Can dwarf hamsters eat cheese? Are you considering feeding cheese to your dwarf hamster? Have you done all the homework related to cheese for dwarf hamsters? Can dwarf hamsters eat cheese, or do you want to test it on your dwarf gnawer?
If so, there is no need for experimentation on the tiny creature. This article will provide you with complete guidance in this regard. So, read on to learn all about dwarf hamsters and cheese.
Is Cheese Safe for Dwarf Hamsters?
Can dwarf hamsters eat cheese? Is it safe for them? Well! Fortunately, you can share your cheesy snacks with your hamsters. Dwarf hamsters can eat cheese safely, but it is not a part of their daily diet.
Feed them cheese rarely so that it may not cause any harm to your little rodent. Furthermore, dwarf hamsters cannot eat all types of cheese. Also, ensure you feed them the right one in only small amounts occasionally.
What Types of Cheese Can Your Hammy Eat?
Can dwarf hamsters eat cheese? Which types can they eat? Even the thought of cheese is mouth-watering for you. You can eat all types of cheese but not your dwarf hammy. Let’s figure out the right cheese for your furry gnawer.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella cheese is sweet and has a soft and pleasing texture. It contains fats, but in small quantities, fats won’t harm your furry companion.
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is a good protein source and contains primarily unsaturated fats in small amounts. Hence for your hammy, it is a good option.
Provolone
Provolone is a flavorful cheese that does contain saturated fats. But in adequate amounts, your dwarf hamster enjoys nibbling it.
Ricotta
Ricotta is also a soft variety of cheese and is made up of whole milk. For your little rodent, it is a fantastic treat.
Cheeses That You Should Avoid Feeding Your Dwarf Hamster
Can dwarf hamsters eat cheese? A few varieties of cheese contain high fats and are processed. Such cheeses are unsafe for hamsters as their bodies cannot tolerate high amounts of fats and sodium. Below is the list of cheese that you must keep away from your dwarf hamster’s reach
- American cheese
- Asiago
- Parmesan
- Smoked cheeses
Do You Know?
Hamsters can eat a variety of foods, and we have researched lots of them. Check out this One: Can Hamsters Eat Radishes?
What Are the Benefits of Cheese to Your Dwarf Hamster?
Can dwarf hamsters eat cheese? How it benefits them? Cheese contains a few essential nutrients for your little rodent. Read on to learn about them.
A source of protein
Cheese is enriched with protein which dwarfs hamsters’ need for growth and metabolism. Moreover, it is also suitable for their skin and coat.
Rich in calcium
Calcium is one of the vital minerals that hamsters need for healthy bones and teeth. Moreover, it regulates the flow of blood in their blood vessels.
Apart from calcium, cheese also provides other minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, iron, and potassium.
Contains vitamins
Another essential nutrient of dwarf hamsters is a vitamin. It is vital for the metabolism and development of dwarf hamsters.
A deficiency of any vitamin can lead to life-long ailments. By feeding cheese occasionally to your dwarf hamster, you can save him from many vitamin deficiency diseases.
Does Cheese Have Any Bad Effects on Your Little Rodent?
Generally, if fed sparingly in moderate amounts, cheese has no ill effect on dwarf hamsters. But the excess amount can cause a few health issues that are highlighted below:
Obesity
Cheese contains fats that are unhealthy for dwarf hamsters, who are prone to obesity and diabetes.
If fed frequently and in large amounts, your dwarf hamster can become obese, which is the leading cause of heart issues and other health problems.
Constipation
Since the fiber content of cheese is relatively low, if fed excessively, it can cause constipation in your dwarf hamster.
Diarrhea and dehydration
If your dwarf hamster is lactose intolerant, too much cheese can cause diarrhea, leading to dehydration. And a dehydrated hamster cannot live long.
Salt content
If fed in large quantities, low-salt cheese results in high blood pressure and other similar health problems in hamsters.
What Is The Right Amount of Cheese for Your Dwarf Hamster?
Can dwarf hamsters eat cheese? How much can they eat? Dwarf hamsters cannot eat large amounts of cheese. It would be best to feed them only small amounts, i.e., peas-sized pieces of cheese.
Moreover, give them rarely, usually once a month. This way, they would get all the nutrients and enjoy the treat.
The Final Verdict – Can dwarf hamsters eat cheese?
Can dwarf hamsters eat cheese? The answer is yes. Dwarf hamsters can eat cheese but sparingly and in small amounts.
Moreover, they can only eat low-fat and unprocessed cheese as the processed one has a high sodium content. So, ensure you feed your hamster the right cheese in the right amounts.
