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Nutritional requirements of the Hamster and the Dwarf Hamster

Hamsters and Dwarf hamsters are granivores (seed eaters) . The diet of both Hamsters and Dwarf hamsters consists mainly of seeds and a small amount of vegetable food in the form of herbs , but also animal proteins . Hamsters catch small insects in the wild, so it is good if their diet also contains animal proteins.

The nutritional needs of the different hamster species differ from each other:

Roborovski Dwarf Hamster: seeds, very little animal food
Russian Dwarf Hamster: Seeds, Grasses and Herbs, Insects
Campbell's Dwarf Hamster: Seeds, Grasses and Herbs, Insects
Chinese Dwarf Hamster: seeds and no grasses or herbs. The protein content is zero.
Syrian Hamster (Golden Hamster): seeds, grains, insects

Digestive tract of different hamster species and their differences

1. Roborovski dwarf hamster

The Roborovski dwarf hamster generally has a relatively short intestine and large intestine compared to other hamster species. Due to their dietary preference for seeds and grains, they may have efficient digestion in the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed. They have a relatively fast intestinal transit, meaning that food is processed quickly through the digestive tract.

2. Russian Dwarf Hamster

The Russian dwarf hamster tends to have a longer digestive tract compared to other hamster species. They have a relatively larger large intestine, which may indicate better fermentation of fiber and more efficient digestion of plant material. Their diet consists of a wide variety of foods, including seeds, grains, vegetables, and fruits.

3. Chinese dwarf hamster

The Chinese dwarf hamster has a relatively long and tortuous digestive tract, which can help slow the passage of food and aid in efficient digestion. They have a relatively large caecum, a part of the large intestine where fermentation takes place. This can indicate that they are well adapted to a high-fiber diet. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, grains, vegetables, and insects.

4. Campbell's dwarf hamster

The Campbell's Dwarf Hamster has similar characteristics to the Russian Dwarf Hamster. They have a medium length digestive tract and medium size digestive organs. They have a similar diet to the Russian Dwarf Hamster, with a mix of seeds, grains, vegetables, and fruits.

5. Syrian hamster

The Syrian hamster generally has a larger digestive tract size compared to the dwarf hamster species. They have a relatively large stomach and intestines, which may indicate better processing of food. Their diet consists of a wide variety of foods, including seeds, grains, vegetables, fruits, and insects.

Hoarding the Hamster and the Dwarf Hamster

Hamsters & Dwarf hamsters transport their food in their cheek pouches . What you see is that the hamster stuffs its food in its cheek pouches and quickly takes it to its home or pantry. Transporting food in the cheek pouches is also called 'Hoarding' . Thanks to the cheek pouch muscle, the food is held in the cheek pouch and the hamster can transport it safely and quickly.

All in one chunk or a mixture?

If your hamster or dwarf hamster really starts eating selectively , so that he only eats the tasty things, then it may be wise to switch to an all-in-one kibble . In this way, the hamster can no longer eat selectively. Each kibble has its own composition. Hamsters do need a few weeks to get used to other food. It is also possible that the hamster will eat less of the all-in-one kibble. This may have to do with the composition of the kibble. Some all-in-one kibbles have a very full composition, so that less of it needs to be eaten to meet the same nutritional needs.

Is it good to switch hamster foods?

Hamsters are much less sensitive to a change of food than for example a guinea pig or rabbit. Changing between food is much easier with these animals. However, we advise to always mix your own food with the new food for a few days.

Coprophagy in Hamsters and Dwarf Hamsters

Hamsters produce two types of feces: dry, hard feces and soft, nutrient-rich feces called caecotrophs. Caecotrophs are produced in the caecum, an extension of the large intestine. They contain undigested nutrients, such as fiber and protein.

When hamsters produce caecotrophs, they eat them directly from their anus. The purpose of this is to reabsorb nutrients that have not been fully digested or absorbed during the first pass through the digestive system. In this way, hamsters maximize nutrient absorption and improve their digestive efficiency.

Coprophagy is a natural behavior in hamsters and plays an important role in their feeding strategy. It allows them to obtain essential nutrients that would otherwise be lost. However, it is important to ensure that hamsters are fed a balanced diet that contains sufficient nutrients so that they are not forced to engage in coprophagy to compensate for deficiencies.

The Teeth of Dwarf Hamsters and Hamsters

Hamsters have specific characteristics when it comes to their teeth.

Incisors: Hamsters have two pairs of incisors at the front of their mouths, an upper pair and a lower pair. These incisors grow continuously throughout their lives. This constant growth process is necessary because the incisors wear down from chewing and gnawing. It helps keep the incisors sharp and prevents overgrowth.

