Can Hamsters Have Applesauce? 62 Most Correct Answers

The short answer: Yes, hamsters can eat peanut butter. Many hamsters love peanut butter and it’s an easy way to add some protein to their diet. You can rub it on other foods like carrots. However, that doesn’t mean you should feed your hamster peanut butter all the time.

Too much peanut butter can cause problems. For example, it can easily get stuck in the cheek pouches, which can cause serious problems if not fixed quickly. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about feeding your hamster peanut butter.

How Much Peanut Butter Can Hamsters Eat?

Hamsters can usually eat peanut butter as a snack or treat. It should not be a major part of their diet. It can be helpful if your hamster needs to increase their protein intake for any reason, as peanut butter is one of the few high-protein foods hamsters can eat. Before using peanut butter as a protein supplement, be sure to speak to your veterinarian. More protein isn’t always a better option for hamsters; most do well on a normal diet.

Peanut butter also contains some vitamins, most notably vitamin B, vitamin E, and niacin. These are helpful for hamsters, although most do not need supplemental supplements of these vitamins. It is not necessary to feed them peanut butter.

Can Hamsters Eat Jif Peanut Butter?

Yes. Jif peanut butter is similar to most types of peanut butter. It’s probably not the best peanut butter to feed your hamster. However, it is fine for hamsters in moderation. Just be aware of the amount of sugar, which can be quite high with this brand of peanut butter. Because of the additives and sugar content, you should feed your hamster less Jif Peanut Butter than other varieties.

What kind of peanut butter can hamsters eat?

The best type of peanut butter for hamsters is plain, organic peanut butter. Look for something that literally has nothing but peanuts in it. While peanut butter is safe for hamsters, some brands add things like sugar that aren’t good for your hamster. Added salt can also be a problem as a little sodium can be a lot for your hamster. At the same time, we don’t recommend peanut butter that doesn’t “separate” naturally in the jar, as it usually contains additives.

Peanut butter that is healthy for you is also healthy for your hamster.

Can hamsters eat crunchy peanut butter?

Yes. As long as the crunchy peanut butter doesn’t contain a lot of sugar or salt, it should be safe for your hamster. There’s not much of a difference between crunchy and creamy peanut butter when it comes to feeding it to your hamster. Check the ingredient list to avoid feeding your hamster a lot of added sugar or sodium. However, the actual inclusion of peanut chips in the peanut butter shouldn’t matter.

Peanut butter is okay – in moderation

While it’s perfectly fine to give your hamster a bit of peanut butter, it should be a snack or treat – not a major part of their diet. If you happen to eat peanut butter and think your hamster would like some, it may have a small taste. Don’t buy a packet of peanut butter just to feed your hamster. You don’t need as much of any standard.

Use moderation and your hamster can enjoy a bit of peanut butter occasionally.

If you’re looking for more treat options for your hamster, take a look at some of our other nutritional guides below:

Selected image source: Pixabay

Hamsters eat a wide variety of foods, but in general they need three things; Dry food, fresh fruits and vegetables and a small amount of protein.

Modern dry food is specially formulated to provide most of the essential vitamins and minerals your hamster needs to stay fit and healthy. There is a wide variety of mixes to choose from online and at your local pet supply store.

Food, lovely (hamster) food!

Fresh food is a tasty addition to a bone-dry diet. Hamsters like leafy greens like dandelions and clover, as well as fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, carrots, and cabbage. A useful list of hamster foods can be found on our Hamster Food List page.

When a hamster feels discolored or is recovering from illness or pregnancy, supplementing with a small amount of protein may help. A small portion of boiled egg is ideal. Don’t overdo it – a hamster is a small animal with a small stomach and a correspondingly small appetite!

What Treats You Should (And Shouldn’t) Feed Your Hamster

Let’s eat! What Treats You Should (And Shouldn’t) Feed Your Hamster

Because hamsters are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal and plant foods, they can enjoy a variety of foods in their diet. That being said, their main diet should be a high-quality commercial pellet that contains all of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need to meet their nutritional needs. In addition to their daily pelleted food, hamsters love the occasional treat – and it’s always fun to watch your pet enjoy a variety of tasty snacks. Just remember that treats should never make up more than 10% of your pet’s total diet and any dietary changes should be made gradually. Rapid changes in a hamster’s diet can cause stress, leading them to overeat and develop diarrhea – commonly referred to as wet tail.

Safe food for hamsters

If your hamster deserves a small treat, consider some of the following:

Grains ˇ Grains make up a large part of a hamster’s diet. They provide protein and carbohydrates and can come from prepared hamster mixes or from fresh foods such as unsweetened whole grains, whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and unsalted, unbuttered popcorn. If you offer a ready-made hamster mix as a treat, make sure it doesn’t contain too many high-fat nuts and seeds, as these foods promote obesity. Vegetables ˇ Fresh, organic vegetables are best. Romaine lettuce, dandelions, cauliflower, carrot tops, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, squash, artichokes, and any other dark green vegetable are good choices. Avoid iceberg lettuce and other vegetables or fruits like watermelon, which are high in water content and low in nutritional value. Remember to wash vegetables thoroughly to remove traces of harmful pesticides and only feed small amounts of produce at a time. Fruit ˇ Hamsters love apples, pears, strawberries, blueberries, grapes and bananas. Fruit should be offered in moderation as a supplement to their regular pelleted diet. Remove vegetables or fruit that will not be eaten within 10-12 hours to keep them from spoiling. Timothy Hay ˇ Hay is a great rodent food that can help keep your hamster’s continuously growing teeth at a healthy length and in good condition. Protein ˇ As omnivores, hamsters may have some animal protein in their diet, such as: B. hard-boiled eggs, boiled chicken, and occasionally a live mealworm or cricket. Hamsters love these high protein treats – make sure you offer them in moderation so they continue to eat their base pellet diet. Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water ˇ Water should be available to your hamster at all times and should be changed daily.

Foods not to feed your hamster

Just as important as knowing what is safe to feed your pet is knowing what not to feed your hamster. The following foods should never be offered to hamsters as they are toxic and can cause serious medical problems: Chocolate

caffeine

alcohol

Excess sugar or fat

onions and garlic

Apple seeds (contain toxic cyanide)

rhubarb

Shelled peanuts (may contain traces of toxic mold)

When you think about your little furry friend’s diet, the first thing that might come to mind is the commercial hamster food you feed him, or even small bits of vegetables and fruit every now and then. But did any proteins come to mind?

