Yes, hamsters can do anything they want to; it’s the 21st century. Joking aside, yes, hamsters can eat strawberries. In fact, wild hamsters find the occasional berry in their incursions for food, and they’re perfectly fine.
So why read the rest of this article? Spend a minute or two here to find out how you can make strawberries safe for your hamster, and if your fluffy friend can eat strawberry yoghurt!
Table of Contents
Are Strawberries Safe For My Hamster?
Yes, but only in moderation to avoid digestive issues. So strawberries can be integrated into your hamster’s diet, but not turned into its staple.
Another thing that makes strawberries unsafe is if your hamster lacks certain nutrients and you plan to use strawberries to treat his deficiencies instead of using the pills your vet recommends.
You should also wash the strawberries very well before serving them to your hamster to eliminate traces of pesticides and harmful chemicals.
Lastly, strawberries can become unsafe if left to rot in your hamster’s cage after he stashed him. The bacteria and parasites can affect your hamster’s digestive system.
What Are The Dangers Of Strawberries For Hamsters?
Strawberries have their ugly sides, but they only pose problems if eaten in huge amounts.
- Diarrhoea and GI distress. Strawberries are packed with fibres and vitamin C, which cause diarrhoea if ingested in big amounts.
- Bladder and kidney issues. Strawberries have a high water content, which isn’t good for hamsters who thrive on a dry diet.
- Increased blood sugar level and diabetes. Strawberries are jam-packed with carbs, which are easily converted into glucose and can affect your hammy’s insulin levels.
If you notice that your pet isn’t feeling too well, contact your vet immediately.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Strawberries For Hamsters?
Apart from being a delicious reward, strawberries have several advantages that stem from their mineral and vitamin content. For instance, strawberries pack a lot of vitamin C, which helps keep the tissues, bones and heart-healthy.
The fibres in strawberries are good for constipation, and its high intake of antioxidants strengthens his immune system.
But there are also specific studies which show that strawberries:
- Can slow down oral cancer for hamsters.
- Can stop atherosclerosis by preventing the arteries from becoming clotted with fat.
However, let’s bust some myths:
- Strawberries can’t treat wet tail. Too many strawberries can make your hammy’s diarrhoea worse.
- Strawberries can’t treat cancer. Strawberries have powerful antioxidants, like naringin and naringenin, which decrease the risk of cancer but don’t cure the disease.
Can Hamsters Eat Dried Strawberries?
Although dried strawberries are dehydrated, so they have less water, they have more sugar and more calories in the same serving.
So you can give your hamster dried strawberries, but in a portion that’s five times smaller than the fresh strawberry serving.
Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Strawberries?
Dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes and strawberries have a lot of sugar, though not as much as bananas. Strawberries can be an occasional treat for your Dwarf hamster. A serving must not be more than half a teaspoon, two-three times per week.
Can Syrian Hamsters Eat Strawberries?
Syrian hamsters are safe to eat strawberries. The usual serving size is about one teaspoon, thrice per week.
Can Hamsters Eat Strawberry Yogurt?
No, if you buy strawberry yoghurt from the store because it has a lot of sugar.
Yes, if you give him plain and natural yoghurt, and add pieces of fresh strawberries to it. In this case, the serving size should not be more than half a teaspoon for bigger hamsters.
In Conclusion
Your hamster can eat strawberries safely if you respect all the above recommendations. And chances are, he’ll love them!