Happy Hamsters UK
Oct 24time-to-read.label
When discussing dwarf foods, we have to consider several factors:
The two separate species of dwarf hamster - Campbells (Phodopus Campbelli) and Winter White (Phodopus Sungorus). Research refers to the two species as 'Djungarian' hamsters interchangeably, so we will stick to Campbell's and Winter White as the most commonly understood names.
The mixed breeding of the two species to create 'hybrid' dwarf hamsters, which is what makes up the vast majority of the pet dwarf hamster population in the UK.
Why do these things matter?
Campbell's and Winter White dwarves have slightly different anatomy, natural environment and responses to varying climates and temperatures. These can influence diet, so it's important to be careful when feeding our dwarf hamsters so we know exactly what they're getting.
We cannot know what percentage of each species a hybrid dwarf is - much like a mixed breed dog, each one can have different reactions to the crossed genetics, with some having a positive impact and others a negative impact.
New Approaches in Veterinary Physiology (2023) state that hamsters usually feed on fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Luckily, there isn't much of a discrepancy between the foods that they would choose to eat in the wild, so therefore they can have the same diet and make up the other factors with treats if you would like to be as accurate as possible. From the Comparative analysis of optional hunting behaviour in Cricetinae hamsters using the data compression approach (2024), we can see that Winter White hamsters will eat 20% seeds, 15% animal protein and 65% green plant parts. Campbell's dwarves will eat 36% seeds, 11% animal protein and 53% green plant parts.
From this, it's easy to see how you could adapt a diet which leans one way or the other to be more suitable for one species or the other if you were to have a pure bred dwarf hamster of either species. From this, an average between the two would consist of 28% seeds, 13% animal protein and 59% green plant parts.
Now, we're not suggesting that this be perfectly replicated in captivity, but this gives a solid place to start with the recommended nutritional requirements for dwarf hamsters versus Syrian hamsters.
According to Djungarian Hamsters — Small Graminivores with Daily Torpor (2000), Winter White dwarves eat seeds of grass and shrubs, including tufted perennial grass, potentilla and nitre bushes. Their diet would only be supplemented by insects in summer - attributed to their seasonal dietary habits.
Comparative analysis of optional hunting behaviour in Cricetinae hamsters using the data compression approach (2024) also states that Palearctic hamsters display a mixed diet with wide use of plants' generative and vegetative: for Phodopus and Allocricetulus, animal-protein food is a necessary component of their diet. Insects are part of the diet of the Winter White and Campbell’s dwarf hamster species, among others.
So, our recommendation may come as a surprise in that we recommend adjusting the GA ever so slightly to accommodate for the slightly more sensitive digestive systems of dwarf hamsters, and to keep in mind the factors which have arisen as a result of their hybrid breeding.
Recommended GA:
Protein: 14-18%
Fats: 5-7%
Fiber: 8-12%
Where possible, we should be aiming for dwarf hamsters to get a good amount of animal-based proteins within that 16-18%. Out of all of the dwarf-specific food mixes, BunnyDreams Nature has the widest range of animal protein already included in the mix; dried chicken, dried egg and mealworms. Bears' dwarf mix includes mealworms, silkworm pupae and calciworms. Hamster Mixologists' dwarf mixes include mealworms and silkworm pupae. GetZoo's dwarf mix includes mealworms and maggots. Rodipet is the only brand which doesn't include animal protein in their mix.
Because the majority already include mealworms, we recommend offering a variety of other animal-based proteins, with omnivorous animals being able to digest soft insects with no hard shell, white meats, fish, egg and cheese in small quantities as regular snacks. Live feeding can also be a huge benefit (although we recommend doing this in a carrier or playpen setting).
Soybean is also heavily recommended for dwarf hamsters, due to its positive effects on obesity, as found in Role of Dietary Soy Protein in Obesity (2007). This will reduce the risks of diabetes which are higher in hybrid dwarf hamsters and other hybrid species, as explored in Recent Progress in Hormone Research (1971). Hamster Mixologists have soybean listed in their first 10 ingredients, meaning it's a prominent ingredient compared with the other mixes which appear to favour millet or oat.
Our top recommended mixes for dwarf hamsters:
Food | GA % | Price | Country |
Hamster Mixologists baby dwarf | Protein: 18% Fat: 10% Fibre: 9% | £13 | UK |
Hamster Mixologists adult dwarf | Protein: 17% Fat: 9% Fibre: 10% | £13 | UK |
Hamster Mixologists elderly dwarf | Protein: 14% Fat: 9% Fibre: 11% | £13 | UK |
Bears Dwarf Hamster Food | Protein: 19.8% Fat: 10.9% Fibre: 11.2% | £9 | UK |
Rodipet Dwarf Variety Food | Protein: 14.9% Fat: 9.2% Fibre: 7.9% | €10 | DE |
Bunny Nature Dwarf Food | Protein: 15.5% Fat: 6.5% Fibre: 7% | £9 | UK |
GetZoo Dwarf Hamster Food | Protein: 16.6% Fat: 13.3% Fibre: 11.4% | €6 | DE |
So what is it that makes mixes 'nutritionally poor'?
Any mix which doesn't explicitly state which ingredients make up their complete food
Any mix which uses vague language around their ingredients i.e. 'vegetable derivatives', 'cereals', 'meat products', etc.
Any mix which includes 'puffed cereals', pressed or extruded ingredients and any ingredients (including additives and preservatives) which aren't natural food ingredients
Any mix which uses any unsuitable food mix within it, or combines multiple mixes together
Any mix which claims ingredients to be 'human grade' in the pet industry - please see the legality surrounding this here.