Sometimes we forget that hamsters are omnivores, which means they need a varied diet of meat and protein-rich foods. Commercial hamster food contains protein, but it is often insufficient to ensure your hamster is getting enough protein in its diet.

So what can you feed your hamster to meet these protein needs? One of the easiest and most affordable options may be right in your fridge!

Can hamsters eat eggs?

Absolutely!

In fact, it’s recommended to feed your hamster some egg once or twice a week to ensure he’s getting enough protein. These protein needs can also be met by other protein-rich foods such as chicken and mealworms.

You can have more than just chicken eggs too! Your hamster can have quail eggs and even small pieces of duck eggs.

Are Eggs Safe for Hamsters?

Yes!

Eggs are an excellent source of protein, as well as vitamin A, B vitamins, and iron.

Hamsters can prepare eggs in a variety of ways, including scrambled, baked, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or oil-free fried eggs.

It is extremely important that you do not feed your hamster raw egg whites. This can lead to biotin deficiency, which causes hair loss, skin problems, and even eye infections.

How much egg can I feed my hamster?

Hamsters can have a piece of egg once or twice a week. How much you give will depend on how big your hamster is.

Larger hamsters can have a quarter or half an egg per week, divided into 2-3 feedings. Dwarf hamsters can have up to a quarter of an egg per week.

If you feed duck eggs, this amount will decrease as they are larger than chicken eggs and much higher in fat and calories.

If you offer quail eggs to your hamster, larger hamsters may have 1-2 full-size quail eggs weekly, while smaller hamsters may have one egg or fewer.

Can my hamster eat egg shells?

Surprisingly yes!

Egg shells are a great source of calcium, but if your hamster is fed an appropriately balanced diet, calcium supplementation should not be necessary. If you feed your hamster eggshells, you shouldn’t have to feed them more than once every few months. It’s safest to grind eggshells into a fine powder to add to your hamster’s food.

If you feel your hamster’s calcium intake is too low, be sure to check with your veterinarian before starting a supplement like powdered eggshell.

Egg shells are also a low-calorie source of protein for your hamster. If you feed your hamster egg shells, make sure they are washed thoroughly before crushing them.

What else should I consider when feeding my hamster eggs?

Eggs are a great treat for your hamster, but they’re high in fat. This means they should be fed in very controlled portions to prevent obesity and medical problems. High-fat foods can even give your hamster diarrhea and stomach upset.

While some sources state that raw egg yolk can be fed, most veterinarian-backed sources do not recommend it. There is a risk of salmonella transmission if you feed your hamster a portion of raw eggs and it has no added nutritional value. Combined with the risk of raw egg whites causing biotin deficiency, the risks of feeding raw eggs far outweigh the benefits it can bring.

While you can cook eggs in a variety of ways to feed your hamster, cooking in a manner that leaves the yolk uncooked should not be used to feed your hamster. These include Sunny Side Up, Poached, and Over Easy. You can offer your hamster hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs, as well as baked eggs. They can be fed scrambled eggs prepared without butter, salt, milk, oil, or other additives such as cheese and crushed pepper. Hamsters can also have a pan-cooked egg prepared without oil or butter.

Making your hamster an omelet or scrambled eggs with some favorite vegetable mixes is an excellent option for a nutrient-dense treat. Just make sure you’re still feeding within the recommended amounts of eggs and any other foods you mix in.

Finally

Hamsters love trying new foods. So if you’ve never given your hamster an egg before, now might be a good time to try!

Remember to introduce new foods to your hamster slowly to prevent an upset stomach. So maybe start with a bite or two of egg before increasing the amount your hamster is getting.

Duck eggs, quail eggs, and chicken eggs all have different tastes, and turning through a variety of eggs can be an exciting treat for your hamster.

Featured Image Credit by: Gaelle Marcel, unsplash

Cheese has been associated with rodents for ages, and cartoons have a lot to do with it. Do rodents really love cheese? Some do, and hamsters are rodents that tend to enjoy a variety of snacks and treats, which often include cheese. But is cheese healthy for hamsters? Cheese may be safe in small amounts, but there are better snacking options for hamsters.

Is Cheese Good for Hamsters?

Cheese may be safe for hamsters in small amounts but is not an essential part of their diet.

Hamsters are omnivores that can enjoy a wide variety of foods. In the wild, hamsters tend to eat seeds, grains, grasses and occasionally insects. Fortunately, complete and balanced commercial diets are available to ensure pet hamsters are getting everything they need. Hamster food usually comes in pellets or mixes and usually contains grains, seeds, vitamins and minerals.

In general, hamsters should eat at least 50% commercial hamster food and up to 50% raw vegetables to stay healthy. Many fresh raw vegetables are good for hamsters, including kale, spinach, dandelions, and broccoli. You can eat small amounts of fruits like apples and bananas. Other healthy treats include pasta, rice, and seeds. Small amounts of unsalted nuts work well. Hamsters don’t need large amounts of fat, sugar or salt in their diet, so foods with these should be avoided. They do not require dairy in their diet, so technically there is no need to ever offer cheese to a hamster.

Many hamsters love the taste of cheese, but its high fat and sodium content is not particularly healthy for hamsters. If your hamster likes cheese and seems to be able to tolerate it well, you can occasionally offer it in small amounts. Hamsters should be fed no more than a pea-sized amount of cheese once or twice a week. Choose a low-fat, low-salt cheese like low-fat cottage cheese or mozzarella. Avoid greasy or salty cheeses like aged cheddar, parmesan, and processed cheese products. Never offer your hamster “mold” cheeses such as Stilton or blue cheese as these can be harmful.

If your hamster loves cheese, it can be a great option for training and oral medication. Just remember to feed it sparingly.

Side effects of feeding hamsters cheese

Cheese is not toxic to hamsters. Too much cheese, however, can lead to health problems.

Some hamsters tolerate cheese and other dairy products well, while others suffer from lactose intolerance. Hamsters may vomit and/or have diarrhea after eating cheese or other dairy products. If you are unsure whether your hamster can tolerate cheese, start with small amounts of cheese and see how your hamster handles it. If no diarrhea or vomiting occurs, gradually work your way up to a pea-sized amount of cheese at a time.

Hamsters can become overweight if fed too much cheese, especially if the cheese is high in fat. Too much salt (from cheese or other salty snacks) can cause dehydration and kidney problems in hamsters.

