Hamsters should not have rice as their staple food for a long time.
Rice is mainly composed of starch and lacks essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals that hamsters need. Therefore, it cannot provide a comprehensive range of nutrients for hamsters. Moreover, rice has a relatively low digestibility rate and can easily cause diarrhea in hamsters. A hamster's digestive system is more suitable for a diet of mixed grains and cereals rather than just rice alone.
Dietary Recommendations for Hamsters
Staple Food: Professional hamster food should be the main staple. These types of food come in a wide variety and are nutritionally balanced, meeting a hamster's daily nutritional requirements.
Supplementary Food: You can appropriately feed some fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and broccoli, to supplement vitamins and moisture.
Precautions: Do not mix rice with other foods when feeding, as this may lead to picky eating and malnutrition. If a hamster shows symptoms such as diarrhea or soft stools after eating rice, stop feeding it immediately.
Alternative Food Choices for Hamsters
Seeds and Grains: Such as corn, millet, oats, wheat, and corn flakes. These foods are more in line with a hamster's dietary needs.
Fresh Vegetables and Fruits: Like apples, carrots, and broccoli, which can provide additional nutrients and moisture.
Professional Hamster Food: There are various brands of hamster food available on the market, with prices ranging from a little over one yuan to seventy or eighty yuan. You can choose a suitable brand according to your financial situation.