When she's not writing, Emma can be found taking her dogs for walks in the rolling fields around their homeand usually, at. What this essentially means is that guinea pigs are naturally and biologically driven to eat plant matter in their wild habitats. If the hamster is a baby, it may be especially vulnerable to becoming ill from eating spoiled guinea pig food. If you are the owner of a guinea pig at the same time as a hamster. As a result, guinea pig muesli typically contains more vegetables and fruits than hamster food does. Hamsters are a convenient choice for children despite their age because of several reasons. For a start, check out some of the cages for small spaces. Can A Hamster Eat Rabbit Food? Breeding & Reproduction Guide, 5 Best Sources of Iron for Dogs (& How Much They Need Daily), 13 Types of Angelfish for Freshwater Aquariums (With Pictures), How Do Cats Show Affection? Yes, guinea pigs can eat hay as a supplemental source of nutrition. Regardless of whether you opt for a guinea pig or hamster, which should depend on your personal preference, you will have the best pet! There are 26 species of hamsters in the wild that live in parts of Europe (Greece, Romania, Belgium) and Asia (northern China) and the Middle East. The answer to this question is not as simple as a yes or no. Some folks even warn that guinea pig food harms the inside of hamsters mouths because it wasnt designed to be kept in a pouch. I still dont understand whether the food is safe for the hamsters. Final Verdict Can Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food? Guinea pigs require a diet that is high in Vitamin C, while hamsters do not. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! It is not hard to take care of a guinea pig. Still, most of the options available for hamsters contain high-fat seeds and are often coated with honey. Guinea pigs and hamsters are both popular pets, but they have different dietary needs. However, if fed for longer periods, guinea pig food will lead to nutrient deficiencies because of the unsuitable makeup of the food. However, just because hamsters can eat rabbit or guinea pig food does not mean that it is the best option for them. A hamster can eat hay and hay pellets, but they are only considered a supplement and not something hamsters need to have in their everyday diet. Many commercially prepared guinea pig foods contain these chemicals in order to keep the guinea pigs healthy and free from disease. A vet can help you plan and execute a proper diet for your little furry family member and get them back on the road to health. Can Hamsters Eat Ham - Furry Tips Products included in this article were carefully and independently selected by the Squeaks and Nibbles team. Hamsters are omnivores and eat plants, worms, and insects. As you can see, there are hamster foods that your little cavies cannot feed on. Hamsters can also express their emotions. The two animals are similar in many ways and have similar dietary needs. In addition, hamsters are probably best known for storing food in their cheek pouches, and large pellets can traumatize the delicate lining, causing pain and possibly causing your hammy to stop eating. As a general rule, guinea pigs should not eat the same food as hamsters and gerbils. Please leave a reply. And when filled can double or even triple the size of your hamsters head! Why you Should not Feed Guinea Pig Food to Hamsters? Many of these foods are made for both hamsters and gerbils because they have the same basic dietary needs. Offer bite sized pieces in very small quantities. So its understandable that from time to time a question arises Can Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food? How Many Babies Do Hamsters Have In A Litter? This means both hamster and guinea pig diets must include hard foods appropriate for grinding teeth to a healthy length. Guinea pigs cost between 20 to 40$, while hamsters cost between 10 and 20$. If you give your guinea pig some hamster pellets, they will not suffer any harm. With so many excellent hamster-specific foods readily available at Amazon.com, there is no need to feed your hamster guinea pig food. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Squeaks and Nibbles is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, Squeaks and Nibbles is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Although hamsters do not have to eat meat if they are getting enough protein from quality plant sources, they do enjoy doing so, and there is no harm in giving them a small piece of chicken, ham, or steak as a special treat once or twice a week. Hamsters love to pack their faces full of food. What is the Difference in Behavior of a Hamster vs Guinea Pig? Your guinea pig pet has short legs and it cannot jump well or climb steep objects. However, these chemicals can be very dangerous to hamsters, and can even be fatal. Kaytee Forti Diet Pro Health Hamster Food*, Can Rabbits And Chinchillas Live Together. However, a good rule of thumb is to provide 1-2 tablespoons of guinea pig food per day for a small hamster, and 2-4 tablespoons for a large hamster. Although guinea pigs need between four and six hours of sleep to stay healthy, they pigs sleep for only seconds to minutes at once, which is why new and inexperienced guinea pig owners feel like guinea pigs never sleep. But what about the food that they eat? Unlike a guinea pig, a hamster might bite you if dont build trust properly at the beginning. As social animals, guinea pigs require company. The answer is No. Hamsters are able to digest both plant-based and meat- based proteins without any problems. Unfortunately, when you look in the cupboard, you notice you have run out of hamster food and forgot to buy more. A bottle with a sipper is an ideal way to provide water to your hamster. Luckily, it is not hard to keep a hamster well-fed! If hamsters place guinea pig pellets or muesli into their cheek pouches, they may get stuck. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Hamster Food? (Serving Size & More) Between pellets, seed mixtures, fresh fruits, vegetables and hay, your hamster has a lot of variety in his diet. What Do Guinea Pigs Eat? - The Spruce Pets The answer is yes, they can! Can Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food? (The Risks!) - Pet Food Fuss What Is The General Difference of a Hamster vs Guinea Pig? A veterinarian will also be able to advise you on the correct diet and how to treat possible nutrient deficiencies. Can you feed your hamster human foods? Hamsters are omnivores; guinea pigs are herbivores. Guinea pig vs hamster are the two animals similar? Can Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food - Pets Dimension Commercial foods contain the right ratios of protein and grains that are necessary for a strong immune system and a healthy body. Some hamsters also enjoy eating foods that are high in protein, such as cooked chicken or hard-boiled eggs. A few pellets of guinea pig food wont harm your hamster and most certainly wont kill them. Use the search! Or Wares Critter Pops*, are popular choices. You might save a couple of dollars buying bulk but smaller sizes will ensure food freshness lasts throughout feedings. But it is important to remember that a little bit goes a long way! Updated on 07/19/21 Fact checked by Cherisse Harris The Spruce / Kristie Lee When purchasing food for a guinea pig, you must remember that guinea pigs are herbivores. 1. This is dangerous, as hamsters weigh only a few ounces; dwarf hamsters are even lighter. Just be sure to offer them a regular balanced diet too, as hay isnt a complete replacement for a healthy and varied diet. Many people are unsure about what to feed their pregnant hamsters. Guinea pigs are messy creatures, frequently mixing feces or urine with their food. While you're not going to be able to feed your guinea pig to your hamster, there are ways to keep your pet healthy while they're eating together. Ryan Cole is a blogger with a passion for writing about all things tech. If you are short on space in your home, or if you just want your two pets not to be bored on their own, you may be tempted to have them cohabit in the same cage. One more warning for guinea pigs is not to use exercise balls! High sugar and fatty treats may lead to weight gain and other health problems in both hamsters and guinea pigs. Make sure to decide whether you prefer a hamster or guinea pig before you decide to buy a cage. Yes, hamsters can eat guinea pig treats, but only occasionally and in moderation as with treats in general. But do not feed guinea pig food to your pet hamster regularly. I recommend Kaytee Timothy Hayor our personal favourite Oxbow Western Timothy Hay. To learn more about what you should feed your hamster, check out our article onwhat hamsters can eat. One guinea pig meal certainly will not make your hamster ill or harm them in any way. If youve ever wondered whether hamsters and guinea pigs can share the same food, youre not alone. Origin Both hamsters and guinea pigs belong to the order Rodentia. After all, those foods look pretty similar! This means that hamsters need both protein and carbohydrates in their diet, while rabbits only need carbs. My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. - June 8, 2017 2 Lots of hamster owners also have guinea pigs. Still, hamsters should not be fed guinea pig food exclusively or for a prolonged period of time. This is another consideration you need to take into account when deciding to offer your hamster guinea pig food, even as an occasional treat. This small pet is cute and lively, which is attractive to children and they enjoy playing with hamsters. While guinea pigs eat mostly hay because its high in fiber, a hamsters diet should include vegetables, fruit, meat, grains, and seeds. On average, a guinea pig lives between 5 and 8 years, whereas a hamster usually lives 2 to 3 years. Both animals need a diet that is high in fibre and low in sugar. However, a good rule of thumb is to provide 1-2 tablespoons of guinea pig food per day for a small hamster, and 2-4 tablespoons for a large hamster.It is important to note that hamsters should not be fed guinea pig food exclusively, as they require a diet . Lots of hamster owners also have guinea pigs. Your email address will not be published. Hamster food tends to be small and dry, consisting of seeds and small pieces of fresh fruit or vegetables; this allows hamsters to hoard their meals for later consumption. You may choose to feed your hamsters treats of insects or cooked meat, but with the protein provided in hamster food pellets, those additions are not required for optimal health. Hamsters need more protein, which is why they cant survive on hay alone. Hamsters also need fresh, clean water. For instance, you should not feed your hamster chocolate or other sweets. The pellets and vegetables in the food will provide your hamster with the necessary nutrients and vitamins that she needs. Timothy, sweet grass, alfalfayou name it, and there's an animal that eats it. It is important to note that hamsters should not be fed guinea pig food exclusively, as they require a diet that is higher in protein and fat than what is typically found in guinea pig food. If you decide to make a purchase from one of the links marked by an asterisk, we may earn a small commission on that sale. Do not feed your hamster any pork. Guinea Pig vs. Hamster (What Is Better for Each Situation) You can cuddle them while you watch TV. Also, unlike hamsters, guinea pigs have an additional source of getting different vitamins and nutrients. No, hamsters should not eat Guinea Pig food. Therefore, guinea pig food will not meet a hamsters needs in the long term. There is no definitive answer to how much guinea pig food a hamster should eat, as it will vary depending on the size and breed of hamster. These small animals are quite sturdy, so if you take care of their diet, which should be balanced and varied, you shouldnt have any problems with your pet. Ultimately, guinea pig food is not meant for hamsters and should not be given to them. Hi Thea, Hamsters have cheek pouches that they use to carry their food. You can provide a handful of hay every two or three days. An important staple of your hamsters diet is a nutritionally balanced pellet or chow, such as Science Selective hamster food*. Hay isn't necessary for hamsters, as it would be for guinea pigs or rabbits. You can supplement it if your hamster is having digestive issues or if a vet recommends it! Guinea pigs are strict herbivores, getting all the nutrients they need from plant-based foods, while hamsters are plant-favoring omnivores that eat some meats. View our privacy policy and our disclosure policy for more information. As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to feed your hamster with suitable food considering what they are used to and what their nutritional needs are. So, can hamsters eat guinea pig food when they are pregnant? Originally from the UK, she has lived in Costa Rica and New Zealand before moving to a smallholding in Spain with her husband, their 4-year-old daughter, and their dogs, cats, horses, and poultry. Be loving and caring towards your guinea pig so it can show you all the affection it feels for you. This is what you need to know: To put it shortly, no, hamsters should not eat guinea pig food. However, a hamster is a nocturnal animal, which means that hamsters are not the best option for small children and any night person. In particular, muesli lacks animal proteins. Mainly because it does not contain the protein or vitamin c . One notable difference between hamsters and guinea pigs is their cheeks. Just make sure to introduce it slowly so they can get used to the new food. Feed them a lot of broccoli and spinach and by doing so, you will prevent damage to their health and reduce the risk of scurvy. Both guinea pigs and hamsters are suitable for young and old new pet owners. Feed natural treats like veggies instead of store-brand treats. Eating too much fiber can also lead to obesity in hamsters, so its best to avoid it altogether. You can add fresh hay to a hamsters cage. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. He has been working in the industry for over 10 years and has gained extensive knowledge and experience along the way. In general, its best to stick to feeding your hamster the type of hay that is specifically meant for them. Hamster treats Hay Lettuce (very small amounts only) Pear Peas Sprouts Sweetcorn Watercress Some foods to avoid (non-exhaustive): Aubergine Acorns Buttercups Bluebells Bindweed Citrus fruits Elder Garlic Leeks Hamsters can also eat very small pieces of fully cooked, unseasoned chicken or beef. As we noted, hamsters are omnivorous so, yes, they can eat meat. NOTE: Advice provided within this article by FeedingMyPet.com is not a substitute for veterinary advice. And neither are your two pets. In this article, we break down the reasons and offer advice about what your hamster should be eating instead. Its a common sign of happiness in guinea pigs. Needless to say, every home pet requires proper health care to prevent health problems. Ideally, no. While hamsters can eat hay, its rarely a good meal. Feeding a hamster guinea pig food long-term can lead to health complications like malnourishment. Hay provides necessary fiber and variety to your hamsters diet and offers supplemental materials for burrowing and storing food. 2. Find The Best Deals on Your Favorite guinea pig Products and Save! Besides, to make sure your pet stays healthy, keep its habitat clean. Also, while any food can become impacted in your hamsters cheek pouches, you can be more confident that foods specifically designed for hamsters will have less chance of damaging your hamsters cheeks. However, hamsters cant eat the same food as guinea pigs. So what happens if your local store doesnt have any hamster food? If the food is too big, your hamster may have trouble eating it and could even choke on it. However, we like to spoil our furry friends and there are some healthy ways to do so. Copyright 2023 mypetguineapig.com. Rabbit food is high in fiber which can cause problems for hamsters. Also, guinea pig treats can be too large in size, especially for dwarf hamsters. On the other hand, guinea pigs are much easier to handle despite their big size. While a hamster is an other small pet, foods not specifically indicated for hamsters likely do not contain all the appropriate nutrients for your hamster. How Do Hamsters and Guinea Pigs Vocalize Their Needs? In this article, you will learn whether it is safe to feed you hamster guinea pig food or if its definitely a no-no. Plus, its a tasty treat that they love to munch on. Likewise, your hamster can eat timothy hay and get some treats such as nuts or mealworms. Because hamsters and guinea pigs have species-specific dietary needs, you should always feed them with food that has been specifically formulated for them. But unlike guinea pigs, they don't need it. So, its best to give guinea pig treats infrequently or not at all. Can guinea pigs eat hamster food? Can Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food | Is it Healthy or Safe? - FeedingMyPet The oldest guinea pig ever was almost 15 years old before it died in 1979. Can Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food - Guineapig Experts Both hamsters and guinea pigs need your care and attention. Hamsters can eat guinea pig muesli for a short time without harm. If youre keeping both a guinea pig and hamster, you may even be tempted to buy just guinea pig food for convenience or savings. So, can hamsters eat guinea pig food? But pet hamsters should not be eating guinea pig food regularly. Yes, hamsters can eat guinea pig food rarely if there's nothing to feed to your pet hamster and you just want to feed him guinea pig food you have at the moment. Both hay and pellets are important to prevent problems with overgrown teeth. Avoid providing hamsters with straw rather than hay, as straw can cause injuries by poking or scratching the hamster. Without a proper diet, they cannot be expected to thrive and enjoy a high quality of life. Hamsters have different dietary needs than rabbits and should never eat rabbit food. As guinea pigs cant produce vitamin C on their own, you need to include sufficient fresh vegetables and fruits rich in this vitamin. Hamster Wet Tail How To Spot It And What To Do Hamsters Hibernate? Considering what a hamster needs from its food, guinea pig pellets are too low in protein and fat but too high in carbs and fiber. Animals of all sorts eat hay. Look for hay that is fresh and free of dust or mold. When I'm not writing, I enjoy kickboxing and work as an animal trainer. So, what should you feed your hamster? This article will discuss some nitty-gritty info about hamster food in relation to guinea pigs' food diet. Guinea pigs are a lot less likely to bite. Whats good for a guinea pig is usually good for a hamster, and vice versa. If you notice any of these signs in your hamster, it's important to take him to the vet right away to rule out any other health problems and to make sure he's getting the proper nutrition he needs. Guinea pig pellets can be quite large and sticky. Also, here you can find ourvet-approved hamster foodsthat will provide you hammy with everything they need. There are a couple different things that you need to take into consideration before making a decision on what to feed your pregnant hamster. While it may seem like they would be able to eat the same things, there are actually some important differences to consider. Its common for households to have hamsters and guinea pigs (in separate cages), so feeding them the same food can be tempting. One interesting fact about hamsters is that they have pouches in the cheeks which they use to store some food for later. One type of food that hamsters can eat is bird food. Hay is a great way to add some variety to your hamsters diet. Another quality that differs hamsters and guinea pigs is that hamsters tend to be more active during the night. Yes, they can. Feeding hamsters is serious business. So, you make a run to the closest store that sells pet food, but they only have guinea pig food. Guinea pigs tend to feel lonely and may suffer from depression. They contain ingredients that could harm your cavy. Your hamsters digestive system is delicate and may be upset by the introduction of non-hamster-specific food. Hi, I'm Julie. The short answer is no, hamsters should not eat guinea pig food. Both hamsters and guinea pigs are great pets. The best advice is to keep to commercial food, with several servings of fresh fruit and vegetable a week. Now we know more about what hamsters can and cant eat, but can a hamster eat guinea pig food? They even have similar packaging. It is in no way toxic to them, and nibbling on some piggy pellets will in no way harm your hamster. Guinea pig food is generally higher in fiber and vitamin C than regular hamster food, which is important for their overall health. What Can I Feed My Hamster If I Run Out of Food. So, the nutrients (like fortified vitamin C), a lack of fat, and the size of guinea pig food is unsuitable for hamsters. Guinea pigs can eat hamster food, but under limited amounts. Guinea pigs do not do well with rodents of differing species (hamsters or gerbils, for instance) It is a prey animal, which may trigger predatory instincts in larger pets such as dogs or cats. Their cheek pouches stretch from the cheek to the shoulder. And neither are your two pets. Can guinea pigs eat hamsters and gerbil food? Guinea pigs are awake when you are vs hamsters, which are primarily nocturnal. Hamster Wet Tail How To Spot It And What To Do. However, you will need to make sure that the food you are giving them is appropriate for their size and that it contains the necessary nutrients that they need. The life expectancy of these small and adorable pets is important when considering which of these two rodents to adopt. 7. | All You Need to Know! What are the risks of feeding hamsters guinea pig food? You May Also Like: Can Hamsters Eat Dog Food? Small amounts of guinea pig pellets shouldnt cause major problems for most hamsters. ), wetness on the anal and tail areas and watery diarrhea. Unlike hamsters that are born blind, guinea pigs can see almost immediately after their birth. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Hamster Food? | MyPetCareJoy Although they dont need a lot of space, especially compared to other animals, studies have shown that they are much happier and live the longest in bigger cages. Thanks! Hamsters require a diet that is high in fiber and low in protein, fat, and sugar. Hamsters are very cute, cuddly creatures that many people enjoy keeping as pets. How to Care Daily for Hamsters and Guinea Pigs? So, the nutrients (like fortified vitamin C), a lack of fat, and the size of guinea pig food is unsuitable for hamsters. It also contains linseed oil for omega 3 and 6. Hamsters need a diet that is low in fiber in order to prevent digestive issues. However, new pet owners should know that their furry friend sleeps often but in very short intervals.
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