Don’t give your hamster too much cheese; He may try to put it in his cheek pouches and bring it back to his habitat for storage. It won’t be long before the cheese goes bad. Hamster lovers often enjoy seeing those sweet chubby cheeks completely stuffed, but some foods (like sticky cheese) can get stuck in the cheek pouches.

What to do if your hamster has too much cheese?

Mistakes happen, and you may find that your hamster has eaten more than its fair share of cheese. Overeating cheese once or twice is unlikely to harm a hamster, but it’s always important to watch for signs of illness such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Be sure to consult an exotics veterinarian if you are concerned about your hamster’s health.

Hamsters tend to save their food for later, so extra cheese may be in their cheeks or anywhere in their habitat. Check your hamster’s habitat and bedding for hidden cheese stashes and discard them. If you’re in doubt about feeding your hamster cheese, it’s probably best to avoid it altogether and choose a healthier type of treat.

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“An apple a day keeps the doctor at bay” We’ve all heard that age-old saying about apples, but this saying applies to humans.

What about hamsters? Can an apple a day keep the vet away from your hamsters?

Or is it advisable to keep your hamster away from apples?

Read along to find out how we answer everything related to feeding apples to hamsters.

Get Your Own Hamster Owner’s Guide!

Can hamsters eat apples?

The short answer is yes. Hamsters can eat apples provided you follow a few basic rules for feeding apples to your hamster. In fact, if your hamster likes the sweet apple flavor, it can become one of the best treats for hamsters.

However, as we will discuss further, it is important not to accustom them to the sweet taste.

The best apple to feed your hamster is the seedless apple. If you peel an apple, make sure there are no pits in it, as both Syrian and dwarf hamsters can choke on the pits – even more so for the little Roborovski hamster.

Like many other fruits, apples also contain many beneficial vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K and calcium, making them ideal for vitamin refueling after a round on the hamster wheel.

A serving of just a quarter teaspoon is enough for your hamster and feeding your hamster this amount of apple once or twice a week is just perfect.

READ MORE: Do hamsters like cheese?

Can dwarf hamsters eat apples?

Yes, you can. Don’t let the smaller size of dwarf hamsters fool you; Because of their high metabolism, they can eat anything their larger Syrian cousins ​​can eat.

However, since dwarf hamsters are more susceptible to diabetes and apples are high in sugar, keeping them to a minimum is strongly advised.

Can hamsters eat apples with their skin on?

Yes, skins shouldn’t be a cause for concern when feeding apples to your hamsters. seeds should be. Be sure to remove the pits from the fruit before giving it to your hamster.

Also wash the apple thoroughly before feeding it to your hamster. This ensures that no pesticides enter your digestive system via the fruit.

See Also: Can Hamsters Eat Tomatoes?

4 benefits of eating apples for hamsters

It’s a good idea to supplement your hamster’s diet with apple as it has the following health benefits:

#1 Lowers bad cholesterol

Apples contain soluble fiber, which helps prevent cholesterol from building up in the lining of blood vessel walls. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Several studies have shown that apples lower LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels.

#2 Lowers the risk of diabetes

If you didn’t know, your hamster could have diabetes, which is more common in dwarf hamsters. It is therefore recommended to feed them foods that can lower their risk of diabetes. One such fruit is the apple. Due to the antioxidants they contain, apples protect the body from harmful chemical reactions.

Also, the soluble fiber in apples can slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and improve blood sugar levels. This can further reduce the chances of your hamster developing diabetes.

#3 Improves gut health

It’s no secret that fiber aids digestion. The soluble fiber helps slow digestion, leaving you feeling full, and the insoluble fiber helps move food through your digestive system and relieve constipation.

Since apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, it is an excellent fruit to include in your hamster’s diet. Make sure you feed them the apple peel as well, as it contains much of the insoluble fiber.

#4 Supports a healthy immune system

Your hamster needs a more robust immune system to fight off disease. The vitamin C contained in apples helps with this. Vitamin C strengthens the epithelial barrier against pathogens and also protects against environmental stresses such as pollution. Plus, the vitamin C will give your hamster glowing, healthy skin.

Risks that make apples bad for hamsters

Despite all the health benefits, apples come with risks, so care should be taken when feeding them to hamsters. Some of the significant risks you should be aware of before deciding to stock them with apples are:

High sugar content

Like many other fruits, apples have a high natural sugar content. This increases the risk of diabetes and as you already know, your hamster is susceptible to diabetes.

For this reason, apples should not be part of your hamster’s staple diet; it is better off being an adjunct. Therefore, a small teaspoonful of apples every two weeks is more than enough for hamsters.

Poisonous Apple Seeds

Apple seeds contain a chemical compound called amygdalin. Amygdalin can release cyanide, a potent toxin, when in contact with digestive enzymes.

Although humans need to eat at least 16 apples to have such a toxic effect on them, hamsters, which are smaller, don’t need to eat as many apples.

Therefore, avoid giving your hamster seeds while you are feeding them apples. Apple seeds and chocolate are two of the most toxic foods to keep away from your hamster.

READ MORE: Can hamsters eat strawberries?

What other treats can I give my hamster?

Hamsters thrive on a varied diet. Fruits and vegetables are good, healthy choices with some exceptions that add antioxidants and healthy fats to a diet. Also, foods like meat and cheese can be important sources of protein…

… and watching your hamster eat his treats is sure to make you feel warm and even proud!

If you’re ever unsure about feeding your hamster a certain food, just don’t. Call your vet if your hamster has eaten something you are unsure about.

To answer the most common items given as treats (and some items that won’t give you a hammy), we’ve put together a hamster infographic that you can download below. ADD_THIS_TEXT

3 step system for testing new hamster treats

When I introduce new treats to my hamster Mr. Bubbles there is a 3 step system I use every time to make sure it’s good for his small stomach.

Make sure it’s fresh, laundered, and free of pesticides (i.e. buy organic treats). Test if your hamster can eat the treat. This is done by giving a small test piece and waiting a few days to watch for symptoms. Introduce the treat into your hamster’s diet at regular intervals over the coming weeks

Best hamster food

For your information, this section contains affiliate links. We earn a commission when you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Aside from giving your hamster treats, it is very important to give them the right type of hamster food.

There are many foods with one of the following properties:

Not enough protein in there

Gets dusty

Your hamster just doesn’t like it and leaves a lot of food

For this reason we have researched and recommend the following three products, which are none of the above and instead form the backbone of good hamster nutrition.

