Hamsters are inclined to get grouped with different pet rodents, comparable to rats, mice, gerbils, and guinea pigs. Whereas these animals have numerous similarities, their diets differ. Although it’s not essentially poisonous, hamsters mustn’t have guinea pig meals for long-term well being.
Discover out extra about feeding your hamster guinea pig meals, why it’s not advisable, and what you need to feed as a substitute.
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Why Can’t Hamsters Have Guinea Pig Meals?
Regardless of similarities, every small mammal we maintain as a pet comes from a singular geographical location with distinctive dietary wants. For instance, guinea pigs require meals formulated with greater ranges of vitamin C to keep away from scurvy, whereas rabbits want a high-fiber eating regimen.
Hamsters and gerbils subsist on a eating regimen of seeds, cereals, insect larvae, and bigger bugs like crickets within the wild. In captivity, they require a balanced and diverse eating regimen that comes near this pure eating regimen to get all of the vitamins and minerals they want—vitamins that aren’t ideally formulated in a guinea pig eating regimen.
Should you feed guinea pig meals to a hamster over lengthy intervals, they’ll get a decrease stage of protein than they want and a a lot greater stage of fiber. Your hamster could not get sufficient vitamin E as effectively, which might result in muscular issues or weak spot.
Can Hamsters Have Industrial Diets?
As an alternative of feeding your hamster industrial guinea pig meals, you’ll find meals formulated for hamsters and gerbils. Hamsters may also eat a eating regimen designed for pet mice and rats.
That mentioned, industrial diets are solely a part of the equation. Hamsters and different rodents are usually not like canine and cats—they will’t get balanced, full diets from one meals, most often.
Industrial hamster meals ought to have the next percentages:
15–25% protein
35–40% carbohydrates
4–5% fats
5% crude fiber
It’s necessary to talk along with your vet about your pet’s wants, however most hamsters require 1/8 to 1/3 of a cup of economic pellets every day.
The industrial eating regimen must be supplemented with greens and small quantities of fruit, comparable to:
Sugarless cereals or grains
Leafy greens
Seeds
Carrots
Apples
Peas
Raisins
Peppers
Cucumbers
It’s necessary so as to add selection within the type of vegatables and fruits to make sure your hamster will get all of the vitamins it wants.
Is Moist or Powdered Meals Good for Hamsters?
Some hamster meals can be found moist or powdered, giving your hamster some further water content material. These meals are usually not advisable until your vet advises it, nevertheless, as it will probably trigger dental issues. Moist meals can also be prone to mildew and micro organism development, which might result in an infection in your hamster.
Conclusion
Hamsters could appear much like guinea pigs and other pet rodents, however that doesn’t imply the diets for guinea pigs are applicable or nutritionally full. You need to at all times consult with your vet about your hamster’s eating regimen, however a commercially ready eating regimen designed for hamsters, gerbils, rats, or mice ought to make up your pet’s main eating regimen, supplemented with applicable greens and fruits.
Featured Picture Credit score: Lost_in_the_Midwest, Shutterstock
