Can Hamsters Eat Milk Bones? All Answers

Partner. She bit me once, I gave her treats and I rolled over and my little pinky, it was an accident.”

…”

“I only got her three days ago and she was brilliant. She’s feisty, but I know she already likes me and mine

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)

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

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 heaviest drinkers in the animal kingdom are punier than you might expect. Elephants, for example, are massive, but they’re relatively lightweight—they lack a gene for alcohol metabolism. Thanks to our ancestors’ propensity to pluck fermented fruit off the ground, humans are actually quite important. But to find the real champions, you have to think smaller.

Think hoarders.

hamsters think.

“They just put a bottle of unsweetened Everclear on top of the cage and they love it,” says Gwen Lupfer, a psychologist at the University of Alaska Anchorage who has studied alcohol consumption in hamsters. You regularly lose 18 grams per kilogram of bodyweight per day, the alcoholic equivalent of a person drinking a liter and a half of 190-Proof Everclear. In the wild, hamsters will hoard seeds and fruits of ryegrass in their burrows, and they will eat this fermenter as it becomes more and more alcoholic in winter. In the lab they are quite happy with Everclear. If they have the choice between water and alcohol, they reach for the schnapps.

People have known of hamsters’ affinity for alcohol since at least the 1950s, when scientists in Texas determined that hamsters could outperform the common lab rat. Rats can be tricked into drinking alcohol – either by selectively breeding genetic lines or by feeding them a mixture of sugar and ethanol until they develop a taste for the latter. (Ethanol is the specific type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.) But with hamsters, “you could take a hamster right out of the pet store and give them grain alcohol,” says Danielle Gulick, an addiction researcher at the University of Florida. “It would like to drink.”

And they can drink a lot before they get drunk. When Lupfer studied dwarf hamsters, she and her students rated the animals’ drunkenness on a literally wobbly scale. They rated the hamsters from zero for “no visible wobble” to four for “falls on their side and does not straighten up.” (They had previously tried unsuccessfully to track the hamsters’ walking by dipping their paws in watercolor – they could not distinguish the pawprints of the drunk and sober hamsters.) The hamsters never averaged above 0.5 on the wiggle scale – not even at the highest oral doses. But when Lupfer and her team injected the ethanol directly into the stomach of the hamster instead, the animals didn’t do as well. They started to wobble and fell over at much, much lower doses.

When consumed orally, Lupfer explains, alcohol travels straight from the gut to the liver, which begins to break down the mind-altering toxin ethanol. Hamster livers are “so efficient” at processing ethanol that very little gets into their blood, says Tom Lawton, a doctor specializing in critical care in Bradford, England. But when the hamsters were injected with ethanol, the substance was able to bypass the liver and get into their bloodstream and then into their brains – hence a lot of wiggling and falling over. Hamsters’ alcohol tolerance is likely an adaptation to their hamster lifestyle. (Other animal hoarders may have developed a similar tolerance, but they weren’t as easy to study in a lab.) They would have a hard time surviving the winter, Lupfer told me, if they “didn’t like their own foods that they do.” hoarded or if they became ill from the alcohol in it.”

It’s not just alcohol that hamsters tolerate; they prefer water — and that might be because they’re drinking for the calories. (Alcohol has seven calories per gram, almost as many as fat, which comes in at nine.) Gulick found that giving sucrose water to hamsters can suppress their drinking, but no-calorie sucrose water does not. And in the ’90s, scientists studying whether hamsters might be a good model for alcoholism studies decided to test ethanol with carefully balanced offerings of tomato juice, peach juice, mango juice, sugar water, and a Certain Plus chocolate nutritional shake. In fact, the hamsters began drinking less alcohol when they were given sweet, high-calorie alternatives. Chocolate Guarantee Plus worked best, which the researchers attributed to a preference for its flavor.

Lawton, who recently tweeted about hamsters and alcohol in an adorable thread, told me he raised hamsters in Yorkshire when he was young. He only found out during his medical studies that very serious scientists had investigated the alcoholic preferences of hamsters. But as a teenager, he made a related discovery of his own. When it got so cold in his house that the hamsters went into hibernation, a schnapps would wake them up. Cheers.

In the winter I’m a big tea drinker, although I do enjoy a steaming mug of hot chocolate by the open fire. And with summer approaching, a nice cool drink made with pumpkin is the perfect thing to quench your thirst. But what about our furry friends? Are hamsters allowed to drink anything other than water from their bottles?

Provided your hamster eats a healthy diet, it will receive all the nutrients it needs and will happily thrive on drinking water. Changes to a hamster’s natural diet can be dangerous, so there is no need to provide them with other beverages.

Just because your hamster doesn’t drink as much doesn’t mean he’s not interested in water and should replace it with something else. After all, nature designed wild hamsters to be able to go without water for long periods while combing the desert plains.

Can hamsters drink milk?

Hamsters are mammals and are weaned with their mother’s milk. However, that does not mean that you should continue to feed them regular cow’s milk during your care. Although milk is not toxic to hamsters, there are risks associated with feeding hamster milk that you should be aware of.

First, cow, goat, and even soy milk contain different amounts of protein and fat than a hamster’s milk, which could affect its digestion. Also, sudden dietary changes can be dangerous for hamsters, often leading to diarrhea or dehydration.

Your hamster needs a dry, clean environment to live in, and if milk droplets spill over it, his cage could become smelly, the litter moldy, and directly affect your hamster’s health as a result. Milk that is not refrigerated can spoil and make it unsafe for your hamster to drink.

The only time you should remember to give your hamster milk is when you have a cold. You could try giving them a warm drink made with milk and honey – but make sure to only give them a few bites. Ideally this should be administered from your finger or via a small syringe/eyedropper for controlled delivery.

