Can Hamsters Have Brussel Sprouts? The 41 Latest Answer

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

Proper diet and nutrition are critical to keeping your hamster fit and healthy for as long as possible. A hamster’s diet should consist primarily of the same commercially manufactured pelleted rodent chow that mice and rats eat.

Pet parents also have the option of purchasing commercially available hamster seed food. However, be aware that this diet should not be your hamster’s primary food source as it can lead to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

What do hamsters eat?

A healthy pelleted hamster rodent diet should contain approximately the following:

15-25% protein

35-40% carbohydrates

4-5% fat and

5% crude fiber

Work with your vet to determine your hamster’s calorie needs based on its size and health, but most hamsters require ⅛-⅓ cup of pellets per day. Because they are nocturnal, most hamsters feed at night.

Some hamster foods consist primarily of seeds. These foods should only be added to a pellet diet or not at all. Hamsters that are fed only seeds are deficient in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin E and calcium. Seed diets are also high in sugar and fat, which can lead to diabetes and obesity. You can also supplement your hamster’s diet with vegetables and small amounts of fruit as treats. However, their main diet should be pelleted rodent chow.

Fresh water should be provided to your hamster every day. Hamsters drink about 10 milliliters of water per 100 grams of body weight every day. It is best to provide water in a bottle with a stainless steel spout.

What Human Foods Can Hamsters Eat?

All human foods should be fed in moderation and are not necessary if you are feeding your hamster a balanced pellet diet. Foods that are safe for hamsters include:

Sugar free breakfast cereals or grains

Green

seed

carrots

apples

raisins

Peas

pepper

cucumbers

Avoid giving your hamster dried fruits and vegetables as they are high in sugar.

Frequently asked questions about food for hamsters

Can hamsters eat grapes?

Yes, but in moderation or just as an occasional treat because they’re high in sugar.

Can hamsters eat bananas?

Yes, but in moderation or just as an occasional treat because they’re high in sugar.

Can hamsters eat apples?

Yes, but in moderation or just as an occasional treat because they’re high in sugar. Do not feed your hamster apple seeds or skins.

Can hamsters eat carrots?

Yes, but in moderation or just as an occasional treat because they’re high in sugar.

Can hamsters eat celery?

Yes, celery can be fed occasionally, but not too much to avoid diarrhea.

Can hamsters eat lettuce?

Yes, leafy greens can be fed, but not too much to avoid diarrhea.

Can hamsters eat broccoli?

Yes, broccoli can be fed occasionally, but not too much.

Can hamsters eat oranges?

No, it is not recommended to feed hamsters oranges or other citrus fruits.

Whether your particular hamster likes the taste of tomatoes depends on your pet’s individual preferences. Feeding a balance of fruits and vegetables will help you figure out what foods your hamster prefers and contribute to a balanced diet. Over time, you may find that your hamster munches on lettuce and only occasionally nibbles on celery, or that he loves carrots but snubs sprouts. No matter how much your hamster seems to like tomatoes, you need to be careful when feeding them to him.

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 can hamsters eat? What are hamsters not allowed to eat? You may be surprised to learn that some foods that are generally considered healthy and beneficial to your diet, such as almonds, can be harmful to your hamster.

Small rodents, including hamsters, have a very short lifespan. Therefore, it is important to feed them properly to keep them with us for as long as possible.

Feeding your hamster an unhealthy diet — even unintentionally — can increase the likelihood that it will die early from a disease such as heart disease, diabetes, or other diet-related conditions.

The first step to keeping your furry friend in tip-top shape is knowing what to feed them – and what not! Just because you can safely eat a food doesn’t mean your hamster can too.

What can I feed my hamster?

Hamster food requires a diet of specific nutrients. A good quality, pelleted diet, also known as a rodent block, is a good place to start. Oxbow and other brands offer quality food for hamsters.

Other safe foods to share with your hamster in very small amounts—less than a fingernail-sized portion and only a few times a week—are:

Well-washed fruits and vegetables like blackberries, peaches, and mangoes.

Cereals and grains, such as whole wheat crackers, healthy breads and rolls, oats and cereals.

Proteins like tofu, hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, and small amounts of lean chicken.

