Can Hamsters Eat Cereal?

Can hamsters at cereal? Do you start your day with a yummy cereal, but can your hamster have some too? Are cereals safe for these little furry rodents? Your furry companion has eaten a few spilled flakes on your kitchen shelf.

Should you be worried now? In short, can hamsters eat cereal? Luckily, the answer is in your favor. Your little gnawer can eat cereals, but not all. Let’s learn more!

Cereals are breakfast essentials that are a product of edible grains like rice, wheat, barley, etc. Some are fortified with vitamins; many flavor enhancers are added to taste good.

Undoubtedly, they are the most loved breakfast meal but is it safe for your hamster? Can he crunch the cereal flakes under his teeth? These are the question worth exploring. So, why are you waiting? Let’s dive in!

Can hamsters eat cereal safely?

Can hamsters eat cereal? Hamsters are omnivores, meaning they can eat meat and plant-based food. Cereals are also plant-based foods that make them completely safe for your hamsters. But you cannot replace them with gnawers’ routine diet.

Moreover, all the types available in the market are not suitable for your hamster’s stomach. You can eat them without any ill effects but not your little gnawer. So, be very careful when considering any cereal for your hammy.

What Are the Benefits of Cereals for Hamsters?

Can hamsters eat cereal? What benefits does it hold for them? Well! Cereals have several health benefits for hamsters. Below are a few of them.

Magnesium

Your furry companion needs magnesium to keep the blood pressure under control and the heartbeat normal. Hence, it makes cereal a healthy option for him.

Vitamin E

Cereals contain vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. It fights against the free radicals present in the rodent’s body. This vitamin keeps your pet safe from oxidative damage that can cause cancer.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B plays a crucial role in metabolism. It is an energy booster for your cute little rodent to stay active the entire night without getting tired. Moreover, it also aids in the formation of red blood cells.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is good for the proper bone development of your hamster. It keeps them healthy and strong.

Zinc

Cereals also contain one of the vital nutrients, i.e., zinc. It boosts the furball’s immunity.

Do Cereals Have Any Bad Effects on Your Hamster’s Health?

Can hamsters eat cereal? How do they harm their health? Should you need to be worried if your hamster eats a few flakes?

These are extremely important questions and need to be addressed immediately. So don’t start googling it; we already have your answers.

Cereals, when consumed adequately, do not harm your beloved pet. They become disadvantageous only when fed in the wrong amounts and type. So, let’s see what havoc this mistake can wreak on your furball.

Excessive intake can make your pet obese.

Cereals contain high amounts of carbs. Too much intake of carbs can make your pet obese. Normally, hamsters are highly active creatures.

They keep on running your entire house, but obesity makes them inactive. Hence, they become prone to many other health problems, and their life expectancy also decreases.

Some cereals contain added sugars or chocolate. Hamsters cannot tolerate much sugar and hence become prone to diabetes. And a diabetic hamster cannot enjoy life as he starts suffering from other ailments.

Nutritional deficiencies

Cereal is not a complete meal. Sticking to it can cause nutritional deficiencies in your pet. So, it would be best if you offered it as an occasional treat.

How Much Cereal Can Your Pet Eat?

Can hamsters eat cereal? Knowing the right amount of food, no matter how beneficial it is, is crucial. You must monitor the quality and quantity of meals to ensure your pet gets all the necessary nutrients.

Moreover, a suitable amount is directly linked to the type of hamster breed you have. Syrian hamsters can eat a few thumb-sized pieces of cereal every week.

On the other hand, Robo hamsters can eat small pieces of cereal with a gap of two weeks. Next, we have the tiniest hamster breed, i.e., dwarf hamsters. You can offer them just a single small piece every week. So, keep these amounts in your mind and don’t exceed them.

What Cereals Should You Not Offer Your Hamster?

As aforementioned, not all cereals are suitable for your hamsters. Here is a list for you.

• Cheerios’
• Applejack
• Honey loops

All these cereals are high in sugar, so you must keep them away from your hammy’s reach. Rather go for rice Krispies or Weetabix. But don’t forget to keep the amount small.

Can Hamsters Eat Cereal?

Can hamsters eat cereal? Well! Yes, hamsters can eat cereals, but not all types are safe. Some are too sugary for them to tolerate.

So, you must be very careful while feeding cereals to the pet. And keep the amount small so that your pet can get maximum benefits.