Can Hamsters Eat Hazelnuts? All Answers

Hamsters are omnivores, which means they will eat anything. In the wild, they will forage for various fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and eat some insects and other small animals. In addition to high-quality pellet food, you can also give your hamster supplementary food made from hay, vegetables and fruit at home.

You can even feed them small treats like mealworms and boiled eggs. Peanuts are not only safe for your hamster, but in moderation they are also very healthy and good for your rodent. However, they should not be salted or otherwise flavored, but can be cooked or raw and even given in their shell. Peanuts are a healthy addition to your hamster’s diet, but they should not be the only food source you give your rodent.

Typical hamster diet

Hamsters are rodents primarily native to Syria, but also to Greece, Romania, Belgium and northern China. They live in warm climates, especially in dunes and on desert edges. In the wild, they would eat any fruit and vegetable they could find, along with any seeds, nuts, and other foods they could seek out. Being omnivores, they also eat insects and indulge in meat they find lying around.

As pets, hamsters can also be fed as omnivores. You must eat a diet that is approximately 16% protein and 5% fat. Most of their nutritional needs are met by feeding a hamster pellet. Choose a quality pellet to ensure it contains quality ingredients and has the right mix of proteins, vitamins and nutrients.

While peanuts should not be your rodent’s primary food source, they can be healthily and safely added to your hamster’s meals or fed as an occasional treat.

Peanuts contain vitamin B, vitamin E and niacin. However, that doesn’t mean you can toss your hamster a handful of peanuts every day. You need to monitor the amount you feed and the type and preparation of the peanut.

Can salt kill hamsters?

You should never feed your hamster salted peanuts. Salt is bad for hamsters and you should not feed it in any way or form. It increases the likelihood of vascular and heart disease and has been estimated to shorten your hamster’s lifespan by up to 30%.

In the short term, feeding your hamster salt can cause dehydration and increase their need for water intake.

How Many Peanuts Can You Feed Your Hamster?

While salted peanuts are bad for your hamster, plain peanuts are not. They are high in fat, so too many can cause your hamster to become overweight. You can feed a single peanut once or twice a week, but you shouldn’t feed more than that amount.

Peanut butter, at least in some forms, is also perfectly safe to feed your hammies. It must be pure, unsalted, and unprocessed since it’s just crushed peanuts. In these cases, you can feed a very small amount of peanut butter once a week. Don’t feed more or more often.

Do hamsters like nuts?

Hamsters would eat nuts and seeds in the wild. They would eat different types including peanuts when available. Although every hamster is different and has their own likes and dislikes, most hamsters like the smell and taste of peanuts and other nuts.

Alternatives to peanuts

It is perfectly safe to feed your hamster a single peanut, or the equivalent amount of pure peanut butter, once or twice a week. However, this should only make up a small part of your hammie’s diet. Their diet consists of 90% pellets and 10% supplementary feed. Other treats you can give your hamster include:

vegetables

Hamsters can benefit from being fed green vegetables. You’re particularly fond of broccoli and you’re welcome to eat romaine lettuce, but avoid iceberg lettuce because of its high water content. You can also feed cabbage and carrot tops.

fruit

Some fruits can also be fed, but also in moderation as fruit has a high natural sugar content which can cause your hamster to become overweight. If feeding apples, only feed the pulp and remove the skin and core before feeding. Avoid citrus fruits and opt for pears and grapes instead.

Can Your Hamster Eat Raisins?

Raisins are just a dried form of grape. They are popular as food and are made into alcohol in some parts of the world. They’re also small and convenient, and hamsters love the smell and taste of these sweet, sticky little treats. Luckily you can safely feed your hamsters raisins, but the high sugar content means you should not feed them to dwarf hamsters and you should only feed your hammie a maximum of one raisin per day, although less than this amount is usually better.

Can hamsters eat bananas?

Bananas are another fruit that is naturally high in sugar but is considered safe for hamsters when fed in moderation. You can feed a quarter teaspoon of the yellow fruit once or twice a week and this will be enough for your hamster.

Are Peanuts Safe for Hamsters?

Hamsters should be fed 90% high-quality feed pellets. The remaining 10% can include additional ingredients like some types of hay, protein-rich treats like boiled egg and mealworm, and a combination of fruits and vegetables. Unsalted and tasteless peanuts are also a tasty and beneficial addition to your diet. You can feed a single peanut once or twice a week, or you can feed the equivalent in pure peanut butter.

Baby hamsters are fed on their mother’s milk until they are weaned, and many hamsters will drink milk if offered. In Can Hamsters Drink Milk, we look at the risks of feeding your pet hamster a bowl of milk and suggest some alternative treats.

contents

Many foods are not suitable for animals. Some are harmful and others are simply unnecessary in your pet’s diet. People like to feed animals milk. For us, this is an act of care. But it can sometimes be a problem for our pets.

Can hamsters drink milk?

Hamsters are popular with both children and adults. These pocket-sized pals are often considered good starter pets for kids.

While commercial hamster food consists primarily of nuts and seeds, hamsters in the wild will eat both meat and vegetables.

Their wild diet consists of grains, seeds, vegetables and insects, and hamsters are often fed commercial rat and mouse chow.

Veterinarians recommend feeding rat and mouse chow with 15-20% protein, or a combination of rabbit pellets and rat and mouse chow.

Since hamsters aren’t strictly vegetarians, it makes theoretical sense that they like milk and cheese. Trouble is, it’s not very good for them.

Milk is not toxic to hamsters, but there are serious risks associated with feeding hamster milk that hamster owners need to be aware of.

Risks of feeding milk to hamsters

While cow, goat, and even soy milk aren’t necessarily harmful, feeding them to your hamster can be risky. There are two main problems with the milk in your hamster’s cage.

Milk contaminates the cage

Milk can cause diarrhea

Hamsters need a clean, dry environment to stay healthy. milk is wet. This means if milk spills or drips into your hamster’s cage, it can lead to wet litter and mold, which can make your hamster sick.

Milk is also a perfect breeding ground for germs and spoils quickly, so leaving milk out for hamsters to drink is not a good idea.

Although baby hamsters drink milk like other baby mammals, the enzymes they produce to help them digest milk disappear once they become adults. Also, the milk in your fridge is probably cow’s milk. This is great for calves, but many other animals get stomach problems when fed cow’s milk.

Feeding milk to hamsters can cause diarrhea, which quickly leads to dehydration in small animals and can be fatal to hamsters.

Signs of disease in hamsters

If you’ve been milk-feeding your hamster and are concerned he may be ill, there are a few things to consider.

Sick hamsters can show several symptoms:

weight loss

lethargy

rough fur

stooped posture

difficulty breathing

Decreased activity level

Diarrhea

Dirty hindquarters

Healthy hamsters are active and curious, and their fur and eyes are light and smooth. If you notice any changes in your hamster’s appearance or behavior, call your vet.

Can baby hamsters drink milk?

Milk is not part of a natural post-weaning diet for your hamster, but what about baby hamsters?

There are three main reasons why you should not feed baby hamsters milk.

Hamster milk is very different from cow milk or goat milk. If you have orphaned or abandoned baby hamsters, talk to your vet about the best milk formula to feed your baby hamsters. Handling baby hamsters can stress the mother hamster, who may end up cannibalizing her own babies in self-defense. Changing their diet can make your baby hamsters very sick.

Can hamsters eat cheese?

Any time milk comes up in a discussion about rodents, cheese is sure to follow.

Some websites say that feeding small amounts of cheese as an occasional treat is safe for hamsters.

While the best source of hamster health information is your veterinarian, very small bites of cheese are usually harmless to hamsters.

This can be confusing. Cheese is made from milk, so why should one be fine and the other not?

Technically, neither are completely safe to feed to hamsters. Cheese isn’t as moist as milk, but the risk of feeding cheese or other dairy products isn’t just in the diet itself, although high-fat products like cheese can lead to obesity, but also mold.

Hamsters like to hoard food. This means that if a hamster sneaks a piece of cheese into a corner, it may spoil there, which could make them nauseous later.

Play it safe and offer seeds and safe nuts as additional sources of protein instead of dairy products.

Are hamsters allowed to have milk – a summary?

Most pet hamsters drink human-supplied milk, but the risk of your hamster getting sick with cow’s milk is too great. Adult hamsters do not need milk at all in their diet and baby hamsters should only be fed their mother’s milk until they are weaned

Instead of feeding your hamster a potentially risky food like milk, why not feed him a healthy treat that’s more natural to his diet?

There are many healthy treats for hamsters like carrots, apples, and broccoli. Or specially designed hamster treats.

These snacks are a better choice for your hamster than milk.

Just remember that veterinarians recommend feeding only healthy hamster treats such as hay, fruit, vegetables, and treats sold at pet stores as 10 percent of your hamster’s overall diet to prevent hamster obesity.

