Can hamsters eat hay?
Yes, hamsters can eat hay. Germany’s Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT) says hay should always be available. It covers the need for fiber and doubles as nesting material. PDSA, the German Animal Welfare Federation and the Swiss animal welfare society (STS) recommend hay too.
How to serve it: always available
Sources
- TVT Merkblatt Nr. 156: Heimtiere – Goldhamster (2025)
- PDSA – Hamsters as pets (What do hamsters eat?, FAQs)
- Deutscher Tierschutzbund – Die Haltung von Goldhamstern (Broschüre)
- Schweizer Tierschutz STS – Merkblatt Goldhamster (2018)
Last checked: November 2026