Question on fresh food

[clerbird321]

Do Syrian hamsters need to have fresh fruits and veggies in their diet? I feed Bernard a high-quality seed mix, treats almost every day (dried veggies and fruits, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, forage, etc) and he has sprays that he enjoys but he’s only had a few bites of fresh cucumber here and there. Is it a necessity to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies in their diet? If so, how often?

 

[Socks' Mum]

Do Syrian hamsters need to have fresh fruits and veggies in their diet? I feed Bernard a high-quality seed mix, treats almost every day (dried veggies and fruits, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, forage, etc) and he has sprays that he enjoys but he’s only had a few bites of fresh cucumber here and there. Is it a necessity to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies in their diet? If so, how often?

Yes, Socks' fresh veggies and salad were the highlight of his day. You can feed quite a variety and should vary his fresh food. They also enjoy cooked butternut squash, cooked plain boiled potato, cooked broccoli, peas and sweetcorn (plain boiled) in small amounts. I would avoid tinned food as it tends to contain salt. Avoid onions and plants related to onions, anything prepared with flavourings or dressings, avocado, leeks, and chillis. They can eat small amounts of parsley and coriander as well

 

[Maz]

Yes it’s good to give them a bit of fresh veg every day - occasionally fruit rather than veg. It’s often their main reason to get up! The smell of fresh veg. Just a tiny bit though, no bigger than his ear or maximum 1cm cubed size. They then eat it straight away so you don’t risk it being hoarded and going off. Cucumber and broccoli are favourites here and they tend to keep about a week in the fridge. Occasionally a couple of peas. Or the occasional blueberry or bit of strawberry if we have some in. I’ve attached the safe food list, which includes safe veg.

Safe and Unsafe Food list for Hamsters

Many human foods are safe for hamsters, but some are toxic to hamsters. Our hamster site has a researched and referenced food list gives up to date information on safe and unsafe foods for hamsters.

www.thehamsterforum.com

 

[clerbird321]

@Socks' Mum @Maz

You guys are the best, thanks! I thought it was an optional treat so now I feel bad for not giving him much Will go get some produce today!

 

[Maz]

He will love it

 

[Magpie]

As above- I give Mr Maggie a tiny piece of fresh every night. Mainly veg but now and then put in a bit of fruit: (apple/strawberry/blueberry) as an extra treat.

His veg I rotate between broccoli, cucumber, courgette,
Carrot, celery, baby corn, red pepper depending what I have in the fridge!

 

[clerbird321]

@Magpie @Maz @Socks' Mum

Ummm guys…why the heck was this Bernard’s first reaction to his first fresh blueberry? He enjoys the freeze dried blueberries I give him but he’s acting like this is burning his eyes or something. I tried to offer it a couple more times and he reacted the same and ran away. Just 20mins before this he was coming up to the front, letting me pet him, and eating dried snacks from my hand.

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