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Further reading and resources

Hamsters and other gerbils don’t need a lot of variety in their diet. Instead, they like to follow a simple meal plan consisting of high-quality commercial pet food mixes. These foods meet all of their nutritional needs.

Even though they have everything they need in store-bought food, they are your pet and you probably want to spoil them. Although treats should never make up more than 10% of a pet’s diet, a special treat every few days can be fun.

The twist is making sure it’s healthy for them rather than hurting them or encouraging them to gain weight. Instead of trying to memorize all the different foods they can eat, refer to this list.

Top 15 things not to feed hamsters:

1. Bitter Almonds

Why the emphasis only on bitter almonds? Because sweet almonds are perfectly fine for a hamster. Bitter almonds contain traces of cyanide, a deadly poison. If we were to eat the treat, it would not harm us. However, our little friends cannot take even the smallest amount and the almond could poison them.

Remember that even if you buy a packet of sweet almonds from a store, it doesn’t mean you’re completely out of your mind. The US Department of Agriculture allows each bag of sweet almonds to contain 1% bitter almonds. Even that 1% means taking the risk of killing a hamster.

Almonds should be considered an occasional treat anyway as they are high in fat. Feeding hamsters high-fat food causes harmful weight gain.

2. Potatoes

Keep the nutritional value of potato chips in mind when considering feeding potatoes to your hamster. Although they taste great, they don’t give hamsters any substance in their bodies.

Potatoes are filled with starch and will quickly make your hamster burst. They don’t need “fillers” in their meals.

3. Celery

Because hamsters are omnivores, many people think that any plant should be fine for them. While this is true for some plant varieties, this assumption can be harmful.

Celery is one of the plants that hamsters should not eat. They are not poisonous to a hamster, but pose a choking hazard due to their threadlike structure. If you want to feed them celery, cut them into tiny pieces to make them smaller. The cutting makes it so that these strings are short enough to be safe.

4. Onion family

Any plant in the onion family tends to be poisonous to small mammals such as hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs. These plants include things like:

Not feeding them plants of this family means not feeding them either the bulbous, herbal part of the plant or the leaves.

5. Spicy and seasoned foods

Think of the kind of things hamsters would find to eat in the wild. You will not have a five course meal with different flavors, nor do you want to. Anything spicy or overly flavorful can irritate your hamster’s gastrointestinal tract. Avoid this by not feeding them leftover food. Even simple flavors like salt and pepper can make food difficult to digest.

6. Kidney Beans

Most beans should be avoided if you are feeding your hamster a special treat. They give them gas and tend to gas because they are difficult to digest. However, kidney beans are dangerous because they are poisonous when uncooked. Even cooked, they present problems for hamsters, who should never eat anything processed or cooked.

7. Light green leafy vegetables

Light green leaves cause digestive problems for hamsters. They don’t have much nutritional value. Instead, they cause diarrhea. Instead, choose darker greens like dandelion leaves, romaine lettuce, kale, and carrot tops.

8. Synthetic Sugars

Just like the rest of us, hamsters love a tasty, sugary treat. Given the choice between a high-sugar food and a healthier food, they will always choose sugar. Limit their options and only give them fruit treats once or twice a week.

Never give your hamster chocolate or other sweets. These synthetic sugars are harsh on them, and their little bodies aren’t built to handle them well.

9. Tomato leaves and stems

Although tomatoes can be a treat that’s fine for hamsters, they should be a rare treat. The leaves and stems cannot be included, although they are dark green. They are toxic to a hamster and too much of it can end up killing it.

10. Plants treated with pesticides

Any plant you feed your hamster should be checked to see if it is right for him. However, this is not the last step. Be sure to wash it off after picking it up, even if it’s fresh.

Any plants that are treated with chemicals of any kind can pose significant health problems to a hamster. The reason for this is their small size. Even if the chemical amount is legal for human consumption, trace amounts can be harmful to a hamster.

11. Seeds

Seeds seem like the perfect bite-sized snack for a hamster. However, they are still not small enough to be safe and can pose a choking hazard. Even if a seed is the right size to swallow and digest, many are high in fat. Anything high in fat should be avoided to maintain a balanced weight.

In addition to being high in fat and being a choking hazard, many fruit seeds contain traces of a deadly toxin called cyanide. Although we can usually accidentally eat them, these seeds often have enough to kill a hamster. These include apple, cherry and pear seeds.

