Can Hamsters Consume Dog Food? Here’s What You Need to Know!

You may be wondering if your pet dog and your new hamster could share the same food if you recently bought a hamster. They can’t. But, keep reading to find out if there are exceptions and which brands you can use to feed both pets.

Is Dog Food Bad For My Hamster?

There are several reasons why you shouldn’t give your hamster dog food. We’ll go over each one.

Natural Diet

You should avoid giving your hamster dog food because they have different diets. Both animals can eat plants and animals. However, dogs are more carnivorous than omnivores. Dogs have evolved to be omnivores by living with humans. Animal meats and proteins can make up as much as 2/3 of a dog’s diet, while vegetables and grains are only a small part. The hamster, on the other hand, will consume very little animal protein and spend its entire life enjoying Timothy hay, grass, and other grains.

Protein

Dog food usually has a higher protein content than hamster food. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Medium Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Food has 20% or more protein. Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Mix Gerbil & Hamster Food contains only 15% protein and makes up a small portion of the hamsters’ diet.

Fat

You can see the difference between the brands mentioned above. Dog food is much lower in fat than hamster food. Higher fat levels can cause obesity and heart disease in hamsters. Being overweight can decrease your hamsters’ lifespan. Therefore, it is best to stick to Timothy Hay, grasses, and vegetables.

Fiber

The difference between the brands is also evident in the fact that the dog food doesn’t contain as much fiber as the Hamster Food. The fiber that hamsters need is essential to their health. They can become constipated if they don’t get enough.

You Can Have Both a Hamster and a Dog!

Corn and Soy

Dog treats are a good treat to give your pet, even though most dry and wet dog food brands contain too much animal protein and fat. Milk-Bone Soft & Cheese Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe dog treats are suitable for your hammy, as they often contain fillers such as corn and soy. Although these ingredients might not be good for your dog, your hamster will love them. They are also closer to what they naturally eat.

Chew Toy

Dog treats can also be very hard and help keep your hamster’s teeth in check. Your hamster’s primary method of reducing its teeth is through Timothy Hay, but it can also appreciate treats like dog treats on occasion.

Vitamins and Minerals

Some dog treats, such as the Milk Bones mentioned above, contain vitamins and minerals that may be beneficial to your pet. The ingredients include vitamins A, D, and E, as well as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. This can help your hamster build strong bones. Vitamin B12 can increase energy levels, fight obesity, and promote a strong metabolism.

How can I feed my hamster dog food?

We’ve already mentioned that dog food is not suitable for hamsters in dry or wet form. This is because it’s too high in animal proteins and fats. There are many dog treats that can be shared, so they don’t have to share the same food. However, they can bond over great snacks.

Your hamster can only eat one treat per day, unlike your dog who can eat many treats in a flash. These treats, if only given occasionally, can be a nice way to add variety to their lives and still give them something to chew. To ensure your dog stays healthy and doesn’t gain weight, we recommend that you only give treats to your dog once per month. To ensure they have the fiber they require, give them Timothy hay between treats.

Last Thoughts

It’s okay if your hamster was eating your dog’s food while you were not looking. You should not feed your hamster dog food. It is not healthy and could cause health problems. Although you could offer your hamster a treat every now and again, it is better to give them food they are meant to eat like Timothy hay, grass, and fruits.

We hope you find this information helpful and that it helps you to understand your pet’s nutritional needs. This guide will help you to share the information you need about hamsters eating dog foods on Facebook and Twitter with anyone you know.