can hamsters eat hay like guinea pigs

It can lead to malnutrition and health problems in hamsters if they are fed a diet of only guinea pig food. You need to keep in mind that hamsters use their cheeks to store food, and treats that are too big or could stick to the lining of the check can be dangerous. These Exotic Pets Eat Hay - The Spruce Pets A hamster doesnt need as much room as a guinea pig, but it surely needs more toys. For this reason, it is important to only feed your hamster food that is easy for them to chew and avoid any foods that could cause dental damage. To sum it up, hamsters should not be fed with guinea pig food, although guinea pig food will not harm them when fed in very small amounts here and there. So, the nutrients (like fortified vitamin C), a lack of fat, and the size of guinea pig food is unsuitable for hamsters. So what happens if your local store doesnt have any hamster food? So, feeding the guinea pig food might lead to various problems like malnutrition, digestive problems, and . This is especially true when it comes to their diet. But for Guinee Pigs. It might seem obvious but you should also avoid giving your hamster stale food. Both small animals kept as pets live indoors, so the space in which they spend their life makes a major difference to their wellbeing. Still, most of the options available for hamsters contain high-fat seeds and are often coated with honey. 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. Ultimately, guinea pig food is not meant for hamsters and should not be given to them. Another thing to consider is the size of the food. But what about the food that they eat? When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Never feed a hamster guinea pig muesli as part of its regular diet, as this will cause the hamster to become malnourished from a lack of nutrients. Another difference between the two animals diets is that rabbits are herbivores while hamsters are omnivores. We recommend you stick to treats that have been designed for hamsters, as they are the safest choice. Hamsters are omnivores; guinea pigs are herbivores. Why Is My Hamster Always Trying To Escape? Their body structure does not allow them this comfort and it can cause permanent damage to it. Hamsters and guinea pigs belong to a huge rodent family. Many owners relate hamsters and guinea pigs to each other because they are both parts of the larger rodent family. Hamsters need more protein, which is why they cant survive on hay alone. Hamster food is made of nuts, corns, seeds, and other crunchy foods. This is dangerous, as hamsters weigh only a few ounces; dwarf hamsters are even lighter. Its always a good idea to talk to your local vet about what you should be feeding your hamster, especially foods change and start being sold online. But pet hamsters should not be eating guinea pig food regularly. It does provide some nutritional value to them, mostly minerals and fibers. While small amounts of guinea pig food will not hurt a hamster, too much of it can lead to obesity and other health problems. Can Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food? As a general rule, guinea pigs should not eat the same food as hamsters and gerbils. What Is The General Difference of a Hamster vs Guinea Pig? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But there are certain foods you should avoid. Use the search! The water is also important, as it will help to keep your hamster hydrated. As weve noted, hamsters have a varied but particular diet. Generally, guinea pigs are more frequent visitors of vets compared to hamsters. Make sure to decide whether you prefer a hamster or guinea pig before you decide to buy a cage. They can also lose appetite and develop infections as well. [What Are The Consequences?]. In other words, both hamsters and guinea pigs are rodents, but are not closely related and don't share the same family. Guinea pig vs hamster are the two animals similar? Required fields are marked *. Kaytee Forti Diet Pro Health Hamster Food*, Can Rabbits And Chinchillas Live Together. Can Hamsters Eat Rabbit Or Guinea Pig Food? A hamster may chew on fibrous hay to reduce the length of its teeth. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Hamster Food? | MyPetCareJoy Still, hamsters should not be fed guinea pig food exclusively or for a prolonged period of time. One interesting fact about hamsters is that they have pouches in the cheeks which they use to store some food for later. Any type of meat. However, can hamsters eat hay like guinea pigs? The best option is to have at least two to three female guinea pigs, as they dont argue as males do when placed together. Hay provides necessary fiber and variety to your hamsters diet and offers supplemental materials for burrowing and storing food. Can Hamsters and Guinea Pigs Live Together? Facts & FAQ Overall, there are many risks associated with feeding hamsters guinea pig food. Because the vitamins and nutrients the two types of animals require are missing in each other's foods. Some hamsters only chew hay . If you dont consider hamster treats sufficiently nutritious, consider providing small chunks of fruit and vegetables. Guinea Pig Vs. Hamster: 10 Key Differences Between The Two Not being fed a balanced diet and suffering from malnutrition may kill your hamster. Hamster Wet Tail How To Spot It And What To Do Hamsters Hibernate? One alternative is to feed him pellets that are designed for hamsters. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Guineapigpro.com is #1 Resource for Guineapig Lovers. Their cheek pouches stretch from the cheek to the shoulder. Hamsters can eat hay, but they don't need it like guinea pigs do. Another difference to consider is that guinea pigs are herbivores while hamsters are omnivores. Just be sure to offer them a regular balanced diet too, as hay isnt a complete replacement for a healthy and varied diet. If a hamster eats nothing but rabbit food, they will eventually become malnourished and could even die. So, its best to give guinea pig treats infrequently or not at all. 