Low-sugar food for hamsters

Diabetes is most common in the Campbelli Dwarf Hamsters, followed by the Russian Dwarf Hamster and the Chinese Dwarf Hamster. Hamsters who have a (genetic) predisposition to diabetes can best be fed a low-sugar diet for this reason.

Depending on the degree to which the hamster can still produce insulin, a very conscious choice must be made with regard to nutrition.

• The Hamster Food should mainly consist of "slow" carbohydrates that provide a gradual release of energy.
• The diet must be sugar-free
• The diet should be supplemented with vegetables (fresh / dried) Not the sweet vegetables.
• As a 'granivorous' (seed-eating) animal, the dwarf hamster has a small appendix. He can only process raw fibers to a limited extent. The optimum raw fiber content in the feed is therefore below 10%.
• Energy-containing products such as grains can best be avoided (except oats), these can best be replaced by, for example, herbs, fiber-rich grass pellets and dried vegetables.
• Finally, drinking is very important in animals with diabetes. There must therefore always be sufficient drinking water.

Vegetable products that specifically lower the blood sugar level are:

• Fenugreek seeds
• Linseed
• Oats (give the guinea pig many oat products such as oat bran, flakes and / or whole grains)
• Blueberry leaves
• Celery
• Nettle

Very specific nutritional advice for Hamsters Discuss this with your vet.

• Reduce the amount of carbohydrates in the feed. Healthy hamster needs about 50% carbohydrates in a day. That amounts to about 5 grams

Inulin is a sweetener from Jerusalem artichokes or chicory that does not increase the sugar level and can even lower it by up to 40%.