hamsterhappy.co.uk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Affiliate links may be used on this page and in hamsterhappy.co.uk articles, but they do not impact on the price that you pay and they do help me to get this information to you for free. Read my privacy policy for more information regarding affiliates.
The humble strawberry is a sweet, juicy fruit that is cultivated worldwide and widely appreciated for its taste and aroma. Fresh strawberries can be a delightful treat for human consumption, but are they okay for hamsters? Many fruits and vegetables are harmless to rodents, however each one has different characteristics and some can have negative effects on your furry friends. When it comes to strawberries, the short answer is that they are indeed safe for your hamster, but only in moderation.
Are Strawberries Good For Hamsters?
Strawberries come with a range of nutritional benefits, with their vitamin C content being top of the list. This will help bolster your hamster’s immune system and reduce the risk of certain diseases. The high number of antioxidants in strawberries have a similar effect and other health benefits include improved digestive health – due to the high fibre content – and increased bone strength.
Some studies have even shown that strawberry consumption can reduce the chance of hamsters developing oral cancer and tumours in their cheek pouches. So if treating your hamster to a juicy snack, you can do so in the knowledge that they are going to be kept happy and healthy.
How Much Strawberry Can I Feed My Hamster?
Strawberries are perfectly acceptable for your hamster in small doses, however it’s important to make sure this fruit doesn’t make up a large part of their diet. There’s a reason strawberries taste so sweet – because of their high sugar content. Too much over a long period of time might be dangerous to your hamster and will likely lead to weight gain and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
In regards to portion sizes, a sensible recommendation for an adult hamster is a quarter of a small strawberry in one sitting, and this can be offered safely once or twice a week.
Do Hamsters Suffer Any Side Effects From Eating Strawberries?
Introducing you hamster to strawberries too quickly can sometimes lead to problems such as diarrhoea. This is simply because their digestive systems need time to adjust to new foods, so it’s a good idea to start off with very small portions and increase over time. Always remember to wash the strawberries beforehand as well, as this removes any nasty chemicals that might harm your hamster.
Finally, the last thing to make sure of is to check that your hamster is not storing any of the strawberry that you give them, as fresh fruit can quickly turn mouldy. But as long as these steps are followed, strawberry will be a great little treat for your hungry hamster.
If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about:
3 thoughts on “Can Hamsters Eat Strawberries?”