32 surprising things hamsters can eat

Did you know, there are a number of surprising things hamsters can eat? It’s no secret that pocket pals, like hamsters, love to hoard food. From seeds stuffed in their cheek pouches to grains stored around their cage.

But, it’s not just certain seeds and grains that hamsters can eat . For example, did you know that hamsters are actually omnivorous? This means they can eat both plant and animal-based foods.

Of course, there are many different hamster breeds so all hamsters will have different likes and dislikes. But if you're looking to pack some more protein in their diet, or just make their mealtime more exciting, there's a whole list of surprising things hamsters can eat.

32 surprising things hamsters can eat

1. Hard-boiled egg

Packed with protein, a hard-boiled egg isn’t just for humans to enjoy. Hamsters love them too and if given as an occasional treat, it can be a great way to get more all-important protein into their diet.

Just note that you’ll need to make sure the egg is cooked all the way through — so there’s no runniness there at all.

2. Chicken

You might not like your chicken breast plain, but hamsters do when eaten occasionally. Primarily herbivores, hamsters are partial to a strip of chicken.

This protein-packed meat can be given as a treat and will pack their meals with essential vitamins and minerals. Meaning? They’ll have a well-rounded diet and be one happy hamster.

3. Turkey

The same goes for turkey. This white meat is another great source of protein for both humans and their hamster friends and is rich in vitamin B and low in fat.

Again, feed sparingly and always (always!) cook turkey all the way through, and don’t use any oil or seasonings.

4. Cereal

Who isn’t partial to cereal? Well, it seems that hamsters now join this list. These cute little pets love getting their teeth stuck into whole-grain cereals as a snack.

A very (very) small portion should do it — we’re talking a cluster or two — and avoid giving them any cereal that has added sugar.

5. Whole wheat crackers

Another type of crunchy food your little chewer will love? Crackers. If you intend to feed your hamsters crackers, just make sure they are of the whole wheat kind.

If given to them in small amounts, these are perfectly fine to weave into their diet every now and then.

6. Cranberries

It turns out these little pocket pets have something in common with guinea pigs, birds, and bearded dragons — they all love snacking on cranberries.

While fresh cranberries, in moderation, won’t do any harm to hamsters, vets recommend giving cranberry juice a swerve. Cranberries contain fiber and vitamin C. However, they are also packed with sugar, so should only be given to pets sparingly.

7. Cucumber

Cucumbers are another veggie to add to your hamster’s food list. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, cucumbers are a super hydrating treat for your pocket pet.

If you do decide to add this green veg to their diet, remember to wash it thoroughly, slice thinly, and introduce it slowly — around one or two times a week.

8. Zucchini

Otherwise known as the humble courgette in the UK, word on the street is that hamsters are big fans of zucchini. Cut this fresh veg up super small, skin included, and your furry friend will be happy.

9. Chickpeas

A hamster’s taste buds are well-established. So much so that some hamsters can eat the likes of legumes, like chickpeas. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are extremely high in protein and dietary fiber and can be fed to your hamster as a treat.

10. Bell pepper

Got some sweet bell peppers left over in your fridge? Instead of letting them go to waste, why not add these veggies, packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients, into your hamster’s diet? Of course, moderation is key, but your four-legged friend might just enjoy the color and crunch of these additions.

11. Apple

As long as they’re peeled, de-seeded, and chopped into bite-sized pieces, so your little rodent can fit inside its mouth safely, hamsters can eat apples in very small amounts. Just remember not to go overboard. You don’t want to upset their stomach!

12. Basil

It’s not just some fruits that hamsters are a fan of — they love some herbs, like, basil too. The green herb has anti-inflammatory properties and is packed with vitamins A and C. So not only will adding basil introduce some flavor and variety into your little fur friend's diet, but it will also support their immune system.

13. Kale

Hamsters are omnivores at heart. So if given the chance, they’ll love nothing more than tucking into the leafy green veg. Feeding your hamster green vegetables like kale is a great way of keeping them happy and healthy.

And the great thing about this leafy green is that it will do just that. High in fiber, calcium, and vitamin C, kale is delicious and nutritious even for hamsters.

