Dwarf hamsters can be picky eaters and will not always nibble on any treat you give them. Still, these small creatures need a healthy diet with the necessary macro and micronutrients to thrive. So is there a place for oats in their daily nutrition?
Dwarf hamsters can eat oats and other whole grains in moderate amounts. Oats are a great source of fiber and micronutrients; however, they contain high phosphorus levels, so avoid serving large portions to your dwarf hamster.
If you want to learn more about the effects of an oat-rich diet on a hamster’s body, as well as how to best serve an oat portion to maximize its benefits and minimize its drawbacks, make sure to read on.
How To Feed Your Hamster Oats
Oats carry both health advantages and potential side effects for dwarf hamsters, so you should avoid giving this food in excess. Finding the right feeding approach can help mitigate many of these possible drawbacks while enhancing the nutritional value your pet ends up receiving.
So, let’s dive into some of my top tips on how to best feed your hamster oats.
If Possible, Serve Cooked Oats
While both raw and cooked oats are safe for hamsters to consume, the latter might be a bit easier for them to digest.
The high fiber content in oats can be a double-edged sword; even though it’s beneficial for many bodily processes, it’s not always the easiest nutrient to digest.
Therefore, softening the oats and breaking down some of that fiber through cooking can make the dish more beneficial to dwarf hamsters.
Choose Additive-Free Oat Varieties
The best oats for your dwarf hamster are 100% natural and additive-free varieties. Commercially-sold oats mixed in with other substances (such as sugar and fat) may not be safe for hamster consumption, as they can possibly contain additives that are harmful to small pets.
So, even if it costs you a bit more, do your best to only serve your pet 100% natural oats to ensure that what you’re giving it isn’t causing any health issues.
Consider Adding Natural Flavor
Most hamsters aren’t picky eaters, but they’ll still benefit from (and love!) a diverse, flavorful diet. But how can you get flavored oats without buying the ones mixed with additives?
I recommend adding some chopped fruits or vegetables to the cooked oats. It’s an easy way to make oats tastier and more nutritious for your dwarf hamster.
Serve the Right Portion Size
Oats are naturally healthy treats but can become dangerous to dwarf hamsters when served in large portions. So what is the average amount of oats your hamster can safely consume without experiencing any side effects?
Ideally, you’ll want to limit your hamster’s oat intake to two tablespoons (11.26 grams) divided into two servings per week. Do not feed your hamster more than one tablespoon (5.63 grams) in one serving. You can feed them smaller amounts more frequently throughout the week.
Supplement Oats with Nutritious, Hydrating Treats
While oats make for a tasty snack every now and then, you should never rely on them as the primary source of nutrition for your hamster.
Always combine oats and whole grains with micronutrient-rich fruits and veggies to make sure your pet’s dietary needs are met. Don’t forget to keep your hamster hydrated throughout the day, too.
What Else Should a Dwarf Hamster Eat?
If oats are simply a tasty snack, what else should a dwarf hamster eat throughout the rest of the day? A rich, balanced diet is the key to your hamster’s good health and longevity; unfortunately, relying on oats alone simply won’t cut it. Hamsters have specific dietary requirements that must be met in order for them to stay happy and healthy.
Adding nutritious food to your hamster’s daily diet will help it receive all the micro and macronutrients it needs to thrive. Hamsters need a well-balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
Here’s what a dwarf hamster should eat on a day-to-day basis:
- High-quality pellets. If you don’t want to spend days crafting a dietary plan that’ll keep your hamster healthy, it’s best to invest in pellets made specifically for hamsters. They take the guesswork out of the feeding process, as you can rest assured your pet is getting a combination of macro and micronutrients just by eating the ready-made mix. That way, all basic needs are met, and everything else is just an addition.
- Fruits. Fresh fruits are among the best treats you can give your hamster; however, keep in mind that “treat” is the operative word here. While fruits are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they’re still high in sugar, so only use them in moderation. Moreover, keep in mind that citrus fruits can upset your hamster’s stomach, so steer away from them altogether.
- Vegetables. Vegetables can be a more prominent part of your hamster’s diet than fruit, but you should still serve them in the appropriate sizes and portions. However, make sure to stick to nutrient-rich options like spinach, kale, and broccoli and steer away from high water-content varieties like lettuce.
- Protein. Hamsters are omnivores who need a solid amount of protein in their diet. This can come from cooked chicken, mealworms, or eggs. However, make sure everything is reasonably sized so that your small companion can easily chew and digest its food.
Lastly, make sure your hamster is hydrated by regularly changing and refilling its water supply throughout the day. Stick to the treats mentioned above, and never include sugary sweets or overly processed foods in your hamster’s diet.
Conclusion
Dwarf hamsters, like all other hamster varieties, can eat oats. However, you must be mindful of the portion sizes, as feeding such a small creature an excessive amount of grains can have a plethora of negative side effects on their health.
So, make sure to follow the tips and tricks outlined above to make sure you feed your pet a wholesome, nutrient-rich diet that maximizes the dietary benefits of oats and minimizes any potential health risks.