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What's a healthy hamster diet? How much and are sugary treats okay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered | 0.0078125 lbs

What is appropriate in diet and treats for my hamster? I typically give him a lot of sugary treats (yogurt drops, dried papaya bits, fruit, etc) in addition to a bowl full of Kaytee Forti-Diet Hamster and Gerbil food every week, and recently realized roborovski’s are prone to diabetes. Also, should I feed him a certain amount instead of just giving him a whole bowl weekly?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 1st, 2017

A hamster needs fresh fruits and vegetables as well as grains and greens. You can feed him daily in the morning or in the evening. Acceptable vegetables and greens include romaine lettuce, cauliflower, squash, spinach, broccoli, carrots and cucumbers. Commercial pellets or blocks can be offered along with a seed mix, vegetables and greens (as listed above) and fruit such as apple, pear, banana and grapes. Be sure to check the cage frequently to clean out any hoards to prevents pests and rot.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 29th, 2018
Feeding: Feed according to the instructions on the bag of food you are using. It also depends on the hamsters age. I would recommend you use a high quality diet like Oxbow. Remember, they are very small and don't need to eat much.

( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/oxbow-15-oz-oat-hay )

Treats: Once a week you can consider giving your hamster a treat by providing some a small amount of boiled egg or some fruits/veggies. Many hamsters like cauliflower, broccoli, pear, peach and banana. Always remember to remove any uneaten food from your hamster’s cage so that it doesn’t rot. You can also feed commercial treats in place of the above:

( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/oxbow-timothy-club-bungalow-medium )

Exercise: If you put him the hamster ball it is recommended that you not leave him in there more than 20 minutes per day.

Handling: I suggest you refer to this page for ideas on how to get your hamster used to you:

( http://thehamsterhouse.com/big-hamster-care-guide/5/ )

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Todd Cecil
Veterinarian
Published on February 2nd, 2020
Thanks for reaching out about Max. Hamsters can have a pelleted diet with some seed added. Fresh vegetables can be added in limited amounts, fruit should not be offered regularly and only as treats due to higher sugars. There are multiple commercially available diets.
Good luck.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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