Are almonds good for hamsters?
Yes, almonds are good and can be fed to your hamster once or twice per week.
The best amount per serving is just a single nut that has been peeled and cleaned.
But there’s a catch…so keep reading!
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Table of Contents
Can Hamsters Eat Almonds? In Moderation!
Almonds are safe for hamsters only if you know which part of the nut to feed them. The only safe part of the almond to feed hamsters is the seed. The shells and the skin should never be fed to them. Both parts can cause the hamsters to choke.
As for almonds, there are two varieties of them which include sweet almonds and bitter almonds.
Health Benefits of Almonds for Hamsters
Almonds are a good source of fiber and protein. Also, it’s highly nutritious and rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. All of this nutrition is what the hamsters require to survive and stay healthy.
Below are some of the health benefits of feeding almonds to hamsters:
1. Helps In Digestion
Almond is a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber is very important when it comes to hamsters’ digestion.
Hamsters that are fed a diet high in fiber will not experience any constipation. This will help move food through the digestive tract smoothly.
Fiber will help promote regular bowel movements and keep the digestive system of the hamsters healthy.
2. Lower Cholesterol Levels
Feeding hamsters almonds occasionally can benefit them. Almonds are known to regulate cholesterol and prevent a spike in cholesterol levels.
Reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood will prevent the hamsters from developing cholesterol-related diseases.
Can Hamsters Eat Dried Almonds?
Yes, dried almonds can be fed to the hamsters. Make sure to only feed them the unsalted variety. Too much salt intake can cause health problems for them.
For Syrian and Robowski hamsters, feed them one dry almond at a time, while dwarf hamsters should be given just half a piece of dried almond.
Make sure your hamster stays healthy while snacking. Check out our article on healthy treats for hamsters for some nutritious and tasty options.
Can Hamsters Eat Almond Shells and Skin?
The shells and skin of the almonds should not be fed to the hamsters. These parts of the almonds can cause the hamsters to choke on them.
To feed them almonds, remove the shells and soak the almonds in water for 15 minutes first. Then peel the almond skins off and feed just the almond to them.
How To Feed Almonds To Hamsters
Feeding your hamster some almonds is simple. Follow the instructions below on how to give them this delicious treat:
- Peel the shell of the almonds.
- Place the almond into warm water for about 15 minutes. This will help make the almonds soft for the hamsters to eat.
- Peel the skin off the almond.
- With just the almond, toss it into the cage for them to enjoy.
How Many Almonds To Feed Hamsters
It will depend on the hamsters you have. For Syrian and Robowski hamsters, give them one peeled, unsalted, and sweet almond twice a week.
For dwarf hamsters, feed them one-half of a peeled, unsalted, and sweet almond twice a week.
This is enough almonds for the hamsters to enjoy. Besides, you want to feed them other treats as well. This will give them the nutrition that almonds don’t provide.
What Others Treats Can I Give My Hamster?
Hamsters thrive on a high-variety diet. Fruit and vegetables are with some exceptions good and healthy choices that add antioxidants and healthy fats to a diet. In addition, food like meat and cheese can be important protein sources…[1]
… and watching your hamster feast on its treats is sure to give you a warm and even proud feeling!
If you’re ever unsure about feeding your hamster a particular food, just don’t do it. Likewise, if your hamster ate something you’re not sure about, call your vet.
To answer the most common items given as treats (and some items not to give you hammy) we’ve put together a hamsterific infographic you can get below.
READ MORE: Can Hamsters Eat Blueberries?
3-Step System for Testing New Hamster Treats
When I introduce new treats for my Hamster, Mr. Bubbles, there is a 3-step system I use every time to ensure it’s good for his little stomach. [2]
How to Test New Hamster Treats
- Make sure its fresh, washed and doesn’t contain any pesticide (i.e. purchase organic treats)
- Test if your hamster can eat the treat. This is done by giving a little test piece and waiting a couple of days watching for any symptoms
- Introduce the treat into your hamster’s diet at more regular intervals over the coming weeks
READ MORE: Are Hamsters Allowed Raisins?
Best Hamster Food
Besides giving your hamster treats, it is very important to give it the right kind of hamster food.
There is a lot of food out there with one of the following traits:
- Not enough protein in it
- Becomes dusty
- Your hamster simply don’t like it and leave a lot of food
That’s why, we have done the research and recommend the following three products, which are none of the above, and instead are the backbone of a good hamster diet.
Table could not be displayed.READ MORE: Can Hamsters Have Nuts?
Other Feeding Tips for Your Hamster:
1. Provide fresh water every day. The water bottle should be frequently checked for any dirt or leaks to avoid contamination of the water.
It is also good to monitor your hamster’s water intake because a reduction of water intake can mean you need to visit the vet.
2. Remove any remnants of feed to avoid rotting- this is especially for fresh fruits, vegetables, and powdered food which tend to grow mold/bacteria.
3. Do not overfeed on vegetables to avoid diarrhea. Overfeeding on sugary fruits and treats is also discouraged because it tends to cause obesity in your pet.
4. When introducing a new kind of feed to your hamster, you should first give a small amount and observe for a week for any negative reaction to the food.
If there is no negative reaction, then the feed is safe for consumption for your hamster. A sudden change in the diet of your pet may cause stress.
FAQ
Can hamsters drink almond milk?
It’s not recommended to let your hamster drink almond milk. It both contains bitter almonds and sweet almonds. Bitter almonds contain toxins that could harm them. Also, almond milk is very high in fat which can lead to weight gain.
Conclusion
Now you try it!
You are now well equipped to start feeding all kinds of treats to your hamster.
If you have any questions about any treat we have not covered please leave a comment below – we’ll be around to answer it.
References
- 1. Hamster Care Sheet & Guide | PetSmart [Internet]. Petsmart.com. 2021 [cited 2021 Dec 3]. Available from: https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/small-pet-care/hamster-care-guide/A0092.html
- 2. PetMD Editorial. What Can Hamsters Eat? Carrots, Grapes, Tomatoes, and More [Internet]. Petmd.com. PetMD; 2016 [cited 2021 Dec 3]. Available from: https://www.petmd.com/exotic/nutrition/evr_ex_hm_what-can-hamsters-eat
Can hamsters eat almonds? What about your pets, do they like it? Please share with us below!
