5 Best Hamster & Gerbil Foods - June 2026

Oxbow Essentials - Hamster & Gerbil Food

Oxbow Essentials literally provides the high-quality elemental needs of any hamster or gerbil’s diet without the sugar, fillers, and artificial colors that may hinder long-term health.

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PROS

Timothy hay meal, pearled barley, and oats are the first 3 ingredients.
Balanced diet.
High-fiber.
Fortified with essential vitamins.
Natural flavor hamsters love.
Promotes healthy digestion and teeth.

CONS

Since this is a premium hamster and gerbil food recipe, expect to pay premium prices for it.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Kaytee

Fiesta - Hamster & Gerbil Food

A Delicious Mix

Choosy hamsters and gerbils, rejoice. The Fiesta food mixture is loaded with an assortment of deliciously healthy bits, including raisins, papaya, bananas, peas, apples, and so much more.

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PROS

Corn, oats, and wheat are the first 3 ingredients.
A buffet of yummy seeds, fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Tiny easy-to-eat pieces.
High-nutrition diet.
Excellent value.
Promotes digestive, eye, and heart health.

CONS

Although Fiesta is packed with appetizing pieces and vitamins, the artificial coloring isn’t needed.

Kaytee

Forti-Diet Pro Health - Hamster & Gerbil Food

Wholesome Ingredients

Featuring a range of delicious and nutritious ingredients, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and peas, so even the pickiest hamsters and gerbils will get the nutrition they need.

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PROS

Corn, ground corn, wheat, and sunflower seeds are the first 4 ingredients.
High protein diet for healthy skin and coat.
Hamsters and gerbils love the variety of flavors.
Complete diet.
Includes probiotics, omega 3, and DHA.

CONS

The varied mix of foods is a treat, but hamsters and gerbils don’t need the artificial colorings.

Hartz

Bonanza - Hamster & Gerbil Diet

Bargain Pick

Bonanza is inexpensive, full of appetizing raisins, pinto beans, almonds, and a variety of other tiny bites from premium sources, and you get plenty of hamster and gerbil food for your dollar.

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PROS

Whole corn, wheat, and milo seeds are the first 3 ingredients.
Affordable.
Scientifically created for a nutritious hamster and gerbil diet.
Vitamin fortified.
Features tasty bits like pumpkin seeds and carrots.

CONS

While there are plenty of healthy ingredients in Bonanza, there are 4 different artificial food colorings here too.

Kaytee

Forti-Diet - Mouse, Rat & Hamster Food

A Healthy Diet

Due to nutrition packed into each large pellet, it’s an excellent hamster and gerbil feeding option for a child’s first pet. Simply provide 1 or 2 pellets each day, and your tiny friend is good to go.

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PROS

Soybean meal, corn, wheat, and oats are the first 4 ingredients.
Substantial pellets prevent overfeeding.
Protein and grain-rich diet.
Complete diet.
Hamsters and gerbils love the peanut and beet flavors.

CONS

These chunky pellets are easy to eat and highly nutritious, but they contain several artificial colors.

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First Reviewed

November 11, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Melinda Harris

Updated June 2023

Although hamsters and gerbils are both completely different rodents, they share two important things where it counts; they essentially have the same dietary requirements, and these small pets are absolutely adorable. Both hamsters and gerbils need a grain-based food that is high in fiber, protein, and fortified with vitamins C, A, and B12 to promote a healthy weight, digestive system, and set of teeth. Since no two animals are the same, it’s up to you to find a hamster or gerbil food that is both nutritious and delicious to keep your little friend happy and healthy for years to come.

Best Hamster & Gerbil Food

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