The hamster is a fairly popular small pet rodent. It is an animal that requires little care, and with an adapted and balanced diet, it will be able to brighten up your home for several years.

The hamster is a rodent with a particular set of teeth. This consists of four incisors, 2 at the top and 2 at the bottom, which will be used to take and cut food, and 12 molars, 6 per jaw, which are used to crush and grind food. He does not have a canine. As in all rodents, the teeth grow continuously, and wear out only with food. It is therefore essential that the ration is balanced and of suitable texture, to promote chewing by the hamster and to avoid certain dental problems.

The hamster also has two cheekbones. It is a pocket present in each of the cheeks and that it can fill with food in order to put it in reserve. Indeed, in nature, it is an animal that will tend to accumulate a lot of food in its nest in order to always have something to eat.

The hamster is an omnivorous animal, with a grain-eating tendency. In nature, its ration consists of seeds, dry grass, fruits and vegetables, but also insects, small snails, or small animals when it crosses. It will therefore be necessary to ensure that this diet is reproduced in captivity.

A balanced ration in captivity can therefore be based on 3 foods:

• Hamster croquettes: most foods on the market are balanced, but you should favor extruded foods, such as croquettes, rather than mixtures of seeds, in order to be sure that they do not sort their food and eat everything. Protein should represent about 15% of your hamster’s daily ration and will generally be provided by this food. It is also this food which will provide the vitamins and minerals essential for a good growth of your hamster;
• Fresh plants: these must be given in quantity because they will provide your hamster with vitamins and water. It is necessary to favor the green plants which are the most fibrous and will encourage the hamster to chew, because they are the ones which will participate in a correct wear of the teeth. In plants often appreciated by hamsters, we find in particular radish or carrot tops, parsley, basil, plantain, clover, etc. ;
• Hay in quantity: in fact, it is the fibers in particular that will participate in the correct wear of the teeth, which have the particularity of growing throughout life in rodents.

As with all animals, it is important not to suddenly change your hamster’s ration. Each new food must be incorporated little by little so that your animal’s digestive system adapts properly to it. A sudden change of food could cause serious imbalances in the intestinal flora of your pet, which can sometimes cause his death. In addition, it is important to learn about the non-toxicity of each new food you give your hamster. In particular, cold meats, chocolate, citrus fruits or products should be banned from your hamster’s diet.

It is also important not to overfeed your hamster. Indeed, an animal in captivity will tend to spend less energy than a wild animal, and therefore will have a lower energy requirement. If overfed, your hamster may become obese, which will shorten their life expectancy and predispose them to other diseases. In addition, the hamster tends to stock up on food in its nest. If overfed, this food could rot, which could poison your hamster. It will therefore be important to maintain good hygiene in your pet’s cage.