12. Other animal feed

While it is good never to feed hamsters meat, you should realize that they should never eat kibble from other animals either. For a balanced diet, an omnivore needs a certain amount of protein. This protein gets mixed into the dry food and can cause problems in a hamster. Other animal foods to avoid are those made for cats, dogs, or ferrets, to name a few.

13. Caffeine

Hamsters regulate their own heartbeat quite well. Their hearts are already beating very quickly, at 10-15 beats per second. Too much caffeine further increases heart rate and can cause cardiac arrest or other cardiovascular problems.

14. Plants high in oxalic acid

Some plants are high in oxalic acid, and acidic foods should be avoided for a hamster. Vegetables like rhubarb leaves have high amounts of this substance. To help you identify the types of plants that go with this, a good rule of thumb is anything that has naturally colored leaves with red or yellow veins with a higher oxalic acid content. Some of them are:

15. Dairy products

Aside from mother’s milk, there’s no reason a guinea pig would find any dairy product in the wild. Feeding milk or other dairy products to your hamster can lead to weight gain and will not give your pet the nutrition they need. Many serious problems can develop from this. Avoid products like:

Keeping your hamster healthy and happy throughout his life is a top priority for any hamster owner. Knowing what they should and shouldn’t eat is a big step in the right direction to protect them. There are so many treats that will supplement a hamster’s diet with vital nutrients. Feed them in moderation to bond with your furry friend and spoil them a little.

Selected picture credits: justus_joseph, Pixabay

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)

A balanced hamster mix is ​​often recommended as the best food for these critters. However, you must have a basic understanding of foods that are safe for hamsters.

Hamsters are rodents that are very popular as pets. These small, furry creatures are loved by children and adults alike for their antics. In addition, hamsters are not fussy and easy to care for. This does not mean that you are relieved of your responsibility towards your pet.

hamster diet

Hamsters feed on a wide variety of foods such as grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, grains, and crackers. The list can be endless as these critters love to stuff their mouths with anything and everything that comes their way. In their natural habitat, hamsters feed on nuts, grains, pieces of fruit and vegetables lying on the ground, etc. They can also eat small insects such as crickets and fruit flies. Although hamsters like to eat different types of food, some of them can be harmful to these animals. Eating certain things can make the animal sick and in some cases even fatal. Having a basic understanding of hamster diets is therefore beneficial if you intend to keep these animals as pets.

Despite being omnivores, hamsters tend to lean towards the vegetarian side. However, you must also give them protein-rich foods. The following are some of the best foods that are safe for hamsters.

Since hamsters need protein for healthy growth, you can provide them with cheese (especially cottage cheese), boiled or scrambled eggs, mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers, cooked poultry or beef (no fat), cereal, seeds and nuts, cooked rice, and in Bread soaked in milk.

Hamsters will eat fruits such as seedless apples, pitted peaches and plums, lychees, raspberries, seedless grapes, strawberries, bananas, cranberries, blackberries, and raisins.

Hamsters also love vegetables. You can give them vegetables like beets, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers, celery, cauliflower, clover, spinach, corn, green beans, boiled beans, corn, watercress, zucchini, and asparagus.

Hamster favorite foods include cheese, boiled beans, pickles, apples, carrots, leafy greens, toasted bread, dog biscuits, rice, etc.

While Roborovskis love Chinese cabbage, birdseed, and sweetcorn, Syrian hamsters enjoy a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Therefore, the choice of food can vary depending on the hamster species.

A healthy and balanced hamster mix can meet most of the nutritional needs of these pets. You can offer other foods as occasional treats.

Whenever you introduce a food to your hamster, you must start with very small amounts. This applies to all fruits, vegetables and other foods. Also, treats should not be given in large quantities.

While the above foods are safe for hamsters to eat, there are certain foods that can make the animal sick. Hamsters should not be fed almonds, rhubarb, raw potatoes, onions, garlic, chocolate, raw beans, raw kidney beans, foods containing whole grain oats, eggplant, apple seeds, canned foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes and watermelon. Since these animals are nocturnal, feed them in the evening. Never use plastic bowls for feeding. In addition to the right food, make sure you have fresh water and a spacious and clean home.

Crunchy, crunchy, and downright delicious, many people enjoy cracking open a walnut and popping it in their mouth. But can you share your love for walnuts with your hamster? Are Walnuts Safe for Your Rodent?

