of the criteria for poor quality feed. PADOVAN contains a large amount of seeds and dyes, which buyers also noted in their reviews.

Rating of the best manufacturers of hamster food 2024

This rating is based on what ingredients and what quality the feed is made from, whether the material and ingredients for mixtures and care and hygiene products are cleaned effectively and efficiently, whether or not they contain dyes and other hazardous ingredients. Below is a quick overview and description of the very best hamster food manufacturers.

KAYTEE

It is one of the most advanced feed companies.

This is a company that manufactures everything for pets, from food to accessories. This manufacturer has about 150 years of experience in this field, a lot of research and innovation.

• contain probiotics and prebiotics;
• varied (corn, wheat, chopped corn, flax seeds, alfalfa, sunflower seeds, peanuts, ground peas, millet, ground rice, wheat groats, soybeans, other vegetables and fruits) and a well-thought-out composition of feed, which also includes vitamins and minerals (vitamin A, omega-3, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, iodine, etc.);
• does not contain dyes or flavors;
• There are several types of rodent food that are suitable for different types of hamsters: with less or more vegetables and fruits, or with a predominance of grain mixtures.

• their feed is stored for no more than one and a half months, subject to the storage conditions (after opening the package, close tightly, having previously released excess air from it).

There is no need to buy any additional additives for such food to maintain immunity, it is enough just to spoil your pet with fresh vegetables and fruits sometimes. The norm for adult hamsters is 20 grams per day. The average price of such food is 400-500 rubles.

OXBOW

The company is a family business based on love and care for small pets. She is famous for the fact that, in addition to high-quality feeds, in addition to them, it produces the best biologically active additives in the form of a kind of crispy crackers for hamsters, which allows you to regulate and replenish the need for individual elements, taking into account the individual characteristics of the animal (for example, in case of illness and stress, an additional amount is needed vitamin C) or for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, against skin diseases, etc. In addition, they have separate delicacies for rodents in the form of dried fruits and vegetables. The feed itself has high characteristics, a well-calculated balance of composition (proteins, fats, fiber, etc.).

• there are no dyes, preservatives and unnatural flavors;
• produce special dietary supplements for rodents;
• competent ratio of BZHU in the stern;
• a wide range of.

• can be purchased on the territory of the CIS only on order.

VITAKRAFT

It is not only one of the most experienced hamster food companies, but also one of the most widespread and popular.This German firm has more than 50,000 partners worldwide and has nearly 200 years of experience and research in the field in its luggage. The rodent food range includes more than 100 items: from high quality food (for hamsters of all ages and different breeds) to fruit and vegetable mixtures, special natural crackers, chips, biscuits, fruit and vegetable sticks and other healthy treats. The formulations are free of GMOs, dyes and flavors. In addition, products of this brand can be easily found in most pet stores. How much does this company's feed cost? Prices vary from 3 to 7 euros depending on the weight and type of feed.

• a wide range of products for hamsters;
• I do not use dyes, GMOs, flavors;
• only natural and well-processed raw materials.

• the price is above average.

SUNSEED

A pretty young company, founded in the 80s, but famous for actively introducing the results of research and innovation into production, improving the shelf life of feed. They also have special diets designed, for example, to maintain immunity or for a healthy, beautiful coat. At the moment, this company is actively cooperating with VITAKRAFT.

• widely introduce the results of scientific research into production;
• I do not use dyes, GMOs, flavors, preservatives;
• efficient cleaning system.

• small assortment.

HENRY'S

This brand is not as widespread and popular as others, but it has a huge advantage: they only use natural, pure products, and have also developed a special food with a low glycemic index. This is not the most budget-friendly feed option. How much it costs - $ 7-10.

• suitable for rodents with diabetes mellitus;
• natural, high quality raw materials without preservatives and dyes.

• the price is above average;
• in the CIS can be purchased only on order.

VERSELE LAGA

One of the largest manufacturers of food, hygiene and pet care products. This Belgian company was founded almost a hundred years ago as a small private enterprise producing animal feed. Gradually, the company has expanded and won the trust of customers with its first-class products. Today, hamster food from this company is available in almost any store. We have food for hamsters of different ages and the most popular species. In the formulations there are no dyes, no flavors, no impurities. Only natural, fresh, perfectly processed and refined ingredients. Both mixed mixtures and granules and extrudates are produced. In terms of price-quality ratio, this is one of the best options for a family budget.

• wide range of products;
• I do not use dyes, GMOs, flavors, impurities;
• high degree of raw materials purification;
• easy accessibility

• some types of food contain a lot of honey.

SUPREME PETFOODS

A small premium feed company that values ​​its reputation, sets itself serious goals and meets the standards chosen for these goals. The production of feed is organized in such a way that it has a minimal negative impact on the environment. This is the policy of this firm. They do not use palm oil, artificial colors, various impurities in their products, they use a high degree of purification. The only drawback of this company's hamster food is its modest assortment. If your pet has any peculiarities, diseases, it is worth taking a closer look at other companies.

• suitable for environmentally conscious hamster owners;
• I do not use dyes, GMOs, flavors and preservatives;
• only natural and well-processed raw materials.

• small assortment;
• on the territory of the CIS countries, you can purchase only on order.

HIGGINS

This company once started with a strong love of its owner for small pets (birds). This love, concern, knowledge and vast experience grew into something more: he was so skillful in making rations, choosing food, organizing care that people increasingly began to turn to Mr. Higgins. Today it is a huge thriving company, but still with the same love for small pets. The company pays special attention to the cleaning of components, which consists of 4 stages, with the function of disinfection from various bacteria and toxins. The food is supplied with probiotics and prebiotics, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, useful and various grains.

• high degree of purification;
• contains probiotics and prebiotics, vitamins and minerals;

• the price is above average.

JR FARM

Another German company that produces budget food for animals, including hamsters, at the same time of fairly high quality, and the assortment pleases: food designed for different species, age of hamsters, breeds. The company also produces various additional goodies, natural snacks, minerals, herbs. The disadvantage of this company's feed is inconvenient packaging.

• a wide range of products for hamsters;
• affordable price;

• inconvenient packaging.

The best food for hamsters

The best food for Dzungarian hamsters

1. CHIKA BIO for Dzungarian hamsters;
2. Kaytee Fiesta Hamster and Gerbal Food;
3. JR Farm Classic Feast.

The best food for Syrian hamsters

1. Vitakraft Premium Menu Vital (two types - grain mixture and combined);
2. OXBOW Garden Select Hamster and gerbil good;
3. HIGGINS Suburst Gourmet Blend;
4. SUNBURST GOURMET BLEND.

The best food for dwarf hamsters

1. Versele Laga Mini hamster nature;
2. JR Farm 13680 Classic Feast.

The most important thing to remember is that your pet's health and longevity depends on how your pet's nutrition and hygiene are organized. A well-chosen diet, good food, favorable conditions - and your pet will delight you for a long time with its activity, positive energy and affection. Considering that the amount of feed for the daily diet is rather small, it makes sense sometimes to give preference to more expensive, but better feed than to spend money in a veterinary hospital later.