In the wild, hamsters eat alot of protein. A major part of their diet consists of protein-rich insects. In traditional hamster mix, that protein is supplemented with sunflower seeds. (Some also contain pumpkin seeds and peanuts.) If your hamster's food does not provide enough protein, your hamster will become under-nourished, cranky, lethargic, and is at risk for diabetes (mainly dwarves.)
Many hamster owners feed their hamsters lab blocks. While they provide a steady diet, they provide NO variety. It would be like us humans eating tofu all day, every day. Your hamster will greatly appreciate some variety in his diet.
My recommendations:
Kaytee's "Fiesta" hamster mix- be careful to check the label for "hamster/gerbil mix." Fiesta mix can be found almost everywhere, including walmart.
Petsmart carries "Nutriphase." It is also well balanced.
I have successfully used both of these brands for my hamsters, but my first choice would be the "Fiesta" hamster/gerbil mix- it is less expensive (if you buy it at walmart) and provides more of a variety.