Fortunately, the quick answer is yes. Your hamster can safely eat a walnut. However, you should know how to properly feed your hamster a walnut and the potential dangers of eating this type of nut.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about walnuts and hamsters!

Are Walnuts Safe for Hamsters?

Yes, your hamster can safely eat walnuts! She might even find it quite tempting. However, you should only feed your hamster walnuts in moderation, not as a daily part of their diet.

Also, if you feed your hamster a walnut, make sure that no salt, sweetener, or additional ingredients, including honey, have been added. The walnut your pet eats must be all-natural.

Healthy food for hamsters

While hamsters are omnivores and like to eat a variety of nuts, walnuts should not be a large part of their diet. A good hamster diet consists of commercial hamster pellets, timothy hay, and small portions of fruits and vegetables. You should only give your hamster a walnut once in a while.

Health Benefits of Walnuts

Walnuts are nutrient-dense snack foods. They contain large amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, protein and a lot of vitamins, including vitamins A, B1, C, E and K.

Walnuts are great treats for winter hamsters and pregnant pets as they give your rodent an instant boost of nutrients. Walnuts can also help hamsters develop and maintain tissue, build strong bones, prevent diabetes, and scavenge harmful free radicals in their bodies.

What are the risks of feeding your hamster walnuts?

Walnuts contain a lot of fat. If your hamster eats walnuts regularly, it can quickly become obese or develop diabetes. The salt in walnuts can cause kidney damage. Also, never feed your hamster walnut butter. This product is high in fat and other ingredients that may harm your pet.

Other potential risks include digestive problems, choking, and malnutrition.

How to feed your hamster walnuts

Always feed your hamster walnuts in moderation. This equates to one to two walnuts a week, depending on the size of your hamster. You should never roast the nut as this strips away important nutrients. Also, avoid salted walnuts and only feed your hamster natural ones.

You can leave the shell on once your hamster is fully grown. She might even enjoy breaking open the shell to find the treat inside.

Tasty walnut alternatives for hamsters

Other tasty alternatives that you can safely offer your hamster include:

pecans

Pecans Peanuts

Peanuts Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds pistachios

Pistachios Cashew Nuts

Cashew Nuts Pine Nuts

Pine Nuts Pumpkin Seeds

All of these options must not be salted, sweetened, or flavored in any way. Try to make them as simple as possible.

Can hamsters eat walnuts? Conclusion Can hamsters eat walnuts? The final result

Yes, you can safely feed your hamster walnuts. However, it must be done in moderation. One to two walnuts a week is best. The walnuts should not be salted or seasoned.

Your hammie will enjoy cracking open the walnut shell to reveal the tasty treat inside. For them, it’s like unwrapping a Christmas present.

Selected image source: Iurii Kachkovskyi, Shutterstock

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!

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.

Editor’s Recommendations

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.

Whoever thought of heating a kernel of corn was a genius, no one can dispute that. Popcorn in any form — from caramel to cinema butter to kettle corn — is a delicious snack choice. But when it comes to giving our furry little hamsters a treat, is popcorn a healthy option? In short – yes, your hamster can eat popcorn – but be careful.

While your hamster can eat popcorn, it must be fully popped with no extras. That means no salt, no butter, no caramel, no sugar. Read on for a full explanation of why you need to stay away from all the condiments on your Hammy’s popcorn.

Health Benefits of Plain Popcorn for Hamsters

Your hamster shouldn’t have plain popcorn every day, but a piece every now and then won’t hurt him. The key is to make sure nothing is added. Unfamiliar spices can harm them – especially if you’re not sure what’s on them.

Your hamster probably won’t eat enough popcorn to get any real nutritional benefits, but here is some nutritional information.

Plain popcorn has per ounce:

Fiber — 3.6 g

Fiber smooths out the digestive tract and keeps your hamster regular.

Protein — 3.1 g

Protein ensures healthy muscles, skin and coat.

Fat — 1.2 g

Fat gives your hamster the energy it needs.

magnesium

Magnesium regulates nerve and muscle performance.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 helps your body store energy from protein and carbohydrates.

While it has some perks, it’s really only useful for a nice reward and nothing more. Their main diet consists of a healthy balance of fortified pellets, fruits and vegetables.

Dangers of seeds and spices

Your hamster is an omnivore, meaning it will eat both plants and insects in the wild. Their diet is fairly simple, requiring an adequate dose of protein, vitamins, and minerals each day. Other things that humans eat are unnatural for your hamster and can make them very ill.

