can hamsters eat hay like guinea pigsdivinity 2 respec talents

Plus, its a tasty treat that they love to munch on. Another difference between the two animals diets is that rabbits are herbivores while hamsters are omnivores. Last Updated on November 17, 2022 Yes, hamsters can eat guinea pig food. Besides, guinea pigs live longer if you take proper care of them. Contents show. Guinea pig treats are safe for hamsters as they dont contain any poisonous substances. Guinea pigs are vitamin C deficient because their bodies cant produce it. The high amounts of sugar in fruit can lead to weight gain and other health conditions. 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. How much guinea pig food should a hamster eat? Guinea pig pellets can be quite large and sticky. Guinea pigs have different nutritional needs to hamsters. Are Guinea Pigs and Hamsters Good Pets for Children? If you are looking for something to supplement your hamsters diet, consider adding some fruits and vegetables instead! As you can see, both species have very different needs when it comes to their food, and the commercial foods sold to these pets are formulated accordingly. 8. They are all rodents, which explains why it is easy to group them together. Hamster food is made of nuts, corns, seeds, and other crunchy foods. Yet, although your hamster pet will need less space, it is more agile compared to a guinea pig. What is the Difference in Physical Abilities: Hamster vs Guinea Pig? It requires backward arching of the spine and their body is not built for this. The answer is No. Although having a taste wont hurt them, and they probably wont suffer any harm from eating guinea pig food for a day or two, hamsters still have specific dietary needs and wont survive with guinea pig food. Hamsters get some nutritional benefits from eating hay, although their diet will not be much more balanced if they eat it. Your email address will not be published. Your hamster should also receive fresh fruits and vegetables every day as treats for nutrition and stimulation. Food for guinea pigs and hamsters should be varied in order to keep them healthy. Can Guinea Pigs Eat the Same Food As Hamsters And Gerbils? But don't confuse it with straw! No, hamsters should not eat Guinea Pig food. Both hay and pellets are important to prevent problems with overgrown teeth. 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. Guinea pigs are awake when you are vs hamsters, which are primarily nocturnal. Hamsters dont require these kinds of exams. You can supplement it if your hamster is having digestive issues or if a vet recommends it! 1. Hamsters will need food that has at least 15% Crude Protein. Copyright 2023 mypetguineapig.com. However, hamsters are very good runners and their small body gives them the possibility to run all day happily. Guinea pigs are bigger and heavier compared to hamsters, which is an important aspect when determining how much space you will need for your new pet. So, the quick answer is, no, hamsters and guinea pigs cannot live togetherdefinitely not in the same cage. For example, Guinea pigs should only eat timothy hay, while hamsters can also eat alfalfa hay in addition to timothy hay. The symptoms include wetness on the anal and tail areas and watery diarrhea. They can, and do eat, both plant and animal matter. Its a common sign of happiness in guinea pigs. 9. A hamster might squawk when you are holding it in the wrong way and its trying to alert you about it. Some experts warn against feeding too many seeds and nuts. 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. Use the search! Please get someone to give you a lift to the store. October 17, 2022 If you love small animals and are considering getting a guinea pig in addition to a hamster, you may be wondering to yourself: Can guinea pigs and hamsters live together? This is something that hamsters will not need. Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs are exclusively herbivores and they cannot eat any food of other origin. Yet, remember that a guinea pig is much more fragile compared to a hamster, so handling them requires gentleness. Absolutely, it provides fibre, but unlike other small mammals, they do not need it. 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 1. Guinea pigs are tailless rodents that weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 lbs. However, if fed for longer periods, guinea pig food will lead to nutrient deficiencies because of the unsuitable makeup of the food. A hamsters daily food intake should mainly come from hamster food, with only 10% of the food being vegetables, fruits, seeds, grains, or meat. In this article, we break down the reasons and offer advice about what your hamster should be eating instead. New pet owners have to learn which fruits and vegetables are safe for guinea pigs, as not all healthy for humans is healthy for guinea pigs. In addition, hamsters also need access to fresh water at all times. Also, unlike hamsters, guinea pigs have an additional source of getting different vitamins and nutrients. This can lead to choking, and it can also prevent hamsters from getting the nutrition they need from their food. Because of this, we have to make sure that the Hamsters food doesnt have anything sticky or anything that will go bad or rot after being in their mouth for a while. Note also, hamsters bury, hoard and save food for later consumption and you do not want a piece of uneaten meat buried in your hamsters cage. Required fields are marked *. Although you will need larger cages for your guinea pigs, as they are bigger when compared to hamsters, they are more fragile. However, there are foods on the market that are made specifically for hamsters, like VitaSmart Complete Nutrition. Search our database of over 14573 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. 