14. Mealworms

Looking for new ways on how to bond with your hamster ? Feed them food they love, like mealworms. Of course, mealworms might not be just something you have lying around. However, most reputable pet stores will sell dried mealworms by the dozen. In the wild, this is something hamsters might forage for. And for good reason: they’re packed with protein.

15. Cauliflower

Raw cauliflower is another surefire way to your hamster’s heart. Most fur friends will gobble up these treats in minutes. But there are a few things to remember: make all florets bite-size and only feed them a small amount. These loveable rodents are only small, after all!

16. Spinach

There’s no denying hamsters have wide and varied taste buds. Along with fresh fruit, they’re also partial to another leafy green veg, like spinach. Be sure to wash this veg before you feed it to them raw and without repeating what has come before: they only need a little!

17. Strawberries

Strawberries are another type of fruit that your four-legged fur friend will be happy to munch their way through. However, due to their high sugar content, these sweet red berries should only be given as a treat.

18. Cheese

Wondering if you can feed cheese to your hamster? Well, wonder no more! Most hamsters will love the taste of cheese but if you plan on giving this to them, it needs to be in moderation. High in fat and sodium, cheese wouldn’t be the healthiest of treats. But that said, if you do intend to do so, low-fat cottage cheese or mozzarella are your best bets.

19. Seedless grapes

In the great outdoors, hamsters eat a manner of seeds. But not every seed is equal. While grapes are safe for your pocket pal to eat, the fruit’s pit won't be. So if you're going to feed them this fruit, opt for grapes that are seedless.

20. Crickets

Another type of insect these omnivores will have no trouble eating? Crickets. Rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, these treats are protein-packed, and high in iron, magnesium, and calcium. So can help your hamster get a well-balanced diet.

21. Pumpkin seeds

When added to their diet in moderation, your little chewer will happily pop these seeds into their cheek pouch for safekeeping or gobble them down straight away. Again, small portions are best because these seeds are high in fat and low in other nutrients. But that’s not to say they can’t be given as a little treat.

22. Whole grain bread

Another food you might not have thought hamsters can eat is whole-grain bread. Now, while this type of bread can technically be eaten by your pocket pal, that’s not to say it’s something they should be eating day in, day out, or week in, week out. A little bit is fine as a treat.

23. Raspberries

Again, within reason, small amounts of raspberries will go down a treat for your little fur friend. Containing antioxidants like vitamin C and fiber, in small amounts, these soft fruits will help to contribute to a healthy diet.

24. Raisins

Considering hamsters can eat grapes, it probably comes as no surprise that these serial snackers can also eat raisins. Containing fiber and antioxidants, if given sparingly, raisins are OK for your hamster.

25. Sweetcorn

If you're keen on feeding your pocket pal vegetables, you might be wondering whether hamsters can eat corn? Rich in folate, hamsters will love the taste and crunch of sweetcorn kernels.

26. Bananas

Another fruit that is bound to go down a treat is bananas. However, they won’t be able to survive on a portion of bananas alone. This should only be given sparingly due to their high natural sugar content.

27. Cantaloupe

Yes, hamsters can eat cantaloupe. But you should remove the rind before feeding it to them. Containing vitamin A, B6, vitamin C, and fiber, Cantaloupe melons are only suitable for hamsters when given in moderation.

28. Mango

As you may have already guessed, mangoes are high in natural sugar content. So while it’s perfectly safe for your hamsters to eat this stoned fruit as a treat, it will need to be given sparingly and they’ll still need other foods like their pelleted diet.

29. Blueberries

If given in moderation, hamsters will love the fruity bursts of goodness blueberries can bring. So keep the quantities low and cut up the fruit into manageable chunks so your hamster can hold it and feed themselves easily.

30. Carrot

These crunchy, orange veggies are high in vitamin A, which can help with eye health. Just remember to cut these into small bite-sized options and feed sparingly because they might be a vegetable but they still contain sugar.

31. Cabbage

Another green vegetable joins our list! When washed thoroughly and thinly shredded cabbage offers up a nutritious way for your fur friend to pack their diet full of nutrients like vitamin C and fiber.

32. Broccoli

The green counterpart to cauliflower, very small florets of broccoli are suitable to give to your hamster. As is the case with all fruit and veg, you’ll need to wash it before placing it in your hamster’s food bowl and give it to them raw.

For more advice on looking after hamsters, check out how to help a stressed hamster and how to play with a hamster.