Any of the following can have a very negative effect on your hamster: Butter – Butter has way too much fat and oil and absolutely no nutritional value for your hamster.

Butter has way too much fat and oil and absolutely no nutritional value for your hamster. Salt – unlike humans, salt provides no nutritional value to hamsters.

Unlike humans, salt offers no nutritional value to hamsters. Caramel – Caramel is sticky, difficult to digest, and too high in sugar for your hamster.

Caramel is sticky, difficult to digest, and too high in sugar for your hamster. Sugar – Sugary foods contribute to weight gain, diabetes and tooth decay.

Sugary foods contribute to weight gain, diabetes and tooth decay. Garlic – even garlic salt or powder can cause blood disorders and other problems.

Corn kernels are non-toxic, but they can pose a choking hazard to your hamster. Always make sure any pieces you offer are fully popped and free of spices.

Balanced nutrition for hamsters

If you feed them popcorn too often, you can create an imbalance in their diet. This can lead to many other health problems resulting from insufficient intake. Your hamster needs many other options, such as pellet food, seeds, fruits and vegetables.

You should never use popcorn as a food substitute as it does not have enough nutritional value to keep your hamster healthy. So always make sure you offer your hamster a variety of nutrient-dense foods to replenish their body.

Filling your hamster’s diet with low-calorie foods can lead to malnutrition or obesity, which can lead to a whole host of other health problems. Keep something outside of your daily diet occasionally. Popcorn isn’t something they need every day.

Hamsters and Popcorn: Final Thoughts

So, as we’ve learned, hamsters can occasionally indulge in a simple hit or two of popcorn. But it should never be a staple of their diet. You should also make sure to feed your hamster fully popped, seasonal free popcorn without any extras. Otherwise you can make your husband or wife seriously ill.

Hamsters thrive best on an omnivorous diet. Always provide hamster food with a complete, vitamin-enriched bag with a well-portioned amount of fruits and vegetables.

You may also be interested in: Can Rats Eat Popcorn? What you need to know!

Selected image source: Georgia Vagim, Unsplash

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 get the nutrients they need from their regular diet, but they enjoy tasty, fresh treats in moderation. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts like almonds. Sweet almonds are safe for your cuddle friend, but take extra care to give them the sweet variety instead of bitter almonds. Bitter almonds contain a cyanide compound and eating just one bitter almond can kill your hamster. The US Department of Agriculture allows almonds packaged as sweet to contain up to 1 percent bitter almonds, meaning a few bitter almonds can be mixed in with your sweet almonds.

Commercial hamster foods often contain nuts and seeds, but most do not contain nuts such as cashews. Incorporating nuts like this into commercial diets is prohibitively expensive, so many companies typically avoid it. But if you were wondering if your hamster can eat nuts like cashews, we’re here to help!

The quick answer to “can I feed my hamster cashews?” is that you can, but there are a few things to consider before feeding your hamster cashews. Read on for more information on feeding cashews to hamsters!

Can hamsters eat cashew nuts?

They definitely can, but only in moderation!

Cashews are an excellent source of minerals like copper, magnesium and manganese, all of which can help your Hammy maintain a strong immune system and brain. They’re also high in protein, heart-healthy fats, and fiber, which are important for feeling full and preventing constipation.

Cashew nuts are also very high in calories. Just 1 ounce of cashews is over 150 calories! That’s only about 18 medium-sized cashews. So moderation is key when feeding cashews to hamsters.

Are Cashew Nuts Safe for Hamsters?

Cashews are normally safe for hamsters, but salted or flavored cashews should not be fed to hamsters. You should only get plain roasted cashews.

If your Hammy has any medical conditions, particularly obesity or obesity-related illnesses, cashews and other nuts should be avoided. The high calorie and fat content may be way too much for your furry friend.

Cashews are a better treat for larger hamsters like Syrians and Roborovskis as it is easier to control an appropriate portion for them. Dwarf hamsters can have cashews, but you need to monitor the portion closely.

How many cashews can I feed my hamster?

Large hamsters can have a single cashew every week or two. If your big hammy is particularly active, he may be able to have two cashews. Dwarf hamsters should have less than a whole cashew every week or two. If active, they can potentially have a whole cashew.

Remember that high-fat foods can cause an upset stomach if eaten in excess. Therefore, over feeding your hamster cashews can lead not only to obesity but also to diarrhea or bloating over time.

What else should I consider when feeding my hamster cashews?