More feeding tips for your hamster

Provide fresh water daily. The water bottle should be checked regularly for dirt or leaks to avoid contaminating the water. It’s also good to monitor your hamster’s water intake, as a decrease in water intake may mean a trip to the vet.

Remove all leftover food to prevent rot – this is especially true of fresh fruit, vegetables and powdered foods which are prone to mold/bacterial growth.

Don’t overfeed on vegetables to avoid diarrhea. Overfeeding sugary fruits and treats is also discouraged as it will lead to obesity in your pet.

When introducing a new type of food to your hamster, you should give a small amount first and observe for a week for negative reactions to the food. If there is no negative reaction, the food is safe for your hamster. A sudden change in your pet’s diet can cause stress.

frequently asked Questions

How many apples can I give my hamster? Considering their high sugar content, just a tiny teaspoon of apple every two weeks is more than enough for your hamster. Can apple kill hamsters? Yes, it can, but it requires feeding lots of apples with intact seeds. However, to reduce the chance of poisoning, it is recommended that you remove the seeds before feeding the apple to your hamster. Can hamsters eat apples? Yes, it’s okay for hamsters to eat apples, but only in small amounts and occasionally. What fruits can hamsters eat? Although vegetables are a much healthier option for your hamster, they can also be fed fruit in smaller amounts. Some of the fruits they can eat are; Apples, strawberries, bananas and watermelons. Can apples make my hamster sick? When you introduce your hamster to a new food, there is a potential risk that it will upset its stomach. Apples are no different in this case. That’s why it’s important to gradually introduce new foods into the diet, even in tiny portions.

Conclusion

Apples can make an excellent treat for your hamster, but it’s important that you only keep them as an occasional treat. Making apples a part of your hamster’s staple diet will do more harm than good. Also, be sure to remove any seeds before feeding your hamster apples. When done in moderation and with the right precautions, your hamster can be safe to enjoy this delicious sweet treat.

resources

Barrie, Leslie. 2020. “7 Outstanding Health Benefits of Apples.” Everyday Health.com. October 2, 2020. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/impressive-health-benefits-of-apples/.

“Hamster care sheet & guide | PetSmart.” 2021a. Petsmart.com. 2021. https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/small-pet-care/hamster-care-guide/A0092.html.

“Hamster care sheet & guide | PetSmart.” 2021b. Petsmart.com. 2021. https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/small-pet-care/hamster-care-guide/A0092.html.

Koutsos, Athanasios, Samantha Riccadonna, Maria M Ulaszewska, Pietro Franceschi, Kajetan Trošt, Amanda Galvin, Tanya Braune, et al. 2019. “Two apples per day lower serum cholesterol and improve cardiometabolic biomarkers in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults: A randomized, controlled, crossover study.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 111(2): 307–18. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqz282.

PetMD Editorial. 2016. “What can hamsters eat? Carrots, Grapes, Tomatoes and More.” Petmd.com. PetMD. March 2016. https://www.petmd.com/exotic/nutrition/evr_ex_hm_what-can-hamsters-eat.

Can hamsters eat apples? Have you tried giving it to your pets? Please let us know below!

If you have a hamster at home or are thinking of bringing one home to join the family, you need to know all there is to know about keeping them happy and healthy.

One of the most important parts of caring for a hamster is knowing how to keep him hydrated and what the best drink is for him. Water is definitely the best drink you can give your hamster, but you may be tempted to offer something other than treats every now and then.

What can hamsters drink? Hamsters start life drinking their mother’s milk, but once they’re weaned, they should only be drinking water. Your hamster may be happy to drink some cow’s milk or juice if offered, but it’s not healthy.

Water provides your hamster with everything it needs to stay hydrated and survive, and there is no substitute. To learn more about what hamsters can drink, read on!

Everyone needs water

You should never substitute any other beverage for your hamster’s water. Water is the best drink for them, and it’s all they need to stay hydrated. Hamsters have a very specific diet and too much sugar or too little liquid can make them very ill.

You may not notice that your hamster is drinking water too often, but that’s because he only needs a small amount of water per day, around 2-4 teaspoons daily. However, this small amount of water daily is vital to your hamster’s survival.

When giving your hamster water, you can use either a pet water bottle or bowl, but be sure to rinse it out daily and fill it with fresh water every day, even if it’s just a small amount of water missing. Access to fresh water is very important for your hamster.

Should I give my hamster tap, filtered or bottled water?

Whether you give your hamster tap water, filtered water, or bottled water depends on your water supply.

If you have access to clean, safe tap water then it would be safe enough to give this to your hamster and many hamsters can drink tap water on a daily basis.

However, if your tap water is polluted or contains high levels of chemicals, you will need to look for an alternative source.

You can either boil the tap water or let it cool before giving it to your hamster. If you don’t want to go through this process, you can give your hamster filtered water or bottled water.

Whichever method you choose, just make sure you offer your hamster fresh, clean water that is safe for him to drink.

This water should be changed daily so that your hamster always has access to clean water and the water does not become dirty or stagnant.

Can I give my hamster sparkling water?

You should not give your hamster sparkling water. While having a few drops of fizzy water isn’t fatal to them, the fizz could give them a stomach ache and this could make them unwilling to eat and uncomfortable.

Avoid offering your hamster sparkling water, no matter how cute he may look, when he takes a sip!

Can I give my hamster milk?

Hamsters drink milk from their mother when they are born until they are weaned. Hamster milk is perfect for newborn hamsters and contains all the essential nutrients and vitamins they need to survive and grow.

Chances are you don’t have a tub of hamster milk in the fridge and you probably would have cow’s milk, soy milk or something similar. As tempting as you may be to offer your hamster this milk, you should not do it.

Other types of milk, such as cow’s milk or soy milk, contain different levels of fat and protein and are not suitable for a hamster’s nutrition and digestion. Giving them a different type of milk could wreak havoc on their digestive system, leading to an upset stomach, diarrhea, and even dehydration.

Not only is milk not suitable for a hamster, but if milk is spilled in their enclosure it can lead to bacterial growth and make their cage smell really bad. Bacterial growth and mold can endanger your hamster’s health and make him sick.

It’s best not to offer your hamster milk at all, and instead stick to safe, clean drinking water. It is too risky to give milk to your hamster, both if he drinks it and if the milk spills and messes up his cage.

Can I give my hamster juice?

Hamsters enjoy eating some fruits and vegetables, both of which contain their own amount of sugar. They are able to tolerate the amount of sugar in fruits and vegetables, although they are sensitive to the sugars and acid introduced into their diet.