Always keep a close eye on your hamster. If she isn’t eating her healthy rodent pad well or develops loose stools, discontinue the extras and consult your veterinarian for advice.

Hamsters make wonderful little family members, but they need proper nutrition to live long, healthy lives.

What are hamsters not allowed to eat?

Here is a list of foods to watch out for. While you may be able to feed your hamster some of these foods in moderation, follow the precautions to ensure it is not dangerous or fatal to your pet.

If you have a dwarf hamster, stay away from fruit as dwarf hamsters are very prone to diabetes and the extra sugar could affect them negatively. Syrian hamsters, on the other hand, do better with the sugar, but should still be fed sparingly. Syrian hamsters will enjoy eating apples, bananas, blueberries, grapes, and melons, among others. Always remove all seeds from fruit before serving.

Fancy rats are popular little pets, and not just for their cuteness — they’re easy to please. As omnivores, rats eat everything from meat to mushrooms to melons. Store-bought rat pellets should make up 90 percent of your pet rat’s diet, but fruits and vegetables can make up as much as 10 percent of their calories, according to Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Most fruits and vegetables are safe for rats, although there are a few you must avoid.

One of the most important things you need to do when caring for a hamster is choosing the right hamster food.

Despite being rodents, hamsters must follow a very strict diet and nutritional plan. Failure to do so can result in diseases such as gastrointestinal infections, diabetes, or worse, death.

Hamsters are omnivores and need a balance of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and proteins. The real challenge is making sure you get the right proportions for their small bodies. Too much of one item can lead to a variety of complications.

Luckily, you don’t have to make your hamster’s diet yourself. There are many suitable hamster foods available for purchase that have carefully considered the nutritional needs of these rodents.

But with so many options, how do you know which is the best food for your hamster? It can be quite a difficult decision between so many different options. However, we have done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of reviews for the best hamster foods. Here you will surely find the best choice for you and your hamster.

A quick look at our favorites in 2022

Image Product Details Best All Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend Hamster Food Hamster Specific Blend No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives Made with Real, All Natural Ingredients Check Price Best Value Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster Food Cheap and bulk buying options are available Supplies Omega -3 Fatty Acids Hamster Specific Food Check Price Premium Choice Oxbow Garden Select Hamster Food Non-GMO Complete and Balanced Blend Contains yellow peas, carrots, bananas and spinach Check Price Oxbow Essentials Healthy Handful Hamster Food Various hay and grains help maintain hamsters digestive health Fortified with added essential vitamins Check Price Kaytee Fiesta Gourmet Variety Diet Hamster Food Varied Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids Check Price

The 10 best hamster foods

It tops our list for a number of reasons. First, it’s an all-plant-based food mix full of various fruit and vegetable flakes, seeds, hay, and pre-cooked legumes. This provides healthy DHA omega-3 fatty acids that your hamster needs to maintain top health.

Second, there are no artificial preservatives or flavors. This way you can feel safe when you give your hamster this food on a daily basis. Also, there is a good texture mix between the pellets and seed mix to ensure your hamster stays busy. Hamsters can be extremely picky eaters and this mix seems to address and eliminate that problem.

And finally, this mix is ​​affordable. It comes in a 2.5 pound bag which will last a long time for a single hamster.

All in all we think this is the best hamster food available this year.

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2. Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster Food – Best Value Check Price at Chewy Check Price at Amazon If you’re looking for the best hamster food for the buck, Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster Food will do it find it. You can buy a single 3 pound bag cheaper than most other food mixes at less weight. Or you can buy in bulk if you’re raising large numbers of hamsters with their 25-pound bag option.

This hamster food also provides excellent nutrition for your little furry balls. The food is fortified with healthy omega-3 fatty acids to promote brain, heart and eye health. Each component in the bag also has an easy-to-eat texture for all hamsters.

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3. Oxbow Garden Select Hamster Food – Premium Choice Check Price At Chewy Check Price At Amazon Your hamsters deserve the best you can give them. So there’s no harm in giving them a premium option every now and then. Then we turn to Oxbow Garden Select hamster food.

It’s a specially formulated hamster food that gives your little guys a complete, balanced meal. Each flavor is picked to simulate a natural food environment. It is certified non-GMO and developed entirely in the United States.

