Hamsters and guinea pigs are both types of rodents that many individuals have found to be adorable pets in their homes. This comes as no surprise. There are so many appealing attributes in both a hamster and a guinea pig from their round bodies covered in soft fur of various colours to their cute wide eyes, perky ears and small squeaky sounds.
As an owner of these pet rodents, you should know about their diet simply. Food and water are, after all, essential in keeping your pets healthy in mind and body at all stages of their lives. Besides, you can significantly lessen your veterinary care costs for your pets when you keep them as healthy as possible with a healthy diet.
So, what exactly do hamsters and guinea pigs eat? Before we discuss these foods, there are three important things that must be emphasized first and foremost. First, a hamster requires very little food because of their equally small intestinal tract. Experts recommend feeding an adult hamster or guinea pig a maximum of 2 tablespoons of food every 24 hours, less for a smaller hamster.
Second, both pet rodents should be provided with a wide range of foods from fresh grasses and hay to fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that, in the wild, these animals also eat a varied diet depending on the available food sources in their environment. Plus, a varied diet ensures that these pet rodents are provided with all the necessary macro and micronutrients including Vitamins A, C, D and E as well as calcium, phosphorus and potassium for good health.
Third, hamsters and guinea pigs have certain dietary quirks. A hamster will stuff virtually everything into its cheeks, which is an instinctive habit to collect as much food as possible for the rainy days. A guinea pig will eat a special type of feces called cecotropes, which will then improve digestion.
The most obvious food for these pet rodents is grass preferably on a daily basis. Be careful about choosing the type of grass to feed your hamster and cavy. The grass should be free of pesticides, insecticides and weed killers; it should be as dry as possible; and it must be picked from a place where no other animal has soiled on it. Wet grass and other plants can cause illnesses in both pet rodents.
Hamsters and cavies also like hay especially during the winter months when the grasses are too wet. It contains plenty of fibre, thus, making hay an essential part of your pet rodents' diet. Experts suggest timothy hay for its soft qualities, easy availability and low cost.
Vegetables are better food sources than fruits because the latter may be too sweet and, hence, cause health issues in pet rodents. Still, fruits can be given as treats. The best fruits and vegetables for pet rodents are carrots, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, celery; kale and kiwi although these should be given in small amounts only for 3 times a week, max. Avoid feeding pet rodents with rhubarb, raw beans, lettuce, peaches, potatoes, coconut and cauliflower.
You can also feed your hamsters and cavies with dried foods and nutritional supplements made especially for them. This way, you can supplement the nutrients they receive from their natural food sources. No matter what you feed your pet rodents, the most important thing is always moderation lest they become obese.
As an owner of these pet rodents, you should know about their diet simply. Food and water are, after all, essential in keeping your pets healthy in mind and body at all stages of their lives. Besides, you can significantly lessen your veterinary care costs for your pets when you keep them as healthy as possible with a healthy diet.
So, what exactly do hamsters and guinea pigs eat? Before we discuss these foods, there are three important things that must be emphasized first and foremost. First, a hamster requires very little food because of their equally small intestinal tract. Experts recommend feeding an adult hamster or guinea pig a maximum of 2 tablespoons of food every 24 hours, less for a smaller hamster.
Second, both pet rodents should be provided with a wide range of foods from fresh grasses and hay to fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that, in the wild, these animals also eat a varied diet depending on the available food sources in their environment. Plus, a varied diet ensures that these pet rodents are provided with all the necessary macro and micronutrients including Vitamins A, C, D and E as well as calcium, phosphorus and potassium for good health.
Third, hamsters and guinea pigs have certain dietary quirks. A hamster will stuff virtually everything into its cheeks, which is an instinctive habit to collect as much food as possible for the rainy days. A guinea pig will eat a special type of feces called cecotropes, which will then improve digestion.
The most obvious food for these pet rodents is grass preferably on a daily basis. Be careful about choosing the type of grass to feed your hamster and cavy. The grass should be free of pesticides, insecticides and weed killers; it should be as dry as possible; and it must be picked from a place where no other animal has soiled on it. Wet grass and other plants can cause illnesses in both pet rodents.
Hamsters and cavies also like hay especially during the winter months when the grasses are too wet. It contains plenty of fibre, thus, making hay an essential part of your pet rodents' diet. Experts suggest timothy hay for its soft qualities, easy availability and low cost.
Vegetables are better food sources than fruits because the latter may be too sweet and, hence, cause health issues in pet rodents. Still, fruits can be given as treats. The best fruits and vegetables for pet rodents are carrots, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, celery; kale and kiwi although these should be given in small amounts only for 3 times a week, max. Avoid feeding pet rodents with rhubarb, raw beans, lettuce, peaches, potatoes, coconut and cauliflower.
You can also feed your hamsters and cavies with dried foods and nutritional supplements made especially for them. This way, you can supplement the nutrients they receive from their natural food sources. No matter what you feed your pet rodents, the most important thing is always moderation lest they become obese.