Although hamsters can eat fruits and vegetables, you should not offer them fruit juice. Fruit juice contains too much added sugar and acid, which can be really bad for a hamster’s digestive system and cause serious upset.

Too much sugar in a hamster’s diet can lead to obesity and diabetes in the long term, and short-term effects can include hyperactivity, lethargy, upset stomach, diarrhea, and even dehydration.

The acid in fruit juice can also irritate a hamster’s stomach, which can cause them to become quite ill.

There’s no reason to give your hamster fruit juice, and even a few drops can make him sick. Water is more than enough for them and the safest option.

Can hamsters get dehydrated?

Hamsters can become dehydrated, and dehydration can happen fairly quickly. Hamsters can go 3 to 4 days without water, but after that time it can become very dangerous for them.

It’s important to make sure your hamster gets plenty of fresh water every day, and you’ll need to clean and refill their water bottle or bowl with fresh water every day.

Signs that your hamster is dehydrated include dull eyes, darkening urine and smell, and its skin not quickly returning to its normal shape when you gently tug on it.

If you think your hamster is dehydrated, you should contact your vet immediately. Below are some things to consider if you think your hamster is not getting enough water.

The food they ate

If you have been feeding your hamster food with a high water content, then he may not want to drink too much more. They only need 3-4 teaspoons of water a day, and they can get this from water-rich foods like cucumbers.

Check your water outlet

Something could be obstructing the flow of water in their water bottle (this bottle is our favorite) and they may not be able to drink properly. Check the bottle to make sure the water is flowing properly.

If you just recently put the water bottle in their cage instead of a bowl, they might not even know it’s there. Try to get her to drink from the bottle by placing a treat on the ball of the bottle, which will entice her to try it.

Your hamster is stressed

Your hamster may be feeling stressed and this could result in not drinking for a while. Maybe you just brought them home, or other environmental factors could be making them feel stressed or anxious.

It may take time for your hamster to adjust to his new home, so try your best to make him comfortable and remove anything that might be causing him stress.

Final Thoughts

Hamsters should only drink water. Water provides them with everything they need to survive and stay hydrated, and there really is no other substitute. Whether you give your hamster tap water or filtered bottled water depends on the quality of the tap water where you live.

Do not give your hamster any other beverages such as milk or fruit juice as this can cause an upset stomach and if given too often can lead to serious health problems later on.

It is so important to offer your hamster fresh water to keep them hydrated and happy.

related questions

Can hamsters drink orange juice?

Hamsters should not drink orange juice. It has a high sugar and acid content, which can cause a hamster to have an upset stomach. Even some citrus fruits alone can give your hamster stomach pain and even diarrhea and are best avoided.

Can hamsters have honey?

Hamsters can technically have some honey, but they can only be given very small amounts. The sweetness of the honey might be too much for some hamsters, causing them to vomit or have diarrhea.

Overall, it’s best not to feed them anything like honey.

Next up: Hamster Poop – The Complete Guide

The delicious summer snack known as strawberries is a staple in many people’s diets. Besides the great taste, these little berries contain some excellent nutrients like vitamin B9, vitamin C, potassium manganese, magnesium, iron and phosphorus. With all the great benefits that strawberries offer, it makes sense that you might be wondering: can hamsters eat strawberries?

In short, yes you can and should feed your hamster strawberries. Strawberries are a delicious and healthy snack for hamsters when fed properly. However, if not fed properly, they can cause some health problems in your hamster that you should avoid.

What do hamsters eat in the wild?

To better understand why strawberries are a good occasional snack, it helps to understand what a hamster’s natural diet looks like. For thousands of years, hamsters have roamed freely throughout Syria, Greece, Romania, Belgium and China, eating roughly the same foods. During this time, their digestive systems and entire body have been optimized to effectively process the foods they encounter most frequently in their lives.

For this reason it is very important that you adapt your hamster’s diet to the diet of a wild hamster. Their bodies were slowly shaped a certain way and you need to consider their dietary needs.

Overall, hamsters are classified as omnivores but have a diet quite similar to that of a herbivore. This means hamsters will eat a variety of foods to get their essential nutrients, and most of these foods are ultimately made up of various forms of plant matter. Nuts, grains, seeds, and occasionally fruits and vegetables make up the majority of a hamster’s diet.

Hamsters are scavengers, which means they will roam around their surroundings looking for food to eat. While the exact diet of hamsters varies by region, they all stick to the same food groups. The staple foods of wild hamsters are grains, seeds, grist corn, nuts, fruits, vegetables, insects, lizards and frogs.

Health benefits and dangers of strawberries

After looking at a wild hamster’s diet, it may seem obvious that strawberries make an excellent snack. Sure, strawberries aren’t strictly part of a hamster’s diet, but they eat many foods that are similar in nature. This allows hamsters to digest and process strawberries without frequently eating them in the wild.

If you analyze a wild hamster’s diet, you might find that there aren’t too many foods that are high in sugar. Hamsters occasionally eat fruits or vegetables that contain sugar, but their daily sugar consumption is still very low. Therefore, in order to fit their natural diet, hamsters must eat foods that do not contain much sugar at all. Unfortunately, strawberries contain good amounts of sugar.

When hamsters are fed a diet that is high in sugar, some complications can arise. Of course, the most obvious problem that can arise is weight gain. Yes, a chubby hamster is cute to look at, but it’s definitely not healthy. Obesity in a hamster can quickly lead to several different health problems, all of which can easily lead to premature death.

Now, despite the higher sugar content, strawberries are still a great hamster treat! Hamsters always seem to go crazy for strawberries and love the unique flavor and texture they don’t get in many other places. In addition, the variety of nutrients in strawberries brings some benefits to hamsters. However, in order to reap these benefits, hamsters must be fed strawberries in an appropriate manner.

How to feed your hamster strawberries

Strawberries make excellent hamster treats, but the reason they’re not “perfect” is because of their higher sugar content. Hamsters don’t have a high-sugar diet, so they can’t eat many foods that contain more than a tiny bit of sugar. So, in order for your hamster to safely enjoy strawberries, you need to be careful about how much you feed them.

In terms of how much and how often you can feed your hamsters, generally 2-3 small strawberry pieces per week is a healthy and safe amount. A “little piece” of strawberry is either a tiny strawberry or the remaining piece of strawberry that remains attached to the stalk after eating. As you begin to get a feel for your hamster’s eating habits, you’ll have a better idea of ​​how much to feed him.

If feeding your hamster strawberries is a good idea, the first thing you need to do is make sure you are meeting your hamster’s basic nutritional needs. Strawberries may be tasty and nutritious, but they just can’t be a staple in a hamster’s diet. A different diet must provide hamsters with most of their required nutrients.

For any healthy hamster diet, the staple food is simply a high quality pellet or compound feed. These foods are very diverse and tasty for hamsters, making them happy eating the same food practically every day. Additionally, because they’re formulated for hamsters, they do an excellent job of providing most of the vitamins and minerals hamsters need to stay happy and healthy.

Ways hamsters can eat strawberries

Not only are strawberries great as they are, but they can be eaten in a variety of other ways too! Hamsters may be small and seem simple, but they enjoy having some variety in their diet. Serving your hamsters differently prepared strawberries is a great way to add variety to their daily diet. Below are some of the most popular ways strawberries are eaten, in addition to whether or not they are safe for hamsters.

Hamsters are fun little creatures that love to play and interact with their human family members. If handled from a young age, they’ll happily perch in your bag or hang from your shoulder while you’re lounging around the house. They also love to eat anything they can get their hands on, which can be anything from the food you offer them to the crumbs they find in the sofa cushions.

But just because your hamster will eat whatever it happens to find doesn’t mean it should. Are hamsters safe to eat crackers? The short answer to this question is yes, but there are a few caveats to keep in mind. We’ve put together all the information you need to know about feeding your hamster crackers right here.

Yes, hamsters can eat crackers

Hamsters are omnivores like humans. You can eat fruits, vegetables, grains, grasses and even meat. You can also enjoy a piece of cracker at snack time! Crackers are made from wheat, which hamsters can easily digest. You can benefit from the protein, fiber and minerals found in crackers. Crackers should not be the main food source for hamsters, but they can be offered once or twice a week.

guidelines

While there’s no harm in occasionally feeding your hamster crackers as a snack, there are a few guidelines that should be followed to ensure that snacking doesn’t lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes. First and foremost, hamsters should not be fed more than about one postage stamp-sized piece of cracker at a time. Most store-bought crackers are loaded with sodium and ingredients that hamsters wouldn’t normally eat, like artificial flavors and colors.

They shouldn’t be fed crackers more than a few times a week to make room for the really healthy stuff like fruits and veggies. It’s also important that hamsters are fed only whole grain or whole grain crackers, not soda crackers filled with simple carbohydrates. Whole grain crackers provide some nutrients and are full of fiber, which helps keep a hamster’s digestion healthy and blood sugar levels normal. Also, plenty of fresh water should be available while crackers are being served to encourage proper hydration.

Make homemade hamster crackers

Instead of feeding your hamster crackers from the store, consider making a special batch just for them right in your own kitchen. All you have to do is use a blender or food processor to blend the following ingredients:

Once well mixed and smooth, spread the mixture out onto a greased baking sheet so it’s about 1 inch thick. Then bake the mixture in your oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until the mixture crisps up. Allow the mixture to cool, then break it into small pieces and store the pieces in a sealable container. You can pull out a piece of cracker for a guilt-free snack your hamster can enjoy on a regular basis. These crackers are additive-free and packed with nutrients, allowing them to be offered to hamsters more often than store-bought crackers.

Conclusion

Hamsters enjoy crackers just like us humans. However, they cannot process as much salt as we can. They’re better off eating whole foods, with crackers being an occasional treat at best. Have you ever shared crackers with your hamster? If so, what kind seems to be your favorite? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Selected image source: Alexey Khromushin, Shutterstock

Honey is a natural substance made by bees that is dense and sweet. Many people use it as a natural sweetener instead of sugar. It can be much healthier for humans and allow us to satisfy our sweet tooth without interfering with our diet too much.

However, does that mean we can feed it to our pets? Can hamsters eat this natural sweetener?

Can Your Hamster Eat Honey?

To cut a long story short, yes, hamsters can eat honey, but only in minimal amounts.

It’s always best to think about what an animal would eat in the wild, especially one that has only recently been domesticated like hamsters.

Hamsters don’t eat many sugary things in the wild because they only get natural sugars from collected fruit, and even these are few and far between. Honey is not a typical food for them and hamsters are particularly sensitive to sugary substances.

If you decide to give honey to your hamster, be sure to watch him after giving him a small amount. Some hamsters’ stomachs will be too sensitive for something that sweet. It will cause them to experience vomiting or diarrhea.

Honey has beneficial effects even in the tiny amounts fed to your hamster.

Nutritional value of honey

Honey has a higher nutritional value than almost all other sweeteners, both synthetic and natural. Bees produce it using nectar they take from flowers. They bring this back to the hives, and worker bees help store and metabolize the substance throughout the season.

Honey is said to be food for bees, and they store it so that they have plenty to eat during flowerless seasons like winter.

Because honey comes from so many different plants, it contains a whole host of vitamins. Your hamster can benefit from trace amounts of vitamins B2 and B3, as well as iron.

The Risks of Serving Honey to Your Hamster

Serving honey to your hamster has health risks. A single tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar. Hamsters are very sensitive to sugar and can suffer from obesity and heart problems if overfed.

In addition to the small but helpful amounts of vitamins and iron, honey also contains calcium, sodium, and phosphorus. These are often useful in human nutrition, but not for hamsters. However, these are only present in traces. So just feeding your hamster tiny portions of honey is not enough to cause problems.

The sugars in honey and other sweet snacks can damage teeth over time

Also, honey is so sticky that by itself it can pose a choking hazard to your hamster if it gets stuck in their mouth or throat. Avoid this by diluting it with water or milk before serving.

The final result

Honey is not toxic to hamsters, but can only be given in tiny portions over a long period of time. It’s better to give them fruit if you want to offer them something sweet to eat.

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Selected image rights: Jak Jakuu,, Pixabay

A frequently asked question for hamster owners: Can hamsters eat biscuits? The answer is not that simple as it depends on the species of your hamster. If you have a Syrian hamster, the answer would be no, as they are naturally incapable of eating chocolate due to the lack of a specific enzyme in their saliva that breaks down the chemical compounds found in cocoa beans.

Can hamsters eat biscuits?

No, hamsters should not be given biscuits to eat. The reason is that hamsters cannot eat sugary or caffeinated foods. The foods that hamsters need are sunflower seeds, fruits and vegetables (like carrots).

Most biscuits contain too much sugar and caffeine, which should not be consumed by a hamster.

