Can Birds Eat Hamster Food?

Do you share your home with a hamster–and are you wondering if you can use some of that hamster food for the birds? (We once had a hamster named Templeton!) Hamster food, typically composed of seeds, grains, and nuts, may seem like a suitable option for birds at first glance–but you might want to reconsider this when you see the potential issues.

Nutritional Considerations for Birds and Hamster Food

Hamster food is formulated specifically for the dietary needs of hamsters, which can differ significantly from those of birds.

While it often contains seeds and grains that are also found in bird diets, the balance and composition might not be ideal for avian health. Additionally, hamster food might contain other ingredients that are not suitable or nutritious for birds.

The ingredients in commercial hamster food can vary between brands, but they typically include a mix of the following:

Grains and Cereals: These are a primary component and may include oats, barley, corn, millet, wheat, and rice. They provide essential carbohydrates and some protein.
Seeds and Nuts: Common seeds found in hamster food include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and sesame seeds. Nuts like peanuts and walnuts may also be included. These ingredients are high in fat and should be given in moderation.
Pellets: These are compressed forms of various nutrients and are designed to provide a balanced diet. They often contain a mix of grains, soy, corn, and vitamins and minerals.
Vegetables and Fruits: Some hamster foods include dried fruits and vegetables like carrots, peas, apples, and bananas. These add natural sugars and vitamins.
Proteins: Animal-based proteins might be included, such as dried mealworms or shrimp. Plant-based proteins can come from sources like soy or alfalfa.
Vitamins and Minerals: To ensure a balanced diet, various vitamins and minerals are added. These may include Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, calcium, phosphorus, and others.
Fiber: Ingredients like alfalfa or beet pulp might be added for fiber, which is important for digestive health.

As it’s also designed to be shelf stable on the grocery store shelves, it also contains preservatives. It’s also fortified with vitamins to meet the hamster’s dietary needs. Here’s a look at the ingredients list of hamster food:

Soybean Hulls, Soybean Meal, Oat Groats, Soybean Hulls, Dried Peas, Milo, Heat-Processed Soybeans, Wheat, Wheat Middlings, Sunflour Seeds, Millet, Peanuts, Calcium Carbonate, Corn, Raisins, Dried Cranberries, Pork Fat, Methionine, Lysine, Soybean Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Tryptophane, Valine, Choline Chloride, Rice Hulls, Threonine, Wheat Germ Oil, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Propionate (Preservative), Folic Acid, Lignin Sulfonate, Silicon Dioxide, Urea Formaldehyde Condensation Polymer, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Mineral Oil, Calcium L-Ascorbyl 2-Monophosphate, Propylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin D3 Supplement, FD&C Yellow #5, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Riboflavin, Sodium Selentite, FD&C Red #40, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Molybdate, FD&C Blue #1, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vegetable Oil, Thiamine Mononitrate, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Lecithin, Rosemary Extract.

As you can see, there’s a lot more there than simple seeds, fruits and veggies!

Serving Hamster Food to Birds

If you decide to offer hamster food to birds, do so sparingly and as a minor part of their diet.

Pick out any components of the hamster food that are not bird-friendly, such as high-fat treats or large pieces that can present a choking risk.

Ensure that the birds’ diet is primarily composed of foods specifically formulated for them, supplementing with hamster food only occasionally.

Birds That Might Eat Hamster Food

If you have a little hamster food left over and you want to give it to the outdoor birds, some bird species that are adapted to a diet rich in seeds and grains might be inclined to nibble on hamster food:

Sparrows and Finches: These small birds are typically seed-eaters and might find some components of hamster food appealing.
Budgerigars (Budgies): As granivores, they might show interest in the seeds found in hamster food.
Doves and Pigeons: Known for their diverse diet, these birds might sample hamster food if it’s available.

While birds might eat hamster food and find certain aspects of it palatable, it’s not an ideal or recommended diet for them. Birds have specific dietary requirements that are best met with bird-specific formulations. If you do choose to offer hamster food to your birds, it should be done with caution, ensuring it only makes up a small part of their overall diet and is free from any ingredients that could be harmful to them.