Can hamsters eat Cheetos? Cheetos are the yummiest cheesy snacks and are equally famous in every age group. Its cheesy aroma can easily tempt your taste buds, and you cannot stop yourself from licking the Cheetos off your fingers. But can you share this crunchy snack with your beloved hamsters?
Can hamsters eat Cheetos? Sadly, your pet cannot consume Cheetos! Hamsters are fond of cheesy treats and might steal a handful of cheetos, but they are not meant for them. Keep reading the blog to clear your thoughts regarding Cheetos and hamsters.
Why Are Cheetos Not Good For Hamsters?
Can hamsters eat cheetos? The tiny Cheetos seem to be harmless for your furry friend. However, the reality is different. You should keep your pet away from Cheetos. Wants to know why? So here it is:
- Cheetos Are Made Only For Human Consumption
Since Cheetos are meant for human consumption, their safety standards only meet the requirements of human bodies. There are many ingredients and chemical preservatives that are toxic to pets. So don’t ever try to feed your hamster Cheetos just for fun.
- Cheetos Are Much Salty
About 28mg of Cheetos contain approximately 250mg of salt, which is too much for your little pet. Humans cannot go wrong with this amount as they can digest and further process this salt portion. However, the tiny creature has a fragile digestive system.
High sodium content can lead to bladder problems and kidney failure in hamsters. So it is better not to offer Cheetos to them.
- Cheetos Hold Zero Nutrients
Like humans, hamsters also need nutritious food to keep their bodies healthy. If we talk about Cheetos, it is just a fun snack without any nutritional value.
It is better to avoid feeding Cheetos to your little pal as it can lead to nutritional deficiencies in them. As a result, hamsters are more prone to severe illnesses and have a shorter life expectancy.
- Cheetos Are Full Of Fats
Cheetos are cheesy snack means they are loaded with fats. For example, a 28g serving of Cheetos contains around 10g of fats. Hamsters can quickly gain weight. An obese hamster cannot participate in daily activities and is at risk of various diseases.
What Happens When Your Hamster Accidentally Eats Cheetos?
Can hamsters eat Cheetos? The answer is a big NO! Cheetos are manufactured by artificial means and are fine for humans. But the same is not true for hamsters. However, there are scenarios when your hamster might consume a mouthful of crunchy Cheetos.
Do You Know?
Hamsters can eat a variety of foods, and we have researched lots of them. Check out this One: Can Hamsters Eat Cookies?
So what to do when your hamster eats Cheetos accidentally? First of all, don’t panic. The adverse outcomes will depend upon the following factors:
- The amount of Cheetos that the hamster has consumed
- Age
- From how long your pet has been eating
Consuming a small amount of Cheetos is not as much toxic to them. Give them a lot of water to drink, and they will be fine after some time. Observe your hamster for the next few days. If your hammy develops the following symptoms:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea or wet tails
Then immediately take them to your vet to examine the situation. He might prescribe some antibiotics or other medication for your little pal to help them cure their problem.
What Should Your Hamsters Eat Instead?
Can hamsters eat Cheetos? Unfortunately, No! Cheetos are not suitable for their health. So what should you feed them instead? Let’s discover some healthy treats that your hamster will undoubtedly enjoy.
- Walnuts
Walnuts are a whole pack of vitamins and antioxidants that will help your hamsters in healthy bone formation and maintenance of body tissues. It acts as an instant nutritional booster for the pregnant female hamster.
- Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander or parsley, is a perfect exotic treat for hamsters. It contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate, which are beneficial for the overall health of hamsters.
- Pecans
Pecans are a tasty nut treat for hamsters. It contains vitamin B6, which helps red blood cell formation and is vital for the nervous system.
- Pistachios
Pistachio is another delicious nut that you can offer your furry friend. It is rich in potassium, vitamin B6 and fibers. Potassium helps your hammy to make their bones and muscles healthy and strong.
Final Thoughts – Can hamsters eat Cheetos?
Can hamsters eat Cheetos? No, they cannot, as Cheetos can be dangerous for hamsters. Cheetos are made of ingredients that are solely meant for human consumption, not for hamsters.
It’s better to feed your hamster natural treats like walnuts or pistachios. If a hamster eats Cheetos accidentally, consult your vet for further treatment.