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. Guinea pigs and hamsters can vocalize their mood and express their behavior in different ways. In addition, guinea pigs also need hay for proper digestion, while hamsters and gerbils do not. You need to be aware that the types of food and quantities required by hamsters and guinea pigs are totally different. Usually, a guinea pig will produce three types of sounds: wheek, purr, and chirp. What Can Hamsters Eat? Your Ultimate List! - CanMyPetEatThis.com What are the signs that a hamster is not getting enough guinea pig food. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love. Another component you should take into mind is the costs of vet care. As we have already mentioned, hamsters are not very social creatures. Hamsters can eat guinea pig muesli for a short time without harm. Both hamsters and guinea pigs need your care and attention. However, there are also some important differences to consider when feeding these two pets. This is something that hamsters will not need. Yogurt based treats such as Vitakraft Hamster Drops*, available in 3 flavors. This means that hamsters should not be fed a guinea pig food diet, as it would likely be insufficient in protein and other nutrients essential to hamsters. Can Hamsters Eat Ham - Furry Tips The best advice is to keep to commercial food, with several servings of fresh fruit and vegetable a week. Guinea pigs have a much more restrictive diet. The high amounts of sugar in fruit can lead to weight gain and other health conditions. Hamsters are going to want seeds, grains and some dried fruits and vegetables. You can feed your hamster small amounts of well-cooked and unseasoned beef or chicken. Nonetheless, guinea pigs require space and a hiding place to feel comfortable. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! And when filled can double or even triple the size of your hamsters head! If youve ever wondered whether hamsters and guinea pigs can share the same food, youre not alone. No, hamsters should not eat Guinea Pig food. The first distinguishing feature of a hamster vs guinea pig is the size of these small animals. But do not feed guinea pig food to your pet hamster regularly. You can actually find these in dried form as food for your pet and if you have a dwarf or Syrian hamster then they are a very good choice to be added to their diet. What kinds of foods does your hamster enjoy eating the most? Hamsters are a convenient choice for children despite their age because of several reasons. While guinea pigs weigh around 1.5 to 2.6 pounds and hamsters only 1 10 ounces. Have you run out of hamster food? Check out these most popular guinea pig products on the market: Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. At the moment the most popular are Oxbow Animal Health Healthy Handfuls Hamster FoodandKaytee Forti Diet Pro Health Hamster Food. After all, those foods look pretty similar! 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. All rights reserved. Commercial foods contain the right ratios of protein and grains that are necessary for a strong immune system and a healthy body. Guinea pigs are generally 2-4 times bigger compared to hamsters. Feeding a hamster guinea pig food long-term can lead to health complications like malnourishment. Guinea pig pellets can be too big and sticky and get caught in the pouch. As guinea pigs cant produce vitamin C on their own, you need to include sufficient fresh vegetables and fruits rich in this vitamin. It is in no way toxic to them, and nibbling on some piggy pellets will in no way harm your hamster. 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. Can Hamsters have Carrots? A good quality pellet food designed specifically for hamsters is always a safe bet. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. What this essentially means is that guinea pigs are naturally and biologically driven to eat plant matter in their wild habitats. Unlike the guinea pigs, its not necessary to provide fresh food every day for hamsters but we still recommend doing it to balance their diet. kale, strawberries and bananas. What Are the Common Health Issues in Hamsters and Guinea Pigs? Hay is considered a fibresupplement for Hamsters but is not a necessity. Hamsters are able to eat chinchilla food, but it is not the ideal diet for them. If you are the owner of a guinea pig at the same time as a hamster. In fact, hay is a great source of nutrition for these little guys. Hamsters should not eat guinea pig food heres why. Bottom Line Can Hamsters Have Guinea Pig Food? Are there any substitutes? We look forward to reading all about it in our comments section. Hay is something that is beneficial for both hamsters and guinea pigs. Feeding a hamster guinea pig food wont cause it to die. While some pig feeds may meet these criteria, others do not and could potentially harm your hamster if consumed. The first thing you need to think about is the ingredients in the food. Hamsters will hoard as much food as they can in their cheeks filling them up to double or triple the size of their head. A purr coming from a guinea pig can imply satisfaction or annoyance depending on the tone, and it can even mean fear in some cases. One guinea pig meal certainly will not make your hamster ill or harm them in any way. So, the quick answer is, no, hamsters and guinea pigs cannot live togetherdefinitely not in the same cage. As guinea pigs eat a lot more food, cleaning their cage takes more time. When Do Guinea Pigs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get? They primarily eat hay, but love fruits and veggies too. A veterinarian visit should take place at the first sign of deficiencies. Your guinea pig pet has short legs and it cannot jump well or climb steep objects. Contents show. Hay is considered a fibre supplement for Hamsters but is not a necessity. mypetguineapig.com may be compensated when users click on links and sign-up with their associated offers located in content or anywhere else on the page. The oldest guinea pig ever was almost 15 years old before it died in 1979. Part of this is because dietary changes can cause digestive upsets, which can be life-threatening in our tiny rodent buddies. Many brands sell treats intended for a hamsters nutritional needs. A hiss implies aggression; hamsters are aggressive compared to guinea pigs. Just be sure to avoid any bird food that contains artificial colors or flavors, as these can be harmful to your hamster. Many of these foods are made for both hamsters and gerbils because they have the same basic dietary needs. Avoid giving your hamster hay that has been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. It is in no way toxic to them, and nibbling on some piggy pellets will in no way harm your hamster. Hamsters and guinea pigs are both common household pets, and their care requirements are similar in many ways. ByLeroy MartinDecember 27, 2022December 29, 2022 Hamsters are known for their cute and cuddly nature, but did you know that they can also enjoy a tasty snack of hay? Hamsters are popular household pets that tend to get lumped together with other rodent pets, like guinea pigs. View our privacy policy and our disclosure policy for more information. NOTE: Advice provided within this article by FeedingMyPet.com is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Guinea pigs are messy creatures, frequently mixing feces or urine with their food. Rabbit food is high in fiber which can cause problems for hamsters. Guinea pig food is generally higher in fiber and vitamin C than regular hamster food, which is important for their overall health. This means that theyre going to need pellets that have higher protein and less fibre. Guinea pigs have a diet that is concocted with the same thing in mind, in that they have different culinary needs to hamsters. 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. Also, unlike hamsters, guinea pigs have an additional source of getting different vitamins and nutrients. As social animals, guinea pigs require company. Dried fruits and vegetables are also acceptable treat options. In addition, hamsters also need access to fresh water at all times. There are a variety of hay available for small animals like guinea pigs and hamsters. Guinea pigs as we know, need lots of vitamin c to supplement the lack of vitamin c produced by their bodies. There are a lot of misconceptions about what hamsters can and cannot eat. What Can Guinea Pigs Eat? (Plus What Not to Feed Them) Dairy products: While many stores will offer yogurt drops and other "treats," dairy is not healthy for guinea pigs and can actually cause problems. The pellets and vegetables in the food will provide your hamster with the necessary nutrients and vitamins that she needs. However, just because hamsters can eat rabbit or guinea pig food does not mean that it is the best option for them. Nahf will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. While guinea pigs require a diet high in fiber, hamsters can get by with a diet that is lower in fiber but higher in protein. If you're in a pinch and lack a small animal food bag and can't get to a pet, You may assume that hamsters and rabbits can share their meals. Hamsters require a diet that is high in fiber and low in protein, fat, and sugar. Its physically impossible for a guinea pig to run on a wheel and extremely harmful to the health of this small animal. Hamsters can also eat very small pieces of fully cooked, unseasoned chicken or beef. 10 Key Differences Between a Guinea Pig and a Hamster. Can you substitutefor Guinea Pig Food? 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. But pet hamsters should not be eating guinea pig food regularly. This blend contains the necessary prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health and the hard, crunchy consistency vital to teeth grinding for optimal dental health. When I'm not writing, I enjoy kickboxing and work as an animal trainer. 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. If you are unsure about what to feed your hamster, always consult with your veterinarian or a qualified animal nutritionist. What are the food items that hamsters cannot eat? Then you might be tempted to give your hamster some of your guinea pigs food. Hamster Food List | Feeding Your Hamster | Hamsters - Omlet The answer is yes, they can! I've looked after adorable hamsters for more than 10 years. Its common for households to have hamsters and guinea pigs (in separate cages), so feeding them the same food can be tempting. Here's why: guinea pigs and hamsters are both small rodents that originated from the same area in Europe. I really hope that you find this site useful! The cost of the cage and the cage size can be a bigger issue. (Treatment & Prevention Tips), Can Guinea Pigs Eat Carrot Tops? Can hamsters eat guinea pig food? Pet Care Tips, Reviews & Stories of our Pets, September 4, 2018 By Johnny Salib Leave a Comment. Offer bite sized pieces in very small quantities. 3. (Benefits, Risks, Serving Size & More). Yes and no. If you do feed your hamster guinea pig food, be sure to supplement it with other foods like fresh fruits and vegetables or specially-formulated hamster food to ensure your pet gets all the nutrients he or she 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. Can Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food? - HamsterSearch Therefore, guinea pig food will not meet a hamsters needs in the long term. Feeding hamsters is serious business. Hamsters love to pack their faces full of food. Hamsters are omnivores they eat vegetables, fruits and meat.
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