Track the snacks you give your hammy each week. If you give cashews every week, don’t give other nuts on a regular basis. Ideally, you should be offering your Hammy a variety of whole food treats, rather than the same thing every week. This, combined with a full commercial diet, will ensure your hamster’s nutritional needs are met.

Introduce each new food to your hamster slowly. However, it’s best not to give your hamster chopped cashews as they can pose a choking hazard. One way to control how much cashew your hamster eats at one time is to give a whole cashew and let your ham take a bite or two before taking the cashew away. Over time, you can have your Hammy eat a little more cashew while observing the cashew’s effects.

Finally

Some hamsters dislike cashews and others are reluctant to try new foods like cashews. Maybe your Hammy is the type to grab new food and eat it with relish! No matter how your hamster responds to the offer of a cashew nut, remember moderation. Feeding too much high-fat, high-calorie food like cashews can cause health problems in your little friend and shorten their lifespan.

If you decide to introduce cashews to your hamster, remember to control how much you are allowed to eat in one sitting. Otherwise, you could end up with an uncomfortable hamster and a messy cage.

Selected image source: Michael_Luenen, Pixabay

Crunchy, crunchy, and downright delicious, many people enjoy cracking open a walnut and popping it in their mouth. But can you share your love for walnuts with your hamster? Are Walnuts Safe for Your Rodent?

Fortunately, the quick answer is yes. Your hamster can safely eat a walnut. However, you should know how to properly feed your hamster a walnut and the potential dangers of eating this type of nut.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about walnuts and hamsters!

Are Walnuts Safe for Hamsters?

Yes, your hamster can safely eat walnuts! She might even find it quite tempting. However, you should only feed your hamster walnuts in moderation, not as a daily part of their diet.

Also, if you feed your hamster a walnut, make sure that no salt, sweetener, or additional ingredients, including honey, have been added. The walnut your pet eats must be all-natural.

Healthy food for hamsters

While hamsters are omnivores and like to eat a variety of nuts, walnuts should not be a large part of their diet. A good hamster diet consists of commercial hamster pellets, timothy hay, and small portions of fruits and vegetables. You should only give your hamster a walnut once in a while.

Health Benefits of Walnuts

Walnuts are nutrient-dense snack foods. They contain large amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, protein and a lot of vitamins, including vitamins A, B1, C, E and K.

Walnuts are great treats for winter hamsters and pregnant pets as they give your rodent an instant boost of nutrients. Walnuts can also help hamsters develop and maintain tissue, build strong bones, prevent diabetes, and scavenge harmful free radicals in their bodies.

What are the risks of feeding your hamster walnuts?

Walnuts contain a lot of fat. If your hamster eats walnuts regularly, it can quickly become obese or develop diabetes. The salt in walnuts can cause kidney damage. Also, never feed your hamster walnut butter. This product is high in fat and other ingredients that may harm your pet.

Other potential risks include digestive problems, choking, and malnutrition.

How to feed your hamster walnuts

Always feed your hamster walnuts in moderation. This equates to one to two walnuts a week, depending on the size of your hamster. You should never roast the nut as this strips away important nutrients. Also, avoid salted walnuts and only feed your hamster natural ones.

You can leave the shell on once your hamster is fully grown. She might even enjoy breaking open the shell to find the treat inside.

Tasty walnut alternatives for hamsters

Other tasty alternatives that you can safely offer your hamster include:

pecans

Pecans Peanuts

Peanuts Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds pistachios

Pistachios Cashew Nuts

Cashew Nuts Pine Nuts

Pine Nuts Pumpkin Seeds

All of these options must not be salted, sweetened, or flavored in any way. Try to make them as simple as possible.

Can hamsters eat walnuts? Conclusion Can hamsters eat walnuts? The final result

Yes, you can safely feed your hamster walnuts. However, it must be done in moderation. One to two walnuts a week is best. The walnuts should not be salted or seasoned.

Your hammie will enjoy cracking open the walnut shell to reveal the tasty treat inside. For them, it’s like unwrapping a Christmas present.

Selected image source: Iurii Kachkovskyi, Shutterstock

Hamsters love the interest and enrichment of enjoying treats alongside their regular food, and it can be great fun for us owners to watch our little furry friends enjoy the taste of different treats. You might have a few treats that you give your hamster regularly, like carrots or broccoli, but if you’re anything like us, you’re probably looking for other treats to add variety.