Growth Rate: A hamster's incisors grow an average of 2 to 3 millimeters per week. This is why hamsters need constant chewing material to wear down their teeth and keep growth under control.

Chewing and Gnawing: Hamsters have a natural urge to chew and gnaw. This behavior is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and preventing dental disease. Chewing on hard foods and chew toys helps wear down the incisors and stimulates blood flow to the area.

Dental problems: If a hamster's incisors do not wear down properly, dental problems can occur, such as overgrowth, crooked teeth or even broken teeth. These problems can be painful and can prevent the hamster from eating. Regular dental checks and providing sufficient chewing material are important to prevent dental problems.

Diet: A hamster's diet plays an important role in the health of their teeth. Providing nutritious food and fiber-rich foods will help naturally wear down their teeth. Additionally, hamsters should always have access to fresh water to prevent dehydration, which can also affect their dental health.

It is important to check your hamster's teeth regularly for any abnormalities, overgrowth, or other problems. If you notice any changes or have any concerns about your hamster's dental health, consult a veterinarian who has experience with small pets.

The Stomach of Hamsters and Dwarf Hamsters

Hamsters have a unique stomach structure that is adapted to their diet and digestive needs.

Stomach Pouches: Hamsters have two stomach pouches, also known as "fermentation chambers" or "crop pouches." These pouches are located at the beginning of the stomach and play a role in the digestion of fiber-rich foods, such as grass and hay. The stomach pouches act as a kind of fermentation chamber where bacteria break down fiber and release nutrients.

Pylorus: The pylorus is the part of the stomach that borders the small intestine. It regulates the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine. In hamsters, the pylorus is well developed to control the passage of food and optimize digestion.

Stomach acid: Hamsters have a relatively low acidity in their stomachs compared to some other species. This is because they are primarily herbivores and their diet consists mainly of plant material. The lower acidity helps with the digestion of fiber-rich foods and facilitates the growth of bacteria necessary for the fermentation processes in the stomach pouches.

Capacity: Hamsters generally have a limited stomach capacity, as they are smaller animals. They tend to have smaller stomach sizes relative to their body size. This means that hamsters can process smaller amounts of food at a time.

The intestines of hamsters and dwarf hamsters

Hamsters have a complex digestive system, including intestines, that allows them to absorb nutrients from their food.

Small Intestine: The small intestine is responsible for most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It is made up of three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. In these parts, enzymes and other digestive juices are released to further break down food and absorb nutrients.

Cecum and appendix: Hamsters have enlarged cecums and appendixes, indicating their ability to digest fiber-rich foods such as grass and hay. These parts of the intestine contain bacteria and microorganisms that can break down cellulose and carry out fermentation processes to release nutrients.

Large Intestine: The large intestine follows the small intestine and is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from undigested food. It also helps form and store feces before it is excreted.

Rectum and anus: The rectum is the last part of the intestinal tract where feces are stored before being excreted. The anus is the end of the digestive tract where feces exit the body.

Can hamsters digest fiber well?

Hamsters have a reasonable ability to digest fiber, but their ability is not as efficient as that of rabbits. Fiber-rich foods, such as hay, vegetables, and greens, are important for hamsters’ gut health and digestion. They help promote healthy gut flora, stimulate bowel movements, and contribute to good bowel movements.

Although hamsters can digest fiber, they are generally better adapted to a mixed diet that also includes grains, seeds, and proteins. They have a shorter gastrointestinal tract compared to rabbits, which means they have less time to fully break down and ferment fiber. Therefore, it is important to provide other foods that meet their nutritional needs in addition to fiber-rich foods.

Are hamsters granivores?

Granivores are animals that have a diet consisting mainly of seeds and grains. This also applies to many hamster species.

Hamsters have modified teeth and jaws that allow them to crack and eat seeds and grains. They prefer foods such as sunflower seeds, oats, barley, wheat, and other grains. These seeds and grains provide important nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which are essential for the health and energy needs of hamsters.

Although hamsters can eat other plant materials such as vegetables, fruits, and grass, seeds and grains generally make up the majority of their diet, making them primarily granivores.

Are Hamsters Omnivores?

Hamsters can be considered both granivores and omnivores, depending on their specific diet and dietary preferences. In general, hamsters have a plant-based diet and specialize in eating seeds, grains, and other plant materials. This makes them granivores.

However, some hamster species can also include small amounts of animal protein in their diet. This can include insects, larvae, or small amounts of animal meat. Adding these animal proteins to their diet can serve as a supplementary food, but generally does not form a large part of their daily diet.