However, there are a few reasons why this meal is only suitable for special occasions.

First, it’s expensive. A £1.5 bag costs more than our top pick, which comes in a £2.5 bag. And second, its key ingredient is timothy hay. Timothy hay is more of a filler. And for the price, we think there should be less filler.

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4. Oxbow Essentials Healthy Handfuls of Hamster Food

Check Latest Price This is our second pick from Oxbow on this list. This food has been formulated to mirror the diet of a hamster in the wild. It is a mix of timothy hay, oats and barley to help maintain a hamster’s proper nutrition and digestive function.

It has also been fortified with vitamins C, A and B-12 to boost your hamster’s immune system.

While this mix is ​​pretty good, we found it to be just a tad lacking. It’s made mostly of timothy hay like the other Oxbow on this list. However, the Healthy Handfuls blend does not include the additional premium ingredients.

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You May Also Like: 9 Best Dwarf Hamster Foods – Reviews & Top Picks

5. Kaytee Fiesta Gourmet Variety Diet Hamster Food Check Price at Chewy Check Price at Amazon If you have a picky hamster, this might be the best option for you. Kaytee Fiesta Gourmet Variety Diet Hamster Food is packed with variety that will appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. Hamsters enjoy variety in their diet in the wild. And this fact carries over to domestication.

This special blend contains sunflower seeds, peanuts, bananas, corn and much more. It’s all naturally preserved and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which hamsters need for healthy heart and brain function.

However, this exciting mix is ​​not necessarily hamster specific. This is more of a good general mix for all rodents.

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6. Tiny Friends Farm Hazelnut Hamster Food Check Price at Chewy Check Price at Amazon Tiny Friends Farm Hazelnut Hamster Food is another great place to turn if your hamster is a picky eater. It has a very wide variety of different components in its mix. These include dried corn, peanuts, seeds, peas, and squash.

It’s also good for diabetic hamsters as there is no added sugar. Overweight hamsters can also benefit from this.

However, this particular blend needs a little help in the nutrition department. You need to supplement this food with protein blocks to ensure your hamster is getting everything he needs.

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7. Brown’s Tropical Carnival Food & Treat hamster food

Check Latest Price As far as your hamster is concerned, this may be the most delicious food on this list. Brown’s Tropical Carnival Food & Treat is advertised as an all-in-one combination with all the essential vitamins and minerals. And while this is sure to tempt just about any hamster, it’s more of a treat than actual food.

This blend has added some beneficial bacteria to aid in proper digestion, along with vitamins and nutrients to make it healthier than other treats. However, they can be deterred by the use of artificial colors and dyes used in this mix.

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8. Brown’s Tropical Carnival Natural Fortified Daily Hamster Food Check Price at Chewy Check Price at Amazon Brown’s Tropical Carnival Natural Fortified Hamster Food is a pretty decent option for your little furballs. Unlike the previous Brown entry on this list, it’s more food than a treat. And it contains no filler seeds or hay.

Instead, the mix includes ZOO Vital biscuits made with natural antioxidants and nutrients. And it contains no artificial colors or flavors.

However, this mixture contains a huge amount of sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are high in fat and can be attributed to hamster obesity.

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9. Vitakraft VitaSmart Complete Nutrition Hamster Food Check Price at Chewy Check Price at Amazon Vitakraft VitaSmart Complete Nutrition is not necessarily the most attractive or interesting hamster food. It’s a more generic mix that might not appeal to picky eaters. However, it has a lot of great fiber that your hamster needs.

The real problem with this hamster food is a major lack of protein. You will need to supplement this food with lab blocks to ensure your hamster gets the proper nutrition.

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10. Kaytee Food From the Wild Hamster Food Check Price at Chewy Check Price at Amazon This is a hamster food that claims to be inspired by the feeding habits of a hamster’s ancestors. Kaytee’s Food from the Wild blend is said to contain handpicked rose petals, sunflower seeds, pumpkin and more. And the price is right – it’s relatively expensive hamster food.

That’s why it’s so disappointing to see that it’s mostly dusty pellets. There is very little variety in shape, color or ingredients in this mix.

Also, in an attempt to keep things “all natural,” there’s too little protein and too much fiber. On the other hand, it does not contain any added sugars, which could make it a suitable food for diabetic hamsters.