If you want your hamster to stay healthy, owners are strongly advised not to feed this type of food to their hamster! These types of foods can also shorten their lifespan and make them feel sluggish.

Do Cookies Have Nutrients For Hamsters?

The answer to this question is relatively no, usually cookies offer no nutritional value.

Another reason hamsters shouldn’t be given a biscuit is because of the ingredients in biscuits, which include gluten-based eggs and sugar. A good, healthy hamster diet consists of seeds and other small vegetables like carrots, cabbage, green peppers, and maybe the occasional slice of apple.

Why hamsters should avoid chocolate biscuits

Many owners have reported that their hamsters cannot eat chocolate chip cookies as their hamster was allergic to chocolate. It is important to note that hamsters should avoid all types of chocolate (including cocoa) as it could be fatal to them.

A hamster cannot digest the high levels of sugar in a biscuit and may become very ill if they eat one.

Also, the high fat content in some commercial cookies could lead to obesity, which could shorten their lifespan by up to two years!

For these reasons, you want your hamster to get fresh vegetables and not processed foods like cookies! While these healthier options may not seem as good for us humans, they are far better for the hamster.

My hamster ate a biscuit; What should I do?

If your hamster ate a few cookie crumbs, that shouldn’t be a problem. However, if the biscuit contains a large amount of sugary filling, it is very unhealthy for the hamster. It is best to ensure that your hamster does not have access to sugary treats such as cookies and candy.

Hamsters have a hard time digesting cookies because they have small intestines that cannot break down the sugar in cookies. Also, cookies with a high sugar content can cause tooth decay or obesity if their owner makes a habit of giving them pieces of cookie.

Instead, a hamster should always be given safe treats like sunflower seeds and broad beans, which are far healthier for them!

What about other breeds of hamsters?

Although this article refers to the Syrian hamster, it’s best to take the same precautions for other breeds of hamster, such as Chinese or Russian hamsters.

Conclusion

In summary, you should not feed your hamster biscuits. It is not safe for them and could affect their longevity and contribute to obesity. However, if your hamster accidentally ate some cookie crumbs, don’t worry too much as hamsters usually have insatiable appetites. Just make sure you feed your hamster lots of healthy foods.

WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A HAMSTER

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Have you thought about adopting a hamster? Then you should read today’s article to learn more about what not to do when welcoming this little rodent into your family. Beginners often lack experience and can make innocent mistakes that could have easily been avoided had they learned more about the true needs of these small creatures.

It goes without saying that hamsters are easier to care for than dogs, for example. Nonetheless, they too deserve a beautiful and peaceful life, so it’s best not to get carried away with the excitement of the moment. Here are some of the MOST COMMON MISTAKES that novice hamsters make, a list not to do:

1) PLACE THE CAGE IN THE KITCHEN OR NEAR AN OPEN WINDOW. Avoid putting your hamster in noisy rooms where people come and go 24 hours a day. Hamsters love quiet places, away from drafts and direct sunlight, away from the TV and kitchen, where the strong smell of food disturbs their finely tuned sense of smell. Make sure he has plenty of things to play with, a plate for his food, a source of water, a bed to sleep in, and more importantly, an exercise bike.

2) ADOPT TWO OF THEM. Hamsters don’t need company, they are loners, really selfish and they don’t like to share their things with other hamsters. If put in the same cage they could fight or mate and then you would have a cage full of hamsters!

3) Feed them only sunflower seeds. Hamsters undoubtedly need to eat sunflower seeds, but just like us, they need a varied diet of healthy foods. So prepare a good mix of seeds (soy, barley and millet), give them lots of vegetables and sometimes indulge in walnuts, almonds and pine nuts.

4) WASH YOUR HAMSTER. Hamsters should never be washed. They are very clean animals and take care of their own hygiene. What you could do is provide them with a small basin of chincilla sand. If you smell unpleasant odors coming from the cage, it might be time to change the litter box!

5) SUDDENLY WAKE HER. If your hamster is sleeping peacefully with that cute little smile under his whiskers, then leave him alone. We know it’s hard not to pat his head a little when you see him like this, but waking him up when he’s fast asleep can actually be dangerous to his health. If you want to play with him, do so in the late afternoon or evening when he is wide awake and rested.

Now that you have a better idea of ​​what NOT to do, get one. And remember, treat your hamster like family, give him lots of love and care every day!

Small mammals and rodents

Signs of heat intolerance are:

Ways to keep your small pet cool in non-emergency situations

! First it snows, then it’s 35 degrees. If you’re like me (and most other Canadians), adjusting to the changing temperatures can be difficult. Unfortunately, it can be just as challenging and even dangerous for our pets. This short article covers signs of heat intolerance in small mammals and rodents and simple ways to keep your animals cool. • Lethargy (lack of exercise, lack of energy, sluggishness, limping when picked up) • Panting, difficult breathing • Dehydration • Feet and tails that feel hot • Lying flat on stomach • Drooling • Unconsciousness Rodents and other small mammals do not sweat like humans and therefore do ; can’t cool down their bodies that quickly. In an emergency heat stroke situation, never immerse your pets in cold water! This could put them into shock or they could inhale water. Instead, try spraying them lightly with a spray bottle, wiping them down with a damp cloth, placing them next to an ice pack wrapped in a towel (only under direct supervision!), and then call your vet right away! The first thing to make sure your pet’s cage is in the coolest room in the house or, if that’s not possible, out of direct sunlight stretch out. These are available at most hardware stores for pennies to a few dollars. Wrap them in tea towels and place them under half of the cage for your pet to cool off when needed, or give them an ice cube to play with. Make sure fresh water is always available! for pets that can eat it (such as hedgehogs, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats and others). Rats especially enjoy “pea fishing,” a game in which they are provided with a shallow bowl of water with frozen peas floating in it. They have to get a little wet to grab the frozen treat, which helps keep them cool and gives them some fun! But be careful not to overdo it! Rabbits and guinea pigs, for example, eat mostly hay; Vegetables are an important supplement, but shouldn’t make up more than 10% of the daily diet, even in hot weather, and try to keep them quiet. Pets who are being treated or who are very active in running around and playing are at an additional risk of developing heatstroke. I hope these tips help your pet stay cool on those crazy summer days. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please feel free to contact us here at the clinic!

Before adding a pet to the family, you should be sure that you are well prepared to take care of them. And while the majority of people have some knowledge of how to care for cats and dogs, small animal care guidelines aren’t as well known. Take hamsters for example. Are you considering buying a hamster but want to be sure you can afford their lifestyle and diet?

