Beneficial food vs dangerous food for hamsters

Small, fluffy and cuddly, hamsters are those “pocket” pets that, despite their size, are extremely friendly. Being classified as some of the most popular small pets, they have their own unique characteristics that every hamster owner must know about.

If you are at the stage of deciding which hamster breeds are suitable as pets to purchase one, or if you already have such a fluffy one at home, you need to know their eating habits very well. While hamsters can generally eat a wide variety of foods, there are some foods we eat that may not be beneficial for them.

Carrots

Consumed almost daily by us humans, these vegetables are beneficial for hamsters however in moderate quantities. Being rich in vitamin A and vitamin K, carrots help maintain good eye health and better night vision. At the same time they provide the body with a high supply of vitamins and minerals, beneficial for the good development of the small rodent.

Grape

Like carrots, Grapes are a healthy food option for hamsters . However, in order not to put your hamster in danger, it is advisable to ask your vet for advice on the optimal amount of grapes that can be consumed by a hamster, because the ideal amount is calculated based on the breed of the hamster, its age and its lifestyle. At the same time, your vet will be able to tell whether or not grape consumption in your hamster can affect its digestive tract. On the other hand, similar to grapes they are raisins, which are not recommended for consumption by hamsters because they can cause kidney problems.

Pepper

When it comes to hot chili peppers, these should definitely not be shared with hamsters . Instead, sweet peppers, like bell peppers, can be eaten by the small rodent but in moderation and in very small quantities. Peppers have a fairly high acidity level and eating them in large quantities can damage and upset your hamster’s digestive system. Very important, when you decide to give a piece of pepper to your hamster, make sure it is wash thoroughly and remove the seeds and stems .

The tomatoes

Like peppers, tomatoes have a high acid content which can affect your hamster’s digestive system, causing diarrhea if consumed in large quantities. Also, when you give your hamster a piece of tomato, make sure to wash it well. It is very important to avoid consumption tomato leaves because they are toxic and can even cause the death of the small animal.

Potatoes and beans

Even though we consume them quite often, they can be dangerous for hamsters . The starch found in both potatoes and beans can cause diarrhea in your hamster, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is one of the most common conditions in hamsters and manifests itself as a lack of appetite, weakness, lack of skin elasticity, or cosmetic changes in the eyes.

Eggs, meat, cheese

As these are basic products with a high content of animal proteins, these foods are also suitable for consumption by hamsters in moderate quantities, because through them we can guarantee an optimal supply of proteins, necessary for the good development of the rodent. So, for the weekly treat, a piece of boiled chicken breast, boiled beef heart or liver is the best choice.

Green foods

Broccoli, cucumber, spinach, cabbage or lettuce, they are a delight for small rodents . Green foods have a high iron content, which makes them beneficial for hamsters because they help optimal organ function, maintenance of body weight and muscle tone, but also energy production.

In addition to all this, A healthy treat for hamsters, in moderate amounts, is fresh (not frozen) fruit such as apples, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, mangoes, peaches or cantaloupe.

At the same time, even if they are lustful and their little eyes push you to give them a piece of your dishes, there are others foods not to share with hamsters, such as: bitter almonds, peanuts, apple seeds and peels, garlic, onions, chocolate, salty foods, avocado, citrus fruits, aubergines, alcohol, yeast, raw meat.

Now that you have seen the main foods that can be shared with small animals, here are some useful tips regarding their nutrition:

• Experts recommend that any food given to your hamster, other than complete hamster food, which provides balanced nutrition, should be no larger than the equivalent of two raisins.
• Fruits are high in sugar, so it is very important to give any beneficial fruit to a hamster in very small quantities as there are breeds of hamsters, such as dwarf hamsters, that are more prone to diabetes.
• Fruit and vegetables must be washed and dried carefully: just as we do not eat unwashed fruit and vegetables, we must do the same with our little four-legged friends. By eating unwashed fruits or vegetables, there is a risk that the pesticides on them will reach the hamster’s body, causing serious ailments.
• Green foods such as lettuce, broccoli or spinach should not be left in your hamster’s cage for more than 2-3 hours as they will spoil.
  

So, no matter how great the temptations, it is very important to keep in mind that the hamster’s daily diet is directly responsible for the quality and length of its life. Thus, by carefully following the fundamental rules relating to the healthy diet of a hamster, you will be able to enjoy your little furry friend, whom you already love, for a long time.

Sources: