WHAT TO FEED YOUR SMALL ANIMAL

HAMSTERS:

Hamsters need commercially-prepared dry hamster food to supply them with the vitamins and minerals they need. Being a vegetarian myself, I recommend a vegetarian diet for all small animals. However, it is rather difficult to find hamster food that does not contain animal products (ex: animal fat, animal sterol) in the pellet form. In my opinion, "Kaytee Exact Complete Daily Diet" food is the best store brand. Kaytee brand does not contain any animal products, which is why I buy it for my hamster. You can find it at Petco stores and other pet shops. Seed mixes should not be a main part of your hamster's diet, since he or she will pick out the seeds they like. If they do this, then they will not be getting all the vitamins they need to stay healthy.
Give your hamster fresh fruit and vegetables only once or twice a week. Remove the uneaten food from their cage so that it does not spoil. Eating rotten foods can harm your hamster. Never give hamsters citrus fruits, garlic, onions, milk, or foods that contain a lot of water (like lettuce). Dry, unsweetened breakfast cereal (like Cheerios, Chex, Kix, Rice Krispies) may be given to your hamster sometimes as a treat. Chandler especially likes Chex, but he dislikes Cheerios for some strange reason. Raisins, sunflower seeds, and unsalted nuts also make good treats. Vitakraft brand has a wide selection of small animal treats. Yogurt drops and waffles are Chandler's favorites. Vitakraft treats are available at most pet stores.
Your hamster should always have fresh, clean water in his or her water bottle. To disinfect the bottle, put it in the dishwasher every one or two weeks. Never give them water in a bowl. Your hamster will get food and bedding in it, contaminating it.
GUINEA PIGS:

Guinea pigs, like hamsters, need commercially-prepared food. Kaytee brand guinea pig pellets are animal product-free, and I use this brand for Wills. Hay should also be a part of your pig's diet. It is good for them to chew on, and they need the roughage. Salt licks/blocks are also good to have in their cage, since they need the salt. Keep it off the floor of the cage, so it does not get urinated on or soiled. Guinea pigs also need vitamin C. You can purchase vitamin C drops at pet stores or simply give your pig citrus fruits to eat.
Guinea pigs also enjoy Vitakraft treats. Wills and Chandler have similar tastes in Vitakraft treats! Fresh fruits and vegetables are also good to include in your pig's diet. Remember to remove the rotten, uneaten foods.
Guinea pigs need fresh, clean water too. They drink much more water than hamsters, so I suggest buying your pig a larger water bottle. Use a bottle instead of a bowl, which easily becomes contaminated.

As long as you provide your small animals with the correct nutritious foods, they should enjoy a healthy life. For guinea pigs, this is five to seven years; for hamsters, two to three.

Hamster wallpaper is kindly provided by Caralee Nelson.

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