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. 6. Some only use it as bedding, because it is so pliable and soft. The high fiber content can also lead to obesity, which can be dangerous for these small animals as they are prone to diabetes. Hamsters have fast-paced metabolisms and can't go a day without eating, so you'll need to consider hamster food, Wild hamsters enjoy a varied omnivorous diet, including berries, seeds, grains, insects, and nuts. You need to be careful when introducing a hamsters habitat to other pets as a hamster can become very aggressive even against other hamsters. Although very distant cousins, hamsters, and guinea pigs share several features. In the wild, hamsters are opportunists who might eat small insects like crickets, mealworms and grubs. A veterinarian visit should take place at the first sign of deficiencies. NOTE: Advice provided within this article by FeedingMyPet.com is not a substitute for veterinary advice. You might save a couple of dollars buying bulk but smaller sizes will ensure food freshness lasts throughout feedings. Although you may find foods formulated for small pets in general, you should always choose food specifically tailored for a particular species. Also, here you can find ourvet-approved hamster foodsthat will provide you hammy with everything they need. They contain ingredients that could harm your cavy. So, feeding the guinea pig food might lead to various problems like malnutrition, digestive problems, and . Have you run out of hamster food? While hamsters store food in their cheeks, guinea pigs cannot and need a different type of food that is high in fiber to prevent diseases such as constipation and obesity. Unlike a guinea pig, a hamster might bite you if dont build trust properly at the beginning. Just be sure to avoid any bird food that contains artificial colors or flavors, as these can be harmful to your hamster. The different textures will encourage the hamster to wear down its teeth on the rough material. Guinea pig food is a good option for hamsters because it meets all of their nutritional needs. So, can hamsters eat guinea pig food? 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. In general, its best to stick to feeding your hamster the type of hay that is specifically meant for them. Guinea pigs are herbivores, and hamsters are omnivores. Like most guinea pig foods, treats meant for guinea pigs are fortified with vitamin C. Even if treats are given infrequently, too much vitamin C can cause stomach problems. Please discuss your pets specific dietary needs (based on his breed, weight, age, and health status) with a veterinarian. Guinea pig food pellets are designed specifically for guinea pigs, and may not be nutritionally appropriate for hamsters. I really hope that you find this site useful! All the stores are shut and you dont want him to wait until morning for a bite to eat? As a result, guinea pig muesli typically contains more vegetables and fruits than hamster food does. They have very similar dietary needs and eating habits. Both hamsters and guinea pigs have their unique personalities so make sure to get to know your new pet. Given the similarities between hamsters and guinea pigs, many hamster owners wonder if they can substitute their hamster's food with guinea pig food. Guinea pig cages are much larger than those you need for a hamster. Guinea pigs have a much more restrictive diet. I still dont understand whether the food is safe for the 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. You may also want to offer some fresh fruits and vegetables with your hamsters. 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. For example, guinea pig food is high in Vitamin C; quantities which are appropriate for them but could be harmful to your hamster. 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. Hamsters need a diet that is low in fiber in order to prevent digestive issues. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. So, you make a run to the closest store that sells pet food, but they only have guinea pig food. Its not uncommon that hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, and other small pets tend to be considered the one and same. Hamsters are going to want seeds, grains and some dried fruits and vegetables. The oldest guinea pig ever was almost 15 years old before it died in 1979. With your help, very young children can learn to love and care for other animals as well, which is crucial for their wellbeing and proper development. Guinea pigs mostly eat hay, supplemented by pellets, vegetables and fruit. This highly-rated hamster food pellet is super tasty without added sugars. They deserve a diet that is tailored specifically to their biological needs. Can hamsters eat guinea pig food? My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. 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. 