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Buying Guide: Finding the Best Hamster Food

Hamsters can be very tricky creatures to buy food for. One would think that as rodents they would eat just about anything. However, it couldn’t be further from the truth.

They can be very picky eaters. If something isn’t shaped just right or tastes a little off, your hamster will completely ignore their food. And some will do this to the point of starvation. Other hamsters throw their food around if they don’t like it.

So how do you know which food you really like? Finding just the right food for your hamster is difficult as everyone is different. But let’s take a look at some of the different types available and what makes a good hamster food.

Different types of hamster food

There are two main types of hamster food to look for when shopping.

hamster pellets

Pellets are a pretty standard option when it comes to feeding your hamsters. They are preformed to fit comfortably in your hamster’s hands and textured to encourage eating. However, they lack the variety that many hamsters crave. This could deter hamsters from eating them. But pellets can be the best choice to ensure your hamster is getting all of their daily nutrition. Because it is a single pellet, hamsters have no chance to choose specific components of the feed mix. And that means they’re guaranteed to get the intake they need.

seed mix

These can be great options for more selective eaters. They often offer a wide variety of seeds, nuts, hay, and other kibble for your hamster to enjoy. There’s bound to be at least one component of the seed mix that your little guy will embrace.

But that’s the problem with seed mixes. When eaten whole, seed mixes can provide great nutrients for your hamster. However, if your hamster only picks and eats certain components, it is not getting the right intake. In fact, they may overeat or undereat from certain dietary needs. For example, your hamster may be overloaded with fat but not meeting its protein intake requirements.

What should you look out for in hamster food?

What makes a good hamster food great? Well, there are several factors to look out for when shopping for your next hamster food.

protein

This is the main factor to look out for when choosing food for your hamster. And it’s also the most likely determinant of whether your hamster is actually eating. Hamsters require at least 16-17% protein to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But there’s a problem – hamsters tend to reject high-protein foods, so you need to find a way to get them into their diet.

Fat

Hamsters also need a little fat in their diet. If proteins are the hardest thing for your hamster to eat, these are generally the easiest. Fat can be found in nuts and seeds, which your hamster is more attracted to. Try to make sure their intake is limited. Obesity in hamsters can lead to health problems.

fiber

To keep your hamster’s gut health in check, they need a healthy amount of fiber. This is especially important for older hamsters. Fiber is commonly eaten in the form of hay, alfalfa, or oats.

Salt

You may think that hamsters need to minimize their salt intake. However, it is absolutely crucial that they consume salt on a daily basis. Salt actually helps your hamster retain water, so you should find a food that contains salt. If you choose salt-free food, you will need to equip your hamster’s cage with a salt lick to keep him healthy.

sugar

Hamsters are actually prone to diabetes, with some breeds being more susceptible than others. That’s why you need to be careful when regulating your sugar intake. Sugar’s biggest culprit is fruit. Fruit is generally considered healthy, but you must ensure that it is given to your hamster in moderation.

diversity

In the wild, hamsters thrive on many different types of food. They are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and meat. Most hamsters enjoy a wide variety of food. It is reminiscent of the search for food in nature. Choosing a hamster food with good variety can encourage your hamster to eat more than mixes with little to no variation.

Conclusion

Hopefully we were able to give you a little insight into what type of food is best for your furry friend. Our top overall pick, Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend Hamster Food stands for giving your hamster the very best, while the Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster Food offers the best value.

But there is no guarantee that your hamster will like both. That’s part of the joy of owning a hamster. They all have their own unique temperaments and personalities. The hard part comes when you’re trying to balance their proper diet with their individual tastes.

Use these reviews and the buyer’s guide as a starting point to find the perfect match. Finding the right food for your hamster can take a lot of trial and error. But if you understand your hamster’s personality, you may be able to quickly find the best hamster food for your little munchkin.

Selected picture credits: justus_joseph, Pixabay

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

Food, lovely (hamster) food!

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

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

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.

Hamsters are cute little creatures that make great pets for all types of households. They like to be handled and interact with their human family members. Hamsters are nocturnal, so they spend most of their time sleeping during the day and playing at night. However, they have been known to take over their family members’ schedule, so they may come out to play in the middle of the day. Hamsters like to eat, in the morning, at noon or in the evening.

They feed omnivorously on fruits, vegetables and ideally insects. While they can be fed commercial food instead of the insects, fruits and vegetables should be fed fresh and straight from the kitchen. When it comes to the types of vegetables hamsters eat, you may be wondering if they can eat cucumbers or are cucumbers safe for hamsters? Cucumber is a good source of nutrients and fiber for humans, but is it good for hamsters? Good questions! The short answer is yes, cucumbers are a great addition to any hamster’s diet. Here’s everything you need to know about feeding cucumbers to hamsters.

Why cucumbers are good for hamsters

Some hamsters don’t like drinking plain water and can become prone to dehydration. Luckily, the majority of a cucumber is water, which can help keep your hamster hydrated and healthy throughout their life. Cucumber also contains a large amount of fiber, which helps keep your hamster’s digestive tract healthy. Cucumbers are packed with vital nutrients that support a healthy immune system in hamsters just like in humans.

Notable nutrients in cucumbers that benefit hamster health include vitamins A and K, magnesium, potassium, and silica. Cucumbers are so rich in nutrients that they are known to be powerful cancer fighters. Because cucumbers are so low in calories, you don’t have to worry about your hamster becoming obese and unhealthy from eating too many of them.

The dangers of feeding cucumbers to hamsters

While cucumbers are a healthy snack for hamsters, there are a few dangers to be aware of before offering cucumbers to your hamster for the first time. One consideration is that hamsters are small and don’t need too much cucumber to benefit from the nutrients. Offering a hamster too much cucumber in one sitting can result in loose stools and frequent urination, which can cause nutrients to be flushed out of the body prematurely.

Another hazard to consider is that cucumber skin can pose a choking hazard to hamsters if offered in large chunks. This is especially true for younger hamsters who have not yet fully developed their teeth. Therefore, cucumbers should be peeled or cut into small manageable pieces before being offered to hamsters.

Cucumber feeding tips, tricks and ideas

Your hamster won’t need more than a slice or two of cucumber once a week to reap the benefits of this watery vegetable. Just give your furry pet a thin slice of cucumber to nibble on, or cut up a few tiny pieces to devour. However, there are a few fun and interactive ways to hand out cucumbers.

Disadvantages Hollowing out a cucumber. Cut a cucumber in half, then scoop most of the flesh out of the inside of one half. Let your hamster use the hollowed-out cucumber as a snack tunnel for a while, being careful not to eat all of the half cucumber.

. Cut a cucumber in half, then scoop most of the flesh out of the inside of one half. Let your hamster use the hollowed-out cucumber as a snack tunnel for a while, being careful not to eat all of the half cucumber. Make a cucumber stew. Mix together a teaspoon of well-chopped cucumber and a tablespoon of yogurt to create a thick stew your hamster will love.

. Mix together a teaspoon of well-chopped cucumber and a tablespoon of yogurt to create a thick stew your hamster will love. make cucumber balls. Cut a cucumber in half and use a melon baller to scoop out a ball of flesh from between the skins. The cucumber ball serves as both a toy and a snack to keep your hamster occupied while they are in their habitat.

Conclusion

Thanks to the impressive water content and valuable nutritional profile, there are many good reasons to give your hamster a little cucumber on an occasional basis. However, your hamster will not give up a happy and healthy life if you feed them other fruits and vegetables instead. There’s no reason to bother buying cucumbers just for your hamster if the rest of your family doesn’t enjoy eating them. Instead, for reasons of cost and convenience, opt for products that your household consumes regularly. Are you planning to feed your hamster cucumbers from now on? Let us know why or why not in our community comments section.

Selected picture credits: monika1607, Pixabay

The ASPCA advocates the regular feeding of spinach leaves and other vegetables to hamsters. Be sure to keep the portion of spinach very small—think a leaf or two. If she leaves anything, remove it. Be sure to routinely and thoroughly inspect your hamster’s cage for leftovers of old food, as hamsters hoard food. Spoiled food is a big no-go, whether it’s spinach leaves, apples or anything else. Rinse vegetables thoroughly before offering them to your hamster.