Not all foods that seem safe to us are actually good for your hamster, so it’s important to check before giving your hamster anything new. If you’ve been wondering, “Are pistachios safe for hamsters?” the good news is, yes they are!

As long as they are unsalted and shelled, hamsters are safe to eat pistachios.

Good things about pistachios

Pistachios are rich in potassium, antioxidants, fiber and vitamin B6.

Potassium is used to help build healthy muscles and bones. It can also help lower high blood pressure and prevent both fatigue and constipation.

Antioxidants help protect your hamster’s body from free radicals that can damage healthy cells in his body. Fiber can help your hamster’s digestive system work properly and reduce the risk of him suffering from gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea or constipation.

Vitamin B6 can help maintain healthy levels of red blood cells in your hamster’s bloodstream and keep his nervous system functioning properly. Vitamin B6 can also improve the health of your hamster’s skin.

Bad things about pistachios

Pistachios contain many beneficial ingredients, but they are also relatively high in cholesterol and fats. Given the small size of hamsters, too many pistachios can lead to unhealthy weight gain.

Obesity can lead to a variety of health problems for hamsters, including diabetes and arthritis.

Your hamster may love the taste and texture of pistachios but might have trouble digesting them. This can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including gas, diarrhea, or constipation.

Hamsters also love to hoard food for later and while this is fine with their dried or pelleted food, storing fresh food can cause it to spoil in their cage.

Store-bought pistachios are often covered in salt or other spices. Even if you remove the peel, spices can remain. For a small creature like a hamster, even a bit of salt or spice can be enough to upset their digestive system.

How to safely feed your hamster pistachios

When you’re ready to feed your hamster pistachios, it’s best to check with your veterinarian first. You should check what type of hamster you have, as the size of an adult will determine how many pistachios your hamster should get.

We recommend starting with ¼ of a pistachio for each hamster variety. After your hamster has eaten this, keep an eye on its general behavior for the next 48 hours to make sure this food has not caused any digestive problems or allergies.

Watch out for:

loss of appetite If your hamster is uncomfortable after eating something new, he may not be keen on eating his usual food until he is better.

If your hamster is uncomfortable after eating something new, he may not be keen on eating his usual food until he is better.

You should only ever feed your hamster natural pistachios, with no condiments like salt or spices.

It is best to feed your hamster their usual pellet food first and then offer them a treat such as pistachios after they have eaten their fill. That way, they’re still getting all the nutritional benefits of their food, rather than filling up on a treat first.

How many pistachios can different types of hamsters eat?

The majority of a hamster’s diet should always come from its regular diet, not its treats. The type and size of your hamster will determine how many pistachios it can eat. If you are unsure what type of hamster you have, consult your veterinarian before you start giving him any new food.

Syrian & Rowbowski Hamsters

Both hamster species are the larger species and can digest a wider range of foods than some other hamster species. Syrian hamsters can be fed between 1-2 pistachios per week as part of their complementary diet, including fresh fruit and vegetables.

Campbell’s dwarf hamster

These little hamsters have more delicate digestive systems than their larger cousins, so it’s best to introduce new foods into their diet slowly, under your vet’s guidance. Campbell’s dwarf hamsters can have a pistachio a week.

Chinese Dwarf Hamsters & Winter White Dwarf Hamsters

These little hamsters can be sensitive when it comes to their food, so be sure to check with your vet before feeding them anything new. If your veterinarian approves, you can feed your Chinese dwarf hamster a pistachio every 10 days.

Can hamsters eat pistachio shells?

Always remove the shell before offering pistachios to your hamster. They may enjoy gnawing on the shell, but if a sharp piece breaks off and they swallow it, it can create a dangerous blockage in their gastrointestinal tract.

packaging

Many hamsters love the taste and texture of different foods, and pistachios are a healthy nut that all types of hamsters can enjoy in moderation. Depending on your hamster’s species, one to two nuts every 7-10 days is more than enough. Pistachios contain a number of vitamins and minerals that may be good for your hamster, but these nuts should never be given as a substitute for a balanced hamster diet.

It’s always a good idea to speak to your hamster’s veterinarian before feeding anything new. Keep an eye on your hamster to make sure he’s digesting the new food well. Never feed your hamster unpeeled pistachios as the shells can pose a choking hazard.

Pistachios can be a great way to add interest to your hamster’s diet, but make sure they are unsalted and stick to only feeding very small amounts occasionally.

Selected image rights: Anna Sobolewska, Shutterstock