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. But is it advisable? They can also lose appetite and develop infections as well. Where Do Guinea Pigs Live in the Wild? But pet hamsters should not be eating guinea pig food regularly. Both animals need a diet that is high in fibre and low in sugar. Hay isnt harmful to hamsters in a nutritional sense, so no compounds damage their health. This is another consideration you need to take into account when deciding to offer your hamster guinea pig food, even as an occasional treat. So, they should not be fed like guinea pigs or any other animals. It does provide some nutritional value to them, mostly minerals and fibers. If you dont consider hamster treats sufficiently nutritious, consider providing small chunks of fruit and vegetables. Can a hamster kill a guinea pig? Certainly, this would save time, money, and storage space. These foods have the correct ratio of protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals, considering your hamsters nutritional requirements. The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. While its true that some small mammals can share food, this is not true of guineapigs and hamsters. Here's why: guinea pigs and hamsters are both small rodents that originated from the same area in Europe. If your hamster is unable to eat guinea pig food, there are a few alternative foods that you can Feed him. Final Verdict Can Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food? Most guinea pig food is made of Timothy hay, pellets, vegetables, and water. 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. At the moment the most popular are Oxbow Animal Health Healthy Handfuls Hamster FoodandKaytee Forti Diet Pro Health Hamster Food. Yes, hamsters can eat guinea pig food. The first distinguishing feature of a hamster vs guinea pig is the size of these small animals. What are the signs that a hamster is not getting enough guinea pig food. Guinea pigs can eat hamster food, but under limited amounts. Ryan loves to research and stay up-to-date on the latest trends, gadgets, and software. However, new pet owners should know that their furry friend sleeps often but in very short intervals. Can Hamsters Have Strawberries? Why Is My Hamster Always Trying To Escape? While both animals are omnivores, meaning they can eat both plant and animal-based foods, hamsters generally have a higher protein requirement than guinea pigs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Guinea pigs are messy creatures, frequently mixing feces or urine with their food. 4. A hamster has a greater need for healthy fats and protein, and guinea pig food doesnt provide enough calories per gram to maintain a healthy weight. Make sure the meat is completely cool before offering it to your hamster so they do not burn their feet or mouth. Then you might be tempted to give your hamster some of your guinea pigs food. While some pig feeds may meet these criteria, others do not and could potentially harm your hamster if consumed. One more warning for guinea pigs is not to use exercise balls! If you are unsure about what to feed your hamster, always consult with your veterinarian or a qualified animal nutritionist. Part of this is because dietary changes can cause digestive upsets, which can be life-threatening in our tiny rodent buddies. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Guinea pigs and hamsters are both popular pets, but they have different dietary needs. After all, those foods look pretty similar! A good quality pellet food designed specifically for hamsters is always a safe bet. What are the food items that hamsters cannot eat? They cannot eat dairy or meat products, they do not tolerate seeds well and they need to eat a lot of hay daily. A hamster can not thrive on guinea pig food and vice versa. Another component you should take into mind is the costs of vet care. It is important to choose healthy treats that dont contain too much fat or sugar. Fun Fact: Hamsters have 16 teeth; guinea pigs have 20 teeth. Another minor health problem in hamsters is skin conditions. Small amounts of guinea pig pellets shouldnt cause major problems for most hamsters. On the other hand, guinea pigs dont need as many toys and accessories as hamsters do. And neither are your two pets. Hamsters are omnivores, which means they can eat both plant and animal-based foods. Another risk of feeding hamsters guinea pig food is that guinea pigs are much larger than hamsters. Heres why: guinea pigs and hamsters are both small rodents that originated from the same area in Europe. Nonetheless, guinea pigs require space and a hiding place to feel comfortable. It contains a high amount of vitamin C which can ultimately hurt your hamster. Most people who dont own a pet hamster or a guinea pig think that guinea pigs and hamsters are the same. Ryan Cole is a blogger with a passion for writing about all things tech. One type of food that hamsters can eat is bird food. The first thing you need to think about is the ingredients in the food. According to Clinics in Chest Medicine, this impacts the digestive and cardiovascular systems and affects the respiratory system and the ability of the diaphragm to flex. If youre considering adding a hamster to your home, you may be wondering what kind of food they can eat. Your hamsters digestive system is delicate and may be upset by the introduction of non-hamster-specific food. There are two special kinds of hay-like timothy and alfalfa that can be eaten by both guinea pigs and hamsters. In conclusion, guinea pigs are more expensive to keep. Some hamsters will chew hay instead of eating it. It is in no way toxic to them, and nibbling on some piggy pellets will in no way harm your hamster. Nahf will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. This means that theyre going to need pellets that have higher protein and less fibre. Another thing to consider is the size of the food. The short answer is no, hamsters should not eat guinea pig food. The usual life span of a hamster is 2-3 years. If the food is too big, your hamster may have trouble eating it and could even choke on it. A Guide To Hamster Hibernation, Boy Bunny Names 202 Ideas for Male Rabbits, Chicken Names 220 Adorable Ideas For Naming Perfect Poultry, Cute Guinea Pig Names 200 Unique Names To Choose From. Timothy, sweet grass, alfalfayou name it, and there's an animal that eats it. Captive hamsters don't need to forage for food, but most still like the taste of nuts.. Luckily, it is not hard to keep a hamster well-fed! Guinea pigs, on the other hand, need a high fiber diet and eat pellets that are made of timothy hay. I've looked after adorable hamsters for more than 10 years. 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. Although hay is not an essential part of their balanced diet, it provides few nutritional benefits to hamsters. Guinea pigs do not have the ability to transport food in that way. Pet Care Tips, Reviews & Stories of our Pets, September 4, 2018 By Johnny Salib Leave a Comment. High sugar and fatty treats may lead to weight gain and other health problems in both hamsters and guinea pigs. However, can hamsters eat hay like guinea pigs? 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? If a hamster is eating guinea pig food, it is likely because the hamster is not getting enough of its own food. Be loving and caring towards your guinea pig so it can show you all the affection it feels for you. Guinea pig food is typically much higher in fiber and calcium than what a hamster needs. Both bloating and diarrhea you cannot explain are signs that something is wrong, so take your pet to the vet immediately. Guinea pig food is not designed for hamsters. Itll also force the hamster to nuzzle through the hay to reach its proper food. Both hamsters and guinea pigs belong to the order Rodentia. But unlike guinea pigs, they don't need it. Hamsters and guinea pigs differ physically as well. Their food contains more fat and protein than guinea pig food. Hamsters are popular household pets that tend to get lumped together with other rodent pets, like guinea pigs. Indeed, a cursory glance at their pellets can leave you thinking they already eat the same food. However, hamsters cant eat the same food as guinea pigs. What Are the Common Health Issues in Hamsters and Guinea Pigs? Guinea pigs, like hamsters, will want to eat a lot of hay, so their pellets tend to include a lot of it. Hamsters can also express their emotions. This small pet is cute and lively, which is attractive to children and they enjoy playing with hamsters. Their food consists of clean water, fruits, vegetables, meat, grass, and even insects. However, there is a significant difference in guinea pig vs hamster diet as well. you'll notice that guinea pigs have adorable quirks and can be very energetic, though a little less than mice or hamsters. A few pellets of guinea pig food wont harm your hamster and most certainly wont kill them. 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. I have two hamsters that need food. Guinea pigs are herbivores and their main dish is hay, grass, and different kinds of fresh vegetables. The short answer is no, hamsters should not eat guinea pig food. Hamsters Don't Eat Guinea Pig Food | Penelope's Rescue Story | Munchies Place. Too much vitamin C can cause upset hamsters stomachs, leading to stomach cramps and diarrhea. Basically, there is nothing in guinea pig treats that would be considered toxic to hamsters. Another quality that differs hamsters and guinea pigs is that hamsters tend to be more active during the night. Yes, they can. Guinea pigs are strictly herbivores non meat eaters. Both animals need a diet that is high in fiber in order to maintain their digestive health, and both animals need a source of fresh water at all times. Fiber is especially important for keeping a hamsters digestive system healthy. You might even opt for vitamin C supplements made for guinea pigs, or guinea pig pellets enriched with this vitamin. There are a variety of hay available for small animals like guinea pigs and hamsters. Their diets are very different from each other as the macronutrient required for them is very different. Hamsters will hoard as much food as they can in their cheeks filling them up to double or triple the size of their head. Ideally, no. Actually, many hamster owners choose guinea pig treats for hamsters because hamster treats are often less healthy. If you spread fresh hay with the hamsters food, you can provide additional enrichment and encourage natural foraging behaviors. Although guinea pigs cannot climb well, they can jump, especially when they are young. You May Also Like: Can Hamsters Eat Dog Food? The general recommendation is to feed hamsters 10 grams of food a day and it should include at least 5% fat and 16% protein. So, if you run out of hamster food but have guinea pig food in the house, you can give some to a hamster to supplement its diet. Hay-based treats for guinea pigs are high in fiber, but if a hamster is getting enough protein from their diet otherwise, you can use guinea pig treats to treat them. 2. Likewise, your hamster can eat timothy hay and get some treats such as nuts or mealworms. While guinea pigs weigh around 1.5 to 2.6 pounds and hamsters only 1 10 ounces. Hi, I'm Julie. Kaytee Forti Diet Pro Health Hamster Food*, Can Rabbits And Chinchillas Live Together. This is especially true when it comes to their diet. What is the Difference in Behavior of a Hamster vs Guinea Pig? However, their diet should be mostly made up of fresh fruits and vegetables, with a small amount of meat, grains, and nuts.

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