How Much Water Should a Hamster Drink?

All your hamster needs to stay hydrated is about 2-4 teaspoons of water per day (depending on size and breed). Because of this, you probably refill your bottle every day and wonder if it has even been touched.

Tap water is fine, there is no need to buy specific bottle brands provided it is not contaminated or polluted in any way.

Most hamsters tend to drink while awake, which is generally when they are asleep. But don’t forget that in addition to the small sips of water they gently swallow back each night, they also get fluid from their food. Especially if you include watery fruits and vegetables like cucumbers or grapes in your diet.

dehydration in hamsters

I have to say that when I peek through our trash can, I often see Oscar huddled around his food bowl, but rarely see him sipping from his bottle. As our hamster looks fit and healthy I know he is getting plenty of fluids but if you are unsure check for dehydration. In order to do this:

Mark your water bottle daily so you can see if the level is going down. Gently pinch your hamster’s skin. Using your thumb and forefinger, gently pull the skin at the base of your hamster to create a crease. If the skin doesn’t readjust, there’s a good chance your hamster needs hydration. Check their general health. If your hamster’s eyes look sunken and dry and his coat is unkempt, your hamster may not have the energy to groom himself. Notice if your hamster starts to lose weight. If your furball is dehydrated, its tongue may become swollen, making it difficult for it to eat. Monitor their toilet habits. If they urinate less and it is dark in color and has a strong odor, this could be an indication that your hamster is unwell.

In order to rehydrate your hamster, you need to get him to a veterinarian as soon as possible so he can be given fluids. Don’t try to force your hamster to drink water from a syringe himself, as he needs a special rehydration fluid that contains salts and sugar.

Choose the right water bottle for your hamster

Although we now know that hamsters only need water, it is important that it is replaced daily to keep it free of bacteria that could make your hamster sick.

The best way to offer water to your hamster is to use a water bottle as opposed to a bowl. This prevents the liquid from spilling all over the place and lets you monitor how much they use.

Make sure the bottle you choose is suitable for hamsters as they are not able to suckle strongly. They may also have difficulty overcoming the resistance of water flow intended for other larger animals.

If you have more than one hamster in a cage, make sure you have the correct number of water bottles. Dwarf hamsters can also be territorial and may not want to share.

Conclusion

Although water may seem like a boring drink choice for your hamster to some, it is all he needs. In the wild, they wouldn’t have other options like milk available to them, and too much richness can take a toll on their tiny tummies. So keep things simple and fill up your hamster’s water bottles daily to ensure he stays well hydrated.

We understand why people consider giving their hamsters Cheerios. We love our pets. So we want to share things with them, including what we eat. The rationale for Cheerios’ inclusion on this list is clear. To answer the question, yes, hamsters can certainly eat Cheerios, but they probably shouldn’t.

To understand why, you need to learn what they contain.

Ingredients in Cheerios

There are different flavors of Cheerios. We will stick with the original formula as a basis for reviewing the others.

According to the manufacturer, the basic ingredients are:

At first glance, everything seems safe enough for hamsters – and humans! Hamsters are omnivores, so oats are fine for them. They are nutritious and add fiber, which benefits both humans and hamsters.

Sugar and salt are sometimes problematic. The concern is if they will exceed the daily requirement for hamsters. Although the product does not contain much of either, it is not advisable to feed your hamster Cheerios as a regular diet.

The problems with Cheerios

Hamsters do best on a commercial hamster diet that contains a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and other ingredients. Fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables can cause gastrointestinal distress when given in large quantities. The sugars in Cheerios can cause problems in species that are more susceptible to high sugar levels due to their predisposition to diabetes.

So the problems with Cheerios are the calories and the sugar.

The other thing to keep in mind is that animals like hamsters evolved to eat foods found in nature. Despite the ingredients, Cheerios is not one of them.

The other concern is obesity. With an animal like a hamster, you can’t think about it. However, the impact is real.

You also need to consider dental issues. The standard diet of hamsters encourages regular wear of their teeth. Like all rodents, their teeth grow throughout life. Your diet is an essential part of keeping them in check.

Unfortunately, Cheerios don’t make it.

Final Thoughts on Giving Hamsters Cheerios

Cheerios are not an issue when considering whether they are safe for your pet. You can eat them. The question is how many to give your hamster.

We suggest limiting Cheerios as a treat. The sugar content can cause blood sugar spikes, which they take off the table as normal food.

Share them occasionally, but don’t make them part of your pet’s regular diet.

SEE ALSO: 10 Best Hamster Foods (Our Favorites!)

Selected image credits: PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay

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 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

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.

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!

When I first got hamsters, I bought wooden apple sticks and all the things I want hamsters to chew on. No luck. I’ve tried putting a thin layer of peanut butter on top of the chews to encourage chewing, this only gave me a few chews but mostly licking.

Finally I tried putting the chew toys in their food to make them smell like something to chew on… still no luck.

AND THEN I tried Whimzees.

I had seen Whimzees on YouTube and Instagram, but I still wasn’t sure if I should give a hamster a dog chew toy. But as it turns out, it’s totally fine! Some people say they only give their hamsters Whimzees for short periods of time because their hamsters won’t eat their food when a Whimzee is around. I didn’t find that with me. My hams still love to eat, but I’ll find them later lying in their sand bath or on their moss, chewing and looking happy.

You can try them out by buying them individually for about $1 from PetCo, or you can opt for the full bag (links below). I prefer the alligator shape – I just think it’s cute 🙂

Whimzees: https://amzn.to/37DBRby Or from Petco: https://bit.ly/3arbUPf

*Please note that not all Whimzees are created equal! Get the harder types (like the ones linked here), the soft type of Whimzee is not recommended for hamsters.

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