Can hamsters eat chips? Chips are one of the most consumed snacks. According to Statista, in the year 2020, around 164.93 million Americans consumed Lays. It shows how crazy people are for chips.
But what if they have an already hungry hamster? Can hamsters eat chips? There’s no clear yes or no answer. Some chips are safe, while others are unsafe, for instance, Lays. To learn more about the subject, keep reading the blog!
What Are Different Types of Chips?
Today, supermarkets offer a diverse range of snacks. Chips of all types are pretty common. Here are different kinds of chips for you.
1. Potato chips
As the name indicates, they are made up of finely sliced potatoes. They come in different flavors ranging from salty to hot and spicy. People consume it with keen interest.
First, the potatoes are cut into thin slices to prepare the chips. The slices are washed and blanched to remove the maximum amount of starch. The pieces are fried afterwards. And the potato chips are ready!
2. French fries
Another snack that comes from potatoes is French fries. Unlike potato chips, fries are long and thick. Often eaten with ketchup or sauce, they are children and adults love.
3. Tortilla chips or corn chips
Another most in-demand snack is tortilla chips made of corn. The corn is first ground. Then, the floor is kneaded, sheeted, and cut into small triangles through the machine. The cut triangles are baked and flavored.
4. Banana chips
The healthiest snack of all is banana chips. Preparing them is easy too. First, you have to slice bananas. Then, brush them lightly with lemon water. Next, bake them for 1 ½ to 2 hours till they turn crispy.
Before baking, you can also sprinkle salt or a few spices on the chips, depending on your taste. For hamsters, you should not add salt and spices.
Why are Chips Unhealthy for Hamsters?
Can hamsters eat chips? What makes them a healthy snack? Chips are unhealthy not only for humans but also hamsters. Here are some of its side effects for hamsters.
1. Salty
Most of the chips contain salt. The level of salt is safe for humans but not for hamsters. High sodium consumption causes high blood pressure, kidney stones, and dehydration. If your pet doesn’t get timely treatment, it can prove fatal.
Do You Know?
Hamsters can eat a variety of foods, and we have researched lots of them. Check out this One: Can Hamsters Eat Marshmallows?
2. Spicy
Chips contain a lot of spices and herbs. A hamster’s digestive system is not designed to process spices and cause diarrhoea and dehydration in your pets.
3. Too many fats
Potato chips are fried in oil which contains a lot of unhealthy fats. Your little gnawer can’t digest fatty foods and get an upset stomach. Besides, fatty foods also make your pet obese.
4. Diabetes
Though banana chips are highly nutritious, they also contain sugar. Excessive consumption of such chips makes your pet prone to diabetes.
Besides, other chips are rich in starch. If fed to hamsters, they also cause diabetes and obesity.
Which Chips Can Your Hamsters Eat?
Can hamsters eat chips of all types? As far as the question is concerned, not all chips are safe for your little rodent. Some are too salty, while others are spicy.
The ones that are baked are healthier than the fried ones. Still, you must see the ingredient list before offering the snack to your pet.
Banana chips are the best choice. They also have a few caveats. That’s why feed your little furry rodent only a small amount of banana chips.
Please don’t make them a regular part of their diets as they lack many essential nutrients. Hence, your pet can become malnourished.
Other Healthy Alternatives to Chips
Can hamsters eat chips? What are the healthy alternatives to chips for your hamster? Chips are processed food and can never replace hamsters’ regular diets. There are a lot more healthy snacks for your gnawers. Here’s the list for you.
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is enriched with antioxidants. It keeps your hamsters protected from oxidative stresses.
2. Spinach
A leafy green vegetable, Spinach is highly nutritious. It contains several vitamins and minerals that keep your pet’s overall body healthy.
3. Apple
An apple is a fleshy sweet treat that your pet loves to nibble on. It’s rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Hence, it’s a healthy option for your pet.
Wrapping It Up – Can hamsters eat chips?
Can hamsters eat chips? Well! The answer depends on the types of chips you are feeding your hamster. Too salty and spicy versions are harmful to your pet. Therefore, you must opt for banana chips but in moderate amounts.