What types of hamster food do you need to consider? Are Other Types of Hamster Food Healthier Than Others? Here you will find answers to questions about hamster feeding and more.

What do hamsters eat?

Normal hamster food

Hamsters are omnivores, which means they eat meat and plants. In the wild, hamsters eat grains, grasses, seeds, and insects. It is crucial that captive hamsters have a similar diet to wild hamsters. All hamsters store food in their cheeks, which they sometimes save for later. Hamsters eat a lot, so you have to be careful not to overfeed them.

There are two types of hamsters that are commonly kept as pets: Syrian hamsters and dwarf hamsters. Captive hamsters of both species should be fed about 10 grams of hamster pellets twice a day, or a tablespoon once a day. Although dwarf hamsters are smaller, their metabolism is much faster, which is why they eat similar amounts to Syrian hamsters. Hamsters like to snack throughout the day rather than eating large meals, so make sure your hamster has enough food to return to or store in his cheeks.

Good food for hamsters

pellets

Hamster food in pellet form provides complete nutrition without fear of missing out. Hamsters like to chew on it and the pellets don’t spoil as quickly as vegetables or fruit.

The most significant advantage of pelleted diets is that hamsters cannot find their favorite little things. While you can create a complete diet from a variety of seeds, vegetables, and fruits, chances are your hamster will just pick and choose favorites.

Pellets are inherently uniform and look like small biscuits or biscuits. There’s nothing to pick out, so your hamster is sure to get a full meal.

seed mixes

Seed mixes are a little more exciting for your hamster, but also riskier. Some seed mixes also contain pellets or dried fruits in addition to the various seeds. Hamsters will browse to find their favorites and try to leave the rest.

Feeding seed mix will ensure a balanced diet, but the key is to allow your hamster to empty the food bowl completely before adding more mix. If you have more than one hamster, you may want to supplement with just pellets on a regular basis.

Seeds alone will not provide your hamster with proper nutrition, so it’s best to mix them up. This is something you should pay close attention to because you don’t want to leave your hamster’s bowl empty, but refilling could result in your hamster only eating certain things that he likes.

Fresh food

Hamsters enjoy fresh food the most and will often make great treats to both complement and enrich your hamster’s diet. There are some safe fruits and vegetables to include as part of your hamster’s diet, including:

Most Greens – Greens provide your hamster with important nutrients and fiber and help relieve the urge to chew. They are low in calories but provide essential nutrients and water.

Fruit – Things like bananas, apples, strawberries, and blueberries offer your hamster a sweet treat. They are nutritious and low in calories, but don’t feed your hamster too much or they may not eat the regular food.

Vegetables – Things like peas, sweet potatoes, or squash could also provide your hamster with a nutritious snack. Make sure you clean the bowls thoroughly so you don’t accidentally leave spoiled food behind.

Whole Grain – Whole grain toast or bread can provide fiber and is fun if you don’t have fresh vegetables or fruit available.

Mealworms, Eggs, and Other Proteins – Make sure you get mealworms from reliable sources or give your hamster some protein. If using something like chicken, make sure it’s thoroughly cooked and omit the seasonings.

All about hamster feed mixes

The most complete nutrition your hamster can get at one time is a meal of prepared hamster chow. Hamster pellets or cereal are sold in large bags or barrels. Some vets recommend feeding hamster pellets over hamster seed mixes, as hamsters may select only certain seeds from the latter to eat, thereby missing out on important nutrients. When choosing a brand of hamster food, look for ones that do not contain artificial colors or fillers. You can also occasionally supplement your hamster’s diet with meat, vegetables, fruit, timothy hay or seeds. None of these products should be fed more than two or three times a week.

Can hamsters eat meat?

It’s a common misconception that hamsters are strictly herbivores. In fact, hamsters need animal protein to survive. Meat is a healthy hamster food and a good source of protein. Since wild hamsters eat insects, you can feed your hamster live or dried crickets or mealworms. If you are too squeamish about handling insects, hamsters can also eat some cooked meat. Cooked chicken and cooked beef are safe to feed to hamsters.

Raw meat should never be given to hamsters and meat should be cooked without seasoning. You can also feed a hamster (wet) dog food. Regardless of what meat you give your hamster, don’t give it too large a portion. Other animal protein sources that are suitable for hamster consumption include low-fat hard cheese and low-fat cottage cheese.

Can hamsters eat turkey?

Yes, hamsters can eat turkey as long as it’s properly cooked and given in very small amounts, so make sure it’s broken up into tiny portions. Remember how small your little hamster’s stomach is. You should also be sure that the turkey is unsalted and prepared without marinades, as both can be harmful to your hamster’s health.

Can hamsters eat fruit or vegetables?

Aside from the occasional meaty treat, you can also feed your hamster a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Before giving your hamster a whole cube of food, let him taste a small bite first. Note that if you feed your hamster too much plant-based food at once, he may develop diarrhea. Unlike dogs, hamsters can eat grapes.

Other human foods that are safe for hamsters

apples

bananas

blueberries

figs

pears

strawberries

watermelon

If you feed your hamster grapes, apples, or pears, be sure to remove the skin and any large seeds first, and cut the fruit into reasonably sized pieces. A fruit cube should be enough as a treat for a day. In fact, hamsters should only be fed fresh greens two to three times a week. In terms of edible vegetables, hamsters can eat carrots, celery, cucumbers, green peppers, lettuce, squash, spinach, and squash. Similar to feeding fruit, the skin and seeds of vegetables should be removed before feeding them to a hamster.

to avoid foods

However, not all fruits and vegetables are safe for hamsters. You should avoid giving your furry friend anything from this list:

citrus fruits

pineapple

raspberries

apricots

nectarines

peaches

rhubarb

raw beans

almonds

celery

Potato

All of the above are harmful to hamsters if ingested. Any meat, fruit or vegetable fed to a hamster should be prepared immediately before feeding. Do not let food spoil in the hamster cage. Remove any food that is going bad as soon as you notice it. Also, sugary things that are bad for humans are also bad for hamsters and shouldn’t be fed to them – including white bread, chocolate and candy.

If in doubt, consult your veterinarian

Feeding a hamster doesn’t have to be difficult, but just make sure you understand what you can and can’t feed them. If you have additional questions about feeding your hamster, consult a veterinarian specializing in small animals to be on the safe side. Otherwise, hopefully this guide has proved helpful to you when it comes to finding the best hamster food for your beloved friend.

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