If you’re here for the short version of the answer, that’s YES, hamsters can eat grapes.
But things are not so simple with grapes and hamsters, especially if you want your little one to be safe and healthy.
That’s because too many grapes can cause toxic effects in hamsters, ranging from gastrointestinal problems to tooth decay.
So read the long version below to find out how many grapes can your hamster eat and which ones are good for him. If you have a Syrian or a Dwarf hamster, read along – we have special sections for them!
Table of Contents
Is It Safe For My Hamster To Eat Grapes?
If you have a pet rodent, you must have asked yourself that a million times.
We all know that grapes are amazing for our health, considering they’re packed with antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and vitamin K.
While hamsters don’t have the same biology as humans, they really need the vitamins and minerals contained in grapes. So yes, it’s safe for your hamster to eat them, as long as he’s not allergic.
Just like humans, all animals have their own allergies, which is why you should introduce grapes in very small amounts to make sure there are no side effects. Start with one-eighth of a grape, and watch your pet for signs of distress, including loose stools or compulsive chewing of their bedding.
Should You Give Grapes To Your Hamster?
Sure, you can give grapes to your hamster, and chances are they’ll love the sweet taste, the aromatic fragrance and the squishy texture.
But should you feed them grapes?
Hamsters are omnivores, meaning they need fruits and vegetables too. Just remember they eat infinitesimal quantities of food compared to humans. So in just 12 milligrams of food each day, you have to balance their protein, carbs and fibre intake, as well as their minerals and vitamins.
The point is people can easily overdo it with treats.
So you can feed your hamster grapes, but only one teaspoon a maximum of two times per week.
What Are The Side Effects Of Grapes on Hamsters?
If you feed your hamster too many grapes, they might face digestive issues like diarrhoea and vomiting.
There is also the issue of high sugar content. Both red grapes and green grapes have approximately 16% sugar, which translates into an unhealthy weight gain if you give too manygrapes to your hamster.
Sugary snacks are a problem for hamsters because they lead to diabetes. However, studies show that eating grapes actually lowers your glycemic index, so both green and red grapes are healthy fruit for diabetes.
How Do I Feed My Hamster The Grapes?
One grape is too big for your hamster so slice it up in quarters. Remember that the added slices shouldn’t add up to more than a teaspoon.
The second thing to remember is to get the seeds out. Your furry friend might choke on them, or get diarrhoea from them. If your hamster accidentally ingested a seed, keep an eye on them; you might need to take them to the vet if they show signs of distress.
If your grapes aren’t organic, you can also peel them to avoid the risk of your master ingesting toxic pesticides. This can easily be done by dipping your grape into boiling water for a few seconds and afterwards into cold water for another few seconds. The peel comes off like magic.
Pro tip: Don’t feed your hamster just grapes; alternate with other healthy fruits, like blueberries or apples.
Can Syrian Hamsters Eat Grapes?
Yes. Besides, Syrian hamsters are bigger so you can feed them up to three teaspoons of grape pieces per week.
Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Grapes?
Yes, but start with small amounts, just once per week. Dwarf hamsters have cheek pouches, so pieces of grape can get stuck there, which leads to injuries or tooth decay unless you keep their mouth clean.
Besides, dwarf hamsters are hoarders, so they’ll stash the grape for later. This becomes a problem when the pieces of grape start to rot, so make sure to watch for this behaviour too.
In Conclusion
Yes, hamsters can eat grapes, but: