Are Carrots Good for Hamsters? Is it Safe for Them?

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Hamsters love feeding on carrots, but because they are high in sugar, the best amount of carrot to feed to your hamster is half to one teaspoon every one or two days.

a hamster eating carrot, can hamsters eat carrots safely?

Feeding it half a teaspoon is sufficient to meet its requirements.

A great side effect of carrots is that when the hamster gnaws on them; their teeth are kept nice and short.

In addition, carrots have positive effects on humans that are likely also the case for hamsters. Most notably, they keep the brain sharp and help vision – since hamsters have a very limited vision this is quite important.

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

… 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 Hamster Eat Cheese?

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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.

How to Test New Hamster Treats

  1. Make sure it’s fresh, washed, and doesn’t contain any pesticide (i.e. purchase organic treats)
  2. 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
  3. Introduce the treat into your hamster’s diet at more regular intervals over the coming weeks

Check: Can Hamsters Eat Bread?

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 doesn’t like it and leaves 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.

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 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.

a hamster trying to eat food other than carrots

Check: Is a Hamster Eating Banana Fine?

Now you try it!

You are now well equipped to start feeding all kinds of treats to your hamster.

References

  • “Hamster Care Sheet & Guide | PetSmart.” 2021a. Petsmart.com. 2021. https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/small-pet-care/hamster-care-guide/A0092.html.
  • PetMD Editorial. 2016. “What Can Hamsters Eat? Carrots, Grapes, Tomatoes, and More.” Petmd.com. PetMD. March 2016. https://www.petmd.com/exotic/nutrition/evr_ex_hm_what-can-hamsters-eat.
a cute hamster eating carrot, can hamsters eat carrots

Can hamsters eat carrots? What about your pets, do they like it? Please share with us below!

Alina Hartley
Alina Hartley

Alina Hartley is a small-town girl with a ginormous love of bearded dragons. It all started with Winchester, a baby bearded who was abandoned at the shelter by his former owners because of a birth defect that caused one front leg to be shorter than the other. Alina originally went to the shelter looking for a guinea pig, but one look at Winchester and it was love at first sight. From that day on, Alina has dedicated her life to learning everything she can about bearded dragons. She loves helping new beardie parents start their incredible journey with these magnificent reptiles.
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